Advertise on podcast: Looped In: Chicago

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.

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

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.

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

This 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

According 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 Prescription Drug Affordability 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.

Multiple 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, with the full episode and additional interviews available here.

WBBM 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: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

As 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 States. Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain describes the scene when an unannounced bus from Texas arrived last month in rural Elburn, and how his team has adapted to assist with future drop-offs in the area. Immigration advocate Lee Goodman voices his opposition to suburban communities passing migrant buses on to Chicago, arguing that most of these townships have enough available resources to handle the influx on their own. Follow Carolina Garibay on X | Follow Kane County Sheriff's Office on Facebook | Follow Witness at the Border on Facebook | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Illinois 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, children 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 behind this bill and how growing up behind a screen could effect these kids in the long run.