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:

Pope Leo’s Childhood Church Could Become A City Landmark: St. Mary of the Assumption has fallen into disrepair, but landmark status would protect its exterior. The move could also help “reinvigorate” the South Side’s Riverdale community, supporters say.

South Side Restaurants Will Pop Up At Maria’s In Bridgeport All Summer At Patio Jams: Chef Won Kim, who lives in Beverly and works in Bridgeport, is launching the Tuesday dinner series to boost under-the-radar spots. All proceeds go to the guest restaurants.

Augie’s, Lincoln Park’s Lost Neighborhood Bar, Making Its Return This Summer: Owners Isabelle and Michael Nigro were diagnosed with cancer within months of each other. That hasn’t stopped the couple from making good on their pledge to reopen the beloved “regulars’ bar.”

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about Sesame Street’s debut on Netflix, the firing of Zak Starkey from The Who again, and a stolen Jim Morrison bust to be returned. They also share details about Conan O’Brien’s involvement in ‘Toy Story 5,’ Dean’s interview with the ‘Mission: Impossible’ cast, and Denzel Washington’s award.

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss last week’s retail sales numbers and the increase in consumer debt. He also talks about when we could see how tariffs impact consumers, the odds of a recession, and updated tech stock numbers.

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about things you can do with technology if you have fifteen free minutes, including cleaning out duplicate photos, checking security settings, changing your lock screen photo, and more. He also answers this week’s genius bar questions.

On May 20th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Dr. Jeff Bohmer, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, joins Bob Sirott to talk about former President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, including what some of his symptoms might have been and explains what a Gleason score is. He also discusses recent GLP-1 weight loss drug findings and how you can help lessen spring allergy symptoms.

Choose Chicago President and CEO, Kristen Reynolds, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the increase in Chicago’s tourism numbers and how she plans to continue increasing those numbers, as well as how tariffs are impacting visitor numbers. She also explains how she hopes to use social media to create a positive image for the city.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details of a second Chicago show for The Who, as well as “Hamilton’s” return and a new project for Dan Levy. He also talks about the weekend box office numbers, Tom Cruise’s love for action movies, and Dean’s interview with Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles.

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:

$50 Million, Adults-Only Magic Theater Coming To Former Lawry’s Prime Rib Downtown: The Hand & The Eye is slated for a spring 2026 opening. It will have 37 magic rooms, seven theaters, live jazz music and more.

Miko’s Italian Ice Facing Backlash After Worker Says She Was Fired For Masking: Owner Zach Roombos denied firing the employee, saying the encounter was a misunderstanding. The family-run shop is now facing “relentless harassment” online, he said.

Why Can’t Chicagoans Use E-Scooters After Midnight? Critics Slam City’s ‘Impossible’ Regulations: Though the city lifted a ban on overnight scooters last year, disagreements about how to prevent drunk riding have stalled plans — despite little evidence that drunk riding is an actual issue.

Dust Storm Friday Was City’s Worst Since 1930s, Weather Service Says: Storms on Friday sent dust from Central Illinois farms into the city. Chicago hasn’t seen a dust storm that significant since 1934, during the height of the Dust Bowl.

On May 19th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: