Well, 2022 has been quite a year. From the Highland Park 4th of July shooting to restaurant closings and milestones to efforts to support Ukraine, WBBM Newsradio reporters have been there covering the stories that matter most to our audience. To close out the year, we gathered the stories that we were most proud to cover. No story was too big or too small for our team. Click through to read and listen to all of the exciting, interesting and inspiring stories we covered this year.
Want more? Check out this audio playlist for all of the best audio of 2022 at your fingertips.
Stories of 2022
Cop wounded in off-duty shooting leaves hospital for rehabilitation center
A Chicago police officer critically wounded while trying to break up a bar fight last weekend has been released from the hospital, but has a long road to recovery.... Read the full story here.
Suspected gunman in New York City subway shooting has Chicago ties
The suspected gunman who was arrested Wednesday afternoon for Tuesday's New York City subway shooting has ties to Chicago.... Read the full story here.
Harry Potter exhibit makes world premiere on Michigan Avenue Friday: ‘It’s magical’
The clanging and buzzing of construction rang out inside the first floor or Water Tower Place, as creators of the new "Harry Potter: Magic at Play" exhibit put the finishing touches on the first-of-its-kind space.... Read the full story here.
6 dead, dozens hospitalized in mass shooting at Highland Park Fourth of July parade
The Highland Park Fourth of July parade was suddenly halted when shots were fired about 10 minutes after the parade kicked off at 10 a.m. Monday, striking an unknown number of parade-goers and sending hundreds of people running for safety.... Read the full story here.
Central Camera re-emerges in its old storefront after 2020 looting, fire
Chicago’s oldest camera store is now back operating in its previous location on Wabash in the South Loop underneath its iconic neon sign.... Read the full story here.
VIDEO: CTA using ‘747-sized’ machinery to help build new Red, Purple Lines
As part of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) project to rebuild the Red and Purple El lines, it's using a giant piece of construction equipment — and it’s turning some heads on the city’s North Side.... Read the full story here.
High school seniors connect with 140 colleges, universities at Chicago Scholars 2022 event
Every time a bell rings, a student receives a college scholarship. Every time a scholarship is awarded, the numbers board gets higher.... Read the full story here.
St. Charles park memorializes pets that have passed away
A park in St. Charles offers people a unique and colorful way to mourn the loss of their pets.... Read the full story here.
Chicago sailor's WWII dog tags found half a world away, returned to family
The dog tags of a sailor from Chicago have been found in a place where he was once stationed, 9,000 miles away from the Windy City and more than 75 years after they were lost.... Read the full story here.
Iconic Chicago tavern, Twin Anchors, celebrates 90 years: A story of 'perseverance'
At the corner of Eugenie and Sedgwick Streets, a red, brick three-flat with a green-striped awning, an old Budweiser sign, and a name synonymous with Chicago history.... Read the full story here.
‘I love it here’: Ghareeb Nawaz winning over Lincoln Park community with new location
Ghareeb Nawaz, a fast-growing Pakistani and Indian restaurant, recently opened its third location in Lincoln Park earlier this month — and it’s quickly becoming a main attraction in the neighborhood.... Read the full story here.
Chicago Marathon draws over 1.5 million spectators, nearly 40,000 racers: 'A good vibe'
It was a chilly start for the 44th Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which saw about 40,000 runners — significantly more than 2021 but still building back up to pre-pandemic levels.... Read the full story here.
‘Wicked’ returns to Chicago, remains record-breaking musical
In 2005, Vice President of Broadway in Chicago Eileen LaCario bet on a little show called “Wicked,” which had just opened in New York.... Read the full story here.
Time will soon stop for Chicago watch repair and key shop: 'The demand just isn't there'
A Chicago key and watch repair shop is permanently closing after more than 40 years of business.... Read the full story here.
Popular Des Plaines train-themed restaurant back on track, reopens after closing 2 years ago
Countless businesses permanently closed during the pandemic - especially restaurants, but a nostalgic diner in Des Plaines is back up and running again.... Read the full story here.
Iconic Manny's Deli marks 80 years
The line along Jefferson Street began even before Manny's Deli opened Tuesday morning, but this isn't your ordinary Tuesday.... Read the full story here.
Longtime Westmont restaurant to close: 'This place is an icon'
The Bohemian Crystal Restaurant has been a fixture in Westmont for 41 years.... Read the full story here.
