Morning Shift Podcast

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.

Kristi Noem is out as DHS secretary; meanwhile, Cook County prosecutors dismiss 21 cases against local ICE protesters. Chicago is one step closer to video gambling in bars and restaurants and Jesse Jackson memorials conclude in Chicago. In the Loop goes behind the headlines in the Weekly News Recap. Today's panel: Mitch Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times, Geoff Buchholz of WBBM Newsradio, and Jake Sheridan of the Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Real estate developer Related Midwest bought the 62-acre site (known as The 78) back in 2016. On Tuesday, it broke ground for the Chicago Fire's new soccer stadium. The project's developers have made many promises to the city from affordable housing, economic growth and developed riverfront. But some residents of neighboring communities still have concerns. To find out what these concerns are and how developers, sports organizations and neighbors can all work together, In the Loop hears from Sarah Tang with the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community and Roderick Wilson with Lugenia Burns Hope Center. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago's premiere alt-weekly has been a hub for art, music, and local investigations since the 1970s. Following a brief hiatus from print, the Chicago Reader is returning to print with a fresh approach to its locally-rooted writing and reporting. We check in with the Reader's editor-in-chief Sarah Conway, and features writer Katie Prout, on how its team is building on the legacy of the Reader to create a renewed vision for community-focused journalism. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

About 17 of the 32 people charged with nonimmigration crimes during Operation Midway Blitz have had their cases dropped with no convictions. Regardless, the toll that comes with federal prosecution doesn't just disappear as soon as the case does. In the Loop talks to Jocelyne Robledo, a defendant of one of the 17 failed prosecution cases and with Jon Seidel, Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Six Illinois Democrats boycott President Trump's State of the Union address. Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker demands a $8.6 billion refund for Illinois taxpayers after the Supreme Court rules against Trump tariffs. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng, WTTW anchor and host Brandis Friedman and WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Who gets to be an American citizen? And what rights does citizenship afford? Those questions are explored in the new book, “Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth.” Local author Daisy Hernández blends personal stories with a retrospective on how citizenship was initially constructed and how it's changed over time. In the Loop sits down with the author to discuss. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

A racial slur at the British Film Awards is the latest of several recent public racist incidents that have left Black people feeling dehumanized and disrespected. Today on In the Loop, how much longer will Black and Brown people be asked to extend grace that they are often not afforded? We talk about healing from racial trauma with Pilar Audain, associate director of Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Greater Chicago; Brandon Pope, president of the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists; and Danielle Robinson Bell, associate professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In 2024, Republicans won on an anti-immigrant platform. Vice President Kamala Harris had a “tough on the border” message. Now, Democratic candidates for Congress and Senate are rallying around an anti-extreme immigration enforcement message, while some pundits warn that immigration could cost Republicans in the midterm. In the Loop discusses what changed and how strategists make calculations of what will move voters. Our panel today: Jason DeSanto, senior lecturer in the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and Democratic debate strategist, and Diego Morales, organizer, PUÑO (Pilsen Rapid Response Network). For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court decided that President Trump's global tariffs on imported goods were unconstitutional. With Trump promising to find other ways to impose his tariffs, small business owners are unsure of how or if they'll get their entitled refunds. In the Loop spoke with Stephen Woldenberg, Senior Vice President of Sales for Learning Resources, the Vernon Hills-based business that led the charge to bring the legal case to the country's highest court. Plus, we talk to Cécile Shea, nonresident senior fellow on security and diplomacy at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

The Chicago City Council fails to override the mayor's veto of an ordinance banning intoxicating hemp products, Gov. JB Pritzker blasts President Trump in his State of the State address and Illinois reports its first measles case of 2026. In the Loop goes behind the headlines in the Weekly News Recap. Today's panel: Christian Farr with NBC-5 Chicago, Simone Alicea with City Cast Chicago, and Alden Loury of WBEZ. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

It took years for U.S. leaders to address the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. One public figure that wasn't afraid to bring the challenges the LGBTQ+ community were facing to the forefront was the Rev. Jesse Jackson. In the Loop reflects on Jackson's work pushing progressive ideas and being an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community with Northwestern professor Martha Biondi and Equality Illinois CEO Channyn Lynne Parker. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In the Loop continues to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. His 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns were ultimately unsuccessful, but he proved that a Black American could have success at the polls and opened the door for diversity in politics. In the Loop examines how Rev. Jackson changed the political landscape of the Democratic party and paved the way for a new generation of Black political leadership with Field Foundation Director of Journalism and Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika, Northwestern University political science professor Alvin Tillery and Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, former U.S. Senator from Illinois. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson's story in Chicago begins in the 1960s when he moved to the city to study at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Not long after his move, he met Martin Luther King Jr. and asked him for a job at the Chicago chapter of Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Operation Breadbasket. Since then, Rev. Jesse Jackson became a symbol for the Civil Rights Movement, Black politics and Black America. Rev. Jackson died on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the age of 84. In the Loop looks back at the life and impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson on civil rights, politics, the nation and Chicago with Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ and Natalie Moore, senior lecturer, Northwestern Medill School and Chicago Sun-Times columnist. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Tired of visiting a news website and getting hit with a paywall? Hollywood actor John Cusack feels your pain – and wants outlets to free the news that you need. Cusack and Seth Stern from the Freedom of the Press Foundation stop by to talk about what's at stake when newsrooms are gutted, journalists are under fire, and information is gatekept. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Illinois joins three other Democrat-led states in suing the White House over public health funding cuts. Amazon announces drone delivery coming to southwest suburbs. Portage, Ind., unveils its pitch for a Bears stadium, as northwest suburban residents and mayors rally to secure a stadium in Arlington Heights. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap with WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone, Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel and Capitol News Illinois state government and politics reporter Hannah Meisel. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.