In the Loop

Controversial comic Lenny Bruce talked about taboo subjects from the stage in the 1960’s. From religion to sex to race relations, Bruce attacked what he saw as hypocrisy, and forced his audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. 

Reset sits down with actor and writer Ronnie Marmo about his one-man play "I’m Not A Comedian...I’m Lenny Bruce," which highlights what Bruce means to him and where he thinks Bruce fits into today’s conversations about free speech.

"I'm Not A Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce" is playing at The Royal George Theatre through Jan. 5.

A new study from the CDC shows children exposed “Adverse Childhood Experiences”-neglect, abuse, an incarcerated or addicted parent-have a much higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and other debilitating diseases when they get older. We find out more and what some are trying to do to prevent it.

Celebrated Cartoonist Lynda Barry is now a little more celebrated: she just became a MacArthur "Genius Grant" winner. Barry talks about how, no matter what they think, anyone can draw. She lays out the case in her new book “Making Comics”

Senate President John Cullterton is retiring after 4 decades in the statehouse, and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley is front-and-center in the impeachment hearings. We’ll find out what the Illinois senate will be like without Cullerton, and what kinds of questions Quigley is preparing for witnesses on capitol hill this week.

Some in the Asian American community are looking to get their neighbors involved in a movement that would bring environmental justice to Chinatown and Bridgeport. Plus WBEZ’s Jerome McDonnell puts together a roundtable to help boost Chicago’s incredibly low recycling rate

After 16 years, TribPub is pulling the plug on its Spanish-language newspaper Hoy. We talk with current and future staffers about what it means for the Latinx and the greater Chicago community. And NPR Illinois statehouse reporter Brian Mackie gives us up-to-the-minute info on the final hours of the fall veto session in Springfield.

New York Times national security correspondent David Sanger talks about cyber warfare, and what the U.S. is doing to thwart hackers and the countries that sponsor them that are working to cause mayhem in everything from our power grids to our elections.

Alderman wrap up 2 weeks of budget hearings. What did they learn about it, and will they vote for it? Plus, one woman says giving gang members knowledge and options, and treating them like human beings, can help stem the tide of violence in Chicago and El Salvador

Mothers who’ve lost sons talk about personal items donated to the Gun Violence Memorial Project, and Transportation contributor Mary Wisniewski on making the streets safer for pedestrians and bikers

Author Caitlin Doughty destigmatizes death for kids and adults alike by answering 35 questions about death, dead bodies, and decomposition in her new book “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs”.