Metro Chicago celebrates 40 years of music and community
Walk up the stairs of the storied Metro Chicago, at 3730 N. Clark St., and you can feel its history.... Read the full story here.
Highland Park community holds memorial around Monday’s parade route
In downtown Highland Park, where the parade route has become a memorial for the people killed and injured in Monday's shooting, members of the community stood behind caution tape and looked on at a parade route frozen in time.... Read the full story.
Plenty to digest at new Elmhurst History Museum exhibit highlighting Chicago food classics
Ketchup on your hot dog? Deep dish or tavern style? Italian beef: wet or dry? Chicago’s spiciest food questions are now up for debate inside the Elmhurst History Museum's new exhibit "Eat Your Heart Out: Iconic Chicagoland Foods.”... Read the full story here.
Geologists dig up 26,000-year-old glacier remnants in Geneva: “We’re looking at history”
A large, hydraulic drill and about 50 geologists were in Geneva Wednesday morning, where they were uncovering remnants of regional glaciers.... Read the full story here.
Chicago Philharmonic performs 'Black Panther' score at Chicago Theatre
Massamba Diop has been playing the tama drum, or the talking drum, since he was a little boy in Senegal.... Read the full story here.
Chicago leg of national beagle rescue a great success: 'It was amazing'
A suburban animal shelter that took in 100 beagles as part of a national rescue is going back for more.... Read the full story here.
Prince: The Immersive Experience makes world premiere in Chicago this week
Walk into Prince: The Immersive Experience — a 24,000-square-foot space at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street — and you'll be transformed into the world of the legendary musician.... Read the full story here.
‘Busking’ banjo player on Michigan Avenue adds his music to sounds of the city
On a cold October Sunday afternoon in downtown Chicago, the sound of a banjo carried far — all the way from South Dakota — rang out... Read the story here.
Ribbon cutting ceremony held for the new AIDS Garden Chicago
A joyous day of remembrance and hope as the ribbon was cut at Chicago's first public park dedicated to those who've lost loved ones to AIDS and HIV.... Read the full story here.
Open House Chicago, ‘one of the largest architecture tours in the world,’ returns
The annual Open House Chicago architecture tour returned again this weekend, which means the Chicago Architecture Center has been busy running free tours of more than 150 venues across two dozen neighborhoods.... Read the full story here.
'Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory for adults': Metropolis Coffee Company is where the magic happens
Hidden in an industrial area in the Avondale Area, a massive roasteries right on the river.... Read the full story here.
Toy dog left behind at Joliet nature center becomes social media darling
A toy dog has become a social media celebrity in Joliet.... Read the full story here.
LaGrange high school radio station streams worldwide
WLTL at Lyons Township High School has been around since 1968, but now the 24-hour music station has landed on one of the largest audio platforms in the world.... Read the full story here.
South Side choir offers comfort to Ukrainian Catholic school: 'They're locked into the mission'
There were some uplifting moments Friday for a Ukrainian Catholic school on the near Northwest Side as they got a visit and a performance from a South Side high school choir.... Read the full story here.
Two new therapy dogs join La Rabida Children's Hospital
Six-year-old Xavier Dorsey is autistic and comes to La Rabida Children's hospital every Tuesday.... Read the full story here.
Over 30,000 migrating sandhill cranes have passed through northwest Indiana
Tens of thousands of sandhill cranes have been drawing crowds of bird watchers as they gather in the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, about an hour and a half from Chicago in Northwest Indiana.... Read the full story here.
Iconic Chicago-based PR firm behind ads for KFC, Sara Lee, celebrates 70 years of business
Richard Edelman didn't exactly have a normal childhood.... Read the full story here.
Northwest Side school opens new library: ‘We were in a cave of dust for 13 years’
Roberto Clemente Community Academy in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood cut the ribbon on a new library Wednesday, after they won a contest sponsored by a national nonprofit, Heart of America.... Read the full story here.
'My miracle child': Oak Lawn 2-year-old, hospitalized since birth, comes home
It was an emotional day at La Rabida Children's Hospital as an Oak Lawn boy went home for the first time in his life.... Read the full story here.
Tracking bird migrations? There's a website for that
Going on all around us — and above us — is the fall bird migration. ‘... Read the full story here.
