Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on:

These South Chicago Goats Will Eat Your Christmas Trees: Urban Growers Collective is taking donations of decoration-free pine trees through Jan. 11 at its South Chicago farm to feed to goats as a healthy snack.

Weegee’s Lounge Could Close After 19 Years In Logan Square: While the bar’s closing date has not been announced, its owner said on social media that people should visit while they still can.

Pioneering Hyde Park Health Food Store Bonne Sante Will Be Replaced By Chick-Fil-A, Owner Says: After a half-century in business, the health-food store will close its longtime 53rd Street location sometime after a retirement sale in January, owner Kristofer Braaten said.

Bronzeville’s Nitro Nostalgia Serves Up Ice Cream And A Blast From The Past: Daughter-and-father duo Kamillah and Garland Lucas opened the shop earlier this month, offering ice cream flavors named after classic songs. There are also old-school board games for customers to enjoy.

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about creating resolutions for enhanced social media experiences, like using a password manager, updating privacy settings, and managing your screen time. He also shares details about Apple’s Siri privacy lawsuit and answers this week’s genius bar question.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the Golden Globes ratings, Aubrey Plaza’s statement after her husband’s death, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on The CW. They also share details about celebrity relationship news, like the engagement of Zendaya and Tom Holland, as well as the finalized divorce of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to talk about why the markets remain expensive, possible rate cuts for the new year, and why commodity prices are picking up. He also shares details about what investors can expect from stocks this year and how to keep a good credit score.

On January 7th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

The longest-lived U.S. president in history, Jimmy Carter, died at the age of 100 last Sunday (December 29) in Plains, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November of 2023. Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, will lie in repose in Atlanta from Saturday night through today for the public to pay respects at Carter Presidential Center. In 2015, while promoting his book, ‘A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety‘, President Carter spoke to Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano about his proudest moments, tough campaigns, and even softball.

The former President will then be transported to Washington, D.C. where he will rest at the Capitol Rotunda before his funeral at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday at Washington National Cathedral.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about highlights from the Golden Globes including the best speeches and host Nikki Glaser’s comedy.

Chief Medical Officer at Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Tom Moran joins Bob Sirott to talk about the increase in norovirus cases and the lifestyle factors that could help contribute to a longer, healthier life. He also discusses the benefits of an antioxidant-rich diet and education on cholesterol numbers.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of ‘The Block Club Chicago Podcast’, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on:

90 Miles Cuban Cafe Closes In Roscoe Village — And Logan Square Location Faces Possible Eviction: Both 90 Miles restaurants were closed as of Friday. The landlord of its Logan Square location is seeking almost $62,000 in rent as well as other fees, according to a lawsuit filed in November.

Century-Old Railroad Tracks In Lincoln Park Are Being Removed, But Their History Remains: The city is pulling up the tracks running down the middle of Lakewood Avenue — which once served candy factories, lumber yards, strawberry farms and baseball fans — to replace sewer lines.

Small Cheval Could Open In Lincoln Square Next Week: The burger joint could open as soon as Jan. 10, owner Brendan Sodikoff said.

On January 6th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: