In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons
We’re unpacking the headlines and making the news make sense. Get connected with local experts, your neighbors and the stories shaping Chicago.
Episodes
Meet The Chicago Sisters Competing In The Amazing Race
Saran and Dafina Dunmore call themselves ‘besters,’ sisters and best friends. They live and work close to each other, and now they’ve taken their relationship to another level: competing in a reality TV show, racing across continents and solving puzzles and obstacles. In the Loop sits down with the sisters to hear how the experience of participating in a reality TV competition deepened th
Loyola Professors Encouraging Pen To Paper Writing To Tackle AI
In an effort to encourage students to think critically without the use of technology, a group of professors at Loyola University are piloting a writing class for freshmen where students write essays completely tech-free. In The Loop sits down with professors and a current student in their class to learn more. GUESTS: Sherrie Weller, professor of English, Loyola University ChicagoBrandiann
Actor Johnny Galecki Stars In ‘Kowalski’ At Lookingglass Theatre
“Kowalski” brings together Galecki as the established playwright Tennessee Williams and Chicago’s Jacob Moskovitz as a young Marlon Brando trying to break into acting. In the Loop talks with Galecki about the role and what took from TV to the stage. GUESTS: Johnny Galecki, actor For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Oct. 9, 2026
With back-to-back losses for the White Sox, all eyes are on Game 5. Trump denies disaster relief to Illinois for the damage caused by summer storms. New lawsuits are filed over ICE agents’ actions during Operation Midway Blitz. Plus, Chicago wins the best big U.S. city title for the 10th year in a row. In the Loop breaks down these stories and much more with a panel of Chicago journalists
What If Mrs. O’Leary Finally Got To Tell Her Own Story?
The Chicago City Council cleared her name in 1997, but the narrative of the O’Leary cow starting the Great Chicago Fire is hard to shake. “Mrs. O’Leary didn’t start the fire. But someone did” – that’s the takeaway from a new work of historical fiction that explores Mrs. O’Leary’s perspective, and who might be responsible for the blaze. In the Loop sits down with the author ahead of the 15
‘One Day Came a Rumble’: How Midway Blitz inspired a children’s book to help kids cope during scary times
A new bilingual children’s book inspired by the sights and sounds of ICE immigration enforcement in the Chicago area aims to help kids build skills for coping with hard times.Published by Trellis Press in Rockford, One Day Came a Rumble uses bright colors and a playful story to teach kids how to manage life's anxieties and uncertainty. GUESTS: Elizabeth McChesney, author, One Day Came a
‘Something Followed Us Home’ Is Sure To Make You Sleep With The Lights On
“Something Followed Us Home” explores 17 scary tales from 17 Latin American authors. From the supernatural, real-life massacres to A.I., Pelayo curates an anthology of thought-provoking stories highlighting Latiné horror. In The Loop sits down with Cynthia Pelayo to learn more about the inspiration behind her latest collection of tales. GUESTS: Cynthia Pelayo, Chicago horror novelist and
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 presidentSarah Karp, WBEZ education reporterFor a
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-Cl
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 O
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 en
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
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 reporterLeigh Giangreco, freelance jour
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 push
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 dow
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
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
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 reporterLeigh Giangreco, freelance jour
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
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
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 chance
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 Trib
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 documentaryDr. Thaer Ahmad, emergency physician
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
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 pr
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
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 activistHeathe
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 sit
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.
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
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.
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 lon
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 contributorQuita Wiggins, host Quita in the Mornings on YouTubeFo
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 challengin
The Hunt For Former President Barack Obama’s Tan Suit
In 2014, President Barack Obama stepped up to the podium in the White House Briefing Room to update the country on the economy, foreign policy and more. But all anyone could seem to talk about was the president’s fashion choice for the day. The president, known for usually wearing a navy or gray suit, made a rare fashion divergence – one that was described as everything from hands “cool”
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Aug. 21, 2026
Mayhem breaks out in the Wrigley stands during the Crosstown Classic. Hundreds of union members rallied outside the Shedd Aquarium. Commutes are about to get pricer after the Illinois Tollway Board approved its first toll hike in nearly 15 years, and Gov. Pritzker signed a disaster proclamation to help areas hit by this summer’s record-breaking storms.In the Loop breaks down those stories
Is Trump’s New Strategy Clearing Backlog Of Immigration Cases Or Furthering Mass Deportations?
