Looped In: Chicago

Today on In Depth, listen to anchor Pat Cassidy's final segment after two decades at WBBM newsradio and 51 years in radio. 

WBBM’s Mike Ramsey reports: the New Year was less than two hours old when Chicago had its first murder victim in 1974. It would go on to be Chicago’s record year for murder.

Today WBBM In Depth host, Jill DeGroot, sits down with Mike Ramsey, WBBM Digital Content Producer, to discuss what 1974 may tell us about 2021. 

To read Mike Ramsey's full story, click here.

Chicago Public Schools are supporting families during winter break by providing free breakfast and lunch meals. The Grab and Go meal distribution program is taking place across 70 different sites in the Chicago area. For more information visit cps.edu. 

Today on WBBM In Depth: Illinois has reported about 12,330 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total in more than a year. Today Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that effective January 3, 2022, proof of coronavirus vaccination will be required at restaurants, bars, gyms, and indoor venues. 

On this episode of In Depth, Lisa Fielding talks to Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance about the Pretty Woman Musical and the art of songwriting. 

Check out Pretty Woman this weekend at the CIBIC theatre. 

For more conversations like this make sure you subscribe to Backstage Chicago on the Audacy app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts. 

A recent cluster of tornadoes across several states has leveled buildings, left many without heat and power, and has resulted in a climbing death toll, with the greatest loss of life in Kentucky. WBBM’s Terry Keshner spoke with Holly Baker, Communications Manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois, about their disaster relief efforts.

Friday morning the Supreme Court left in place Texas’ ban on most abortions, but ruled that clinics can sue over the state’s most restrictive abortion law in the nation. Today on WBBM In Depth, host Jill DeGroot sits down with Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, to discuss what the ruling means for them and other providers. 

On today's In Depth: Carjackings have become a major problem here in Chicago. So far this year there have been over 1,900 carjackings and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is asking auto manufacturers for help. WBBM’s Rachel Pierson attended the press conference on anti-carjacking and joined us to discuss the Sheriff’s plans. 

WWE has unveiled 15 college athletes who will be among the first to participate in the company’s newly formed Name, Image & Likeness program (dubbed Next In Line). Today on WBBM In Depth, we’re talking to Joe Spivak, football player from Northwestern University, who has been signed to WWE as part of this program. 

On today's WBBM In Depth Podcast, Jay Zawaski discusses a wild week for the Notre Dame Football program with Nick Shepkowski, Managing Editor of the Fighting Irish Wire, part of the USA Today Network. 

What will new head coach Marcus Freeman bring to the program? Can he talk it to levels Brian Kelly could not reach? Find out on the WBBM In Depth Podcast. 

Audio courtesy of Notre Dame Football and Ryan Brandell