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Artwork for In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

WBEZ Chicago

We’re unpacking the headlines and making the news make sense. Get connected with local experts, your neighbors and the stories shaping Chicago.

27 episodes
daily
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 27

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Friday · 37 min
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Oct. 2, 2026
City Council approves a new parking meter deal, another candidate drops out of the race for Chicago School Board president, and OpenAI alerts the City of Chicago that its technology targeted an online city database. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: David Greising, Better Government Association president Sarah Karp, WBEZ education reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Thursday · 27 min
Day Of Movement: Dancing And Dementia, A Woman Trains To Push Daughter In Chicago Marathon
Today’s episode features conversations grounded in movement. First, we check in with a doctor whose new book explores the impacts of nontraditional medicines – like dance, food and community – on our cognitive health. Plus, we sit down with Evanston mother Megan Lassman about training to run and push her 21-year-old daughter in a stroller in the Chicago Marathon. GUESTS: Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark, author of Medicine for All People: Science and Ancient Wisdom for Revolutionary Healing Megan Lassman, Evanston mother For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Wednesday · 19 min
The Buzz At The Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center uses its honeybee hives to educate visitors about ecosystems, sustainability and urban agriculture. The two hives were added to the grounds early this spring. The idea began in 2009, when First Lady Michelle Obama started the White House Kitchen Garden. The Obamas were the first to establish a beehive on the White House grounds. In the Loop goes onsite with OPC’s resident beekeepers as they inspect the colony and prepare the bees for the coming winter. GUESTS: Thad J. Smith, Westside Bee Boyz, Resident Beekeeper at the Obama Presidential Center Janelle Dunlap, Westside Bee Boyz, Resident Beekeeper at the Obama Presidential Center For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Tuesday · 28 min
Rewind Five Years: What Was Life Like For Chicago Youth In 2021?
The Look Back to Go Forward exhibit at Harold Washington Library displays artifacts collected from 5,000 Chicago youth that were sealed in a time capsule in 2021. While five years might not seem like a long time, Living Record executive director Stacey Gillett says that opening time capsules on a short-term basis can increase the likelihood that students get to see and reflect on their entries, rather than the capsule being lost to time. In the Loop learns more about this project and collaboration with the Chicago Public Library. GUESTS: Stacey Gillett, Living Record co-founder and executive director Chris Brown, Chicago Public Library Commissioner For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 28 · 22 min
Chicago Sports Report: Catch Up On The Latest With WBEZ’s Cheryl Raye Stout
There’s so much happening right in Chicago sports on all fronts. For the first time in history, both the White Sox and Cubs secured their seats in the playoffs on the same day. The Bulls are about to begin training camp. The Bears are hobbled but hopeful as they turn to a QB who is the backup to their backup. And that’s not all. In the Loop gets the inside scoop ahead of the week’s busy sports schedule. GUESTS: Cheryl Raye Stout, WBEZ sports contributor For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 25 · 44 min
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Sept. 18, 2026
Google gives the public a peek into its plans for the Thompson Center. O’Hare comes in dead last in a nationwide consumer survey on airport satisfaction. Plus, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey gets a presidential endorsement. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Brandon Pope, Fox 32 political reporter Leigh Giangreco, freelance journalist Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times government and politics reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 24 · 25 min
What Do Bridgeport Residents Think Of Amtrak’s New Maintenance Center?
Residents from Bridgeport, Armour Square and Chinatown are coming together to protest the development of a new Amtrak maintenance facility in their area. The proposed White Sox stadium would essentially switch neighborhoods with the current Amtrak facility near Roosevelt Road. Residents are not the only Chicagoans calling for the development to slow down; City Council members are also pushing for hearings. In the Loop sits down with community members to hear their concerns. GUESTS: Maria LaGiglio, Bridgeport resident Jonathan Chen, Bridgeport resident For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 23 · 27 min
Chicagoans Push Back Against A ComEd Substation
ComEd has plans for a new power substation in a pedestrian area of Lincoln Park, citing growing power demand on the North Side. But members of the newly-formed Diversey Community Coalition oppose the one-acre industrial mega-project. They argue the land should be used for housing, which would keep families near local schools and drive foot traffic to local businesses. In the Loop sits down with advocates and officials to understand what’s at stake and unravel questions about the legal frameworks that could see the project move forward without community involvement. GUESTS: State Rep. Ann Williams, IL.11th district Kyle Donash, member, Diversey Community Coalition For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 22 · 35 min
Happy Birthday To ‘In The Loop’
From The Oprah Winfrey Show to Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me!, many legendary talk shows that reach the national stage were created in Chicago. So, to mark In the Loop’s one-year anniversary, we sat down with longtime hosts to chat about getting into the industry and what makes Chicago special. Then, we caught up with local jazz legend Kurt Elling, ahead of his show at the CSO’s Symphony Center stage with the Freedom Riders band. And local singer and songwriter V.V. Lightbody stopped by to perform a song off her new album “Period Piece,” which drops on Oct. 9. GUESTS: Kathy O’Malley, former host, The Kathy & Judy show on WGN radio Jacoby Cochran, City Cast Chicago host Richard Steele, former WBEZ host Kurt Elling, Chicago jazz singer and songwriter V.V. Lightbody, Chicago singer and songwriter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 21 · 31 min
In America, Are We 'Our Own Worst Enemies'?
