Morning Shift Podcast

Social isolation can increase seniors' risk of developing dementia, stroke and heart disease. But Chicago advocates say the services, classes and resources that senior centers offer can act as preventative care. In the Loop check in with Yolanda Curry and Alicia Henry of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and senior Jeannine Sharpe. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In his majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito argued that Louisiana illegally used race to create a second Black-majority district. In her dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote “the court's decision will set back the foundational right Congress granted of racial equality in electoral opportunity.” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the decision “voter suppression that will silence Black and brown voters.” The NAACP called it a “devastating blow” to the Voting Rights Act. In the Loop discusses the potential local and national impact of the decision with today's panel: Stevie Valles, executive director, Chicago Votes; Karen Freeman-Wilson, president and CEO, Chicago Urban League; Chika Okafor, assistant professor of law, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade is cancelled for a second year due to immigration enforcement fears. IBM announces a new innovation center at the Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago's South Side, pledging hundreds of jobs for City College graduates. Meanwhile, in Springfield, the Illinois legislature is finalizing its game plan to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mary Norkol and Alex Nitkin, Illinois Answers Project government finance and accountability reporter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

It's been nearly five years since Illinois lawmakers passed the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History Act, or TEAACH Act. It ensures that students in every public elementary and high school in Illinois learn about the contributions of Asian Americans. In the Loop learns more with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago executive director Grace Pai, education consultant and former volunteer of the TEAACH Curriculum Development Team Smita Garg and dean of college and career counseling at Noble Schools Laura Ouk. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Often, cases of sexual violence are treated as a criminal justice issue. But this approach can lead to repeated harm, doubt, and underreporting. Survivors, experts and service providers alike are calling on all of us to start viewing this as a public health crisis. In the Loop discusses how our approach to treating and preventing sexual violence could improve, and what resources exist to support and empower survivors in our area. Resilience clinical services supervisor Jillian Furey, DePaul University professor Megan Greeson and Department of Family and Support Services' Laura Ng all join us to dig into this issue. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Seven years after the botched police raid that left Anjanette Young handcuffed and traumatized in her home, she is now being selected to join the oversight board for Chicago's police department. But the road from victim to police reform advocate has been long – and is one traced in her new memoir Past the Pain. In it, Young recounts the night her life was changed, the faith that she both questioned and drew strength from, and the support she's found along the way. In the Loop checks in with the social worker-turned-police reform advocate about her new memoir, and what she hopes changes in CPD. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In the wake of several high-profile domestic violence cases, many ending fatally, the news headlines can feel all too familiar. How these stories are told, who's centered, the language used, and what's left out shapes public understanding. So, how can journalists do better? What should responsible reporting look like? Plus, we explore the options that exist for people experiencing various forms of abuse in Illinois. In today's episode, we hear from: Karen Attiah, a journalist and founder of the Resistance Studies Series; Smriti Shukla, advocacy programs manager at Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based human rights organization; Roslyn Romero, supervisor of outreach and prevention at Pillars Community Health; and Mable Tappler, coordinator for the adult women's program at the Rosenthal Family Lodge shelter at Family Rescue. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Residents are still cleaning up basements and backyards after record-breaking rainfall. Gov. JB Pritzker says all bets are off for state employees on prediction markets. Body cam video of the shooting of Officer Krystal Rivera is released to the public. And Chicago Public School lunchroom staff block traffic over stalled contract talks. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel today: Christian Farr, NBC-5 Chicago reporter; Geoff Buchholz, WBBM Newsradio political editor; and Sarah Karp, WBEZ Education reporter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Brionna Johnson's journey with uterine fibroids was one filled with uncertainty and questions. Her search for answers led her to Dr. Pierre Johnson of Loretto Hospital on the West Side aka the “Fibroid Slayer.” He was able to perform surgery and help Brionna after another physician suggested she would need to have a hysterectomy. In the Loop hears from doctor and patient. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

How can a conversation with a tree or snapping a photo of a piping plover help support Chicago's natural environment?

