In the Loop (Segments)

Chicago’s air quality is among the worst in the country, and the issue has been tied to the city’s dozens of industrial corridors. Data from a new network of sensors confirms that link, showing Chicagoans who live near heavy-traffic areas are breathing the most polluted air. Reset learns more about the findings from a new joint investigation by WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and MuckRock.

Abortion will continue to remain legal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, and starting June 1st, people under 18 will not need to have a guardian notified before the abortion. While these protections will stay in place, legal advocates are concerned that there will be attempts by states to make it illegal to aid out of state patietns seeking abortions. Reset checks in with the Ameri...

The U.S. is experiencing a nationwide shortage of baby formula thanks to supply and demand issues and the FDA shutting down a major Michigan formula plant over sanitary conditions. Reset hears what two parents are facing getting their babies the food they need.

An 18-year-old white man motivated by racial hatred killed 10 Black people with an assault rifle at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York Saturday. Reset checks in with an expert on extremism whose recent work tracks what motivated people to storm the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

An 18-year-old white man motivated by racial hatred killed 10 Black people with an assault rifle at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York Saturday. Reset talks to Black Chicagoans about their reaction and thoughts on yet another mass shooting, this one specifically targeting Black people.

Chicago is now at “medium” risk for COVID-19 transmission. Meanwhile, the City Council strikes a tentative deal in the ward remap saga. Plus, President Biden visits Kankakee and Chicago. Reset goes beyond the headlines to give you more insight into the important stories of the week that you might have missed.

Scottish baker and Tiktok sensation Coinneach MacLeod is publishing his favorite recipes for his global following. Reset talks cookies and cupcakes with the now author and learns what inspired his unique take on traditional Scottish baked goods.

Every state bordering Illinois could enact abortion bans if Roe V. Wade is overturned, making the Prairie State a beacon for Midwesterners seeking abortions. Reset asked the CEO of Planned Parenthood Wisconsin how she’s working with abortion providers in Illinois as Roe hangs in the balance.

Illinois hospitals and clinics are expecting an additional 20,000 to 30,000 patients a year if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. But health care professionals say burnout and staffing shortages have reached crisis levels during the pandemic. Reset discusses what this could mean for the future of abortion care in Illinois.

Reset learns about the Mary Thompson Hospital, named after the pioneering physician who opened Chicago’s first hospital dedicated to treating women and children.

Two writers argue that the immediacy of smartphones and social media have forever changed the journey to racial justice. Reset talks about the role technology plays during pivotal moments in America’s racial divide with the authors of Seen and Unseen: Technology, Social Media, and the Fight for Racial Justice.

On May 20, Chicago educators are set to vote on the leadership and direction of the Chicago Teachers Union. This is the first seriously contested CTU election in over a decade, with three caucuses in the running. Reset discusses the upcoming election and how it could shape the district and city moving forward.

The U.S. inflation rate dipped to 8.3% in April, marking the first slowdown in eight months. Some experts say we’re past the peak of inflation but that upward pressures remain. Reset discusses the latest numbers and hears from listeners about the impact they’re seeing on their wallets.

Over the years, Friends of the Chicago River has tackled litter, stormwater runoff and sewage problems that have presented the greatest pollution risks to Chicago’s waterway. On Saturday, volunteers in over 70 locations will join the group for its 30th annual volunteer cleanup day. Reset learns more about the event and efforts to converse and steward the Chicago River.

We’re ushering in the warm Chicago spring weather with hot new tunes currently spinning on Vocalo Radio’s airwaves. Featured local artists include S-O-S, BCE Flamee, Ebony Loren, Ace Da Vinci and a joint collaboration by Max Julian and former emcee Robust. Reset sits down with Vocalo’s morning host and producer to hear his top five In Rotation picks for May.

Standing on a corner handing out fliers for your cause is so 1990’s. Reset learns how today’s activist are using Web3 for and cryptocurrency to support abortion rights.

World Fair Trade Day occurs in cities throughout the world, but Chicago hosts the largest event, showcasing the many people, businesses and brands dedicated to ethical labor and trade relationships. Reset checks in with the founder of Chicago Fair Trade, and a vendor participating in the open house to learn more.

In clinical trials, the antiviral drug Paxlovid lessened instances of hospitalizations and death in high-risk COVID-19 patients by 89 percent. But some people have struggled to get a prescription due to supply chain bottlenecks and confusion over eligibility. Reset talked to an infectious disease specialist about the drug’s efficacy. Reset also spoke with a mom who fought to get the drug for her d...

Raised Up West Side

Chicago’s Alderpeople still have to confirm the remap in a vote next week, but if approved, it would take the issue off the June ballot. Reset hears more on the deal and reaction from both sides.

Advocates argue that the city runs airports and the water district — so why not a grocery store? Reset checks in with the co-authors of a Chicago Sun-Times op-ed to learn more about how public groceries have worked in other cities and how it could work in Chicago.

Pull out your favorite sunglasses and reusable bags — Chicago-area farmers markets are opening this week. Reset learns why organic farmers are having an especially good year, and hears one market’s plans for the season.

Illinois families are struggling to pay for child care while workers can’t afford to stay in the industry. Reset learns more about a new report from the Illinois Illinois Child Care for All Coalition.

After a long stretch of cold, wet weather, the clouds have parted. Reset checks in with a climatologist about the factors leading to the slingshotting spring temperatures in Illinois and what to expect in the days ahead.

Reset learns more about how climate change is creating a Pandemicene: a future dominated by multiple, possibly overlapping, pandemics.