In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

Episodes

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  Illinois Aims To Reduce The Wait In Autism Diagnosis 18.08.2026 31m

  In Illinois, there are two categories of experts that can diagnose autism: psychologists and developmental physicians. But because openings with these experts are few and far between, families can be put on a waitlist that could last anywhere from months to years. That is, until now. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act early July and it allows speech-language pathologists trained in autism diagnosis evaluation to diagnose the condition in children under age three enrolled in the state’s Early Intervention program. In the Loop sits down with the lead researcher of the study and hears from two mothers of children with autism about navigating the process of getting a diagnosis. A  GUESTS: Megan Roberts, professor, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University Kiana Spears, parent of a child who was diagnosed as part of the Reduce the Wait study Debra Vines, CEO and founder, The Answer Inc. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  The Art Of Dramatic Improv 17.08.2026 31m

  Improv, short for improvisational theater, is often known for its comedic elements. But there’s another kind of improv where eliciting laughter from the audience isn’t the main goal. Dramatic improv explores the full spectrum of emotions, from the funny to the sad, to the furious!  In the Loop learns more about dramatic improv, and what it can teach us about being human.  GUESTS: Tony Rielage, artistic director and head instructor, Theatre Momentum Stephanie Kilper, therapist and ensemble member of Theatre Momentum For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: August 14, 2026 14.08.2026 49m

  Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson moves to further regulate data centers, Governor J. B. Pritzker signs a law allowing rideshare drivers to unionize, while the shocking discovery of dozens of decomposing bodies at a South Side funeral home raises calls for more government oversight.  We dig into those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Nick Blumberg, WTTW News correspondent Maxwell Evans, Block Club Chicago reporter   Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ investigative reporter   For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  Inside The Trauma Bay: How To End America’s Gun Violence Epidemic 13.08.2026 37m

  For decades, the South Side of Chicago didn’t have an operating trauma care center. This forced severely wounded people to drive to the West or North sides for care – their chances of survival reducing with every passing minute.    After a successful community-organizing campaign, University of Chicago reopened its adult trauma care center in 2018. One of the doctors behind this vital community resource is Dr. Selwyn Rogers, the founding director of the center. Because of his work, countless lives were saved.  Now, Dr. Rogers is out with a new book that chronicles his experiences in the trauma bay and provides critical analysis of America’s gun violence epidemic.  In the Loop sits down with him to talk more about the lasting and rippling impacts of gun violence and what to do to make meaningful change. GUEST: Dr. Selwyn Rogers, founding director, University of Chicago Medicine Trauma Center; author, Healing the Gun Violence Epidemic: Ending Violence, Rebuilding Communities, and a Trauma Surgeon's Vision for Restoring Hope For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  There’s A Blood Shortage In America 12.08.2026 35m

  The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood crisis in the U.S. as supplies fall to its lowest levels since the pandemic. The impacts of the blood shortage are being felt in emergency rooms and trauma care as hospitals are being forced to manage dwindling reserves. In the Loop hears from the head of the Illinois Red Cross and blood donation advocates about the impact of the blood crisis on hospitals, and what you can do to help.   GUESTS: Kellie O’Connell, CEO of American Red Cross of Illinois Dr. Ashlesha Patel, associate chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Cook County Health  James Cappleman, former alderman of the 46th Ward, blood donation advocate For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  Illinois Is Protecting Kids From The Infinite Scroll 11.08.2026 35m

  Illinois has joined a growing number of states that regulate the way social media companies can interact with minors. The Children's Online Social Media Safety Act aims to create guardrails for kids while still giving them an option to learn and connect with people through social media.  In the Loop chats with experts about what families need to know about these new regulations and the potential privacy concerns of age verification. GUESTS: Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World Marshini Chetty, professor of computer science, University of Chicago Mawa Iqbal, WBEZ senior statehouse reporter  For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  Illinois Schools Head Back To Class… And Have To Deal With A.I. 10.08.2026 35m