How can voice connect us to the environment? That's what a Chickasaw poet and a composer explore in their new works for the Chicago-based project EcoVoice that will be performed by the Loyola University choirs. In the Loop sits down with Lokosh, a poet, Kirsten Hedegaard, founder of EcoVoice Project, and composer Jerod Impichaachaaha' Tate to learn more about the themes explored in Ámmo'naka (In A Beginning). For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th Ward, says he'll cut red tape and embrace technology to get affordable and market-rate housing and major development projects built faster.

A former ComEd CEO and an ally of former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan are both freed from prison and granted new trials. A Wisconsin sheriff files a defamation lawsuit against a Skokie woman and a Cook County Commissioner. Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers pass legislation limiting junk fees for renters. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, Chicago Tribune transportation and labor reporter Talia Soglin and WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sits down with In the Loop host Sasha-Ann Simons to answer listener questions on everything from rising taxi fares to housing affordability to recent turnover in his administration. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Yusef Jackson, the youngest of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson's sons, talks about meeting the moment as the new president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He joins In the Loop to discuss his top priorities, including voting rights and registration, human rights and education; and how his tenure as Rainbow PUSH president will lead the organization into its next chapter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

A new private school where students will learn from AI, rather than from teachers, is set to open in Chicago this fall. Questions abound: what will happen to teachers? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of relying on a relatively new technology to instruct children? In the Loop discusses with a panel of educators and AI experts: Brady Gunnink, English teacher, Jones College Prep, Katie Page, Instructional Technology Coordinator, District 214 and Kristian Hammond, director of Northwestern's Artificial Intelligence masters program. Plus, we get a status update on how AI tools are being used in Chicagoland classrooms. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In Illinois, Black women are three times more likely to die from complications due to pregnancy than white women. That rate is even higher in Chicago. The state, Cook County, and hospitals have experimented with different efforts to address the dangers to Black mothers, including boosting access to doulas. For Black Maternal Health Week, In the Loop looks at the strides made in improving birth outcomes for Black mothers, and the work that still needs to be done. Our panel today: Michelle Adeniyi, director of maternal and child health at March of Dimes; Dr. Carmen Adams, obstetrics and gynecology with Cook County Health; Raeshanda Payne, doula, Cook County Health; and doula Nikena Hannah. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Efforts begin to rename Pilsen's Cesar Chavez Post Office. Chicago launches a citywide program allowing homeowners to add additional dwelling units. Meanwhile, housing advocates announce plans to sue Chicago Housing Authority over last month's CEO appointment. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap. Our panel today: Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers; Monica Eng, Chicago reporter for AXIOS; and Sun-Times reporter Kaitlin Washburn. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In the decades since the first official report of HIV in June of 1981, there have been many advances in HIV research. However, women – particularly women of color and young women – continue to be affected by HIV/AIDS, while being ignored in mainstream conversations about it. In the Loop hears the story of Marta Santiago, a Chicago woman diagnosed with HIV in the 1980s. We also hear from UIC's Jennifer Brier about a women's living history project called “I'm Still Surviving.” For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

