WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap, March 20, 2026

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.