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
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
Who Is Winning The Fight Around Book Bans?
What’s behind the surge to try to ban books and what does it mean for readers?We tap in with a panel of experts, including an Illinois author whose children’s book is banned from several shelves outside of the state.GUESTS: Veronica Arreola, author of the children’s book “J Is for Justice” Emily Knox, interim dean and professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Il
Housing In The Shadow Of The Obama Presidential Center
Housing advocates have warned that the Obama Presidential Center could price out longtime residents. So far, the cost of single and multi-family homes in Woodlawn closest to the Obama Center have doubled since 2019, and less than a third of housing stock in the area was considered affordable. Also, the number of short-term rentals, like Airbnb, are increasing in the neighborhoods around t
Monumental Works: The Story Of Art And Artists At The Obama Center
Chicago is just days away from the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. And it’s not just a museum or library, but also a home to a whole lot of art. Inside, outside, on the walls, IN the walls, overhead – and even the benches visitors will sit on. So who is this art for, and what message does it convey? In The Loop talks with three of the Chicago artists featur
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: June 12, 2026
Chicago police investigate a cross burning and potential hate crime in Grant Park. Governor Pritzker says he’s open to calling a special legislative session to reach a Bears stadium deal. Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel pedals presidential aspirations on a bike tour of New Hampshire.In the Loop breaks down those stories and much more with Axios’ Carrie Shepherd,Chicago Tribune’s Dan Pet
Chicago Needs Safer Streets For Cyclists And Pedestrians
Biking advocate and Chicago Department of Transportation worker Riley O’Neil, 35, died on Friday, June 5, after he was hit with a car door and thrown into oncoming traffic. Since O’Neil’s death, advocates are calling on the city to build more protected bike lanes to prevent fatal incidents like this one. In the Loop sits down with local organizers and cyclists — Charna Albert with Chicago
Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz, Residents Talk About What They Want To See For Chicago’s West Side
On today’s In the Loop, Sasha sits down with Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz to talk about his work spearheading a multi-billion-dollar revamp of the area around the United Center.Plus, we’ll hear more about the history of the West Side and how residents feel about the historic investment. Today’s guests are: Danny Wirtz, Chairman and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks; Marie Henderson, owner Out o
Local Queer Elders On LGBTQ+ Pride In 2026
The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project and the Gerber/Hart LGBTQ Library and Archives are hosting a panel of elders who will share their slices of Chicago’s queer history. In the face of federal attacks against the gay and trans community, hearing the stories from community leaders who helped pave the way for queer rights is more important than ever. To hear how queer elders are re
Plot Twist: Bears Take Serious Step Toward Indiana
Is Indiana the inevitable new home for the Bears, or is the leap toward Hammond just a stealthy negotiation tactic to put pressure on Illinois? The team announced Friday that its board of directors has voted to push forward with developing a stadium in Hammond, Ind., even though an exact site has not been selected yet. So are Chicago and Arlington Heights really out of the running? Will t
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: June 5, 2026
ICE agents sparked chaos in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, crashing into a woman’s car and threatening residents as they chased and detained a man. Media outlets got a preview of the Obama Presidential Center campus. Developers break ground on a $7-billion project around the United Center. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with WBEZ senior stateh
Is The New Parental NICU Leave Enough?
On June 1, Illinois’ Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act went into effect. The law entitles eligible parents with babies in the NICU with up to 20 days of unpaid leave.For more on what this new law could mean for families, In the Loop sits down with three Illinois mothers: Francennett Llamas of The Little Warriors Project, Amanda Santoro with The Little Giraffe Foundation, and Chicag
Eliminating Chicago’s ‘Pharmacy Deserts’
As big box pharmacies continue to disappear from Chicago’s South and West sides, thousands of Chicagoans are having to travel miles outside of their neighborhood for medication. Some residents are even forgoing their prescriptions.Today on In the Loop, Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward shares his plan to fill the gaps left behind. Plus, Edwin Muldrow, a second-generation pharmacist, e
Illinois Makes Strides In Regulating A.I: ‘No Technological System Is Inevitable’
Just before the legislation session wrapped in Springfield this week, Illinois lawmakers passed landmark legislation regulating artificial intelligence.