  As schools gear up to welcome students back to class this month, they’ll also have to come up with an idea of how to use – or protect against – artificial intelligence tools. The Illinois State Board of Education last month released a comprehensive framework on how K-12 school districts should use AI more responsibly, and is leaving it in the districts’ hands to develop more specific policies.   In the Loop discusses how AI affects our learning, and how students, teachers and parents are navigating the rapidly changing landscape of education.  GUESTS: Cassie Creswell, Executive Director of Illinois Families for Public Schools William Hubbard, UChicago’s Law School’s AI Committee Makiya Seminera, Chalkbeat Chicago Katie Page, Instructional Technology Coordinator, District 214 For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: August 7, 2026 07.08.2026 48m

  The feds threaten to prosecute Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Chicago Public Schools hope state lawmakers will approve funding, and a former top CPS executive is charged with COVID loan fraud. Also, we say good-bye to 91-year-old Chicago jazz legend Geraldine de Haas. We cover these stories and more in our Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Brandis Friedman, anchor of  WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight”  Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune political writer  Sophie Sherry, Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  Chicago’s Housing Bidding Wars 06.08.2026 32m

  How high would you be willing to go to secure that new condo? On the North Side, some Chicagoans are going hundreds of thousands of dollars above the asking price, and even waiving inspections, all to beat the competition.  In the Loop hears from a buyer and realtor who are currently navigating this turbulent housing market, alongside a reporter covering Chicago real estate. GUESTS: Abby Miller, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Ellie Howie, Lake View resident Grigory Pekarsky, co-owner of Vesta Preferred Realty For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  Reflecting On MLK’s March On Marquette Park 60 Years Later 05.08.2026 33m

  Today marks 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a coalition of Chicago residents and community leaders on a march through the city’s Marquette Park to demand an end to segregation and racist housing policies.  But what started out as a peaceful demonstration turned into a bloody riot as a white mob attacked the protest and injured dozens of people.  Last weekend, hundreds of Chicagoans – including Mayor Brandon Johnson – retraced the steps of those marchers through Marquette Park to pay reverence to the leaders of movements past and recognize the fight against social, economic and racial injustices that we face today.   Today on In the Loop, we hear from two local organizers about the enduring significance of the march and how they are using lessons from the past to lead a new generation of activists.  GUESTS:  Rami Nashashibi, executive director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network  Jacqulyn Hamilton, activist, organizer and deputy director of the Chicago Freedom School For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  Ask The Mayoral Candidate: Susana Mendoza 04.08.2026 47m

  In The Loop is interviewing candidates for Chicago mayor, and inviting listeners to join the conversation and ask their own questions.  First mayoral candidate at the mic: Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Plus: a scientist from Argonne National Laboratory shares how and why we’ve been seeing extreme weather events in the region, like severe storms, dangerous heat, and lots and lots of tornadoes.  GUESTS: Susana Mendoza, Chicago mayoral candidate and Illinois’ state comptroller  Scott Collis, atmospheric scientist, Argonne National Laboratory For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  A New One Stop Shop For Early Childhood Services 03.08.2026 38m

  Illinois has become one of a growing number of states to consolidate all of its early childhood support resources under one roof. That new department officially opened its doors the first of last month. In the Loop sits with two expert researchers in the field to learn about the state of early childhood in Illinois and what work is being done now. GUESTS: Alison Baulos, executive director of the Center for the Economics of Human Development at the University of Chicago Elliot Regenstein, lawyer, author and Illinois Department of Early Childhood transition facilitator For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap, July 31, 2026 31.07.2026 48m

  Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods grapple with the closure of seven grocery stores. An estimated 400,000 music fans expected to descend on Grant Park this weekend for Lollapalooza. Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch is coming under increasing scrutiny over his handling of sexual assault allegations against state Representative Harry Benton. While Governor Pritzker signs into law a bill that would let judges settle disputes over custody of pets. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune transportation and labor reporter Heather Cherone, WTTW Chicago politics reporter Dave McKinney, WBEZ & Chicago Sun-Times politics and government editor  For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  Mahjong: Tiles And Traditions 30.07.2026 34m

