In the Loop (Segments)

Being hailed as “groundbreaking,” the rapid saliva COVID-19 test developed by the University of Illinois’ SHIELD team received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on Monday.

Food waste is multifaceted, from throwing out leftovers to disposing of spoiled foods that did not get sold or eaten. Reset talks to an environmental consultant and a climate reporter about large-scale food waste and how we can do better.

Declining COVID-19 cases and accelerated vaccination rates point toward a ‘wonderful’ summer, according to physician and writer for The Atlantic, James Hamblin. He shares with Reset why he’s cautiously optimistic. Hamblin’s latest article is titled, “A Quite Possibly Wonderful Summer.”

The White Sox and Cubs gave two disappointing playoff performances in 2020. WBEZ Sports Contributor Cheryl Raye Stout gives Reset the latest news on Spring Training 2021 for both teams.

Driving in Chicago? The city wants you to slow down or pay a fine.

Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Sarah Karp for the latest and what to expect as the district plans to bring back middle school and high school students.

This week, the U.S. Senate is deliberating over President Biden’s pandemic stimulus relief package, and Senate Democrats are trying to secure its passage through Democratic votes alone. Reset brings on a congressional reporter to give us the latest on the measure and the current political dynamics at play.

Paint cans, folding chairs, orange cones, a broken stroller: “Dibs” come in many forms during snowy Chicago winters. Reset talks with a man who created arguably the most iconic dibs of the season — two pairs of frozen trousers, standing up straight. We also hear about the history of dibs.

Few people love Chicago’s book scene as much as Adam Morgan. As the founder of the Chicago Review of Books, he’s turned that love into a career. And now, he’s taken his obsession to the next level with the launch of the new Chicago Literary Archive (think Wikipedia, but specifically for books about, by and for Chicago). Reset talks with Morgan about the new archive and what users can use it for.

The FDA approved Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose COVID-19 vaccine Saturday. Reset talks to a reporter and a local healthcare leader about whether the newly-greenlit J&J vaccine — as well as a new mass vaccination site at the United Center — could help vulnerable populations in the city get inoculated more quickly and more equitably.

The multi-talented Erica Watson died over the weekend of complications from COVID-19. The Chicago actor, stand-up, writer and producer was known for dramatic and comedic roles in TV and film. She was a frequent guest on Reset as well as other local programs. We remember her life and legacy.

A group of Black Chicago Police officers have formed a professional organization to lend their voices to solving long-standing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color. Reset hears from two founding members of the Black Public Safety Alliance, which had its official launch over the weekend.

Whole tiers of relationships seem to have fallen out of our lives in the face of social distancing. Reset brings on two friendship experts to talk about the current landscape for maintaining social ties during quarantine and takes listener calls.

Reset breaks down the biggest news stories of the week in our Friday News Roundup with host Sasha Ann Simons.

Passing the Equality Act was one of President Joe Biden’s top campaign promises. On Thursday, House Democrats — and three Republicans — passed the bill in a 224-206 vote. Reset brings on Kate Sosin of The 19th and local activist Andy Thayer to discuss the significance of the legislation, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Reset brings on an infectious disease expert for our weekly check-in to provide clarity and answers to your questions, comments and concerns about COVID-19.

Chicago Public Schools K-8 students are expected to come back for in-person learning on Monday. But there’s still no word on high school students as mental health visits for kids aged 12 to 18 increase. Reset brings on an education reporter to talk about what the effects of isolation look like for the mental health of teenagers and children.

After serving 50 years in the Illinois House, Michael Madigan’s hand-picked state Rep. Edward Guerra Kodatt to take over his position. However, after alleged misconduct against Kodatt surfaced, he resigned from the 13th Ward job after only three days being sworn in, reinforcing the 22nd District’s “zero tolerance policy in the workplace.”

The U.S. House Budget Committee gave its stamp of approval for their version of the latest federal stimulus relief package. The bill is expected to pass in the House this week. Reset brings on a congressional correspondent and Illinois congressman to hear about what is in the legislation and its outlook for passage.

Chicago born-and-raised author Rich Cohen explores the relationships between parents, children, and coaches through the prism of the ultra-competitive world of youth hockey. Reset talks to Cohen about the book, and what he learned from the experience of living through it, and then writing about it.

Thousands of pieces of delayed or undelivered mail. Inaccurate reporting of mail conditions. Mail sitting at post offices for days. These are some of the issues flagged in a recent report from the U.S. Postal Services’ Office of the Inspector General that investigated complaints involving four post offices on the South and West Sides. Reset takes a closer look at ongoing mail delivery issues in th...

Chicago sports fans haven’t been able to attend games since last spring due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to look forward to. Reset checks in with WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye Stout for the latest Chicago sports news.

Reset checks in with Dr. Allison Arwady for the latest on the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine, vaccine supply in Chicago and what folks need to know before heading back to the lakefront and public parks.

Reset checks in with Scott Collis for his recommendations on what to read, watch and do this week.

Chicago’s largest youth poetry festival, Louder Than A Bomb, will be held virtually this year as organizers celebrate the 21st anniversary of the event. Reset brings two poets to discuss what the festival means to them.