In the Loop (Segments)

The Lit & Luz Festival kicks off Monday with a mix of in-person and virtual events. Now in its 8th year, the series features dozens of writers, artists and musicians from Mexico City and Chicago in cultural exchange and conversation through Nov. 6. All events are free and bilingual.

Reset is checking in on your mental health as the holiday season looms. We discuss why you might be feeling a little blue.

The FDA on Friday officially authorized Pfizer’s vaccine for children between ages 5-11. So what happens next? Reset looks to infectious disease expert Dr. Mia Taormina for answers.

Pedro Martinez has been in charge at Chicago Public Schools for a little more than a month, and what a month it’s been. Reset checks in with Martinez about the role schools will play as pediatric COVID-19 vaccines begin to roll out in Chicago as well as other topics like dwindling enrollment and student mental health during the pandemic.

Illinois politicians wrap up the fall legislative session in Springfield by repealing the state’s abortion parental notification law and passing a new Congressional map, as Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger announces he won’t seek reelection. Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s 2022 budget sails through City Council, but she remains at odds with the police union over vaccine mandates.

Halloween costumes are all fun and games, but they can cross a line, without you necessarily realizing it. Reset checks in with a local costume enthusiast and a professor to figure out how to identify that line.

Reset talks to the director and founder of the Artemis Chamber Orchestra about her push to grow the classical music scene in Chicago’s North Shore. The group will perform Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park.

Local food expert Steve Dolinsky has proven time and again, whether through books, TV segments or podcasts, that he knows good pizza. Especially Chicago-style. His latest book, released this month, is called “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares and Slices In The Windy City.”

After a year on the chopping block, Mercy Hospital was saved from closure at the eleventh hour. But even then, patients, staff and community members say the win did not come without substantial loss. Reset hears from a former patient and activist who worked to save the hospital, a former Mercy cardiologist and a WBEZ reporter who followed the story for more than a year.

Chicago’s inspector general is charged with getting the mayor and city agencies to be transparent, ethical and accountable. Reset talks with the man who held that job for 12 years. GUEST: Joe Ferguson, former Chicago inspector general

A new WTTW documentary explores the life and legacy of Viola Spolin, the social worker-turned theater guru who pioneered the improvisational techniques later used by The Second City and Saturday Night Live. Reset talks to filmmaker Jude Leak about “Inventing Improv: A Chicago Stories Special,” premiering Friday at 8 p.m. GUEST: Jude Leak, writer and producer

Legislators are back in Springfield debating the Democratically redrawn Congressional map, abortion laws and law enforcement changes. And mourners honor Chicago civil rights icon Timuel Black. Reset goes behind the headlines on the Weekly News Recap. GUEST: Hannah Meisel, Illinois government and politics editor NPR Illinois Paris Schutz, WTTW correspondent and co-anchor of Chicago Tonight

Reset talks to a local food blogger about the second year of Blaktober, a month-long celebration of Black-owned restaurants. Participating restaurants offer specials throughout the month. GUEST: Jeremy Joyce, founder of Blaktober and Black People Eats directory

While a vaccine for children ages 5-11 awaits approval, and the question of how to mix and match shots and boosters looms over the FDA, Reset checks in with an infectious disease specialist and takes calls from listeners. GUEST: Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease specialist with Duly Health and Care

The Chicago Transit Authority unveiled its 2022 budget this week, and includes some reduced fares. Bus and rail fares will remain the same, but daily, weekly and monthly passes — as well as the $.25 transfer fee — could all be slashed if the budget is approved by the CTA board next month. Reset talks to CTA spokesperson Brian Steele to break down the changes, and learn how the city will invest in...

The Chicago Transit Authority unveiled its 2022 budget this week, and includes some reduced fares. Bus and rail fares will remain the same, but daily, weekly and monthly passes — as well as the $.25 transfer fee — could all be slashed if the budget is approved by the CTA board next month. Reset talks to CTA spokesperson Brian Steele to break down the changes, and learn how the city will invest in...

Whatever your passion — kayaking, craft beer, historic lighthouses or hip hotels — there’s a weekend getaway to satisfy your seasonal wanderlust. Chicago Tribune editor Ariel Cheung joins Reset to share her top picks.

Reset talks with writer Michael Harriot of The Root about his recent investigation into the mortgage loan industry which exposes the “well-known systemic inequality embedded in America's credit reporting system.”

Blue legend Muddy Waters bought his first home on Chicago’s South Side in 1954 and turned it into a gathering place for fellow musicians and entertainers. Now, his family plans to convert the building into a museum in his honor. Reset talks to Muddy’s great granddaughter, Chandra Cooper, about her family’s legacy and the push for landmark status.

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is hoping to be confirmed as President Biden's ambassador to Japan. But he faces some opposition from senators over his handling of the police murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

Apple’s deference to China is well-known, but it’s not the only company not standing up to authoritarian regimes. Reset checks in on how tech companies work with foreign governments.

Reset check in with a White House reporter and pediatrician to get the details on the rollout process.

The Chicago Immigrant Transit Assistance program (CITA) meets asylum seekers, whether they're coming from the southern border or have been recently released from detention, with needed supplies and services. Reset checks with CITA about how recent immigration policy decisions might affect their work.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker visited Humboldt Park’s Paseo Boricua last week to commemorate the new state bill that will designate the area as “Puerto Rico Town”. State Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas led sponsorship on the bill, which will also include resources for small businesses to economically enrich Humboldt Park. The neighborhood has long been a Puerto Rican cultural hub for the Midwest.

Many have turned to houseplants during the pandemic. But how many of us have kept them alive? Reset checks in with a founder of a new plant care startup for our weekly series Chicago Innovators.