Bob Sirott

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on:

10 Things To Do Outside In Chicago This January: Start off the new year by savoring the last of the twinkling lights, going on an “owl prowl,” ice-skating or supporting native ecosystems.

At Lincoln Park’s North Pond, Chef César Murillo Lets The Seasons Set The Menu: Murillo finds inspiration by preserving the yield from the restaurant’s rooftop garden and beehives and nurturing a hyperlocal approach in the kitchen, even in winter.

After Years Of Construction, CTA Opens Door To Redevelopment Near Clark And Roscoe: Requests for proposals signal the next phase of the Red and Purple Line Modernization project in Lakeview.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the “Stranger Things” finale (no spoilers included), and how the show’s special effects have evolved over their five seasons. They also share their opinions of “Marty Supreme,” the “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion, and another season of “Shrinking” on Apple TV.

On January 2nd, 2026, Ryan Burrow shares today’s potential market drivers:

Regional Medical Director at Northwestern Immediate Care Dr. Sindhu Aderson joins Steve Dale with some tips for staying healthy in 2026 and advise about how to avoid injuries or worse in cold weather.

The Director of Marketing for The League of Chicago Theaters Alexis Davis joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to preview a wonderful 2026 ahead for theater in Chicago and some of the highlights from 2025.

Ald. Scott Waguespack offers up some resolutions for Chicago and its mayor in his discussion with Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott). The 32nd Ward alderman also talks about his want for better a working relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council in 2026.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss what he is looking forward to 2026 and how he hopes to work with the City Council to better the city. The Mayor also offers up some New Year’s resolutions for himself and the city’s alders.

Emmy Award-winning writer and author Geoffrey Mark joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about his experience witnessing the assassination of John Lennon and how Lennon’s son consoled over the guilt he endured and the helplessness he felt in that frightening moment. Steve and Mr. Mark also talks about his friendship with Rob Reiner and Geoffrey’s own struggles with sobriety as a young man, much like Reiner’s son, Nick.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on:

Chicago’s Top Chefs Unite For Todos Ponen, A Fundraiser For 125 Immigrant Families: Restaurateurs Diana Dávila and Marcos Carbajal will bring together more than 40 chefs for the Jan. 19 event at the Ramova Theatre. Proceeds will supply families impacted by ICE with groceries from local supermercados.

City To Enforce 10 PM New Year’s Eve Curfew For Minors After Area Shootings: “We’re asking parents who may not be as diligent as most parents already are, to just know where their children are,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

How Block Club Stories Made An Impact In 2025: Our reporting spurred readers to donate their time, money — and for one reader, a kidney — to make a difference in neighborhoods across Chicago.

Horticulturist at Vern Goers Greenhouse Dan Kosta joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about if you should keep your plants away from the window during cold weather, the benefits of grow lights, and how to know how much water to give your plants. He also discusses how much fertilizer to give your plants, questions about orchids, and using a moisture meter to help water your plants.