In the Loop (Segments)

Chicago’s inspector general is charged with getting the mayor and city agencies to be transparent, ethical and accountable. Reset talks with the man who held that job for 12 years. GUEST: Joe Ferguson, former Chicago inspector general

A new WTTW documentary explores the life and legacy of Viola Spolin, the social worker-turned theater guru who pioneered the improvisational techniques later used by The Second City and Saturday Night Live. Reset talks to filmmaker Jude Leak about “Inventing Improv: A Chicago Stories Special,” premiering Friday at 8 p.m. GUEST: Jude Leak, writer and producer

Legislators are back in Springfield debating the Democratically redrawn Congressional map, abortion laws and law enforcement changes. And mourners honor Chicago civil rights icon Timuel Black. Reset goes behind the headlines on the Weekly News Recap. GUEST: Hannah Meisel, Illinois government and politics editor NPR Illinois Paris Schutz, WTTW correspondent and co-anchor of Chicago Tonight

Reset talks to a local food blogger about the second year of Blaktober, a month-long celebration of Black-owned restaurants. Participating restaurants offer specials throughout the month. GUEST: Jeremy Joyce, founder of Blaktober and Black People Eats directory

While a vaccine for children ages 5-11 awaits approval, and the question of how to mix and match shots and boosters looms over the FDA, Reset checks in with an infectious disease specialist and takes calls from listeners. GUEST: Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease specialist with Duly Health and Care

The Chicago Transit Authority unveiled its 2022 budget this week, and includes some reduced fares. Bus and rail fares will remain the same, but daily, weekly and monthly passes — as well as the $.25 transfer fee — could all be slashed if the budget is approved by the CTA board next month. Reset talks to CTA spokesperson Brian Steele to break down the changes, and learn how the city will invest in...

The Chicago Transit Authority unveiled its 2022 budget this week, and includes some reduced fares. Bus and rail fares will remain the same, but daily, weekly and monthly passes — as well as the $.25 transfer fee — could all be slashed if the budget is approved by the CTA board next month. Reset talks to CTA spokesperson Brian Steele to break down the changes, and learn how the city will invest in...

Whatever your passion — kayaking, craft beer, historic lighthouses or hip hotels — there’s a weekend getaway to satisfy your seasonal wanderlust. Chicago Tribune editor Ariel Cheung joins Reset to share her top picks.

Reset talks with writer Michael Harriot of The Root about his recent investigation into the mortgage loan industry which exposes the “well-known systemic inequality embedded in America's credit reporting system.”

Blue legend Muddy Waters bought his first home on Chicago’s South Side in 1954 and turned it into a gathering place for fellow musicians and entertainers. Now, his family plans to convert the building into a museum in his honor. Reset talks to Muddy’s great granddaughter, Chandra Cooper, about her family’s legacy and the push for landmark status.

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is hoping to be confirmed as President Biden's ambassador to Japan. But he faces some opposition from senators over his handling of the police murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

Apple’s deference to China is well-known, but it’s not the only company not standing up to authoritarian regimes. Reset checks in on how tech companies work with foreign governments.

Reset check in with a White House reporter and pediatrician to get the details on the rollout process.

The Chicago Immigrant Transit Assistance program (CITA) meets asylum seekers, whether they're coming from the southern border or have been recently released from detention, with needed supplies and services. Reset checks with CITA about how recent immigration policy decisions might affect their work.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker visited Humboldt Park’s Paseo Boricua last week to commemorate the new state bill that will designate the area as “Puerto Rico Town”. State Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas led sponsorship on the bill, which will also include resources for small businesses to economically enrich Humboldt Park. The neighborhood has long been a Puerto Rican cultural hub for the Midwest.

Many have turned to houseplants during the pandemic. But how many of us have kept them alive? Reset checks in with a founder of a new plant care startup for our weekly series Chicago Innovators.

Last year 26,000 students applied to the city’s eleven selective enrollment high schools. Less than five thousand were offered spots. CPS says new changes to the admissions process will promote equity and access. Reset hears from the head of High Jump, a non-profit helping talented low-income middle schoolers prepare and apply for high school.

Ethel Payne is known as “The First Lady of the Black Press”. Her trailblazing career includes becoming one of three credentialed Black White House reporters in the 1950s and being invited by President Lyndon B. Johnson to witness the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Despite her legacy, she was buried in an unmarked grave. Reset talks with historian Tammy Gibson, who is raising money for he...

Reset checks in with WBEZ reporter Mike Puente who’s covering the celebration from Millennium Park.

Reset features Katherine Anne Confections on Chicago’s Near Northwest Side, and how the business utilizes the recycle and reuse economy to fight against climate change.

Electric scooters are coming back to Chicago this spring after the City Council approved a new program that will put as many as 6,000 scooters all over the city. Reset checks in with Streetsblog Chicago for the details.

Community land trusts are a model used across the country to create access to affordable housing, counter displacement, and build generational wealth. Reset checks in with people working on the Here To Stay Community Land Trust in Logan Square and Hermosa about how this model works.

Illinois’ population declined for the first time ever in the 2020 census, resulting in the loss of a U.S. House seat. Reset examines the new Congressional map drawn up by Illinois Democrats.

The team won its first championship and the city’s first basketball title in 20 years.

Chicago historian and civil rights activist Timuel Black dies at age 102. Park District CEO Mike Kelly resigns over the city’s lifeguard abuse scandal. Plus, first lady Jill Biden visits Chicago to honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Reset goes beyond the headlines in our Weekly News Recap with host Sasha-Ann Simons.