Matt Bubala

The Matt Bubala Podcast from WGN Radio 720 in Chicago

Phases of COVID-19 shaming: What is travel shaming?

Washington Post travel reporter Natalie Compton says the pandemic has created a new era of shaming. First, there was mask shaming for those not willing to wear one, social distance shaming when people are criticized for being too close and even virus shaming, when someone is criticized for getting COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, Compton […]

09-07
--:--

Local teacher builds desks for students in need during e-learning

Marty Coyle is an Industrial Technology teacher at Hillcrest High School. He noticed many students sitting on their beds or couches. Coyle began making desks for students who were in need of a place to work while learning remotely. He recently delivered the first round of study desks and is in the process of making […]

09-07
--:--

Find out what Earth looked like millions of years ago

California paleontologist Ian Webster has created an interactive map that allows people to see how far their hometowns have moved over 750 million years of continental drift. He built the map as a web application that sits on top of another map that visualizes geological models created by geologist and paleogeographer Chris Scotese. Scotese’s models describe plate tectonic development […]

09-07
--:--

University Of Illinois increasing restrictions on student activity as COVID-19 cases rise

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign had implemented a mass coronavirus testing program for staff and students in an effort to keep virus spread on campus under control. Earlier in the week, the university reported rising numbers of positive coronavirus cases and announced a two-week lockdown for undergraduates. Andrea Darlas, Senior Director of Constituent Engagement, tells […]

09-07
--:--

As Labor Day approaches, Amazon drivers are getting creative about finding work

A strange phenomenon has emerged near Amazon.com Inc. delivery stations and Whole Foods stores in the Chicago suburbs: smartphones dangling from trees. Contract delivery drivers are putting them there to get a jump on rivals seeking orders, according to people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg reporter Spencer Soper tells Matt Bubala more.

09-07
--:--

Alderman Ray Lopez shares thoughts on city’s Emergency City Council meeting

The special meeting was held Friday afternoon after four alderman called for the Governor Pritzker to declare a state of emergency and send in the Illinois National Guard over the city’s recent unrest. Friday’s vote was 30-17 to delay the decision. Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward was one of the four alderman who proposed […]

08-24
--:--

Visit Navy Pier before Labor Day

COVID-19 has shut down Navy Pier once before, but now it’s temporarily closing again to save money as the weather starts to change and because of low visitor attendance during the pandemic. Cory Jobe, Vice President of Communications at Navy Pier, joins Matt Bubala to discuss what Chicagoans can still check out by September 8.

08-23
--:--

Could Earth face one of the biggest mass extinctions from an exploding star?

This star is roughly 65 light years away from Earth. A new study led by astrophysicist Brian Fields from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests this great extinguisher of life on Earth could have been a distant and completely foreign phenomenon.

08-23
--:--

Filming begins for COVID-19 film: Producer says it is an ‘historic time’

Executive Producer Abbey LeVine joins The Matt Bubala Show to discuss her new film concept, COVID POV. It details stories that tell the struggles and hope of the pandemic. COVID POV is shot on individual’s phones and told with their voice. The filmmakers are digging deep into thousands of minutes of raw, unique footage sent by worldwide contributors […]

08-15
--:--

Last Blockbuster store converted to Airbnb

Blockbuster Blake Stubbs joins Matt Bubala to talk all things movies and television. Movie lovers that are longing for the ultimate 90’s sleepover party can rent out the last Blockbuster for $4 a night. Sandi Harding, the store manager of the last Blockbuster in the world, will soon allow stays at the Bend, Oregon. Check […]

08-15
38:53

Kamala Harris is back: What does it mean for Democrats this November?

Political opposition researcher Sonia Van Meter joins Matt Bubala to discuss Joe Biden’s pick for Vice President, Kamala Harris.

08-15
--:--

BBB warns about uprise in scams

Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau, chats with Matt Bubala about a new BBB study about COVID-19 scams.

08-09
--:--

SpaceX’s first crewed flight was a successful two month mission

Mike Wall, senior writer at space.com joins the Matt Bubala Show to discuss SpaceX’s return to Earth with NASA astronauts Bob Benken and Doug Hurley near Pensacola, FL. The journey was more dramatic with a standoff with Tropical Storm Isaias, however the Gulf of Mexico remained calm.

08-09
--:--

Humboldt Park resident turned a side hustle into COVID-19 income

Marcus Kirby joins Matt Bubala to discuss the leap of faith he took in March: his online house plant business, The Succulent City. Kirby went from making the same amount of income from his house plant business as he did when he was a server. He tells his success here. To order, visit his website.

08-09
--:--

How will parents handle homework help this fall?

Lindsey Wander, CEO of WorldWise Tutoring, joins The Matt Bubala Show to chat about how to get kids excited about e-learning. Wander chats about summer enrichment programs, learning pods, and customized e-learning plans. [audiohttps://serve.castfire.com/audio/3779139/3779139_2020-08-09-153339.64kmono.mp3]

08-09
--:--

CPS mom says remote learning is best

As Chicago Public Schools work on finalizing a remote learning plan, Heidi Stevens wrote in her latest column to not worry about how they got to the decision of the remote learning, but rather understand that CPS had to take time to come to this difficult decision for the fall.

08-09
--:--

Pets and COVID-19: Local vet shares the facts

The first dog to test positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. has died. Buddy the German Shepard was also diagnosed with cancer, but there has been limited research about COVID-19 and pets. Dr. Marks has the real story on The Matt Bubala Show. She also shares tips for owners on how to keep pets safe […]

08-01
--:--

Is the public anxious to travel?

Due to COVID-19 concerns, Chicago airports are limiting access. Aviation Safety Analyst David Soucie joins The Matt Bubala Show to discuss the lates on transportation and travel.

08-01
--:--

Political opposition researcher chats November election

Democratic opposition researcher Sonia Van Meter joins The Matt Bubala Show to discuss what’s going in Texas and the country. She tells listeners if she thinks the Democrats are excited about a November election or if it will be delayed.

08-01
--:--

Meet the biospherian: Mark Nelson

Eight volunteers better known as the original “biospherians” sealed themselves into a hi-tech dome meant to perfectly replicate the Earth’s ecosystems. They called this project Biosphere 2. Earth is considered Biosphere 1 and this two year project from 1991 to 1993 was staged like a space mission in Arizona. The $150 million facility had all gleaming […]

07-25
--:--

Recommend Channels