WBEZ Chicago is rolling out a refreshed weekday morning schedule starting Sept. 15, featuring two new live talk shows designed to engage listeners with the issues shaping our region, spark meaningful conversation, and bring Chicagoans closer together.
The new lineup includes In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons, a Chicago-focused news talk show airing from 9–10 a.m and Say More with Mary Dixon and Patrick Smith, a live, listener-driven conversation airing from 10–11 a.m. In addition, Clare Lane, WBEZ reporter and anchor, steps into a new role as local anchor of NPR’s Morning Edition, which airs weekdays from 5–9 a.m. alongside NPR’s hosts.
In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons
Hosted by award-winning journalist Sasha-Ann Simons, In the Loop digs into the stories shaping Chicago, bringing in local voices, experts and community perspectives. The show is all about making sense of the headlines and leaving listeners with both context and practical takeaways. Simons previously hosted WBEZ’s midday program Reset, which will be replaced by 1A, airing from 12-1 p.m.
Say More with Mary Dixon and Patrick Smith
Longtime Morning Edition anchor Mary Dixon teams up with former WBEZ public safety editor Patrick Smith on Say More, a new show that brings listeners directly into the conversation. Each day, Mary and Patrick tee up topics and invite Chicagoans to share their takes. Say More is your chance to connect with a community of listeners, just as you do with friends and co-workers, to talk about everything from city politics to pop culture to neighborhood stories and more.
Morning Edition
Clare Lane takes over as WBEZ’s local anchor of NPR’s Morning Edition starting September 3, bringing Chicago updates and context alongside NPR’s national team. Clare is already a familiar voice to WBEZ listeners, in the past anchoring weekends and both reporting and stepping in to anchor during the week.
“WBEZ has always been the place Chicago turns for trusted news and great conversation,” said Dan Tucker, WBEZ executive producer. “With this new morning lineup, we’re making mornings more dynamic and more locally connected. These shows give listeners the chance to hear fresh perspectives, share their own voices and feel like part of the daily rhythm of the city. For us, mornings are not just about headlines, they are about community, and that is what WBEZ is here to deliver.”
To celebrate the debut of WBEZ’s new schedule, the station is hosting two special events as part of our Rise & Chi with WBEZ 91.5 FM campaign.
Monday, Sept. 15 — Rise Pilates Club at Navy Pier (7 a.m.)
Come revamp your morning routine with some exercise and new radio shows. WBEZ and Navy Pier will host a free public outdoor pilates class led by Olivia Santelli of Rise Pilates Club — a program known for drawing thousands of participants. The event will be held at Navy Pier’s West Parking Garage Overlook.
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Attendance is free and first-come, first-served.
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Registration required: wbez.org/event/rise-chi-with-rise-pilates-club.
Tuesday, Sept. 16 — Free Coffee with Big Shoulders Coffee
As WBEZ launches its new morning lineup, the station is teaming up with Big Shoulders Coffee to offer a complimentary 16-oz drip coffee to the first 100 guests at each participating location.
Locations & opening times:
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213 W Lake St (Loop) — 6:30 a.m.
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311 S Wacker Dr (Wacker) — 7:00 a.m.
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141 W Jackson Blvd (CBOT) — 6:00 a.m.
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1105 W Chicago Ave (West Town) — 7:00 a.m.
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858 N State St (Gold Coast) — 7:00 a.m.
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1165 W Diversey Pkwy (Lincoln Park) — 6:30 a.m.
Free while supplies last; one per guest.
About Chicago Public Media
Chicago Public Media is one of the largest local nonprofit news organizations in the country, home to WBEZ Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Vocalo. Chicago Public Media serves more than 4.1 million people weekly across broadcast, print and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, it is committed to providing the Chicago region with accessible and trusted news, information and programming.