What is the greatest threat to American democracy? In his new book, UChicago professor Robert Pape warns it’s normalized political violence. He says violence isn’t most dangerous when wielded by extremists, but when it’s accepted by everyone else as a “regular” part of politics. In the Loop learns more about the signs for passive acceptance of violent populism. GUESTS: Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago and author of Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 18 · 45 min
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Sept. 18, 2026
Google gives the public a peek into its plans for the Thompson Center. O’Hare comes in dead last in a nationwide consumer survey on airport satisfaction. Plus, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey gets a presidential endorsement. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Brandon Pope, Fox 32 political reporter Leigh Giangreco, freelance journalist Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times government and politics reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 17 · 23 min
A New Chicago Book Teaches Kids Why We Vote
From the November midterms to Chicago’s municipal election in February, elections are just around the corner. A new book by a local author wants to share that excitement with future voters. Violet Goes Voting is the latest work by L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Inspired by her experience taking her own daughter to the polls, the new children’s book teaches kids about civic engagement and making their voices heard. In the Loop sits down with the author. GUESTS: L'Oreal Thompson Payton, owner, Zora's Place; author, “Violet Goes Voting” For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 16 · 31 min
What’s Behind The Spike In Suicide-Related ER Visits By Chicago’s Youth?
More and more kids are showing up in emergency rooms with suicidal thoughts and self-harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children and young adults in the U.S., with rates among Black youth rising faster than any other demographic. Yet only about 10% of Illinois hospitals have psychiatric beds for children and teens. On today’s In the Loop, how are communities and hospitals dealing with the rise in suicidal behaviors among kids? GUESTS: Dr. Audrey G. Brewer, pediatrician and a researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Rafiah Maxie-Cole, a licensed social worker and founder of Soul Survivors of Chicago For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 15 · 25 min
Would You Declare A Major In A.I.?
This fall students at Northwestern can declare a major in A.I., while UIC offers Artificial Intelligence as a concentration. In the Loop learns more about what it means to pursue this course of study, particularly as A.I. leaders are urging government oversight and caution. GUESTS: Samir Khuller, chair of computer science at Northwestern Engineering Michael Bennett, associate vice chancellor for data science and AI strategy at UIC For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 11 · 46 min
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Sept. 11, 2026
Chicago journalists reflect on covering Operation Midway Blitz one year after the aggressive immigration crackdown began. Illinois House Republicans call for ethics reforms after the state’s legislative watchdog resigned. Plus, a proposed plan to move the White Sox into a new South Loop stadium is unveiled. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more. GUESTS: Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune state government reporter Simone Alicea, City Cast Chicago executive producer Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times general assignment reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 9 · 33 min
New Doc ‘American Doctor’ Tells Story Of Healthcare Workers On The Frontlines In Gaza
In the Loop talks with the executive producer and a Chicago physician featured in the new documentary American Doctor, which follows three American physicians working alongside Palestinian healthcare workers in besieged southern Gaza amid war. GUESTS: Hamza Ali, co-founder of Watermelon Pictures, and executive producer of the American Doctor documentary Dr. Thaer Ahmad, emergency physician on Chicago's South Side and humanitarian who has worked in conflict zones including Gaza, Syria and Kenya For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 8 · 18 min
Behind The Story: Reporters Reflect On Anniversary of Operation Midway Blitz
During the aggressive 10-week campaign, around 4,000 people in the Chicago area were detained, and 2,700 were deported. Reporters from the WBEZ and Chicago Sun-Times newsroom reflect on the anniversary of the launch of Operation Midway Blitz. GUESTS: Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city government reporter Araceli Gomez Aldana, WBEZ news reporter Candace Dane Chambers, visual journalist, Chicago Sun-Times
September 4 · 48 min
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: September 4, 2026
Chicago’s Catholic archbishop and nuns oppose a controversial end-of-life law set to go into effect next week. A mass shooting in Washington Park draws President Trump’s criticism over city and state responses to crime. And one year after Chicago’s Operation Midway Blitz, federal immigration agents still face no charges. GUESTS: Monica Eng, Axios Chicago reporter Alden Loury, WBEZ data projects editor Paris Schutz, political and investigative reporter, NBC 5 For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 3 · 33 min
Inside The Idea To Make A 15-Minute Train From Downtown To O’Hare
What if you could hop on a train to O’Hare International Airport and it only took 15 minutes to get there? That’s the idea behind the O’Hare Flyer, a fast-rail connecting the Loop to the airport using existing railways from CSX and Union Pacific. Leaders behind the project hope to get started next year. In the Loop hears from the people who want to make the idea a reality. We also check in with a transportation expert about what this could mean for travelers. GUESTS: Mark Walbrun, co-founder and chief development officer, O’Hare Flyer Dave Lundy, co-founder and CEO, O’Hare Flyer Joseph Schwieterman, director of the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, DePaul University
September 2 · 29 min
How Is Jazz Doing In Chicago?
The Chicago Jazz Festival is back, bringing big sounds and homegrown talent to Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center starting Thursday. In the Loop checks in with two notable figures in Chicago’s jazz community to hear about this year’s lineup, plus what’s next for a new generation of jazz in the city. GUESTS: Isaiah Collier, award-winning saxophonist, composer and activist Heather Ireland Robinson, executive director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

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