Senate Bill 315 requires developers to publish reports explaining the capabilities and risks associated with its technology. It also mandates third-party audits.
Illinois is one of just a handful of states pushing through laws that regu
Chicago’s Efforts To Make Housing Affordable
Home prices in Chicago are rising at more than five times the national average, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s BUILD plan — aimed to streamline housing development — didn’t pass during Springfield’s spring legislative session. So what will it take to make housing more affordable and homeownership more attainable in Chicago? In the Loop checks in with Lissette Castañeda, Commissioner
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: May 29, 2026
The Obama Presidential Center announces the schedule for its grand opening. Chicago’s U.S. Attorney’s Office says it’s instituting reforms after the high-profile case against a group of ICE protesters falls apart because of prosecutorial misconduct. Plus, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson visits Pope Leo XIV in Rome. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with freelance journalist and
Building Intersectional Solidarity In Chicago: ‘We Don’t Live Single-Issue Lives’
Intersectional solidarity is an approach to activism where different identity groups join together to fight oppressive forces. In honor of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, In the Loop explores how other marginalized communities can show up for Asian Americans and how Asian Americans can stand arm-in-arm with them.
To find out more about ways Chicagoans can
‘Stone Soup Chicago’ And Storytelling For The Common Good
A centuries-old folktale about community, empathy and shared meals gets the Chicago treatment in a kids book from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Stone Soup Chicago is part of a campaign by the food bank to combat hunger at a time of widespread food insecurity. In the Loop sits down with author and comics creator John Jennings, illustrator and multidisciplinary artist Sam Kirk and Gr
How ‘Memory Cafes’ Help People With Dementia
More than 7 million people in the U.S. currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to increase as the nation’s population ages. People in this group and their caregivers are at risk of social isolation, but “memory cafes” are helping them connect in the Chicago area. In the Loop checks in with participant and caregiver Robert Contino, memory cafe coordinator Molly
Measuring Racial Progress Six Years On From George Floyd
Six years after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police and the global protests that followed, rhetoric around race in America is sliding backward. The Trump Administration has aggressively gone after DEI initiatives, and the Supreme Court has weakened a landmark piece of civil rights legislation – a decision that undermines Black voting power. On today’s In the Loop, how are we
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: May 22, 2026
Happy Friday! It’s been another busy week in politics, the economy, and more. So before you head out for the long Memorial Day weekend, get caught up on the top local stories you need to know about: Illinois lawmakers debate insurance rate reform and prescription drug costs, charges are dropped against the Broadview Six, and Chicago broadcast journalists sue big tech.
In the Loop breaks
Ask Chicago’s Mayor: May 2026
In the Loop and In the Loop listeners talk to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson about everything from city assistance for small grocery stores to a Chicago Bears stadium to wages for restaurant workers to the city’s finances. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
The Continued Push For ERA Recognition
The Drive the Vote for Equality campaign stopped in Chicago this week to press for national recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment.On today’s In the Loop, we look back at Illinois' complicated history with ERA, and find out how the current state of the fight for the ERA ties into today's battles over voting rights. At the table: Maureen Hellwig, president emeritus of the Chicago Women’
Chicago’s Got More Options When Calling 911
When someone picks up the phone to call 911 during a mental health crisis, WHO shows up can make all the difference.Since 2021, a Chicago program has been deploying social workers instead of law enforcement to non-violent mental health incidents. It’s called the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program (CARE), and now it's expanding to serve ALL of Chicago.So, what does that expa
Poof! A Former Prime Rib Spot Is Now A Place Where Magic Happens
What’s That Building? Oh, just another Chicago spot with a pretty wild story.The old McCormick mansion on Ontario Street has been reinventing itself over the decades. It’s been closed since 2020, but now the historic building is going from a prime rib spot… to a new immersive magic venue. Chicago architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin brings us the inside scoop. For a full archive of In the Lo
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: May 15, 2026
