Looped In: Chicago
223 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsLet's get Looped In, Chicago!
Each Wednesday, WBBM podcast producers Arielle Raveney and Jim Hanke sit down with our reporters to discuss stories that captivated them over the week. From hard hitting news about what's trending in the headlines to events and people around town you might never have heard of, we'll have the full run-down to inform you to start your day.
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Episodes
Dairy Dilemma, As Oberweis Files Chapter 11
April 24, 2024 11:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBThrough four generations and nearly 100 years, Oberweis Dairy has been an Illinois giant of industry. From brick-and-mortar ice cream shops to direct-to-consumer milk delivery (which saw record profits during the pandemic), their brand gained enough traction for Jim Oberweis -- grandson of its founder -- to make political headway in the state senate. But last week, the company revealed a series of missteps that have led to potential layoffs and a request for bankruptcy protection. On this we...
Holding Your Cards Close to Your Chest? Experts Talk the Reality of Gambling Addiction
April 17, 2024 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBThe results are in, and they're staggering: about 4% of Illinois's population is living with a gambling addiction. With a new Casino and the rise in online sports betting, local mental health facilities are seeing a rise in clients seeking help for problem gambling. So how does this fun, recreational activity become an addiction? In today's episode, host Arielle Raveney sits down with a problem gambling counselor to discuss the signs and science behind it, and hears the story of how one ma...
How Does Vinyl Keep Chicago's Music History Spinning?
April 15, 2024 17:00 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBRecord Store Day is this coming Saturday, April 20th – a national event intended to celebrate your local neighborhood music merchant. Along with several guests this week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines just some of Chicago's many ties to the record industry, past and present, as well as why physical media like vinyl still matters in 2024. Follow Smashed Plastic on Instagram | Follow Evan Weiss on Instagram Follow Steve Krakow on Instagram | Follow Patrick Hicks on TikTok Follow WBB...
[ENCORE] With Overdoses on the Rise, Is Free Narcan the Answer?
April 10, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBThis is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 9/13/23. In 2022, Illinois had the third largest rate of non-fatal overdoses in the country, and many are pointing to the distribution of Narcan – a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives – as a major reason. Lighthouse Recovery, a treatment facility in suburban St. Charles, recently became the first in Kane County to establish a free, unmonitored Narcan vending machine, available 24/7. On today...
Ketchup Smackdown -- Heinz Stirs the Pot at City's Hot Dog Stands
April 03, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBPutting ketchup on a hot dog: In Chicago, it can get you shunned by strangers or disowned by family. But why? And will a gutsy new viral campaign from Heinz -- with interactive displays giving out free ketchup in front of longtime sausage strongholds like the Wiener's Circle -- sway anyone who's still on the fence? This week, host and producer Jim Hanke welcomes food writer David Hammond to discuss the history of the Chicago hot dog, and why ketchup has become such a divisive condiment along...
Ketchup Smackdown -- Will Heinz Campaign Convince Chicago's Hot Dog Lovers To Embrace Change?
April 03, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBPutting ketchup on a hot dog: In Chicago, it can get you shunned by strangers or disowned by family. But why? And will a gutsy new viral campaign from Heinz -- with interactive displays giving out free ketchup in front of longtime sausage strongholds like the Wiener's Circle -- sway anyone who's still on the fence? This week, host and producer Jim Hanke welcomes food writer David Hammond to discuss the history of the Chicago hot dog, and why ketchup has become such a divisive condiment along...
Roller Derby -- The Sport That (Literally) Slams Gender Roles
April 01, 2024 18:27 - 21 minutes - 20 MBThis year marks the 20th anniversary of roller derby returning to where it was born: Chicago. But this fast-paced, gender-inclusive sport has had a long, contentious history -- even in it's hometown. So what is roller derby? And why does it not get the same level of recognition as others? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney sits in on a practice with the team, Chicago-Style, to learn more about the sport and speaks with Elizabeth Gomez, one of the women responsible for bringing Roller Der...
Bug Appétit -- The Cicadas are Coming... and They're Tasty?
