Looped In: Chicago

This summer marked a bombshell conversation with Congress when a former Air Force Intelligence Officer testified to congress that the government is aware of non-human UFO technology and biologics. What does that mean for us on Earth?  In this episode, host Arielle Raveney speaks with organizations on this planet whose goal is to bring awareness to UFO activity experienced across the nation.  -----...

More than 45,000 people will descend upon the city this weekend to compete in Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but what's it like to convey all that action over the air? Longtime WBBM sports reporter Josh Liss joins host Jim Hanke this week to provide expertise on his two-plus decades covering the event, and the backstories of particular runners that intrigue him. Plus, 2022's quickest C...

Some have called 2023 a “summer of strikes,” with almost 300% more total union-related walks off the job than last year. And while WGA and UPS have reached agreement terms, SAG-AFTRA and the United Auto Workers remain on the picket line, asking for better compensation in comparison to company leadership. On today’s episode, Detroit-based auto reporter Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio joins host Jim H...

Death is something we will all experience, yet every scenario is unique. To live with grief isn't easy -- especially for kids. The organization Kids Above All has a solution for youths who are affected by homicide: a free grief camp. On today's episode, host Arielle Raveney speaks with the organization, as well as explores what grief looks like through the loss of her own mother, earlier this year...

In recent weeks, many Chicagoland libraries have received anonymous bomb threats, forcing them to close and be searched while the communities they serve aren't allowed access to the literature and services the libraries provide. On this week's Looped In: Chicago, host Jim Hanke speaks with WBBM reporter Bernie Tafoya about the latest info on these hoaxes, as well as journalist Alison Cuddy, whose...

Last year, 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 mac...

September is national Service Dog month, but do you know what it takes for an animal to train beyond pet status? In this episode of Looped In: Chicago, we explore the laws, training and love that goes into making these pooches so reliable. Plus, we look into how those who falsely claim their animal as providing emotional support or service can hinder others with real needs.   Mentioned in the Epis...

As the 2023 Chicago Bears gear up for a season kick-off hosting Green Bay, host Jim Hanke sits down with WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg to find out how the Bears plan to turn things around after their performance last year, as worst in the league. From Justin Fields' options at QB to what the team's storied defense brings to the table this fall, dig into Looped In: Chicago's breakdown of what to...

Headlines over the last week regarding the White Sox have gone from curious to concerning: Between a potential sale or all-out relocation of the team to the exit of some of their top brass to recent gunfire in the bleachers, the South Siders also can't seem to escape their already disastrous season on the field to boot. This week, host Jim Hanke is joined by WBBM news anchor Rob Hart as well as So...

This summer, the city has seen floods and record breaking heat, is this our new normal? In today's episode, we take 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 ------ Sources: Illinois Climate Change Facts & Best States to Live ------ Follow...

As back-to-school season begins, more focus locally has been on what's happening within the culture of sports teams and extracurricular groups. The hazing scandal at Northwestern University, in particular, has shined a light on difficult conversations for students, their parents and faculty members. This episode showcases as recent roundtable discussion -- led by WBBM news anchor Rob Hart -- with...

Chicago has seen a lot of fast cars lately. With NASCAR racing through our streets and Formula 1 revving up to begin, we take a look at the slower side of car culture. Lowriders have been around since the 1940's, but did you know there's more to this group than just beautiful cars? In this episode, we explore the community behind Lowriders and bust some pop culture myths surrounding these vehicles...

Lately everyone talks about what the “correct” amount to tip is, especially after the pandemic. But with service work being based on tips is the norm, some servers and patrons are saying to ending tipping all together. Though, there are people who still prefer to make their living through tipped work. In this week's episode, we explore both sides of the table if Illinois should slash of subminimum...

It's been 30 years since anti-apartheid activist and politician Nelson Mandela visited Chicago. In this episode we look at the decades leading up to the end of the apartheid in South Africa through stories and images from retired activist Joan Gerig.   Check out the photos described in this episode here!

As assaults and robberies against letter carriers increase, what can be done at a federal level, as well as in our Chicago neighborhoods, to better ensure safety? This week, host Jim Hanke speaks with Spencer Block -- a Public Information Officer and Postal Inspector with the law enforcement arm of the US Postal Service -- to find out more. Follow USPIS Chicago on Twitter | Follow our socials: Twi...

In 2022, workers who went on strike increased by 50% . Today, all around the country, workplaces of different fields are walking out, striking and unionizing on a scale we haven't seen for decades. This got us thinking: Why do workers strike? Is there a pattern to be seen of these events throughout history? In this Episode of Looped In, we explore the history of labor movements in our country and...

Chicago will once again host Lollapalooza this weekend -- a massive multi-day concert experience, known the world over for bringing the biggest names in music together. In the wake of recent viral videos of high-profile artists like Cardi B and Drake being hit by flying objects from fans, host Arielle Raveney speaks with two music industry professionals -- tour manager Melissa Adams and Sylvan Ess...

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 S...

Illinois recently became the first state to completely eliminate cash bail, in a move meant to lessen prison overcrowding as well as to find equity for those incarcerated. But how does this landmark decision affect law enforcement, prosecutors, victims of crime and the families of those jailed? On today's show, host Jim Hanke speaks with WBBM reporter Nancy Harty about what she's found in her cove...

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: ...

Chicago collegiate sports are under a national microscope this month, as Northwestern University Athletics made news for two completely separate, but equally appalling, situations: both football coach Pat Fitzgerald and baseball coach Jim Foster were fired last week for -- among other allegations -- creating or condoning racist, sexist and otherwise harmful behavior, both in the locker room and on...

As one of the first and largest decisions of his new tenure as the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson has chosen to keep only one member of the Board of Education. Starting next week, they'll move forward with six new representatives, most being CPS parents, like Johnson himself. On this episode of Looped In, we discuss this initiative with WBBM political editor Craig Dellimore and Alderwoman Jeane...

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 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 from Oak Lawn and his daughte...

We didn't start the fire but the immense smoke from our northern neighbors blanketed Chicagoland and most of the Midwest last week. But can we expect it to come back? And if it does, what does that mean in the long-term when it comes to our health? This week we get Looped In with our reporter Bernie Tafoya and TikToker, allergist Dr. Zachary Rubin about what we should anticipate in the future. ---...

In an effort to extend their fanbase and excite a new generation about auto racing, NASCAR is undoubtedly making its imprint on Chicago this summer. On this episode, podcast host and producer Jim Hanke examines the intricacies of the sport's first ever street race, and the historical nature of the event, with WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg and auto racing journalist Kelly Crandall. ------- Follow...