In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

We’re rolling out a project this summer called The Movie That Made Me. We’re interviewing interesting people about the one movie that had the biggest impact on their lives. Many of the movies will likely be something they saw in childhood that continues to resonate to this day, or a movie they keep coming back to.  First up: Chicago Tribune Film Critic Michael Phillips

The Supreme Court’s decision on President Obama’s immigration plan ended in a split decision. That means the lower court’s ruling to block the plan stands--at least until the court gets a 9th justice. It also means millions of undocumented immigrants who are the parents of citizens or permanent residents could be deported and will still be deprived of a lawful way to work. We get legal and personal perspectives on the ruling and find out what happens next for families caught in the middle.

The harsh winters in Chicago can give local gardeners nightmares, but we often forget how difficult it can also be to keep your plants healthy during the summer.  Hot temperatures and unpredictable rains can wreak havoc on your garden, and this goes without mentioning all the bugs that are sure to pay a visit. We talk with Eliza Fournier from the Chicago Botanic Garden about the best way to keep your garden looking great this summer

Balancing work, kids and their activities, along with conflicting schedules and cooking every night was driving a local mom over the edge. After some heartfelt advice from a good friend, Zen of Slow Cooking co-creator Meg Barnhart bought a slow cooker and took some of the stress out of her life. She and the other co-creator Jane McKay share their stories, best practices and some recipes for a relaxing summer full of great meals.

In the latest installment in our series What’s That Building? Dennis Rodkin of Crain’s Chicago Business gives us the backstory on the iconic Chicago Theatre, with its elaborate marquee and 76-foot-tall vertical “Chicago” sign.

Aldermen have voted 43-7 to pass a slate of changes to the way Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental companies are regulated in the City of Chicago.  Morning Shift talks to WBEZ’s Lauren Chooljian about what went down at Wednesday’s zany City Council meeting and what the new rules mean for Airbnb hosts, guests and more.

House Democrats have ended their almost 26-hour-long sit-in to push for gun control legislation, pledging on Thursday afternoon to continue their fight once Congress returns from the July Fourth recess. Illinois Representative Robin Kelly joins us to give us her take.

This week, Ayana Contreras brings us another sampling of soulful summer songs. In what’s turned into an annual tradition, Ayana will dig deep for songs perfect for your next pool party or barbecue.

Theaster Gates’s unique training as both an artist and urban planner have allowed him to see opportunities for redevelopment where it otherwise went unnoticed.  Gates has been behind the push to take buildings in Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood and redevelop them into spaces where the neighborhood and culture convene. But he says redevelopment has to be done based on a set of values and driven by mission.  Morning Shift talks to Gates about ethical redevelopment.

New Zealand journalist David Farrier has built a career telling stories about the fun and wacky side of the news. So when he learned about competitive tickling competitions, he knew he’d found his next assignment.  What unfolded next revealed a dark world centered around power and money, and eventually he became a subject in his own story. He documents it all in Tickled, which screens this weekend at Music Box Theatre.  Morning Shift talks to Farrier about the aggressive harassment and threats he received that pushed him to dig deeper into the world of competitive tickling.