March 27, 2024 16:20 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBThis spring, countless cicadas will arrive en masse, in a way that we haven't seen in over 200 years, and that we won't see again until 2245. But beyond their buzzing mating call, did you know that they're perfectly edible? Joining host/producer Jim Hanke this week are University of Illinois Extension educator and Good Growing podcast host Ken Johnson (to discuss the science behind this historic horticultural event) and chef Joseph Yoon of Brooklyn Bugs, who educates listeners on how cicadas...
Eat or Pay Rent? -- Perfect Storm Hits City's Food Charities
March 20, 2024 15:30 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBRelying weekly on one’s local food pantry for groceries, personal items and more can already be a stressful existence. But now, a myriad of factors are contributing to additional pressure being felt from all sides of the city, as unprecedented demand has led to stretched resources and frayed patience. For example, Nourishing Hope (formerly known as Lakeview Pantry) saw an increase of over 20k first-time clients last year alone, and inflation, an unexpected population increase and a reduction...
Choose to Eat or to Pay Rent? -- Perfect Storm Hits City's Food Charities
March 20, 2024 15:30 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBRelying weekly on one’s local food pantry for groceries, personal items and more can already be a stressful existence. But now, a myriad of factors are contributing to additional pressure being felt from all sides of the city, as unprecedented demand has led to stretched resources and frayed patience. For example, Nourishing Hope (formerly known as Lakeview Pantry) saw an increase of over 20k first-time clients last year alone, and inflation, an unexpected population increase and a reduction...
ENCORE: What's Up With Illinois's Changing Climate?
March 18, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBAfter a record breaking hot summer, this winter Illinois and the rest of the Midwest saw warmer days and less snow. Is this our new normal? In today's episode, host Arielle Raveney takes a look at what climate change looks like in Illinois, and how the country's first ever floating eco-park has a nature based solution to reduce it's impact. ------ Mentioned in the Episode: Wild Mile ------ Follow WBBM News Radio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X
[ENCORE] What's Up With Illinois's Changing Climate?
March 18, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBAfter a record breaking hot summer, this winter Illinois and the rest of the Midwest saw warmer days and less snow. Is this our new normal? In today's episode, host Arielle Raveney takes a look at what climate change looks like in Illinois, and how the country's first ever floating eco-park has a nature based solution to reduce it's impact. ------ Mentioned in the Episode: Wild Mile ------ Follow WBBM News Radio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X
The 1890 Chicago Murder That Killed St. Patrick's Day
March 15, 2024 12:33 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBChicago is known for it's many St. Paddy's Day events as the city itself becomes green, so it may not come as a surprise to know that the city has the second highest Irish population in the nation. The tradition of an annual parade in the city began in 1843, with the event getting bigger and bigger -- until 1890. In this episode, host Jim Hanke explores what early celebrations looked like in the city, and how the annual tradition came to be canceled in 1890 with Dr. Gillian O’Brien, author...
Stadium Switch -- Will the Bears' $2 Billion Keep Them in Chicago?
March 13, 2024 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBEarlier this week, a sudden development came in the ongoing stadium saga of the Chicago Bears: Instead of making use of the Arlington Heights land they acquired last year, it seems now the focus is on a new project south of their current Soldier Field domain -- on the city's lakefront -- with $2 billion of their own money. This week, host and producer Jim Hanke welcomes stadium finance expert Robert Boland, an assistant professor of sports law at Seton Hall Law School, to get his take on thi...
Stanley Cup Champ Shoots for "Magic Mushroom" Concussion Cure
March 06, 2024 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBDuring his decade of pro hockey, former Chicago Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo (nicknamed "Car Bomb" for his aggressive approach on the ice) racked up two Stanley Cup Championships and over 150 fights. But the stat most pressing to Carcillo since his retirement has been the seven diagnosed concussions he sustained as a player, and the hundreds he says that went undiagnosed through his career. Now, Carcillo has made it his mission to push state and federal agencies for funding as well as public ac...