Getting a citizenship, asylum or a permanent residency case in front of a judge is a notoriously slow process. Now, the Trump administration is speeding it up with so-called “mega master” calendar hearings where dozens of people are asked to appear in immigration court on short notice. This means people have to scramble to find a lawyer, arrange childcare, and get the day off work, leavin
Ask The Mayoral Candidate: Congressman Mike Quigley
In The Loop is interviewing candidates for Chicago’s next mayor, and inviting listeners to join the conversation and ask their own questions. Today at the mic: U.S Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois’ 5th District.Plus: WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel shares the ins and outs of the Chicago mayoral race so far. GUESTS: U.S Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois’ 5th District.M
Illinois Aims To Reduce The Wait In Autism Diagnosis
In Illinois, there are two categories of experts that can diagnose autism: psychologists and developmental physicians. But because openings with these experts are few and far between, families can be put on a waitlist that could last anywhere from months to years.That is, until now. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act early July and it
The Art Of Dramatic Improv
Improv, short for improvisational theater, is often known for its comedic elements. But there’s another kind of improv where eliciting laughter from the audience isn’t the main goal. Dramatic improv explores the full spectrum of emotions, from the funny to the sad, to the furious! In the Loop learns more about dramatic improv, and what it can teach us about being human. GUESTS: Tony Riela
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: August 14, 2026
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson moves to further regulate data centers, Governor J. B. Pritzker signs a law allowing rideshare drivers to unionize, while the shocking discovery of dozens of decomposing bodies at a South Side funeral home raises calls for more government oversight. We dig into those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap.GUESTS: Nick Blumberg, WTTW News correspondentMaxwe
Inside The Trauma Bay: How To End America’s Gun Violence Epidemic
For decades, the South Side of Chicago didn’t have an operating trauma care center. This forced severely wounded people to drive to the West or North sides for care – their chances of survival reducing with every passing minute. After a successful community-organizing campaign, University of Chicago reopened its adult trauma care center in 2018. One of the doctors behind this vital comm
There’s A Blood Shortage In America
The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood crisis in the U.S. as supplies fall to its lowest levels since the pandemic. The impacts of the blood shortage are being felt in emergency rooms and trauma care as hospitals are being forced to manage dwindling reserves.In the Loop hears from the head of the Illinois Red Cross and blood donation advocates about the impact of the blood
Illinois Is Protecting Kids From The Infinite Scroll
Illinois has joined a growing number of states that regulate the way social media companies can interact with minors. The Children's Online Social Media Safety Act aims to create guardrails for kids while still giving them an option to learn and connect with people through social media. In the Loop chats with experts about what families need to know about these new regulations and the pot
Illinois Schools Head Back To Class… And Have To Deal With A.I.
