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.

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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.
September 1 · 34 min
What’s Changed Since Operation Midway Blitz?
It’s been almost a year since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz – a surge in immigration enforcement that led to Chicagoans being apprehended, beaten, shot and even killed by heavily-armed, masked agents roving through residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the agents often escalated situations by using tear gas on residents who were gathered to document ICE activity. In the Loop sits down with rapid responders to hear what’s changed since Midway Blitz, and what immigration enforcement looks like now. GUESTS: Cristóbal Cavazos, executive director, Casa DuPage Workers Center Antonio Gutierrez, strategic coordinator, Organized Communities Against Deportations For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
August 31 · 38 min
Ask The Mayoral Candidate: Joe Holberg
In The Loop is interviewing candidates for Chicago mayor, and inviting listeners to join the conversation and ask their own questions. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
August 28 · 47 min
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: August 28, 2026
Chicago home prices rose faster than any other U.S. city in the past year. Immigration agents are involved in a highway crash, while the Mayor issues any executive order targeting city contractors doing business with ICE. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Carrie Shepherd, Axios Chicago reporter Alex Nitkin, Illinois Answers Project government finance and accountability reporter Sarah Karp, WBEZ senior education reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
August 27 · 39 min
Ask The Mayor: August 2026
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again in the hot seat, answering our questions – and yours – during our monthly public forum “Ask The Mayor.” For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
August 26 · 18 min
Remembering Dolly Parton
We honor the late country music icon, Dolly Parton. The family of the acclaimed singer announced her death at 80 years old yesterday. In an interview with People on Friday, August 21, Parton said, “I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.” In the Loop’s discusses the legacy and impact of Dolly Parton. Plus, Indiana residents may be getting federal assistance for weather damage and a first look at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival. GUESTS: Somer Van Benton, WBEZ reporter Clare Lane, WBEZ Morning Edition anchor Erica Thompson, Chicago Sun-Times arts and entertainment reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
August 26 · 19 min
Why Is The WNBA Being Politicized?
Tensions over race and gender have manifested in former NBA players disrupting games and Republican lawmakers sending a letter to the WNBA’s commissioner demanding "accountability." In the Loop discusses the politicization of the WNBA and why it’s become a flashpoint for culture wars. GUESTS: Cheryl Raye-Stout, WBEZ sports contributor Quita Wiggins, host Quita in the Mornings on YouTube For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
August 26 · 29 min
Giving Black Men Their Flowers
Robert Washington-Vaughns started the Black Men Flower Project in 2021 after delivering flowers to his friends as a token of his appreciation for them. Since then the award winning non-profit has sent more than 2,500 bouquets to Black men across the country in an effort to promote healing and connection. In the Loop sits down with one of the people behind the love to talk about challenging stereotypes of Black masculinity through beauty and self care. GUESTS: John Caleb Pendleton, vice-chair and lead Chicago florist, The Black Men Flower Project; founder of Planks and Pistils For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Showing 21–37 of 37 episodes