Kill Two Birds with One Building? A Look Into Chicago's Migration Season
March 04, 2024 21:06 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBChicagoland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Every year, we witness the migration of hundreds of different varieties of birds soar through our sky. Yet there’s one fowl you won’t fail to see year round: Pigeons. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney has a conversation about conservation with bird experts, explores the danger of migration season, and how it all begins, and ends, with pigeons. ----- Mentioned in This Episode: The Brookfield Zoo | Montrose Point Bird Sa...
A Pigeon and Flacon Fly Into a Bar -- A Conversation About Bird Conservation
March 04, 2024 21:06 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBChicagoland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Every year, we witness the migration of hundreds of different varieties of birds soar through our sky. Yet there’s one fowl you won’t fail to see year round: Pigeons. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney has a conversation about conservation with bird experts, explores the danger of migration season, and how it all begins, and ends, with pigeons. ----- Mentioned in This Episode: The Brookfield Zoo | Montrose Point Bird Sa...
A Pigeon and Falcon Fly Into a Bar -- A Conversation About Bird Conservation
March 04, 2024 21:06 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBChicagoland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Every year, we witness the migration of hundreds of different varieties of birds soar through our sky. Yet there’s one fowl you won’t fail to see year round: Pigeons. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney has a conversation about conservation with bird experts, explores the danger of migration season, and how it all begins, and ends, with pigeons. ----- Mentioned in This Episode: The Brookfield Zoo | Montrose Point Bird Sa...
Kill Two Birds with One... Building? Experts Weigh In On Chicago's Migration Season
March 04, 2024 21:06 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBChicagoland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Every year, we witness the migration of hundreds of different varieties of birds soar through our sky. Yet there’s one fowl you won’t fail to see year round: Pigeons. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney has a conversation about conservation with bird experts, explores the danger of migration season, and how it all begins, and ends, with pigeons. ----- Mentioned in This Episode: The Brookfield Zoo | Montrose Point Bird Sa...
Tom Skilling Retires, and Shares His Chicago Weather Memories (Part 2)
February 28, 2024 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBThis is the second of a two-part episode. For part one, scroll back in your podcast feed. This week, WBBM morning news anchor Cisco Cotto sits down with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling, who will retire today -- Feb. 28th -- after over four decades with the station, and almost sixty years in broadcasting. During this discussion, Tom recalls some of the biggest weather moments in his career, and how the birth of social media allowed viewers to become weather warriors themselves. Follow ...
Tom Skilling Reflects on 40+ Years of Forecasting (Part 1)
February 21, 2024 20:21 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThis week, WBBM morning news anchor Cisco Cotto sits down with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling, who will retire later this month after over four decades with the station, and almost sixty years in broadcasting. This is the first of a two-part episode, the latter of which will air Wednesday, February 28th to coincide with Tom's final weather report. Follow Cisco Cotto and Tom Skilling on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X
“A Neighborhood Without Neighbors is the Hood” – A Look Into Murals
February 20, 2024 15:49 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBAll around Chicago, you can find intricate murals that tell a story or brighten up a neighborhood. With all this art, it's not surprising to discover that spray paint was invented here in the 1940's -- only to be outlawed in the 1990's. So how do new murals emerge, and what is their significance to the city? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney sits down with local organization, the Chicago Public Arts Group, and street artists Chris Devins and Mario Mena, to answer these questions. ----...
“A Neighborhood Without Neighbors is the Hood” – A Conversation About Murals
February 20, 2024 15:49 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBAll around Chicago, you can find intricate murals that tell a story or brighten up a neighborhood. With all this art, it's not surprising to discover that spray paint was invented here in the 1940's -- only to be outlawed in the 1990's. So how do new murals emerge, and what is their significance to the city? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney sits down with local organization, the Chicago Public Arts Group, and street artists Chris Devins and Mario Mena, to answer these questions. ----...
Has Tavern-Style Pizza Finally Toppled Deep Dish?
February 14, 2024 19:20 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBThis week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses three particular spots adding unique spins to tavern-style, and taking that crispy, savory circle to a whole new level. Follow Steve Dolinsky on Inst...
From EV to AI, What's Driving the Chicago Auto Show?
