Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about the 2025 Oscar nominations, the comeback of a possible project for Leonardo DiCaprio, and the reunion of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. They also talk about P. Diddy’s defamation lawsuit and what Elon Musk’s father had to say about NewsNation.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on:

Hundreds Of South, West Side Properties For Sale Amid Legal Fight Against City’s ‘Worst Landowner’: Property owner Suzie B. Wilson owed more than $15 million in fines for rat-related code violations — and, along with her sister, now faces legal trouble after a joint investigation by Illinois Answers Project and Block Club.

Some Chicagoans Are Afraid To Go To The South And West Sides. In ‘Don’t Go’ Book, Authors Examine Why: In “Don’t Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It,” Englewood artist Tonika Lewis Johnson and professor Maria Krysan explore how telling someone not to go to a neighborhood can harm a community.

This 10-Foot-High Edison Park Igloo Is A Great Place For An Outdoor Glass Of Wine: Maciej Niewiadomski and his partner Martina Brkljacic have been making ice sculptures for the past four years. This is their largest creation yet.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to share details about tax season scams and a warning from the Palatine Police department. He also discusses various scams concerning Chicagoland’s recent polar vortex, fake job offers, and how to apply for the 2025 BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois Foundation Scholarship Program scholarship award.

There was a messy divorce between the Chicago Cubs and their all-time home run leader, Sammy Sosa as his tenure on the North Side ended in 2004. Two decades later, the organization and ‘Slammin’ Sammy’ hashed out their differences. The timing allowed for Sosa to be the star attraction at the 38th annual Cubs Convention. Bob Sirott and Dave Eanet recap the reception the fans gave Sosa last week. Bob also plays back an interview he and his wife, Marianne, did with Sosa at Wrigley Field in 2001.

This week, Thought Leader Adam Lutostanski (Head of Illinois Commercial Banking at Associated Bank) is with Steve Grzanich to talk about possible interest rate cuts in the new year, as well as banking trends to look for in 2025.

On January 23rd, 2025, Dave Schwan shares today’s potential market drivers:

Two-time James Beard-nominated chef Evan Funke joins Bob Sirott to talk about the culinary event From Chicago, with Love, and how it will raise money for World Central Kitchen for people impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires. He shares details about the other chefs that will be creating dishes for the event and where you can donate.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to share details about some of the executive orders President Trump signed on his first day back in office and the obligations of the U.S. Attorney General to the President. She also explains President Trump’s executive order concerning TikTok and whether or not it is valid.

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:

Lathrop Homes Redevelopment Gets TIF Boost From City Council: The additional tax increment financing money will help build more than 300 housing units in the development’s southern section, according to the Mayor’s Office and local alderman.

Maplewood Brewery Expanding To Add More Food, Lounge Space: The brewery will have space for private events, more draft lines, a full kitchen menu and a larger bar.

Hard Rock Cafe To Close After Nearly 40 Years In River North: The music-themed restaurant, recognized by its giant, guitar-shaped sign, will close March 29, a company spokesperson said.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include when the Blue Man Group debuted in Chicago, Betty White’s birthday, when Zum Deutschen Eck closed its doors, and more.