Radio: Airlines cancel flights due to omicron, staffing shortages
Airlines canceled hundreds of flights as the omicron variant changed schedules and drew down staffing levels at some carriers during the busy holiday travel season.
RADIO
The links below showcase radio productions and collaborative projects I produced and edited for WGN Radio and NewsNation.
Radio: Coroner IDs girl killed by police in Los Angeles shooting
The coroner’s office has identified the 14-year-old girl who was fatally shot by Los Angeles police Thursday when officers fired on an assault suspect and a bullet went through the wall and struck the girl as she was in a clothing store dressing room.
Radio: COVID testing remains limited heading into Christmas weekend
Lines continue to wrap around COVID-19 testing centers as the omicron variant surges and families prepare for their holiday gatherings.
Radio: Police searching for mall shooting suspect
Police said Friday that they were searching for a man suspected of taking part in a shootout at a crowded suburban Chicago shopping mall in which four people were wounded, including another suspected gunman who was taken into custody.
Audio: NewsNation’s Dean Reynolds previews the VP debate
NewsNation’s Dean Reynolds previews tonight’s vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris with WGN Radio’s Anna Davlantes.
Dr. Shelly Vaziri Flais weighs in on the use of masks and social distancing in schools
Rollye James speaks with pediatrician Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP, about the guidelines for reopening schools in Illinois and what measures parents should consider to limit the spread of the virus if they do open.
Dr. Anthony Napoleon on human behavior and COVID-19
Medical & Forensic Psychologist Dr. Anthony Napoleon, author of COVID-19 Human Behavior, joins Rollye James to explore the big questions around COVID-19. He talks about the psychology behind the refusal to wear a mask, what type of person is likely to be a coronavirus “super spreader,” why America is “virus friendly,” and much more.
Weird American roadside attractions you have to see to believe
Are you ready to take a road trip? RoadsideAmerica.com is the online guide to offbeat tourist attractions. The gurus at Roadside America have spent decades exploring the weird, amusing wonders of America’s highways. Doug Kirby, Publisher for RoadsideAmerica.com, joins Rollye James to talk about all the unusual and quirky roadside attractions across the USA!
Diving deeper into the business of marijuana
Ally Marotti is a business reporter at the Chicago Tribune, covering technology and the business of marijuana. She speaks with Rollye James about the impact of legalized marijuana IL, the unique challenges faced by marijuana business owners, the money generated from sales so far, and more.
CNET’s Roger Cheng on the reality of 5G in Rural America
As 5G rolls out, consumers will soon be able to use 5G as a fixed internet option. Roger Cheng, the Executive Editor of News at CNET, speaks with Rollye James about the ins and out of 5G wireless technology, the current state of broadband, digital gap between rural and nonrural America, and he explains whether or not if 5G will kill off home broadband as we know it.
The Original Rainbow Cone ice cream truck may be coming to a city near you!
Rollye James speaks with Lynn Sapp, the third-generation owner of Original Rainbow Cone. They talk about the history of the historic ice cream shop, how they have pivoted during this pandemic, their new ice cream truck, and much more. This weekend, the truck will be making a pit stop in Bolingbrook at 303 S. Weber Rd. on Friday from 4-10 p.m and on Saturday and Sunday from 2-10 p.m. Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly neighborhood is open for pickup, takeout and catering.
Dr. Jane Orient on reopening schools during COVID-19
Jane M. Orient, MD, executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), sits down with Rollye James to discuss how the United States should approach reopening schools amid COVID-19.
Illinois State University sociologist Dr. Richard Sullivan discusses navigating social norms in the era of social distancing
Rollye James chats with Dr. Richard Sullivan, a professor of sociology at Illinois State University, blogger at the Main Drift, and host of the After Class Podcast. Dr. Sullivan and Rollye have an in-depth discussion about navigating new social norms in the age of COVID-19. They also discuss how these norms affect our decisions, how social media is influencing our social norms, the interconnections between social norms and social roles, and much more.
The future of music venues in the age of coronavirus
WGN Radio’s Rollye James speaks with Rev. Moose, executive director and co-founder of the National Independent Venue Association, about the future of live music venues in the face of COVID-19 and the unique challenges faced by performers and venues across the nation.
How to ensure your garden thrives in the hot summer
It’s hot outside, and your plants need to stay hydrated just like you! Sue Ryba, horticulturist and landscape expert at Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling, joins Ji with tips on how to keep your plants happy and hydrated during the hot summer months!
Media analyst Ken Doctor on the future of news media outlets amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Ken Doctor, media analyst and author of Newsonomics: Twelve New Trends That Will Shape the News You Get, speaks with Ji about the pandemic’s effects on newspapers, magazines, and digital media companies, the ownership standstill of Tribune Publishing, and why the current model of paying for journalism on the internet is broken.
Former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije explains why he thinks that Mayor Lightfoot and Gov. Pritzker should reconsider Phase 4 guidelines for reopening local fitness studios
Israel Idonije, former Chicago Bear, entrepreneur, and owner of RSTR gym, joins Ji to talk about his work with The Chicago Boutique Fitness Alliance and why they are asking the Mayor and Governor to expand Phase 4 guidelines to allow 75% occupancy with a minim
Carlos Nelson on the INVEST South/West program and the healthy lifestyle hub slated for the Auburn Gresham neighborhood: ‘It inches us closer to the finish line’
The City of Chicago is investing $11 million in healthcare on the city’s west and south sides as part of the city’s much-promoted INVEST South/West program. Carlos Nelson, CEO of Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, joins Ji to describe what the $4 million “Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub” project will look like and how it will provide additional healthcare resources to residents in the neighborhood.
WTTW reporter Heather Cherone on the city releasing the bodycam video of former CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson: ‘Why wasn’t there a sobriety test performed?’
Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW News, joins Ji to discuss her latest story surrounding the 371 complaints filed against CPD officers for their response to protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. They also discuss the body camera footage released by the city from the night former police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was found asleep at the wheel in October 2019.
Planning a micro-wedding? A south suburban wedding venue may have an opening for your special day
Small businesses are at the heart of a wedding industry hit hard by coronavirus. One local wedding venue, Farmington Lake, has unexpected openings available for petite or micro weddings (50 people and less) as Illinois moves into Phase 4 of reopening. Owner Melanie Lauffer shared that wedding postponements and rescheduling in 2021, has left the Mokena working farm’s event calendar open in the near future. Family owned since 1856, Farmington Lake is a tranquil, romantic setting for a small ceremony for couples interested in tying the knot soon.
Commissioner Brandon Johnson, former CPS teacher, weighs in on police in schools
First District Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson joins Ji to get his thoughts on police reform, how Cook County’s jail system is managing COVID-19, the push to remove police officers from inside Chicago Public Schools and more.
How Mezcla Media Collective continues to uplift women and non-binary filmmakers of color during COVID-19
Elena Valentine is the Co-Founder of Mezcla Media Collective, an organization that lifts up over 500 women and non-binary filmmakers of color in Chicago by building community, increasing skill capacity, and advancing careers. She joins Ji to tell us more about the their mission and activism within the community. To support Mezcla Media Collective COVID-19 Relief Fund, click here.
Hazel Crest Police Chief Mitchell R. Davis III weighs in on police reform following George Floyd’s death
Chief Mitchell R. Davis III is the Chief of Police for the Hazel Crest Police Department. He joined Ji to talk about police reform, defunding the police, racial injustice, and the George Floyd protests. Chief Davis reflected on the past two weeks and what needs to happen in order to enact real change.
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