February 07, 2024 19:15 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBOn this week's episode, host and producer Jim Hanke previews this weekend's Chicago Auto Show with car enthusiast and WBBM editor Geoff Buchholz and CBS Radio's Jennifer Keiper. Follow Geoff Buchholz on Instagram | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X
ENCORE: How Do Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars?
February 05, 2024 17:18 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBThis is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/24/23. With “The Bear” creating hype and conversation around Michelin Stars and the food world, we dig in to discover the process behind how a restaurant receives one. We speak with Master Chef Graham Elliot about his experience as a chef and restaurant owner. As well as food journalists Samantha Nelson and Mike Gebert about their opinions on the dining scene in Chicago. --------- Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Face...
[ENCORE] How Do Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars?
February 05, 2024 17:18 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBThis is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/24/23. With “The Bear” creating hype and conversation around Michelin Stars and the food world, we dig in to discover the process behind how a restaurant receives one. We speak with Master Chef Graham Elliot about his experience as a chef and restaurant owner. As well as food journalists Samantha Nelson and Mike Gebert about their opinions on the dining scene in Chicago. --------- Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Face...
Will The White Sox Score The 78?
January 31, 2024 18:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBOn top of the return of the fan-fueled Sox Fest in 2025, and the team's new history-making TV announcer John Schriffen this season, the South Side has been buzzing as of late with talk of a new potential home for the White Sox. Located where Roosevelt Road meets the Chicago River, The 78 is an as-yet-undeveloped site of a former rail and lumber yard, and would bring the team closer to downtown if they allowed their lease to run out at Guaranteed Rate Field in 2029. This week, host and produc...
"Parents Have a Voice" -- CPS Watchdog on Missing Tech and Embezzlement Findings
January 24, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBThis year's annual report on Chicago Public Schools from the Office of Inspector General provided several headline-making findings, including financial woes from missing technology and potential embezzlement. This week, CPS IG Will Fletcher joins host Jim Hanke for a one-on-one discussion about the report, and what can be done in the future to combat and prevent similar issues. Follow CPS OIG on X | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X
Can’t Afford Your Prescription? Illinois is Looking to Change That
January 22, 2024 18:56 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBAccording to the National Health Institute, 1 in 5 people below the age of 65 report rationing insulin due to cost. This year Illinois’s new law, the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, is in effect that restricts manufacturers and wholesale distributors from price gouging essential medicine. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney unpacks what this law means, and how it reflects the current state of healthcare for millions of Illinois residents. ----- Mentioned in This Episode: Citizen Act...
Looped In Shortcuts -- What Chicago's Migrant Landing Zone Crisis Really Looks Like
January 19, 2024 14:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBMultiple suburbs of Chicago have now begun to pass ordinances responding to large numbers of migrants being bussed in from out-of-state. This week, Looped In: Chicago host and producer Jim Hanke speaks with WBBM reporter Carolina Garibay on what she saw and heard at the city's south loop landing zone. There, recently-arriving migrants were sleeping on buses, but spoke with Carolina about their hope for a brighter future here in the United States. This feed is delivering a truncated version, ...
Bears Season Recap -- What's Justin Fields' Future?
January 17, 2024 16:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBWBBM sports reporters Rick Gregg and Josh Liss join host Jim Hanke this week to recap the Chicago Bears' below-average 7-10 season, while tackling questions on Justin Fields' future as the team's quarterback, where the new stadium will end up and what glimmers of hope are there for 2024. Plus, you'll hear audio from throughout the 2023 season from coaches, players and staff, direct from Halas Hall. Follow Rick Gregg on X | Follow Josh Liss on X | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio...
What's Happening at Chicago's Migrant Landing Zone?
January 10, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBAs multiple suburbs of Chicago have now begun to pass ordinances responding to large numbers of migrants being bussed in from out-of-state, host and producer Jim Hanke speaks with several guests this week about the latest update on this multi-layered and ongoing issue: WBBM's Carolina Garibay reports on what she saw at the city's south loop landing zone, where recently-arriving migrants were sleeping on buses, but spoke with her about their hope for a brighter future here in the United Stat...
