In the Loop

For more than a decade, doctors told new parents to keep their children away from peanuts and peanut-related food until they were at least three years old. Now, scientists are telling people the exact opposite-that earlier exposure might prevent them from becoming allergic. Dr. Anthony Fauci leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He joins Morning Shift to explain the theories and studies that ultimately led to a brand-new set of guidelines for parents and pediatricians. We also talk about the recent increase in American children with nut allergies, and how the science around allergies has changed.

Morning Shift talks to WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout about the season that wasn’t for the Bears and what’s next for the Bulls and Blackhawks. 

Chicago said goodbye to a lot of restaurants in 2016. Yet new places to wine and dine pop up every year, and 2017 is no different. But will they enjoy extended lifespans? Or will they burn out faster than hoped? Morning Shift talks to Catherine De Orio, host of WTTW’s Check Please, and Michael Roper, owner of Chicago restaurant Hopleaf.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is investing $36 million into mentorship over the next three years. Brad Whitlock, a former "Big Brother" and manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago, joins Morning Shift to talk about why people should mentor, and what he's learned doesn't work.

What's That Building? Well, in this case, it's hard not to know, since the owner's name is emblazoned on the side in letters 20 feet high. Crain's Chicago Business real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joined Morning Shift to share details about this controversial tower for the latest installation of "What's That Building."  

Chicago had 762 murders in 2016, the highest total since 1996. To address the problem, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has pledged to add nearly a thousand police officers to the force. Morning Shift talks with Chicago Tribune reporter Bill Ruthhart about the diversity of opinion that aldermen have on the plan and some questions they have raised about how the plan will be implemented. 

By January, many Chicagoans can feel that the winter will never end, or are tempted to hibernate until spring. Another option? Embrace the season. Stop hating on the cold and lean into being a resident of the frozen tundra that is Chicago in January. So turn off Netflix, ditch the slippers, and head out into the great unknown… or at least some sledding at Soldier Field.  For ideas of what to do in Chicago that only the wintertime can offer, Morning Shift talks to Teisha Daniel, Chicago Park District’s Center Director at Northerly Island.

Nearly three years ago, we talked with video game designer Michael Block about an idea he had for a video game. It would be an adventure game, based on- and in Chicago’s South Side. The game has the player make the kinds of choices that kids in certain Chicago neighborhoods have to make every day. The characters and the story lines would be based on real people and actual events. Now, the game is about to be released.

Illinois lawmakers begin the new year confronting the same political stalemate that has derailed approval of a state budget for more than a year. WBEZ state politics reporter Tony Arnold talks to Morning Shift about the immediate and potential long-term consequences of the ongoing budget impasse. 

Chicago plans to replace nearly a quarter of a million street lights in the city with LED bulbs. Though the update is long overdue, and LEDs are energy-efficient, cheaper and brighter, many are not happy with the potential change. Experts say the city may have the specs wrong, and warn of health risks, including cancer, diabetes and sleep loss. Some residents are also concerned about the amount of increased light pollution and the potential reduced visibility of the night sky. The city recently extended the comment period to Jan. 9.