The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Sept. 18, 2026

   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.

   September 25, 2026·45min
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   Number 2: Chicagoans Push Back Against A ComEd Substation

   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.

   September 23, 2026·28min
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   Number 3: 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, 2026·24min
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   Number 4: 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, 2026·32min
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   Number 5: 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, 2026·26min
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