Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about some movies that will be shown at the Cannes Film Festival and news about a new series focusing on Madonna’s life. She also shares details about new shows coming to streaming services and Lionel Richie’s memoir with a book tour.

On May 13th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Chief Medical Officer at Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Tom Moran joins Bob Sirott to talk about why there has been an increase in reported cancer cases in younger people and the types of exercising that could reduce pain and fatigue. He also discusses the trials of a new Parkinson’s drug, the benefits of gradual peanut exposure for allergies, and how cinnamon could interact with some prescription medications.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on:

Pope Leo’s Chicago: Where The Pontiff Lived, Studied And Worked: From where Robert Francis Prevost lived and studied to where he dined as a cardinal, here are the places in the Chicago area with ties to the first American leader of the Catholic Church.

Peek Inside The Vacant South Side Church Where Pope Leo XIV Got His Start: St. Mary of the Assumption, the church that served as the pope’s base, has been closed for years now.

Chicago Farmers Markets Return This Month With Fresh Produce, Local Artisans: Neighborhood farmers markets are back from Austin to the Loop and Lincoln Square, and the Maxwell Street Market kicks off May 18.

Transit Advocates Push Mayor, Board For Nationwide Search For Next CTA Boss: Kevin Irvine, a former CTA board member, asked current board members not to approve Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reported pick — city COO John Roberson — as CTA president during a special meeting.

Certified Consulting Hypnotist Shawn Mossell joins Bob Sirott to discuss the benefits of meditation and what you need to do to prepare your mind for it. He also talks about the elements of breathing to help you relax your body, as well as a couple minutes for the Moment of Zen.

Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about family rumors squashed by Miley Cyrus, and update on the Justin Baldoni-Blake Lively case, and more information about the “Yellowstone” sequel. She also shares details about a new project from the Coen brothers and a CNN documentary about Live Aid.

On May 12th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Former classmate of Pope Leo XIV Jim Priestley joins Bob Sirott to talk about what kind of student he was and the last time he met with him at a popular Chicago pizza establishment. NBC 5 Chicago political reporter Mary Ann Ahern also joins Bob to discuss why the pope chose the name Leo, how Chicagoans are reacting, and when his public installation mass will take place.

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott’s wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about how mothers can treat themselves any day of the year, as well as her recipe for crispy marinated cucumbers.

Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy tip: [email protected]. Follow Marianne on Twitter (@marimur), Instagram (@havanagirl), and on Facebook (SirottAndMurciano).

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:

Da Pope: Chicago Loses Its Mind Over Homegrown Pontiff: Within minutes of the announcement, Chicagoans had Photoshopped the new pope holding an Italian beef sandwich and made at least 50 Malört jokes.

28 Vacant Lots To Be Turned Into Affordable Homes In Back Of The Yards: Local nonprofits plan to build affordable single-family homes on city-owned lots in the neighborhood. Construction is expected to start in the coming weeks.

Rat Birth Control Pilot Coming To Lincoln Park As Neighbors Try Humane New Approach: With support from the Chicago Bird Alliance and Lincoln Park Zoo, the pilot aims to reduce the rat population without poison — and protect owls and other wildlife harmed by traditional rodenticides.