Difference Maker: Rob North, Chicago Maritime Arts Center
It was a sunny warm summer day at Chicago’s South Shore Yacht Club, and 15 students were busy sanding, drilling, and creating their own boat.... Read the full story.
Wild turkey trolls the western suburbs for mate: 'He was looking for high-class girls'
A wild turkey is apparently safely back in the countryside after venturing into town for the past several days to look for a mate and becoming a west suburban social media star along the way.... Read the full story here.
Cubs unveil statue of franchise great 'Fergie' Jenkins
Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins is the latest addition to the brand-new “statue row" on the North Lawn of Gallagher Way.... Read the full story here.
Field Museum honors Native Americans as monthlong celebration begins
November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Field Museum kicked off its month-long observance with an opening ceremony Tuesday.... Read the full story here.
Special Olympics Chicago kick off their Spring Games at Soldier Field
There were smiles and cheers Thursday morning as 1,500 athletes from 70 communities gathered once again to light the cauldron and kick off this year's Special Olympics Spring Games.... Read the full story here.
Podcasts of 2022
Courier Pigeon: Resolution of Tylenol murders still possible as cold case marks 40 years, authorities say
Microbiologist Michael Petros can remember what he was doing 40 years ago, at the close of September 1982. He was in a city lab beneath Daley Plaza, opening bottles of Extra Strength Tylenol and examining the contents of each capsule.... Listen to the full episode here.
Gains: Why you need to invest in comic books and pop culture collectibles
On this week's episode of Gains with Andy Giersher podcast, the creator of the comic book industry's 10-point grading scale and elite dealer, Stephen Fishler, CEO and co-owner of Metropolis Collectibles/ComicConnect.com joins us to discuss investing in high-end vintage comic books, comic art and pop culture memorabilia. Listen to the full episode here.
Backstage Chicago: 'It's 3 a.m., and we have to evacuate': Chicago circus performers recall escape from Ukraine
It was almost lunch time in a high rise apartment in Chicago's Loop as Viktor Kee and Ulzii Mergen were busy getting their two kids out of bed — a little later than your average morning, but that's the upside-down life of a circus family.... Listen to the full episode here.
Gains: Bitcoin to rise over a $1M per token in the near future
Bill Ulivieri, owner of Cenacle Capital Management, joins us to discuss the coming end of the so-called crypto winter and makes the case for Bitcoin to rise over a million dollars per token in the near future. Listen to the full episode here.
Courier Pigeon: Sober October: Dry bars, non-alcoholic beers and why it's popular now
More than ever, people are starting to put down their glasses and opting for non-alcoholic drink options. We pour out the reasons behind this phenomenon by talking with a suburban low-alcohol bar owner, a Chicago-based dry bar owner who crowdfunded her community space and a woman who's pulling back and evaluating her drinking habits.... Listen to the full episode here.
Gains: Digital Estate Planning 101: How to consolidate your digital assets
Backstage Chicago: World Comedy Expo: It's Time to Laugh
Gains: What does the Dow Theory say about the market now?
Chuck Carlson, CEO of Horizon Investment Services and Publisher of the Dow Theory Forecasts Newsletter, joins us to discuss the time tested Dow Theory and what it says about the direction of financial markets. He also shares a trio of investment ideas from UpsideStocks.com. Listen to the full episode here.
Courier Pigeon: The story of Chicago's coffee shop unions — Starbucks struggles to Intelligentsia successes
Chicago is known for being a "union town." Although, do you ever think of your local barista becoming apart of one? This episode of WBBM's In Depth, we dive deep into local coffee shops and their unionization efforts, successes, failures and uncertainty for workers rights — along with the different degrees of acceptance from their workplaces.... Listen to the full episode here.
Backstage Chicago: 'This is not your usual opera': The Magic Flute crew produces fresh, edgy version of classic
Rachel Tobias has probably called 100 shows at the Lyric Opera over the last 21 years, but the latest edition of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" is a whole new challenge.... Listen to the full episode here.
Gains: Everything you need to know about back-to-school fashion and clothing resale business
Jan Rogers Kniffen, CEO of J. Rogers Kniffen Worldwide in New York joins us to discuss retail stocks, the clothing resale business and back-to-school fashion - including a host of fashion cores. We also take a deep dive into e-commerce and resale businesses like - Poshmark, Mercari and Depop. Listen to the full episode here.