In the Loop (Segments)

After the contentious presidency of Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill, there were great expectations for President Joe Biden’s inauguration speech to unify the country. Reset asks a writer and a historian if they believe the new president delivered.

The first coronavirus case in Illinois was first reported one year ago on Jan. 24. WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch explains the latest on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and concerns from older residents who are trying to get vaccinated.

Jury trials in Cook County begin again in February, months after being suspended due to the pandemic. WBEZ's Patrick Smith breaks down the story. We also hear from Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli about the major omnibus criminal justice bill passed during Springfield’s lame-duck session.

President Donald Trump is planning to depart the White House Wednesday morning, just hours before Joe Biden takes the oath of office. Reset brings on newly elected Congresswoman Marie Newman on the eve of Inauguration Day.

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.

Congress votes to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time. Michael Madigan passes the speaker’s gavel to Illinois Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch. President-elect Joe Biden unveils a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan. Plus, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls on the governor to allow indoor dining and drinking. Reset breaks down the biggest news of the week in our Friday News Roundup with WBEZ’s S...

State Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, a five-term Democrat from Hillside, is now the first Black House speaker in Illinois history. He was elected Wednesday, ending Michael Madigan’s record-setting reign as speaker. Reset brings on Speaker Welch to discuss his priorities in Springfield.

This week, Illinois lawmakers advanced legislation that aims to tackle racial inequity in schools, from early childhood education to workforce development. Reset brings on the sponsor of the bill and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp for the details.

Former Cook County Republican Party chairman Aaron Del Mar discusses the historic impeachment vote against President Trump, and how that may impact the future of the GOP in Illinois.

Alden Global Capital, a New York-based hedge fund that owns a major stake of Tribune Publishing, is trying to purchase more newspapers across the country. Reset checks in with a news industry analyst who says this may signal the end of local journalism as we know it.

After three and half decades in power, Michael Madigan is no longer speaker of the Illinois House. Reset takes a look at his rise and fall, and learns more about the state lawmaker who will take the reins: Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

Renowned illusionist and performance artist Scott Silven will virtually whisk audiences away to his homeland of Scotland in “The Journey,” a new art experience from Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Reset talks to Silven about the challenges of performing and maintaining connection in the COVID-19 era.

Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider is one of three lawmakers who tested positive for COVID-19 after sheltering in place with maskless Republicans during the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol. On Wednesday he voted by proxy to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time.

Renowned architecture critic Blair Kamin is leaving the Chicago Tribune after 33 years. He joins Reset to reflect on his prolific career and discuss the future of the journalism industry.

Local, state and federal agencies are bracing for armed protests at all 50 state capitols in the days leading up the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Reset brings on the Anti-Defamation League to discuss what can be done to prevent more violence.

The field of candidates for the next Illinois House Speaker is broadening after Democrat Michael Madigan suspended his campaign to retain his leadership position. As lawmakers gather for the lame-duck session, GOP Minority Leader Jim Durkin says he’s the best candidate to take over. Reset checks in with Rep. Durkin for more on his plans and how he intends to shore up support from his Democratic co...

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has held a tight grip on his leadership position for more than three decades. Now, several lawmakers are eyeing the job after Madigan suspended his campaign for a 19th term as speaker. Reset breaks down how the field of candidates is shaping up and what to expect when the General Assembly convenes Wednesday for a vote.

The Illinois General Assembly is in lame-duck session this week. One agenda item is to consider funding to bolster the state’s solar energy industry. Reset talks with analysts who say the state’s solar industry could collapse without more funding.

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara — a divisive figure in law enforcement — apologized Friday for comments he made in support of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol. Reset takes a closer look at the growing calls for Catanzara to step down.

The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Greater Chicago initiative is virtually hosting its fifth annual National Day of Racial Healing on Jan. 19. This is against the backdrop of last week’s violent seizure of the U.S. Capitol by rioters, including avowed white supremacists. Reset brings on one of the lead organizers and two youth leaders to discuss what they have planned for the day.

Illinois has lost more than 1,000 residents to COVID-19 in the first 10 days of January alone — that’s an average of more than 100 deaths per day. This comes as cases continue rising in Chicago, which has just extended its stay-at-home advisory. Reset checks in with infectious disease specialist Dr. Emily Landon for the latest on COVID-19 in the region and the local response.

After more than three decades at the helm, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is suspending his campaign to retain his powerful leadership position. Reset discusses what led to Madigan’s decision and what it means for the future of the Democratic Party in Illinois.

After months of job gains, record numbers of COVID-19 infections in December and January may be tanking the U.S. economy, again. Reset asks an expert what could be in store for the economy in 2021.

Cook County had its highest ever number of fatal opioid overdoses in 2020. Reset brings on two county health officials and a national drug policy expert to unpack the possible contributing factors and offer potential solutions to the overdose crisis in 2021.

The Save our Stages movement secured $15 billion in dedicated grant funding for live music venues and cultural institutions with live performance spaces. Reset brings on a policy expert to unpack how the funding will be distributed, and a venue owner to discuss how the relief will serve local businesses in the year ahead.