In the Loop

Thousands remain unemployed because of the covid pandemic. And despite Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker extending the deadline on Illinois’ eviction moratorium, thousands of renters in the state are facing eviction. Reset talks with a legal services group for Chicago tenants in need of help. 

From the continuing Covid-19 crisis to Mayor Lightfoot lashing back at President Trump to Mike Madigan feeling the heat, Laura Washington and Charlie Meyerson join Justin this week for the Friday News Roundup

Parents, teachers and students are informed and asking questions about Chicago Public Schools’ current plan to reopen schools in the fall. We talk to CPS CEO Janice Jackson about that plan, and how it could change depending on circumstances around the covid-19 crisis.

The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson studies and writes about our work habits. As companies extend their “work from home” timelines, how are we adapting, and what practices will we carry into the future?

6 months in, 2 reporters look at how the pandemic has changed life in Illinois, and the manager of a long-term care facility describes what he’s done to keep his residents safe, and their families informed.

From violence in Chicago to the Com-Ed scandal in Springfield, we unpack a lot of big news on this week’s Friday News Roundup. Joining us this time around is NPR correspondent Cheryl Corley and Better Government Association President & CEO David Greising

Opening Day without the threat of snow? Cheryl Raye Stout previews the Cubs and the Sox as MLB begins it’s covid-shortened season. And Illini head coach Lovie Smith has added another name to his already “most diverse college football staff in the nation”. We talk with new head of high school recruitment Ashton Washington

Chicago musician Daniel Knox is known for compositions filled with wit and dark humor and his deep-voiced delivery. But on his new album he plays straight, soothing renditions of some of Fred Rogers’ most beloved songs to help us cope with these difficult, often scary times.

Legendary civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis is remembered by the woman who wrote his biography. Prof. Duchess Harris is the author of John Lewis: Civil Rights Leader and Congressman. Also Congressman and former Black Panther leader Bobby Rush remembers his friend and colleague.

This weekend’s protests in Chicago over the Christopher Columbus statue in Grant Park devolved into violence between Chicago police and protesters. Reset talks with two legal experts on what rights and recourse protesters have in these situations.