WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Sept. 18, 2026

SPEAKER_1 (0:01)

Ah, Oktoberfest. Bright tents, festive music, and of course, cold beer. When you give to WBEZ today, you could celebrate in Berlin and Prague. Your gift enters you to win a nine-night trip for two, with visits to up to three European cities. Your gift powers WBEZ's independent reporting, and it makes a huge difference. So why wait? Donate before 7 p.m. on September 30th for your chance to win. Give now at wbez.org/donate.

SPEAKER_2 (0:33)

Medina Country Club is getting ready to host one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world.

SPEAKER_1 (0:37)

Coming to watch the President's Cup is President Trump. CNN, MSNOW, and Politico.

SPEAKER_3 (0:42)

The president had banned them from the grounds of the complex because they, quote, purposely write negative news.

Christian Farr (0:47)

I don't want them in my office.

SPEAKER_5 (0:49)

I don't want them here.

SPEAKER_6 (0:50)

I would say the ban would go as far as you can.

SPEAKER_7 (0:52)

The standoff is far from over, though. The judge's restraining order last two weeks pending further litigation.

Sasha-Ann Simons (0:58)

Hey, Chicago. I'm Sasha-Ann Simons, and this is In the Loop.

It's Friday, so it's time to look back and break down the big stories of the week in our Weekly News Recap. The 2027 Chicago mayoral race is getting a little complicated as candidates running for more than one office have sparked a legal and political fight. Illinois is creating an AI cabinet in hopes of leading to clearer rules around this fast-moving technology. Plus, all eyes are on City Hall after a busy week for the Johnson administration.

SPEAKER_2 (1:34)

One more top staffer is leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson's inner circle.

SPEAKER_7 (1:38)

Mary Richardson Lowry had worked in the city's law department for years.

SPEAKER_6 (1:42)

Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired a prominent social media influencer to lead his communications team.

Rachel Cohen (1:47)

I'm so excited to finally get to tell you that on Monday I'm starting a new job as the Director of Communications for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

SPEAKER_7 (1:53)

Dueling ordinances meant to revise Chicago's laws that protect renters have been delayed.

Cheryl Rae Stout (1:58)

One measure called PRO comes from the Mayor and Housing Advocate.

SPEAKER_11 (2:02)

On the other side, you have a rival proposal drafted by the Mayor's critics and backed by landlord groups.

Sasha-Ann Simons (2:07)

We're going to get to those stories in just a bit. But first, one of our panelists, Cheryl Rae Stout, WBEZ's sports contributor, is here with me to dig into something else. Hey Cheryl.

Cheryl Rae Stout (2:16)

Hey Sasha.

Sasha-Ann Simons (2:16)

So I know you got your eyes on all things sports, but right now we want to focus on the sky because their season's just come to an end and they are missing the playoffs.

Cheryl Rae Stout (2:26)

Yeah, and it's quite a thump for them. They finished 16 and 28

They're one of the worst teams in the league right now. No playoffs. There's some questions about coaching and they're having all their exit interviews now. So we'll see what happens, who's going to stay and who's going to go.

Sasha-Ann Simons (2:43)

Oh yeah, possible turnover, right? You know, there's always some movement at the end of a season. But I mean, you just talked about their record. I imagine the momentum and just the morale among the team along this way.

It had to be a little strange.

Cheryl Rae Stout (3:00)

It was just up and down. I mean, when they started the season, you had Rekia Jackson who was really starting well, then she gets injured, she's lost for the year. You had the trouble with Skylar Diggins. You know, is it an injury or is she being benched? And then she's gone completely.

The one good positive was Sydney Taylor, an undrafted rookie who really, really played well. But overall, this was not the team that everyone expected because you had these veterans that came in with these young players. And it just didn't miss. And the one big problem was not getting the truth about the practice facility. And the fact that they've had to go different places, end up having practice at Wintrust and not have their practice facility ready. And that's why some of those free agents signed with this guy, was because the practice facility was expected to be there. And now they're going all over the place.

Sasha-Ann Simons (3:51)

Yeah, that's so complicated to deal with at the same time while you're just trying to play some good basketball.

Cheryl Rae Stout (3:55)

Right.

Sasha-Ann Simons (3:56)

Yeah. Biggest takeaway, you would say, from the season?

Cheryl Rae Stout (3:59)

It was a lost season.