  Mahjong is a 19th-century Chinese game that is beloved across the world. It first entered the U.S. market in the 1920’s and has since endured a complex history of cultural appropriation and exoticization.  In the Loop hears about efforts to honor the heritage of mahjong and the ways that it is evolving across communities and cultures.  GUESTS: Michael Wang, co-founder, 144 Tiles Mahjong Club Luisa Jurado, co-founder, Mahjong Chicago Annelise Heinz, professor of history at the University of Oregon, and the author of Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  The Good, Bad, And Gassy Sides Of Taking Ozempic, Wegovy 29.07.2026 36m

  Sure, there are weight-loss success stories, but behind the scenes people are navigating insurance challenges, side effects, and the possibility of taking GLP-1 medications for life.  For some people, they've been life-changing. For others, they are rethinking whether the drug is worth it.  In the Loop talks with a panel of residents across the Chicago region about how these medications changed their health, their relationship with food, and the complicated decisions involved in taking or stopping GLP-1 drugs. GUESTS: Linda Nemec, Sleepy Hollow, Ill., resident Dr. Ahsan Basha, oncologist, Edgewater resident Betsy Elsaesser, Logan Square resident For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
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  Chicago Welcomes Belugas From Canada, But Not Without Concerns 28.07.2026 30m

  Four beluga whales are adjusting to life at the Shedd Aquarium after being moved from a defunct marine tourist attraction in Ontario, Canada, that had threatened to euthanize the sea mammals.  The images of the whales have captured the hearts of many, but the move isn’t without controversy.  In the Loop hears the story of how the Canadian belugas came to be swimming in Chicago and why this is raising longstanding questions of what’s in the best interest of whales in human care.  GUESTS: Johnny Ford, vice president of communications, Shedd Aquarium Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy, Animal Justice Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times features reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  Are Chicago's Sidewalks Accessible? 27.07.2026 33m

  How difficult is it for people with mobility disabilities to navigate the city’s sidewalks? This question is the center of a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.  The firm suing the city claims it has failed to maintain sidewalks leaving them inaccessible. As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, In the Loop brings together an attorney behind both the new and previous lawsuit, a plaintiff in the suit and a local advocacy group leader to hear just how accessible Chicago is. GUESTS: Rachel Weisberg, directing attorney at Disability Rights Advocates Kevin Sullivan, plaintiff against the city, motivational speaker Peter Tucic, vice president of public policy at Chicago Lighthouse For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: July 24, 2026 24.07.2026 49m

  Chicago City Council has approved referendum questions for upcoming elections, three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane is returning to the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year contract, and Chicago police have issued official guidelines on how officers should collect evidence against immigration agents suspected of violating laws. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Kim Bellware, freelance journalist Ravi Baichwal anchor at ABC 7 News Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times reporter  For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  Chicago Artists On How Public Housing Shaped Their Creativity 23.07.2026 28m

  The National Public Housing Museum is hosting the artwork of Nathaniel Mary Quinn, including a recreated Robert Taylor Homes living room he grew up in. Quinn’s exhibit “A Love Letter to My Mother” explores the complexities of family, living in public housing, and love.  In the Loop talks to artists from Chicago as they reflect how their time in public housing has shaped them and their work.  GUESTS: Floyd Webb, filmmaker and producer, former resident of Harold L. Ickes Homes Toni Asante Lightfoot, poet and creative writing instructor, former Hilliard Homes resident Toya Wolfe, writer and author of Last Summer on State Street, former resident of Robert Taylor Homes Tiff Beatty, associate director, National Public Housing Museum For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop. 
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  A Cool 100 Years Of Rainbow Cone 22.07.2026 26m

  Chicago’s summer staple is celebrating 100 years of deliciousness. Known for its layers of flavors, Rainbow Cone’s ice cream stacks chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and cherries), pistachio and orange sherbet.  In the Loop host Sasha-Ann Simons tries her first-ever Rainbow Cone and we dig into the iconic local brand's rich history.  GUESTS: Lisa Shames, freelance reporter Johnny Buonavolanto, director of sales, The Buona Companies For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.