Author: WBEZ Chicago

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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - To Vote Or Not To Vote: What Motivates Chicagoans’ Participation In Democracy

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.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Ask Chicago’s Mayor: March 2026

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.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: March 13, 2026

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.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Meet The Republican U.S. Senate Candidates In Illinois: Jeannie Evans, Casey Chlebek, Don Tracy

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.
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Curious City - The ‘windmill capital of the world’ used to be down the road from Chicago

Suburban Batavia, just 30 miles west of Chicago, used to be known as the windmill capital of the world. But eventually, technological advances took the wind out of the industry’s sails. In our last episode, we looked into why there are no wind turbines in the Great Lakes even though conditions are favorable. Legal and political hurdles continue to challenge the offshore wind energy business in the Midwest. Today, we’re going to take an historical look at the wind industry in our region. In modern times, Batavia is known for Fermilab, America’s particle physics and accelerator laboratory. But long before that, Batavia was on the map for hosting six windmill factories. Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and City Clerk Kate Garrett dive into the town’s history. They take pride in the past, but look forward to the future.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Makes His Final Senate Pitch With Illinois Primary Days Away

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.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - With Primary Day A Week Away, Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton Makes A Final Pitch For Senate

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.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Rep. Robin Kelly Makes Final Pitch For Senate Ahead Of Primary

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.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: March 6, 2026

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.