Podcast
In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons
Hosted by WBEZ Chicago · EN
We’re unpacking the headlines and making the news make sense. Get connected with local experts, your neighbors and the stories shaping Chicago.
113episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Have We Learned About GLP-1s?
2w ago00:34:25Tap to summarizeWeight-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 Eimer, cardiologist, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg SchoolDavid D. Kim, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and public health sciences at University of ChicagoRachelle Lacroix Mallick, registered dietician and nutritionist with a focus on reproductive healthFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →Free-To-Play Pianos Are Popping Up Around Chicago
3w ago00:27:41Tap to summarizeWhat 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 concerts courtesy of your own neighbors. In the Loop sits with the man behind the music. GUESTS: John McCarthy, founder, Chicago PlaysWon Kim, artist and chefFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →Inside Illinois’ Gambling Problem
3w ago00:33:52Tap to summarizeIllinois 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 gambling addiction or are at risk of developing one.Who is losing the most money, and what is the state doing to help people at risk of addiction? In The Loop finds out more about what guardrails exist – or don’t – when it comes to gambling in Illinois, and what state lawmakers are doing about it. GUESTS: Casey Toner, reporter, Illinois Answers Elizabeth Thielen, senior director at Nicasa Behavioral Health ServicesFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 10, 2026
3w ago00:46:08Tap to summarizeThe 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 Recap.GUESTS: David Greising, president, Better Government AssociationOlivia Olander, state government reporter, Chicago TribuneMitch Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times reporter covering government and politicsFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →Trump Administration Wants Illinois To Foot Its Own Bill For SNAP Program
3w ago00:34:41Tap to summarizeThe 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 government wants, how it will impact states and SNAP recipients, and what lawmakers can do about it. GUESTS: Nolan Downey, senior director of policy, Greater Chicago Food Depository Carolyn Barnes, associate professor, Crown Family School at UChicago Illinois State Rep. Dagmara Avelar, (D-Bolingbrook)
Transcribe →If It’s Broke, Fix It: Repair Cafes Make Your Tech, Appliances Last Longer
3w ago00:26:58Tap to summarizeWe 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 their tech, appliances and other belongings. In the Loop learns more about how to take part, be more sustainable with your stuff, and save money. GUESTS: Maria Anna Rafac, Campus Sustainability Coordinator at Joliet Junior College Elyse Hoffenberg, Clerk of the Township of Lyons Amy Yee, Chicago Sun-Times economy and business reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →Chicago Is Making Sports More Accessible
4w ago00:35:11Tap to summarizeFor 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 disabilities. We’ll hear from a panel of veterans in the game about what the experience means to them – and how more Chicagoans can get involved.GUESTS: Jorge Alfaro, coach of Chicago Hornets, a wheelchair basketball teamDylan Sams, sports coordinator, Shirley Ryan AbilityLabLarry Labiak, disability policy officer, Chicago Park DistrictFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →Rethinking Chicago’s Next Big Infrastructure Project
4w ago00:29:34Tap to summarizeFor 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 excited about.GUESTS: Phil Clement, CEO of World Business ChicagoEleanor Gorski, CEO and President of Chicago Architecture CenterKenya Merritt, Commissioner of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special EventsFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 2, 2026
Jul 200:50:04Tap to summarizeMayor 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 journalistRummana Hussain, Chicago Sun-Times opinion pages editor and columnist Shia Kapos, Politico reporter and author of Politico’s Illinois Playbook newsletterFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →Evanston Stands Firm As DOJ Attacks Its Reparations Program
Jul 100:34:40Tap to summarizeEvanston 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 the grounds of race discrimination. In the Loop hears from some of the architects of Evanston’s program and a reparations recipient about the impact of the program on the community and why they say it’s necessary. GUESTS: Mayor Daniel Biss, City of Evanston Robin Rue Simmons, chair of Evanston Reparations Committee; founder and executive director of FirstRepairKimberly Holmes-Ross, executive director of Evanston Cradle to Career; reparations recipientsFor a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Transcribe →