Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again in the hot seat, answering our questions – and yours – during our monthly public forum “Ask The Mayor.” 

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

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are one of the fastest growing pharmaceuticals. But as newer GLP-1 medications hit the market, questions remain about side effects, health equity and the cultural impact. On today’s In the Loop, we ask: what have we learned so far about the popular drug? And how have GLP-1s changed the way we think about health and weight loss?

GUESTS: Dr. Micah Eimer, cardiologist, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School

David D. Kim, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and public health sciences at University of Chicago

Rachelle Lacroix Mallick, registered dietician and nutritionist with a focus on reproductive health

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

What would you do if you noticed a piano sitting outside your favorite cafe, or walked past someone tickling the ivories as you left the grocery store?

John McCarthy, founder of the nonprofit Chicago Plays, is betting people are likely to come together as a community alongside an impromptu and free public performance. Chicago Plays is spicing up the city’s public spaces with free piano concerts courtesy of your own neighbors. In the Loop sits with the man behind the music.

GUESTS: John McCarthy, founder, Chicago Plays

Won Kim, artist and chef

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

Illinois residents have lost nearly $8 billion gambling last year, according to a new report from the Illinois Answers Project.

And for many, gambling is not easy to resist, thanks to the increase of slot machines in everyday establishments, new casinos, and mobile sports betting apps that puts the casino in people’s pockets. In fact, more than one million Illinois adults either have a gambling addiction or are at risk of developing one.

Who is losing the most money, and what is the state doing to help people at risk of addiction?

In The Loop finds out more about what guardrails exist – or don’t – when it comes to gambling in Illinois, and what state lawmakers are doing about it.

GUESTS: Casey Toner, reporter, Illinois Answers

Elizabeth Thielen, senior director at Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

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

The Federal appeals court in Chicago upholds Illinois’ assault weapons ban one week after the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to consider a challenge to the ban in Cook County. Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel makes headlines after a controversial speech in Israel. Plus, the CTA says crime is down 30% percent over last year.

In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap.

GUESTS: David Greising, president, Better Government Association

Olivia Olander, state government reporter, Chicago Tribune

Mitch Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times reporter covering government and politics

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

For some athletes, sports are about a lot more than winning. They’re about finding community, building confidence and pushing yourself to new heights. Well, you could say that’s what adaptive sports has done for athletes with disabilities.

And now, competitors from the Chicago area are gearing up to join hundreds in the country’s biggest multi-sport tournament for athletes with disabilities.

We’ll hear from a panel of veterans in the game about what the experience means to them – and how more Chicagoans can get involved.

GUESTS: Jorge Alfaro, coach of Chicago Hornets, a wheelchair basketball team

Dylan Sams, sports coordinator, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Larry Labiak, disability policy officer, Chicago Park District

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

For its design competition “The Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050,” World Business Chicago asked residents to come up with some ideas on what Chicago’s next big development should be. After nearly 200 submissions, six finalists have been selected and are now on display at the Chicago Cultural Center.

In the Loop hears from three of the contest’s judges on what new ideas they are excited about.

GUESTS: Phil Clement, CEO of World Business Chicago

Eleanor Gorski, CEO and President of Chicago Architecture Center

Kenya Merritt, Commissioner of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

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

Mayor Johnson wants to give Chicago renters new protections, Governor Pritzker issues a state disaster proclamation over extreme weather as the Chicago region remains under extreme heat warning. Plus, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling and Chicago FBI Chief DePodesta announce abrupt resignations.

In the Loop breaks down those stories and more.

GUESTS: Leigh Giangreco, freelance journalist

Rummana Hussain, Chicago Sun-Times opinion pages editor and columnist

Shia Kapos, Politico reporter and author of Politico’s Illinois Playbook newsletter

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