As schools gear up to welcome students back to class this month, they’ll also have to come up with an idea of how to use – or protect against – artificial intelligence tools. The Illinois State Board of Education last month released a comprehensive framework on how K-12 school districts should use AI more responsibly, and is leaving it in the districts’ hands to develop more specific poli
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: August 7, 2026
The feds threaten to prosecute Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Chicago Public Schools hope state lawmakers will approve funding, and a former top CPS executive is charged with COVID loan fraud. Also, we say good-bye to 91-year-old Chicago jazz legend Geraldine de Haas.We cover these stories and more in our Weekly News Recap.GUESTS: Brandis Friedman, anchor of WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” Dan P
Chicago’s Housing Bidding Wars
How high would you be willing to go to secure that new condo? On the North Side, some Chicagoans are going hundreds of thousands of dollars above the asking price, and even waiving inspections, all to beat the competition. In the Loop hears from a buyer and realtor who are currently navigating this turbulent housing market, alongside a reporter covering Chicago real estate.GUESTS: Abby Mi
Reflecting On MLK’s March On Marquette Park 60 Years Later
Today marks 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a coalition of Chicago residents and community leaders on a march through the city’s Marquette Park to demand an end to segregation and racist housing policies. But what started out as a peaceful demonstration turned into a bloody riot as a white mob attacked the protest and injured dozens of people. Last weekend, hundreds of Chica
Ask The Mayoral Candidate: Susana Mendoza
In The Loop is interviewing candidates for Chicago mayor, and inviting listeners to join the conversation and ask their own questions. First mayoral candidate at the mic: Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.Plus: a scientist from Argonne National Laboratory shares how and why we’ve been seeing extreme weather events in the region, like severe storms, dangerous heat, and lots and lot
A New One Stop Shop For Early Childhood Services
Illinois has become one of a growing number of states to consolidate all of its early childhood support resources under one roof. That new department officially opened its doors the first of last month.In the Loop sits with two expert researchers in the field to learn about the state of early childhood in Illinois and what work is being done now.GUESTS: Alison Baulos, executive director o
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap, July 31, 2026
Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods grapple with the closure of seven grocery stores. An estimated 400,000 music fans expected to descend on Grant Park this weekend for Lollapalooza. Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch is coming under increasing scrutiny over his handling of sexual assault allegations against state Representative Harry Benton. While Governor Pritzker signs into law
Mahjong: Tiles And Traditions
Mahjong is a 19th-century Chinese game that is beloved across the world. It first entered the U.S. market in the 1920’s and has since endured a complex history of cultural appropriation and exoticization. In the Loop hears about efforts to honor the heritage of mahjong and the ways that it is evolving across communities and cultures. GUESTS: Michael Wang, co-founder, 144 Tiles Mahjong Clu
The Good, Bad, And Gassy Sides Of Taking Ozempic, Wegovy
Sure, there are weight-loss success stories, but behind the scenes people are navigating insurance challenges, side effects, and the possibility of taking GLP-1 medications for life. For some people, they've been life-changing. For others, they are rethinking whether the drug is worth it. In the Loop talks with a panel of residents across the Chicago region about how these medications cha
Chicago Welcomes Belugas From Canada, But Not Without Concerns
Four beluga whales are adjusting to life at the Shedd Aquarium after being moved from a defunct marine tourist attraction in Ontario, Canada, that had threatened to euthanize the sea mammals. The images of the whales have captured the hearts of many, but the move isn’t without controversy. In the Loop hears the story of how the Canadian belugas came to be swimming in Chicago and why this
Are Chicago's Sidewalks Accessible?
