In the Loop

Emilio Estevez has been working behind the camera for decades now. But his latest film, “The Public”, is a labor of love. It centers around a public library in Cincinnati on the eve of a snowstorm, and how the library has become a key gathering spot for the city’s homeless population. His film stars hip-hop artists and Chicago activist Che “Rhymefest” Smith, who also joins the conversation. And we talk about how Chicago’s next mayor can best spur development in the neighborhoods that need it most.

Composer Alan Menken joins the Morning Shift to talk about his career, play some songs on the WBEZ piano, and give us a peek into his one-man show. Plus, city treasurer candidate Melissa Conyears-Ervin talks about what she’d do as treasurer.

Candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle are making their last rounds on the campaign trail before voters head back to the polls for the April 2 runoff election. Cook County prosecutors dropped all criminal charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett, who was accused of staging a fake hate crime. Plus, Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson has unveiled a 5-year plan for the district. Morning Shift breaks down the biggest stories of the week in our Friday News Roundup with Jenn White.

Only five more days remain until Chicago chooses its new mayor. So this week we’ve opened the phones to give Chicagoans one more chance to ask your question directly to the candidates. Earlier this week, the Morning Shift with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the Morning Shift and took calls from listeners. Today, we talked with her opponent, Lori Lightfoot.

In a stunning move, Cook County prosecutors on Tuesday dropped all charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging a fake hate crime. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson spoke out against the actor, but stopped short of criticizing prosecutors. WBEZ’s Miles Bryan joins the Morning Shift for the latest in the case. Plus, earlier this month, Woodlawn got its first full-service grocery store in 40 years. The new Jewel Osco on 61st and Cottage Grove includes a large produce section, a pharmacy, a deli, and a sushi bar. Two longtime residents of the community share their thoughts on the new store and what it was like to grow up in a neighborhood with no grocery store.

In just one week, Chicagoans will elect a new mayor. What questions do you still have for the candidates vying for the seat? Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the Morning Shift for a deep dive into her mayoral candidacy. She also took calls from listeners.

Chicago City Treasurer candidate Ameya Pawar joins us to talk about his vision for the city’s economic future, which includes creating a public bank that would offer low-interest loans to support home-buyers and business owners. Plus, the Chicago Latino Film Festival kicks off this week. Founder Pepe Vargas talks about the festival's origins and what to expect with this year's lineup of around 100 films.

Chicago singer Maggie Kubley talks about going solo after her band Celine Neon broke up, getting sober, and redefining her sound. Plus, Morning Shift host emeritus Tony Sarabia tells us what he's been up to since moving to Iowa.

Mayoral candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle are racking up key endorsements from newspapers and celebrities ahead of the April 2 runoff election. Ald. Willie Cochran (20th) has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of wire fraud. Meanwhile, the Illinois Supreme Court denied the state’s request to order a re-do of Jason Van Dyke’s 81-month prison sentence. Morning Shift breaks down the biggest local and state stories of the week in our Friday News Roundup with Jenn White.

Chicago Tribune food writers discuss Chicago’s New Koreatown. Plus, the FAA and Boeing are in the hot seat after two deadly plane crashes.