Bob Sirott

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN-TV, joins Lisa Dent (in for Bob Sirott) to provide the latest news in entertainment. Lisa and Dean talk about Taylor Swift and her sizable donation to charity this holiday season, the late Pat Finn, Tracy Letts talking about being in the “Festivus” episode of ‘Seinfeld,’ movies opening this Christmas and more.

Also, reminder, you can watch Bozo, Gar and Ray: WGN-TV Classics on WGN-TV tonight (December 24th, 2025) at 10PM CT .

Mike Sankowski (Vice President of Foreign Exchange at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in the Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss an early outlook for the U.S. economy in 2026, exploring tariff impacts, manufacturing, and a cautious start for both businesses and consumers.

On December 24th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Brent Stern, President of Rogers & Hollands, joins Bob Sirott to talk about last minute Christmas gift ideas and what is popular this time of year!

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to provide the latest news in entertainment. Wendy and Dean talk about the death of Chris Rea and Barry Manilow’s lung cancer diagnosis. They also share details about the running times for the rest of the “Stranger Things” episodes and a new Barbie book.

Author Robert Schaffner and Debbie Simmonds, wife of Savoy Brown founder Kim Simmonds, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how Kim Simmonds was inspired to become a musician and how he formed Savoy Brown. They also discuss their popularity in the states and where you can preorder Street Corner Talking.

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about why it’s important to keep track of your 401(k) and what clients of different ages should be doing to grow it. He also shares updates on unemployment numbers and retail sales.

Tanner Mitchell, known as Tanner the Planter on social media, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how taking care of plants is different depending on the time of year, even if you have indoor plants. He also explains what you should do if you overwater your plant and the number one mistake people make with their plants during the winter months.

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

3,000+ Cheese Grater Hats Sold After Bears Shred Packers, ‘A Christmas Miracle’ For Hat Company: Foam Party Hats started selling the grater caps after the Packers sent him a cease-and-desist for his cheese hat. Chicagoans have been ordering hundreds of them after Bears star Caleb Williams and DJ Moore wore one after defeating the Packers.

El Nopal Bakery And Its Famous Cookies Find A Home Again At Chicago History Museum: The long-gone bakery, a hub in Pilsen and Little Village, is featured in the museum’s “Aqui en Chicago” exhibit — and its signature hojarascas are for sale for Chicagoans to enjoy once again.

Chicago Journalists Swap Bylines For Basslines In New Christmas Album For Charity: The Chicago Media Chorus, a group of local journalists and editors, dropped their first Christmas album this week to raise money for StreetWise and spread holiday cheer.

Block Club’s Neighborhood Print Subscription Special!: We teamed up with local artist Steve Shanabruch to bring you 75 incredible prints featuring famous Chicago neighborhoods and landmarks all across the city. Check out all of the prints here.

On December 23rd, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: