In the Loop (Segments)

Almost a year since recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois, Reset looks back over the program’s first 12 months.

Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday morning at one of the city’s new COVID-19 mass vaccination sites. Plus, vaccinations are underway at long-term care facilities around Illinois. Reset learns more about what these next steps mean in the fight against COVID-19 in Chicago and Illinois and what health care workers...

The non-profit organization Easterseals has a new sense of hope due to a large donation and the federal COVID relief package. Reset learns the latest about its plans moving forward.

This year there were more than 750 murders in Chicago — a 50 percent jump from last year, and on par with 2016, a year so bad that it compelled anti-violence groups to join forces in the fight. But the picture is a bit more complicated than it seems.

2020 has brought us a host of innovative, entertaining and thoughtful podcasts. Reset hears from two podcasting devotees about their favorites from the year.

This year changed the way a lot of us live, interact and spend our time. But one thing that we all have in common: We’ve never watched more TV. From Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” to HBO’s “Lovecraft County” to Amazon’s “Sylvie’s Love,” there was almost too much to watch. Reset takes a look back at the best and worst TV and film had to offer in 2020.

Hospitalizations and positivity rates are gradually declining across Illinois, but leaders and officials are still encouraging residents to remain vigilant as coronavirus vaccinations are underway. Reset checks in with Loretto Hospital for the latest on their efforts since administering the city’s first COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December.

The Lightfoot administration is expanding its Invest South/West program into Humboldt Park and Greater Roseland. Reset brings on two community voices who work in development to discuss what type of projects their neighborhoods need most.

With coronavirus vaccines on the way, the question for Chicago businesses in 2021 is: When will things get back to normal? No matter the industry, the challenge is planning for what has to be the most uncertain time in modern business history.

Reset checks in on what to expect from the world of Chicago sports in the coming weeks.

U.S. gun sales rose more than 70 percent this year, and the highest increase in sales is coming from Black consumers. Reset talks to reporters covering the story along with the founder of a Chicago chapter of the National African American Gun Association to discuss the trend and the complicated history around Black Americans' right to bear arms.

Airlines stand to get $15 billion in the COVID stimulus plan. Meanwhile, the much bigger restaurant industry isn’t getting the same support. Reset check in with a business journalist who covered the dichotomy in a piece called Why Airlines Outrank Restaurants In Relief Aid.

President Trump asked Congress Tuesday night to revise the previously agreed-upon $900 billion COVID-19 emergency relief package. Reset brings on a congressional reporter to unpack what this delay might mean for the deal.

Staying mentally healthy through the pandemic has been uniquely challenging for many people, especially those who have lost loved ones and people experiencing isolation due to social distancing. Reset brings on two mental health experts to give advice on what you can do to care for your mental wellbeing, particularly over the holidays and as you plan for the coming year.

The 43rd year of the Goodman Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” is unlike any other. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stage performance could not happen as planned. So, the performance was adapted as an audio play, which will air on WBEZ at 91.5 FM and Vocalo at 91.1 FM on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Reset is joined by the Goodman Theatre’s artistic director and the play’s lead...

Reset talks to the acclaimed poet, author and playwright about her future plans and how her upbringing on the city’s South Side influenced her writing and worldview.

Reset learns more about the “Christmas Star,” a visible light in the night sky caused by the coming together of Jupiter and Saturn. The two planets haven’t been this close to each other since March 1226.

Hayley Orlinsky, 7, is selling colorful rubber band bracelets to raise money for personal protective gear at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Reset brings on Hayley and her mother, children’s book author Lori Orlinsky, to learn more.

Congress agreed upon a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package on Sunday with a vote expected for Monday. Reset brings on a reporter covering the relief efforts for the latest on what made it into the deal.

Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Michael Puente to discuss how the pandemic has hit public transit systems like CTA, Metra and Pace. We also hear from a transportation expert about whether the coronavirus stimulus plan is a long term solution or more of a stopgap measure.

Reset brings on an infectious disease specialist with the University of Chicago and a regional director for CVS Health to discuss the state’s coronavirus vaccine rollout.

Reset learns more about how the virtual production came together, and what it was like to put on a radio play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reset hears how to think outside the box with your 2020 Christmas from Jenny LeFlore, creator of Mama Fresh, a blog that connects Chicago moms to kid-friendly events around the city.

Reset breaks down the week’s top stories in our Friday News Roundup with host Sasha-Ann Simons.

As post-Thanksgiving death numbers from COVID-19 roll in at a record pace, Reset asks an infectious disease specialist if Christmas and New Year’s could usher in another surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.