How difficult is it for people with mobility disabilities to navigate the city’s sidewalks? This question is the center of a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. The firm suing the city claims it has failed to maintain sidewalks leaving them inaccessible.As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, In the Loop brings toge
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 24, 2026
Chicago City Council has approved referendum questions for upcoming elections, three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane is returning to the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year contract, and Chicago police have issued official guidelines on how officers should collect evidence against immigration agents suspected of violating laws.In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Week
Chicago Artists On How Public Housing Shaped Their Creativity
The National Public Housing Museum is hosting the artwork of Nathaniel Mary Quinn, including a recreated Robert Taylor Homes living room he grew up in. Quinn’s exhibit “A Love Letter to My Mother” explores the complexities of family, living in public housing, and love. In the Loop talks to artists from Chicago as they reflect how their time in public housing has shaped them and their work
A Cool 100 Years Of Rainbow Cone
Chicago’s summer staple is celebrating 100 years of deliciousness. Known for its layers of flavors, Rainbow Cone’s ice cream stacks chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and cherries), pistachio and orange sherbet. In the Loop host Sasha-Ann Simons tries her first-ever Rainbow Cone and we dig into the iconic local brand's rich history. GUESTS: Lisa Shames, freelance re
Reducing Chicago’s ‘Urban Heat Island’ Effect
Chicago can feel up to 8 degrees hotter than suburbs and rural areas because there are more buildings and asphalt and fewer plants to aid the natural process of keeping an area cool. Parts of the city with the least greenspace, tree canopy and more industry can be even hotter than the city average temperature. In the Loop explores efforts by residents and officials to identify the city’s
Storms And Flooding Are Only Getting Worse. Here’s What You Can Do
Flooding has persistently plagued Chicago, the city famously built on a swamp. However, as storms become more severe and more frequent, residents will likely have to deal with flooded basements, streets and other damage more often. With climate change driving worsening weather, Chicagoans are rolling up their sleeves to prepare. In the Loop hears from local organizations working to make
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 17, 2026
Chicago gets a one-two punch with another heat wave combined with dangerous air quality. A North Side Trader Joe’s becomes the first of the grocery chain’s Illinois locations to unionize. And the Shedd Aquarium agrees to take in abandoned beluga whales from a closed marine park in Canada. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap.GUESTS: Carrie Shepherd, Axio
Ask The Mayor: July 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.
What Have We Learned About GLP-1s?
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are one of the fastest growing pharmaceuticals. But as newer GLP-1 medications hit the market, questions remain about side effects, health equity and the cultural impact. On today’s In the Loop, we ask: what have we learned so far about the popular drug? And how have GLP-1s changed the way we think about health and weight loss?GUESTS: Dr. Micah Ei
Free-To-Play Pianos Are Popping Up Around Chicago
What would you do if you noticed a piano sitting outside your favorite cafe, or walked past someone tickling the ivories as you left the grocery store? John McCarthy, founder of the nonprofit Chicago Plays, is betting people are likely to come together as a community alongside an impromptu and free public performance. Chicago Plays is spicing up the city’s public spaces with free piano co
Inside Illinois’ Gambling Problem
Illinois residents have lost nearly $8 billion gambling last year, according to a new report from the Illinois Answers Project. And for many, gambling is not easy to resist, thanks to the increase of slot machines in everyday establishments, new casinos, and mobile sports betting apps that puts the casino in people’s pockets. In fact, more than one million Illinois adults either have a ga
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 10, 2026
The Federal appeals court in Chicago upholds Illinois’ assault weapons ban one week after the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to consider a challenge to the ban in Cook County. Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel makes headlines after a controversial speech in Israel. Plus, the CTA says crime is down 30% percent over last year.In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Rec
Trump Administration Wants Illinois To Foot Its Own Bill For SNAP Program
The Trump Administration wants states to carry more of the financial burden of SNAP benefits, which were previously a federal obligation.
For Illinois, that cost shift will begin in late 2028, with the state potentially having to shoulder upwards of $700 million to sustain SNAP benefits, raising concerns about the program’s future.
In the Loop talks about what exact changes the federal
If It’s Broke, Fix It: Repair Cafes Make Your Tech, Appliances Last Longer
We live in a world where replacing something is often quicker and easier than fixing it. Your coffee maker breaks? Buy a new one. Same thing for your busted laptop.
But a growing movement is asking us to rethink that mindset. Enter: repair cafes.