Former Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas is fined for violating campaign finance rules. Mayor Johnson announces plans to meet with Pope Leo XIV in Rome. Lawyers for residents of the South Shore apartment building raided during Operation Midway Blitz seek millions in damages from the federal government. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with WBEZ education reporter Sarah K
To BUILD Or Not To BUILD: The Pros and Cons of Pritzker's Plan for ‘Attainable’ Housing
Illinois needs over 100,000 units to fill a severe housing shortage. Gov. Pritzker has a new plan to address this problem, the Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD.Housing advocates say the BUILD plan will help with housing affordability, particularly in neighborhoods with high demand. But some are concerned that this plan will take power from local municipalities and open the door
For The Love Of Piping Plovers
The arrival of piping plovers Monty and Rose to Chicago’s Montrose Beach in 2019 captivated the city’s residents. Chicago’s love affair with the endangered birds grew into an entire fandom which included merch, a film and an army of volunteers dedicated to protecting the piping plovers. Seven years on, while the original love birds are no longer with us, Chicago's population of plovers ha
How SNAP Cuts Are Hitting Chicago
Sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program made by the federal government last year are now going into effect. In the Loop gets updates and hears how changes to SNAP benefits are impacting local grocery stores and Chicago-area families. Guest host Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city government reporter, checks in with Nolan Downey of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Melod
What Chicago’s Fight Against ICE Looks Like Now
Months after the end of Operation Midway Blitz, immigration enforcement and detention is still underway in the Chicago area. But as federal agents have pivoted to a quieter approach, so too have rapid responders — advocates who work to provide fast on-the-ground help to people vulnerable to immigration raids and arrests. In the Loop checks in with Cristóbal Cavazos of the Casa DuPage Work
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: May 8, 2026
Ready for a week’s worth of news in under an hour? Illinois State Police open an investigation into the ICE shooting of Silverio Villegas González. Mayor Johnson goes on the offense against the Bears in Springfield. Tickets for the opening of the Obama Center go on sale. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our pa
Bodycam Footage Gives Insight Into Operation Midway Blitz’s Aggressive Tactics
In November 2025, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered footage from Border Patrol agents' body cameras be released. Filmmaker Bill Morrison took that footage and interwove it with cellphone video from residents to show how quickly the scene in Chicago became chaotic and violent. In the Loop sits down with director Bill Morrison and producer Maria Inés Zamudio to learn more about the sto
New Pay-To-Park Gates At Some Chicago Beaches
New pay-to-park barriers are popping up at some of Chicago beaches, including at the historic Rainbow Beach. The Park District says the new barriers will generate millions in revenue. Community members say the new barriers are aggressive and unwelcoming.Today on In the Loop, we hear from Brian Gladstein of Friends of the Parks, Sherry Williams of the Burnham Park Advisory Council and Ald.
How Chicago Seniors Can Fight Isolation
Social isolation can increase seniors' risk of developing dementia, stroke and heart disease. But Chicago advocates say the services, classes and resources that senior centers offer can act as preventative care. In the Loop check in with Yolanda Curry and Alicia Henry of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and senior Jeannine Sharpe.For a full archive of In the Loop inte
What The SCOTUS Decision On Voting Rights Means For You In Illinois
In his majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito argued that Louisiana illegally used race to create a second Black-majority district.
In her dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote “the court’s decision will set back the foundational right Congress granted of racial equality in electoral opportunity.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the decision “voter suppression that will silence Black
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: May 1, 2026
Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo parade is cancelled for a second year due to immigration enforcement fears. IBM announces a new innovation center at the Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s South Side, pledging hundreds of jobs for City College graduates. Meanwhile, in Springfield, the Illinois legislature is finalizing its game plan to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. In the Loop br
The Importance Of Asian American History
It’s been nearly five years since Illinois lawmakers passed the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History Act, or TEAACH Act. It ensures that students in every public elementary and high school in Illinois learn about the contributions of Asian Americans. In the Loop learns more with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago executive director Grace Pai, education consultant and
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