Michael Hides (Senior Vice President Business Banking at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today’s Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to talk about the impact that business owners are seeing related to AI, as well as how the stock market is impacting businesses.

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about news coverage of recent anti-Semitic graffiti in places like Little Village and Hyde Park and if this kind of coverage can promote bad behavior. He also discusses the latest American Eagle Outfitters ad with Sydney Sweeney and the controversy surrounding it.

Minooka Village President Ric Offerman joins Bob Sirott to talk about how his family has lived in Minooka since 1945 and his son Nick Offerman’s ties to the area as well as the Steppenwolf Theatre. He also shares some of his favorite things about Minooka, like their parks and a new pickleball court and why he enjoys being the village president.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to take about counterfeit Lollapalooza tickets and back-to-school scams. He also explains the differences between a real Labubu and a fake “Lafufu,” as well as a warning issued by the FBI about installing certain apps on your phone.

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

Part Of DuSable Lake Shore Could Move Underground If City Extends Grant Park To Lakefront: The bold Park District plan would expand the plaza around Buckingham Fountain to the lakefront — with DuSable Lake Shore Drive tunneled underneath the new public space. Critics say it’s a “pipe dream.”

CTA Faces ‘Drastic Service Cuts’ If State Funding Doesn’t Come Through, Agency Head Says: The Regional Transportation Authority faces a $770 million fiscal cliff in 2026 that could cut area-wide transit service by 40 percent. Springfield has not yet acted to help the CTA, Metra and Pace.

North Park Homeless Encampment To Be Shut Down After Recent Fires: ‘Where Will I Go?’: The most recent fire on Monday prompted the Park District’s decision to close the encampment in September. The city will work to connect its residents with housing before then, a spokesperson said.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean preview the acts at Lollapalooza and shares details about Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral. They also talk about why Grateful Dead fans are upset about ticket prices and a new celebrity couple.

On July 31st, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Bob Sirott to dive deeper into the recent teen takeovers and his debating with the aldermen about the snap curfew, as well as how his administration is working to change the negative aspects of Chicago’s image. He also shares insight on his talks with The Bears organization to stay in Chicago, how his team has been proactive concerning the city’s budget, and handling President Trump’s ICE raids sent to Chicago.

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty discusses how adults get the fluoride that they need. She also explains how people’s brains aged during the COVID pandemic and the ‘razor blade throat’ symptom.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what the argument is for Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal to the Supreme Court and the two new Illinois gun laws. She also discusses Minnesota’s law requiring warnings on social media and what it could look like.