Is Your Kid on TikTok? They Could Be Owed Money
January 08, 2024 20:52 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBIllinois is the first state to tackle the issue on many social media-user's minds: what about the children? Starting in July of this year, kids involved in their family's lucrative vlog content are now required financial compensation for their time on the screen. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney unpacks the specifics of this bill and how growing up behind a screen could effect these kids in the long run. ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Quit Clicking Kids | State Senator Koehler | ...
ENCORE | How Hot Sauce Communicates with Our Brain and Body
January 03, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBThis is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/31/23. Small, indie hot sauce brands are like the new homemade craft beer brewers of recent years. In the last quarter century, the hot sauce market has almost doubled annually, leading to a value of $3 billion in 2022. So why has this obsession with heat gathered so much steam? This week, host Jim Hanke speaks with hot sauce influencer Brian Ambs about current hot sauce culture, as well as High Desert Sauce Company founder Zac Per...
[ENCORE] How Hot Sauce Communicates with Our Brain and Body
January 03, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBThis is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/31/23. Small, indie hot sauce brands are like the new homemade craft beer brewers of recent years. In the last quarter century, the hot sauce market has almost doubled annually, leading to a value of $3 billion in 2022. So why has this obsession with heat gathered so much steam? This week, host Jim Hanke speaks with hot sauce influencer Brian Ambs about current hot sauce culture, as well as High Desert Sauce Company founder Zac Per...
2024 Predictions in Baseball, Business and More
December 27, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBAs we approach a new year, host Jim Hanke welcomes several friends and previous guests of Looped In: Chicago to discuss what to expect in all things Cubs, White Sox, finance and auto news next year. Tune in to hear visits from Danny Parkins of 670 The Score, Jeff Gilbert of Detroit’s WWJ, and WBBM’s Rob Hart and Andy Giersher as they pontificate about their particular topics of focus. Follow Danny Parkins, Rob Hart, Jeff Gilbert and Andy Giersher on X
"A Pure Act of Joy" -- 500 Straight Days of Roller Skating
December 20, 2023 17:31 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBChicago-area photographer Lenny Gilmore has shot portraits of some of the city's most recognizable personalities, from Chief Keef and Chance the Rapper to actor Michael Shannon and hockey's Marian Hossa. But in 2015, while documenting a local roller derby team, a fire was lit within Gilmore to pursue roller skating himself. And last year, the love affair became a commitment to roller skating every single day, with Gilmore often documenting his adventures on social media -- blazing through sl...
2023 Rewind -- Extended Interviews From Popular Episodes
December 18, 2023 18:32 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MB2023 has come and gone. This year was big for the Looped In team - we rebranded from Courier Pigeon, and we had the privilege to cover so many stories and communities. In this episode, we are showcasing two extended interviews from episodes you as our listeners liked the most: Turtel Onli from "The Fight for Truth and Justice in Comic Books," and Dr. Denise Sandoval from "History on Wheels: Cruising Through Lowrider Culture." These individuals showcase the power of community. Turtel is an ...
Why isn't bowling an Olympic sport? Chicago bowler, the best in the world, weighs in
December 13, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBThough bowling has yet to reach official Olympic-level competition, Chicago's connection to the sport is long-held. And last month, a competitor from our area even become the best bowler in the world, as AJ Johnson -- who essentially grew up at Parkside Lanes in Aurora -- took home the gold medal in singles bowling at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. On today's episode, WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg sits down with Johnson at Parkside Lanes to discuss his incredible journey from Oswego ...
"If I Were Hollywood, I'd Be Nervous" -- How Beyoncé and Taylor Have Slayed the Film Industry
December 06, 2023 17:30 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBAside from full, edge-of-your-seat concert experiences, what set Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's concert films apart from the pack at the box office this year? Turns out they bypassed the studio system entirely, and brought both of their movies to audiences more directly. So what does this landmark move mean for the film industry going forward? On today's episode, host/producer Jim Hanke speaks with Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips about that topic, this summer's 'Barbenheimer' phenom...
What Christmas Icons Were Made in Chicago?
December 04, 2023 20:41 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBChristmas is almost here! As you brave the weather for holiday shopping, followed by a night of family TV viewing of yuletide favorites, do you know which famous Christmas icons have Chicago roots? On today's episode, we explore the true stories behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as well as the famous window displays of Marshall Field's, and how their original, winged character and creativity inspired Christmas traditions throughout the years. ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Chicago F...
