In the Loop (Segments)

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.

Five Black Chicago alderwomen are pushing for a new ordinance that would reform how city police handle search warrants. They introduced the Anjanette Young Ordinance to City Council on Wednesday, two years after police officers wrongfully raided her home, knocking down the front door and handcuffing her while she was nude. Reset checks in with a reporter and community leader for the latest on the...

A new report out Wednesday from the University of Illinois, Chicago details the racial wealth gap through the experiences of middle class Chicagoans. It’s called “Chicago’s Racial Wealth Gap: Legacies of the Past, Challenges in the Present, Uncertain Futures.” Reset brings on one of the authors of the report and two of its contributors to share the intent behind the research and core findings.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed an updated version of the city’s welcoming ordinance Tuesday, strengthening protections for undocumented immigrants. Reset checks in with an alderman and an activist who supported and pushed for the changes, which prevent Chicago police officers from cooperating with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The massive power outages in Texas have residents across the U.S. asking their state governments: “Could that happen to us?” A Chicago-based energy consultant gives Reset some answers about Illinois.

Black history in the U.S., especially the periods involving slavery, has hard subject matter. And if not thoughtfully taught, the history lessons run the risk of instilling shame in some Black students in their identity and ancestry. Reset brings on two Black mental health professionals aiming to counteract these types of threats to Black youth’s self-regard in a virtual event called “Teaching Sla...

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara is facing administrative misconduct charges that could have him fired as a police officer amid outcry that he resign as president of Chicago’s largest police union. Reset takes a closer look at the disciplinary charges against Catanzara and checks in with a civil rights advocate to reflect what this means on a larger scale for the city.

Catastrophic winter storms in Texas have sparked a national conversation about climate change, energy policy and governance. So what comes next in Texas and what may the fallout mean for the rest of us? A celebrity climate scientist joins Reset for some answers.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed a massive criminal justice reform bill into law, making Illinois the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail. Proponents say the bill brings the state one step closer to ending systemic racism, while opponents warn the measure could endanger residents. Reset explores what the bill means for criminal justice reform in the state.

Reset brings on a national economist to discuss where things stand, when we could see improvements and answer listener questions.