The Chicago Newsroom Where Aspiring Journalists Cut Their Teeth episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 10, 2026 · 36 MIN

The Chicago Newsroom Where Aspiring Journalists Cut Their Teeth

from In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

For 115 years, the City News Bureau was a training ground for young journalists in Chicago. Known for its long hours, low pay, and intense, fast-paced atmosphere, the wire service broke stories on courts, crime, and government for local papers, television, and radio stations. The new book Sirens in the Loop tells the story of the City News Bureau through the voices of former staffers. In The Loop hears about what a day in the newsroom of City News was like from James Elsener, the co-author of “Sirens,” and City News alums Abdon Pallasch and Rummana Hussain. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

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The Chicago Newsroom Where Aspiring Journalists Cut Their Teeth

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This episode is 36 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 10, 2026.

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For 115 years, the City News Bureau was a training ground for young journalists in Chicago. Known for its long hours, low pay, and intense, fast-paced atmosphere, the wire service broke stories on courts, crime, and government for local papers,...

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