Former Cubs outfielder Bob Dernier joins Bob Sirott and Andy Masur to preview Opening Day at Wrigley Field, and the 2026 season as a whole. Dernier talks about the offseason changes to the roster, early-season weather ion the North Side, and the first Opening Day after Ryne Sandberg’s passing.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about an increase in fake tickets with opening day and the upcoming concert season, as well as fake texts claiming to be from the DMV and parking violation letters. He also shares details about fake government grants and scammers who impersonate FBI personnel.

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about their memories of opening day for the Cubs and White sox, including Tuffy’s three home runs and Willie Smith’s walk-off. They also talk about the death of Valerie Perrine and the movies she starred in.

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on:

An AI School, With No Teachers, To Open in Chicago This Fall: Alpha School, a pricey private school with campuses nationwide, uses artificial intelligence to instruct students. AI schools have been praised by the Trump administration, but researchers say there’s limited evidence the model works.

Rat Birth Control Is Working In Wicker Park, Early Results Show: With early data pointing to a reduction of rat activity in the area, organizers said they will expand the program to other parts of Wicker Park and Bucktown. A similar effort is underway in Lincoln Park.

Kelli’s Lounge Fills Void In Bronzeville As Welcoming 3rd Space For Neighbors: Kelli’s Chicago owner Kelli Dace said she’s committed to supporting the neighborhood that raised her, offering a lowkey space for guests to have coffee during the day and cocktails at night.

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Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about a new album from The Rolling Stones, Thomas Rhett’s new single, and tonight’s iHeartRadio Music Awards. She also shares details about a new project from Stephen Colbert and a comeback from Cameron Diaz.

Duston Detrick, Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week’s Thought Leader conversation to discuss how Cook County Assessor Democratic Primary winner Pat Hynes could impact businesses and commercial property owners across the county. They also break down how global tensions, including the war involving Iran, are affecting small businesses, and what to expect for Illinois business growth heading into 2026.

Joseph Lindsley is the Editor in Chief of Under Fire News. He has been in Ukraine covering the war with Russia since its inception. He joined Bob Sirott and the WGN Radio Morning Show with daily updates from 2022 through 2025. They reconnected last month on the four year anniversary of the war.

After legendary martial artist and action movie star Chuck Norris’ death last week, a listener reminded Sirott about a story Lindsley had told about Norris back in August of 2022. Sirott replayed conversation earlier this week.

On March 26th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the first commercial flight from O’Hare Airport, the birth of Len Dresslar, a crackdown on sports gambling, and more.

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Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to explain what doxing is and why a jury found Elon Musk allegedly liable for defrauding Twitter (or X) investors. She also talks about why many are blaming the No Cash Bail law for the death of a Loyola student and why White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is suing over sports jerseys.