Looped In: Chicago

Ketchup Smackdown -- Will Heinz Campaign Convince Chicago's Hot Dog Lovers To Embrace Change?

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

Roller Derby -- The Sport That (Literally) Slams Gender Roles

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

Bug Appétit -- The Cicadas are Coming... and They're Tasty?

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

Choose to Eat or to Pay Rent? -- Perfect Storm Hits City's Food Charities

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

[ENCORE] What's Up With Illinois's Changing Climate?

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