In the Loop (Segments)

It’s election season and this year, WBEZ wants to equip listeners with the tools to be an engaged and informed Chicagoan. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Al Keefe and Katherine Nagasawa for more on how to engage and help shape the station’s election coverage.

WBEZ spoke with the relatives of 50 Chicago COVID-19 victims to understand what’s driving the racial disparities in deaths and cases throughout the city and Illinois. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang for more on the series.

Community groups on the Southeast Side say the city is violating fair housing laws by pushing industrial polluters from affluent neighborhoods to low-income communities of color. Reset takes a closer look at the civil rights complaint filed against the city last week, and why local groups are accusing the Lightfoot administration of perpetuating environmental racism.

The Trump administration on Monday gave final approval to oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The National Resource Defense Council tells Reset why it believes this will exacerbate the climate crisis, devastate the area's ecosystem and indigenous peoples’ lives.

Congressional Democrats are investigating recent changes to USPS procedures that have slowed mail delivery just ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Reset checks in with a Chicago alderman about local delays and a national reporter whose latest piece covers the changes and what’s behind them.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off Monday night with a stirring speech from former First Lady Michelle Obama. She talked about Joe Biden, the need to vote and the difficult times ahead. But she also called President Trump the “wrong president for this time.” Reset checks in with a WBEZ politics reporter and Congressman Danny Davis for the biggest takeaways of the evening, the role of th...

Chicago writer Sam Weller is out with a new collection of short stories called ‘Dark Black.” Weller is also the official biographer of the late, great author Ray Bradbury — he would have turned 100 this week.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a lot of parents worried about whether their kids are getting what they need to thrive and grow. Reset checks in with experts about ways parents and guardians can navigate this moment and keep kids moving in the right direction.

While most Chicago-area schools plan for remote and hybrid learning models this fall, some downstate districts are forging ahead with in-person classes. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s education desk for more on how suburban schools are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, and why some parents are choosing to homeschool their kids this year.

As we approach the 2020 presidential election in the middle of a pandemic, Chicagoans are signing up for mail-in voting at record rates. Reset breaks down what residents need to do to vote by mail.

Congressman Brad Schneider of Deerfield shares his thoughts on this week’s Democratic National Convention, and his participation in a virtual event held by the Illinois convention delegation.

Former Illinois Gov. James Thompson died Friday at the age of 84. He served four terms in office, and was credited with big ticket items like restoring Navy Pier and keeping the White Sox in town. Reset checks in with former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar about what made “Big Jim” one of the most popular politicians in the state’s history.

A global pandemic and one of the worst recessions on record is a double-whammy for Chicago-based Hyatt. After all, few people want to stay in a hotel right now, let alone spend hundreds of dollars a night for a high-end room. Reset checks in on how COVID-19 is affecting Chicago’s hotel industry and downtown real estate.

Chicago Police Department’s newly-formed Social Media Taskforce is raising questions and concerns among privacy advocates. Reset talks to a privacy law expert about just how far authorities can go, and where the lines are drawn.

What started out as a day of peaceful protests on the South Side ended in a violent clash between protesters and police downtown Saturday night. Some local elected officials are condemning Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Police Department for their response to the civil unrest. Reset checks in with two aldermen who represent parts of Englewood about the current protest movement in Chicago and...

Protests in Chicago for police accountability once again turned violent this weekend. Reset talks with a reporter who was on the ground Saturday and a local organizer to learn more about the weekend’s events.

Reset and WBEZ’s Monica Eng help listeners get started with a few clues to complete the Curious City Scavenger Hunt: Chicago Eats Edition, which runs through Sept. 13.

Reset checks in with an infectious disease specialist to answer your questions about how to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Reset breaks down the week’s top stories in our Friday News Roundup.

The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. Reset hears from a Blackhawks color commentator Eddie Olcyk. Plus, the Chicago Bulls fired head coach Jim Boylen. WBEZ’s Cheryl Raye Stout has more

Reset checks in with two aldermen, who represent parts of downtown, give their view of recent looting and unrest.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois joins Reset to discuss the latest on COVID-19 stimulus negotiations in Congress, recent Postal Service delays and what a Biden-Harris ticket means for the future of the Democratic Party.

Since 1991, the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame has honored individuals and organizations for their contributions to the city’s LGBT community. Organizers recently announced 18 new inductees for 2020. Reset checks in with inductee Caprice Carthans for her recommendations on what to read, watch and do.

Thousands of Chicago residents are still without power after Monday’s storms. Ald. Matt Martin (47th) joins Reset for an update

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is under pressure as she confronts a global pandemic, tornado-like storms, civil unrest and a crushing economic crisis. Reset hears from local reporters about the political turmoil