From Romeoville to Evanston, there are six repair cafés across the city and suburbs where volunteers help residents extend the shelf lives of
Chicago Is Making Sports More Accessible
For some athletes, sports are about a lot more than winning. They’re about finding community, building confidence and pushing yourself to new heights. Well, you could say that’s what adaptive sports has done for athletes with disabilities. And now, competitors from the Chicago area are gearing up to join hundreds in the country’s biggest multi-sport tournament for athletes with disabiliti
Rethinking Chicago’s Next Big Infrastructure Project
For its design competition “The Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050,” World Business Chicago asked residents to come up with some ideas on what Chicago’s next big development should be. After nearly 200 submissions, six finalists have been selected and are now on display at the Chicago Cultural Center.In the Loop hears from three of the contest’s judges on what new ideas they are exci
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 2, 2026
Mayor Johnson wants to give Chicago renters new protections, Governor Pritzker issues a state disaster proclamation over extreme weather as the Chicago region remains under extreme heat warning. Plus, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling and Chicago FBI Chief DePodesta announce abrupt resignations.In the Loop breaks down those stories and more.GUESTS: Leigh Giangreco, freelance journalist
Evanston Stands Firm As DOJ Attacks Its Reparations Program
Evanston made history as the first city in the country to launch a local reparations program. Since then, the city has distributed more than $7 million to over 200 Black residents who are direct descendants of people harmed by housing discrimination.Now the federal government is putting its weight behind a lawsuit that claims Evanston’s reparations program violates the 14th Amendment on t
What's That Building: South Shore Cultural Center and Beach
The South Shore Cultural Center is a 65-acre park on Chicago's South Side that includes a secluded beach, a golf course, tennis courts and a nature sanctuary. The park’s showpiece is a Mediterranean Revival building set at the end of a long drive. Formerly known as the South Shore Country Club, the first building was constructed in 1906 and was modeled after a club in Mexico City. That st
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: June 26, 2026
After a violent weekend with eight killed and 40 injured, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joins calls for the creation of a new Department of Gun Violence Reduction. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court strikes down Hawaii’s restrictive gun law. And embattled U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros announces plans to review the work of a “Broadview Six” prosecutor going back to 2007. In the Loop breaks down t
The Impact Of The National Housing Bill On The Chicago Area
Congress passed a bipartisan package that aims to boost homeownership across the country. The legislation would restrict investors from buying up single-family homes, remove regulatory barriers to construction and create more affordable housing.However, President Donald Trump refused to sign the bill until lawmakers first passed a controversial law imposing new restrictions on voter ident
Chicago Nurses Organize for Better Working Conditions And Patient Care
Nurses everywhere are fed up. They’re organizing and walking picket lines more than ever before. Here in the Chicago area, more than 2,000 of them have voted to unionize in just the last month. On today’s In the Loop, we’ll hear first-hand accounts from a couple of local nurses and a journalist who’s been following their efforts.GUESTS: Jessica Ahn, registered nurse in the emergency depar
Should Chicago Try Something New To Tackle Gun Violence?
Over the Juneteenth weekend, Chicago saw 8 people killed and almost 40 wounded from gun violence, including a drive-by mass shooting in Roseland. In response, community leaders gathered to push for a more prevention-focused strategy, and the creation of a Department of Gun Violence Reduction. While Chicago has seen a decrease in violent crime rates over the past several years, summer is t
Is Illinois a tornado capital? ‘We need to start treating this like we are in Tornado Alley’
It’s been 12 days since storms with derecho winds roiled through Chicago, taking down trees and knocking out power in its path.
Chicagoans are still facing the consequences and picking up the pieces after their homes flooded.
How are recovery efforts coming along, and what more do residents and businesses need to bounce back?
We check in with both a resident and a business owner – as w
How To Celebrate Juneteenth In Chicago
The U.S. has officially observed June 19 as a federal holiday for the last five years. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people, and the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. Today on In the Loop, we hear about the Juneteenth celebrations and observance happening across the city this weekend, and discuss new traditions being created by communities in Chicago and beyond. G
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: June 18, 2026
No you’re not seeing things – we’re bringing you our Weekly News Recap a day early! Illinois Governor JB Pritzker promises to be “very involved” in the 2028 presidential election. A man accused of burning a cross in Grant Park faces hate crime and arson charges. The U.S. Department of Justice challenges Evanston’s reparations program. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in our
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