In the Loop

The co-authors of a new collection of hidden wonders talk about local gems that may not be on the radar.

The new season of AMC's 'The Walking Dead' begins Sunday, and 'Morning Shift' explores the dos and don'ts of surviving a zombie apocalypse.

Democrat Brad Schneider and Republican Bob Dold once again find each other competing to represent the north suburban 10th Congressional District. 

Crain's Chicago Business reporter Danny Ecker talks to Morning Shift about what people are doing to secure a seat for the NLCS and, hopefully, the World Series.

The National Book Award winner discusses her new book and its themes of identity, friendship and memory.

Jason DeSanto, Lecturer, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, former speechwriter and debate strategist joins the Morning Shift to analyze Wednesday night's third and final presidential debate.

Comedian, actor, director, producer Negin Farsad wears many hats, and now she can add one more: author.  Her new book, How To Make White People Laugh is part memoir, part how-to for social justice comedy. As an Iranian Muslim American female comic, Farsad breaks down stereotypes one joke at a time as she takes on race relations, gender, social justice, and what it means to have a hyphenated identity.  Farsad joins the Morning Shift to talk about her new book and how she uses the power of comedy to combat bigotry.  Audio available after show airs.

The man known as “Sweet Swinging Billy Williams” is one of the greatest Cubs ever. The Baseball Hall of Fame calls him one of the greatest players ever. Williams recently with WBEZ’s sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout about this year’s team, and what it would mean to all the past Cubs if this current crop could win it all. 

Legendary Chicago musician Curtis Mayfield did it all.  He wrote, sang, played guitar and produced records. Whether it was for his group The Impressions, his own solo work, or for other famous artists, Mayfield put his unique sonic stamp on everything he touched.  Only a few people know more about Curtis Mayfield than Vocalo’s Ayana Contreras. One of them is Mayfield’s son Todd, who’s just released the book Traveling Soul: The Life of Curtis Mayfield. Ayana Contreras sits down with Todd Mayfield to talk about his father’s life and work

Third party candidates have a long history of trying to break the two-party mold in U.S. Presidential elections. There was Ross Perot in 1992 and Ralph Nader in 2000. This year Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson could pull six percent of the popular vote if today’s polls are any indication. But how would that affect the ultimate outcome? Morning Shift talks with Julia Azari, a political science professor at Marquette University, about the past and present state of third parties in presidential elections.