A record-breaking $3.3 billion was expected to be bet on NCAA basketball during March Madness, but the wagering doesn't end with sports. Some people are betting on everything from when Taylor Swift will be married to whether the U.S. pilot recently shot down in Iran would be rescued on so-called “prediction markets.” In the Loop learns more about these markets and why the Trump administration is suing Illinois over regulating them with Loyola University director of Sport Management Noah Henderson, DePaul University Law School assistant professor Karl Lockhart and State Senator Michael Hastings, Democrat representing the 19th District. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In 2024, the census recorded 1.4 million same-sex couple households, which is nearly double since 2005. In that time, the U.S. Census changed how it asked respondents about who they live with, and same-sex marriage was legalized. In the Loop digs into the local data and hears about the gains that have been made and the work for equality that still needs to be done. At the table: Mony Ruiz-Velasco, Illinois Human Rights Commission, Christine Percheski, Northwestern Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and Allison Bethel, Fair Housing Legal Clinic. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Despite the Fighting Illini's Saturday loss to UConn, fans rejoiced in the team's longest March Madness run in 21 years. And a strong season not only reinvigorated school spirit, but was an economic boost to the university and even local businesses can see a major economic boost. We dig into what a winning season means for both the fan experience and for business. Our panel at the table: Matt Brown, publisher of the sports newsletter Extra Points; Steve Greenberg, Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist; and Robert Rosenthal, publisher of Illiniboard.com and the Illini Boardroom podcast. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Police Supt. Larry Snelling faces public questioning about whether Chicago police coordinated with ICE agents. Illinois politicians respond to the firing of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Thousands gather in Grant Park and suburbs for the third No Kings rally. University of Illinois makes it to NCAA's Final Four, while the Bulls dismiss a player for social media posts. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with Nick Blumberg, WTTW News correspondent; Sophie Sherry, Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter; and Brandon Pope, freelance journalist. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In 1819, Illinois lawmakers enacted the Black Laws, which required Black people to have a certificate of freedom to live in Illinois and made it illegal to gather in groups of three or more. That is, however, unless the gathering was for religious observances. From then on, churches made for and by Black people became hubs for connecting each other to resources, for education, as well as providing a spiritual home. In an ongoing series, WBEZ explores the history of Black churches in Chicago and their impact on their communities, faith and social justice movements. In the Loop sits down with Nicole Jeanine Johnson, WBEZ and CST investigative reporting fellow; Alden Loury, WBEZ senior data projects editor; and the Rev. John Smith of Olivet Baptist Church to learn more. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Nationally, the average price of gas hit $4 a gallon. In the Chicago Metro area, it's even higher – averaging $4.41 a gallon, according to AAA. Oil is a resource many of us might take for granted, but our daily lives depend on it. In the Loop learns about all the ways petroleum products show up in our day-to-day, from filling up at the gas pump to household plastics to items like toothpaste and shampoo. At the table to make it all make sense is Karen Weigert, In the Loop's sustainability contributor, and Cécile Shea, from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Plus, Brady Holst with the Illinois Soybean Association shares how rising oil prices are impacting farmers like him. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Trans Day of Visibility is an annual, international holiday that centers the experience of trans and gender non-conforming individuals and aims to bring awareness to the struggle for self-determination. In Chicago, events range from open mic nights, opportunities to take headshots for professional development, and even beauty bazaars. In the Loop checks in with Life is Work's Zahara Bassett, Equality Illinois' Channyn Lynne Parker and Transmasc Society's Troy Taylor about the importance of the day, and ways they're celebrating. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In his new book Stand, U.S. Senator Cory Booker shares stories of how leaders of the past and present overcame the odds stacked against them with virtues including grace, humility and creativity. He stopped in Chicago on Sunday, March 29 as part of his book tour, and spoke to Sasha-Ann Simons in front of a live audience. This episode of In the Loop is an abridged version of that hour-long conversation where the senator discusses the new book, his criticisms of the Democratic Party and views on Trump Administration policies. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

It was a busy week in Chicago and the country: ICE agents head to O'Hare as TSA workers near their sixth week without pay. Political arguments continue to swirl after the shooting death of an 18-year-old Loyola student. Plus, a new baseball season brings hope to fans, but Chicago's teams fall flat on their opening day. We cover those stories and more with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp, Block Club reporter Mack Liederman and Heather Cherone, WTTW senior politics reporter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Spring is back! If you're looking for more ways to get outside, Chicagoans around the city are organizing community walking events — particularly for women to walk outside with other women. In the Loop hears from The Walking Hour founder Pamiya Opoku and Hot Girl Walk founder Mia Lind for more. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

From ancient artifacts to historic landmarks, pieces of history across the Gulf region are at risk due to armed conflict. On today's In the Loop, we'll hear from experts working to protect treasures in active conflict zones and talk about why it's important to preserve cultural heritage. At the table: archeologists Prof. Gil J. Stein, University of Chicago; Prof. Morag Kersel, DePaul University; and Patty Gerstenblith, emerita professor of law at DePaul University. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Bees and butterflies get all the buzz when it comes to pollination, but what about the underdogs? Think flies and moths, which are essential to pollination in the Midwest. In the Loop kicks off the blooming season by checking in with entomologist Allen Lawrance of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, to find out how we can use our backyards to protect and support pollinators. Plus, WBEZ kids weigh in with their questions about bees, hummingbirds, and other insects. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

