In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

By WBEZ Chicago

We’re unpacking the headlines and making the news make sense. Get connected with local experts, your neighbors and the stories shaping Chicago.

... more

· News

4.7

307307 ratings

FAQs about In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons:

How many episodes does In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons have?

The podcast currently has 4,780 episodes available.

Best of In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: 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 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.
September 17, 202624min
Number 2: 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’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.
September 16, 202632min
Number 3: 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 chancellor for data science and AI strategy at UIC For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 15, 202626min
Number 4: 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 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.
September 11, 202647min
Number 5: 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 projects editor Paris Schutz, political and investigative reporter, NBC 5 For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
September 04, 202649min