Looped In: Chicago

Through 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 week's episode, reporter Robert Channick -- who has been covering these developments for the Chicago Tribune -- joins host and producer Jim Hanke to discuss how the Oberweis story turned sour. Follow Jim Hanke on X | Follow Robert Channick on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

The 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 man was able to recover. ----- Problem Gambling Online Resources: NICASA | Are You Really Winning? Problem Gambling Hotlines: 1-800-GAMBLER | 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) ----- Check us out on TikTok and Instagram!

Record 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. Smashed Plastic on InstagramEvan Weiss on InstagramSteve Krakow on InstagramPatrick Hicks on TikTok Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This 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’s episode, Lighthouse Clinical Director Nathan Lanthrum joins host Jim Hanke to educate listeners on Narcan and how he’s seen drug addiction increase in suburban areas. Plus, WBBM reporter Lisa Fielding provides what she learned about the opioid epidemic from her multi-part series for the station, titled Generation Heroin, which you can listen to here. Follow Lisa Fielding on X | Follow Lighthouse Recovery on Facebook Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Putting 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 the way. Follow Jim Hanke on X | Follow David Hammond on Muck Rack Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This 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 Derby home. ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Windy City Rollers | Chicago-Style | The WFTDA ----- See videos of Chicago-Style in action on our socials: TikTok | Instagram

This 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 can be best collected, prepped, cooked and served. Follow Good Growing on YouTube | Follow Brooklyn Bugs on Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Relying 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 to federal stimulus packages post-lockdown may push that number even higher moving forward. This week, Chicago Tribune reporter Kate Armanini and Nourishing Hope CEO Kellie O'Connell join host/producer Jim Hanke to unpack this growing issue, and how pantries are trying to go beyond food, to feed the soul. Follow Kate Armanini on X | Follow Nourishing Hope on Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

After 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

Chicago 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 of the book “Blood Runs Green: The Murder That Transfixed Gilded Age Chicago.” ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Dr. Gillian O'Brien | “Blood Runs Green: The Murder That Transfixed Gilded Age Chicago” ----- Check out our Socials on TikTok or Instagram

Earlier 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 this potential new deal, and how other major sports cities have handled their own stadium debates on public vs. private funding. Follow Jim Hanke on X | Follow Robert Boland on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

During 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 access to psilocybin -- generally referred to as "magic mushrooms" -- a natural treatment for the traumatic brain injuries that he says saved his life. This week, during Brain Injury Awareness Month, we hear audio from WBBM reporter Jim Gudas' recent interview with Carcillo, as well as State Senator Rachel Ventura discussing Illinois' approach to this potential treatment with host and producer Jim Hanke. Follow Daniel Carcillo on Instagram | Follow Sen. Ventura on Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Chicagoland 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 Sanctuary | The Chicago Ornithological Society ----- See Photos of Birds-Around-Chicago on our TikTok or Instagram

This 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 Cisco Cotto and Tom Skilling on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This 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

All 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. ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Chicago Public Arts Group | Chris Devins | Mario Mena | Yollo Calli Youth Outreach ----- Check Out Our Socials! On TikTok & Instagram

This 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 Instagram | Follow Louisa Chu and Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

On 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

This 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 | Facebook Graham Elliot: site | Instagram Samantha Nelson: Linkedin Mike Gebert: Fooditor Michelin Star Places in Chicago

On 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 producer Jim Hanke hears from WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg, Chicago Magazine contributor Bob Reed, and Sox journalist Scott Merkin about the steady stream of excitement that's been building this month for the White Sox faithful. Follow Rick Gregg on X | Follow Scott Merkin on X | Follow Bob Reed on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X