In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

WBEZ Chicago

4.7 (309)
News
Updated Daily

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

3h ago

Remembering Dolly Parton

We honor the late country music icon, Dolly Parton. The family of the acclaimed singer announced her death at 80 years old yesterday. In an interview with People on Friday, August 21, Parton said, “I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.” In the Loop’s discusses the legacy and impact of Dolly Parton. Plus, Indiana residents may be getting federal assistance for weather damage and a first look at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival. GUESTS: Somer Van Benton, WBEZ reporter Clare Lane, WBEZ Morning Edition anchor Erica Thompson, Chicago Sun-Times arts and entertainment reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
3h ago

Why Is The WNBA Being Politicized?

Tensions over race and gender have manifested in former NBA players disrupting games and Republican lawmakers sending a letter to the WNBA’s commissioner demanding "accountability." In the Loop discusses the politicization of the WNBA and why it’s become a flashpoint for culture wars. GUESTS: Cheryl Raye-Stout, WBEZ sports contributor Quita Wiggins, host Quita in the Mornings on YouTube For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
11h ago

Giving Black Men Their Flowers

Robert Washington-Vaughns started the Black Men Flower Project in 2021 after delivering flowers to his friends as a token of his appreciation for them. Since then the award winning non-profit has sent more than 2,500 bouquets to Black men across the country in an effort to promote healing and connection. In the Loop sits down with one of the people behind the love to talk about challenging stereotypes of Black masculinity through beauty and self care. GUESTS: John Caleb Pendleton, vice-chair and lead Chicago florist, The Black Men Flower Project; founder of Planks and Pistils For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
2d ago

The Hunt For Former President Barack Obama’s Tan Suit

In 2014, President Barack Obama stepped up to the podium in the White House Briefing Room to update the country on the economy, foreign policy and more. But all anyone could seem to talk about was the president’s fashion choice for the day. The president, known for usually wearing a navy or gray suit, made a rare fashion divergence – one that was described as everything from hands “cool” to “unpresidential.” But where is that suit now? We hear about a veteran Sun-Times reporter’s cross-country mission to locate the infamous suit. GUESTS: Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun-Times special correspondent Terrell Frazier, lead interviewer for the Obama Presidential Oral History For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
5d ago

WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Aug. 21, 2026

Mayhem breaks out in the Wrigley stands during the Crosstown Classic. Hundreds of union members rallied outside the Shedd Aquarium. Commutes are about to get pricer after the Illinois Tollway Board approved its first toll hike in nearly 15 years, and Gov. Pritzker signed a disaster proclamation to help areas hit by this summer’s record-breaking storms. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more. GUESTS: Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Shia Kapos, Politico reporter and author of Politico’s Illinois Playbook newsletter Cheryl Raye-Stout, WBEZ sports contributor For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
6d ago

Is Trump’s New Strategy Clearing Backlog Of Immigration Cases Or Furthering Mass Deportations?

Getting a citizenship, asylum or a permanent residency case in front of a judge is a notoriously slow process. Now, the Trump administration is speeding it up with so-called “mega master” calendar hearings where dozens of people are asked to appear in immigration court on short notice. This means people have to scramble to find a lawyer, arrange childcare, and get the day off work, leaving many unable to attend their court hearing. But, if people fail to show up to court, it could mean an automatic deportation order. The administration says it's a way to reduce the number of cases backlogged but some advocates call it a tactic to further the administration’s goal of mass deportations. In the Loop sits down with an immigration reporter to get the latest and hears from an Illinois lawmaker calling for the end of the “mega master” court hearings. GUESTS: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad, WBEZ Immigration reporter U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8) For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Aug 19

Ask The Mayoral Candidate: Congressman Mike Quigley

In The Loop is interviewing candidates for Chicago’s next mayor, and inviting listeners to join the conversation and ask their own questions. Today at the mic: U.S Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois’ 5th District. Plus: WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel shares the ins and outs of the Chicago mayoral race so far. GUESTS: U.S Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois’ 5th District. Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ City Hall reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Aug 18

Illinois Aims To Reduce The Wait In Autism Diagnosis

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.

See All (2K)

4.7

out of 5

309 Ratings

Listener for years…

07/21/2025

Burchp

I’m less aware of what’s going down in the city without this show! Thank you, Sasha! And PUBLIC MEDIA!!!
Excellent host

01/02/2025

bizzysteph

Simons is fantastic — sincerely empathetic and curious, asking questions that yield fascinating answers. The topics are relevant to every day people and hyper local in the best way
Sasha is AWESOME

01/19/2023

Yaditexas

Hearing Sasha hang up on Richard Pearson of the Illinois Division of the NRA was perfect. Natalie Moore interviews and segments are my favorites.
Great show, small gripe

10/07/2024

KKrasinski

I enjoy Reset’s content about the Chicagoland area. It gives good context on specific issues in a format similar to NYT’s The Daily gives on worldwide issues. My only complaint is a technical one, which is that the maximum volume of the episodes is lower than most of the other podcasts I listen to, including some from WBEZ. There are times when I am unable to listen to it because the ambient noise level around me is too high, but other podcast with higher max volume are completely understandable. If this level can be adjusted then the podcast would be near perfect in my eyes.