In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

The multibillion-dollar project Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s South Side promises to be one of the largest private investments in the area. Backers of the project say it will be an economic boon for the area, creating jobs and affordable housing. But some residents are concerned about the economic and environmental impact the 128-acre park will have on the area. On...

In the Loop checks in with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for our monthly “Ask the Mayor” series and takes listener questions on the immigration crackdown, city budget, public safety, the Bears playoff victory and more. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Bookstore giant Barnes & Noble is opening new locations in downtown, Hyde Park, Oak Park and Skokie. As the chain continues to see growth since its change in leadership in 2019, some are concerned about the return of the big-box bookstore where small, independent bookstores already exist. In the Loop talks about the Barnes & Noble expansion in Chicago, its impact on local bookshops and...

Ticket prices reach a record high for the Bears and Packers wild-card game, the city of Chicago adds a new surcharge for ride shares, and U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley announces plans to run for Chicago’s next mayor. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago reporter, Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune city hall reporter and Sarah...

How many of this week’s top local headlines do you remember? We put our live studio audience in the hot seat for the high-stakes prize of some WBEZ swag. Plus: We’re dusting off our vocal pipes and learning to sing in harmony with Davin Youngs, the founder of Chicago Circle Singing. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Effective January 14, immigrants from seven Latin American and Caribbean countries who entered the U.S. with Family Reunification Parole after 2023 will have their legal status revoked and will have to leave the country. The Trump administration says it's going after fraud and lackluster vetting processes set forth when former President Biden streamlined this process. In the Loop learns what this...

It’s that time of year again: coughs, sniffles and a whole lot of people feeling achy and run down. Chicago is among several US cities experiencing a surge in influenza cases, and a new strain of influenza called subclade K or “super K” is partly to blame. On today’s In the Loop, we talk with experts about how to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Our panel today: Dr. Brian Borah,...

After seizing the Venezuelan president and his wife, President Donald Trump says the United States plans to "run" the country for an unspecified amount of time, zeroing in on advancing American oil interests there. Illinois leaders are raising major concerns and questions about the U.S. strike, and calling for a push to “take back” the power of Congress. We check in with U.S. congress members...

According to GoFundMe’s end-of-year report, campaigns to fund basic necessities like housing, utilities and groceries are on the rise after quadrupling in 2024. In the Loop gets insight on how we got here, how this impact is felt locally, and local efforts to close gaps through mutual aid efforts and policy shifts. Dion Dawson, founder, executive director Dion’s Chicago Dream and Bob Palmer,...

Are you an adventurous eater? Or are you married to your classic “go-tos?” How about some recs for the best places to get a bite with a twist? A trio of journalists behind a new guide from WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times review their favorite plates and treats on In the Loop. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.