In the Loop

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 down with advocates and officials to understand what’s at stake and unravel questions about the legal frameworks that could see the project move forward without community involvement. 

GUESTS: State Rep. Ann Williams, IL.11th district

Kyle Donash, member, Diversey Community Coalition

For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

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 stage with the Freedom Riders band. And local singer and songwriter V.V. Lightbody stopped by to perform a song off her new album “Period Piece,” which drops on Oct. 9. 

GUESTS: Kathy O’Malley, former host, The Kathy & Judy show on WGN radio

Jacoby Cochran, City Cast Chicago host

Richard Steele, former WBEZ host

Kurt Elling, Chicago jazz singer and songwriter

V.V. Lightbody, Chicago singer and songwriter

For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

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 of political science at the University of Chicago and author of Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism

For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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