A debate is raging in Chicago's City Council over how much businesses should pay tipped workers, with a majority of alders moving to freeze the increase in tipped minimum wage. It's an action Mayor Brandon Johnson says he will veto. In the Loop hears from Illinois Restaurant Association Sam Toia and One Fair Wage organizer Molly Pachay about their thoughts on ending subminimum wage. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

City Council votes to end a phaseout of the sub-minimum wage and raise the tax on downtown hotels, making it the highest hotel tax in the nation. And federal prosecutors say a local cyber security expert turned out to actually be a cyber criminal. Plus takeaways and surprises from Tuesday's primary election. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap with Julie Bosman, Chicago bureau chief for the New York Times, Fox 32 political correspondent Paris Schutz and senior public safety editor for WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times, Tom Schuba. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In honor of Women's History Month, In the Loop talks about the life and legacy of Chicago's Vernita Gray. From when she first learned about the gay liberation movement at Woodstock in the '60s to her death in 2014, Gray was a pioneer for gay and lesbian rights in Chicago. She and her partner were also the first same-sex couple to legally marry in Illinois. In the Loop learns more about Vernita Gray's instrumental work in Chicago from Jennifer Brier, distinguished professor of Gender and Women's Studies and History at UIC. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

After months of campaigning – and millions and millions of dollars spent from outside interests like AIPAC and cryptocurrency – several hotly-contested races for the U.S. Senate, governor and the U.S. House came to a close on Illinois' Primary Day. We'll dig into everything you need to know with a panel of political experts: who won, who came up short, and how the results could shape up the general midterm election in the fall. Our panel to help us break it all down: WBEZ's Clare Lane, Mariah Woelfel and Mawa Iqbal; Jaime Dominguez, professor at Northwestern University; Connie Mixon, professor of political science at Elmhurst University; and Jim Durkin, former Minority Leader, Illinois House of Representatives. We'll also hear from candidates themselves, including: Daniel Biss, mayor of Evanston, Democratic nominee for Illinois' 9th Congressional District Don Tracy, Illinois Senate Republican nominee Darren Bailey, Illinois Governor Republican nominee Juliana Stratton, Lt. Governor of Illinois, and Senate Democratic nominee For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Beyond party affiliation, there is a broad diversity in who, how and why we vote. For some, it's the issues that matter most; for others, it's party loyalty. And then there are those who choose abstention. Today on In the Loop, Stevie Valles, executive director, Chicago Votes, and Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times reporter, give us a primary day primer on what motivates us to vote. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sits down with In the Loop host Sasha-Ann Simons to answer listener questions on everything from the Illinois primary election to efforts afoot to once again allow a subminimum wage in Chicago to questions about small business, public safety and education. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker surveys the destruction left behind after a series of wild storms rip through Kankakee County, destroying homes and buildings. Plus, the Illinois primary election is next week, and all eyes are on the tight race to replace longtime retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. We also talk about campaign finances and the use of AI in technology in political ads. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, WBEZ politics editor Dave McKinney and local journalist Leigh Giangreco. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

During this final week before Primary Day in Illinois, Republican candidates are making their final pitches to voters for who is best to replace veteran U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. In The Loop checks in with three candidates in the GOP race: Chicago lawyer Jeanne Evans, entrepreneur Casey Chlebek and former chairman of the Illinois Republican party Don Tracy. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

During this final week before Primary Day in Illinois, the Democratic candidates are making their final pitches to voters for who is best to replace veteran U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Polls show Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the lead. In The Loop checks in with the frontrunners on the campaign trail. You can find our interviews with Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton if you scroll through our feed. Today, we sit down with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

During this final week before Primary Day in Illinois, the Democratic candidates are making their final pitches to voters for who is best to replace veteran U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Polls show Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the lead. In The Loop checks in with the frontrunners on the campaign trail. We'll bring you our conversation with Rep. Krishnamoorthi on Wednesday, and you can find our interview with Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) if you scroll through our feed. Today, we sit down with Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In the race to replace veteran U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, analysis from the New York Times shows Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton are leading in the polls. During this final week before Primary Day in Illinois, candidates are making their final pitches to voters, and the process can be a 24/7 grind of glad-handing, raising money and not sleeping. In The Loop checks in with the leading candidates on the campaign trail. First up: Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). We'll bring you our conversations with Lt. Gov. Stratton and Rep. Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday and Wednesday on this podcast. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.