George Ofman's Best Stories of Pat Hughes, Wayne Messmer, Peggy Kusinski
November 29, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBLongtime Chicago sports media personality George Ofman, host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- has recently turned some of his best interviews over the years with fellow broadcasters, reporters, pro coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this second of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear audio from Tell Me A Story featuring conversations with celebrated Cubs play-by-play man Pat Hughes, Blackhawks National Anthem singer Wayne Mess...
George Ofman's Must-Hear Audio with Jason Benetti, Bob Costas, Dave Wannstedt
November 29, 2023 11:55 - 25 minutes - 23 MBIf you’re a lifelong listener to Chicago radio, you know George Ofman well. His nearly 50 years in sports journalism have brought him to WBBM, The Score and WGN, among other outlets. Now the host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- Ofman has turned some of his best interviews with sports broadcasters, reporters, coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this first of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear audio from Tell Me A Story featur...
Downtown Crime: "Non-Issue" When Attracting New Business
November 22, 2023 12:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBAccording to stats from the National Retail Federation, crime along Chicago's Magnificent Mile is down since 2020, despite viral videos of break-ins, crash-and-grabs and more seemingly painting a different story. So how are business development organizations and shop owners building consumer confidence, attempting to reverse stigmas, and working to attract more locals and tourists to Chicago's downtown? This week, WBBM reporter Brandon Ison provides compelling audio recorded in the Loop and ...
"Our People are Made to Thrive" -- Chicago's Urban Native Community
November 20, 2023 17:04 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBNearly 75% of America's Native population currently reside in urban settings. In a move to recognize and push the advancement of that demographic, Illinois passed three separate bills this year to protect Native history and culture. But, how do these laws reflect the reality of Chicago's Native population, the third-largest out of all major US cities? In this episode Looped In: Chicago host Arielle Raveney explores this question through dance by the Black Hawk Performance Company, and a con...
Vallas & Romeo -- "Mansion Tax" Talk Hits Fever Pitch
November 15, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBThis coming March, the ballot box will see a vote on Bring Chicago Home, an ordinance to determine if taxes should be increased on the sale of high-end properties -- ranging from residences to office buildings, valued at $1 million or more -- in order to fund programs to battle the city's homelessness crisis. Today, host Jim Hanke speaks with guests on both sides of the issue: Former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, currently an adviser with the Illinois Policy Institute, says that this tax wo...
Veterans Day Special -- Chicago Vet Says, "God Let Us Come Back"
November 10, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBThis is an encore presentation of a previous Looped In: Chicago episode from July 2023, in honor Veterans Day. Since 2008 the Chicago hub for Honor Flight -- a nationwide non-profit -- has flown more than 10,000 US veterans to Washington, DC at no cost, in order to pay respect to their bravery and sacrifice. And in recent years, Vietnam veterans (who have notably struggled with various aspects of PTSD) have become Honor Flight's main beneficiaries. On today's episode, we follow a veteran fr...
“Life Inspires Music, and Music Inspires Life” – Terri Hemmert (Part 2)
November 08, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBOn this second half of a two-part episode, longtime WXRT disc jockey Terri Hemmert chats with WBBM anchor and resident radio-history buff Rob Hart about her 50 years on-air in Chicago, and educating students at Columbia College about how music and civil rights intersect. Be sure to tune into our first episode with Terri, awaiting you in your podcast feed. Follow Terri Hemmert on Facebook | Follow Rob Hart on Twitter Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter |...
One-on-One with Terri Hemmert, Celebrating 50 Years at 93XRT (Part 1)
November 08, 2023 11:55 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBFor five decades, Terri Hemmert has been a voice that Chicagoans rely on not just for new music or Beatles factoids, but for being an advocate of the arts. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2010, she first joined the on-air staff of WXRT in 1973, becoming the first female drive-time host on a Chicago rock radio station. Still, she humbly admits that her giddiness to play records and connect with her audience pushed her career more so than blazing trails. Whether as a disc jockey or as ...