External Publication

The Obama Presidential Center is now open to the public. What does this mean for Chicago?

WBEZ Chicago - WBEZ Chicago [Unofficial] June 19, 2026

Broadcasting live from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. along Stony Island Avenue in Jackson Park, just steps away from the Obama Presidential Center, hosts Sasha-Ann Simons and Mary Dixon talk with Mayor Brandon Johnson, former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, and various community leaders to discuss the historic grand opening.

They are joined by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Natalie Moore to share reflections and neighborhood history, as well as WBEZ's Patrick Smith who is outside the center talking with visitors.

Behind the scenes of the WBEZ talk shows team broadcasting live just steps away from the Obama Presidential Center. Left to right: Sasha-Ann Simons, host of “In The Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons,” Mary Dixon host of “Say More” and Natalie Moore Chicago Sun-Times columnist.

Ways to listen

Stream on wbez.org
Listen on the WBEZ app (iPhone, Android)
Tune to 91.5 FM

Feature: Obama, city celebrate a presidential center that ‘could not be anywhere else’

Who’s who: List of celebrities and dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony

Photos: Tour inside the Obama Presidential Center

What to know: Weekend festivities, tickets, playground access and more

Neighborhood impact: More Airbnbs around Jackson Park, worrying affordable housing advocates

Library?: The Center is not an official presidential library. Here’s why

Funding: Meet the megadonors who funded the Obama Foundation

Recap: Play-by-play coverage of the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening

Ways to listen

Discussion in the ATmosphere