“Blockbuster” Blake Stubbs joins Jon Hansen, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about possible appearances at the president’s inauguration. Blake discusses the delayed Oscar nominations, the top movies at the box office, and more!

Jon Hansen, host of the Block Club Chicago Podcast and in for Bob Sirott, shares the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. 

Here Are 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events You Can Check Out In Chicago: The Civil Rights leader’s birthday is a federal holiday annually observed on the third Monday of January. You can celebrate this year by volunteering, joining a sing-along, attending a “social impact hack-a-thon” and more.

Ravenswood Couple’s Pet Turtle Found Alive After Fire Destroyed Their Home: The turtle, Jalapeño, was found alive in his tank and is recovering. Other victims of the fire who lost everything are raising money to help them recover.

On January 20th, 2025, Dave Schwan shares today’s potential market drivers:

Editor at Eater Chicago Ashok Selvam joins Bob Sirott to talk about some of Chicago’s top burger joints, like Redhot Ranch and Desert Hawk. He also talks about the history of Alex’s Washington Gardens and whether or not we could see the comeback of Charlie Trotter’s.

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

‘Duey Juice’ Rum Cocktails That Were Born At A South Side Party Expanding To Wisconsin, Michigan Stores: The rum-based cocktails, first served during informal kickball games at a Kenwood park, are now sold in dozens of Chicago-area liquor stores. “If you can win in Chicago, you can win anywhere,” said founder Nate Duhon.

Hemp Sales Banned Around Midway Airport As Alders Crack Down On Smoke Shops: Businesses designated as “Retail Tobacco stores” currently operating in the 13th and 23rd wards won’t get their tobacco licenses renewed when they expire, which could effectively force many out of business.

After Another Death At NW Side Metra Crossing, Safety Upgrades Finally Planned For Nagle Avenue: Over the past 15 years, four people have been killed at the Nagle Avenue Metra crossing in Norwood Park. Officials say new gates are coming to the problematic crossing, but neighbors worry the improvements won’t come soon enough.

Toys Et Cetera Sold To Local Chain After Half-Century In Hyde Park: Play Toys and Books will take over Nancy Stanek’s flagship — and last remaining — location of Toys et Cetera as the longtime toy seller retires.

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott’s wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about the benefits of Dry January and a recipe for a Mojito Mocktail.

Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment 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).

On January 17th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

NewsNation’s national security contributor Lt. General Richard Newton joins Bob Sirott to give an update on the ceasefire contract between Israel and Hamas, as well as when Israel officials are expected to vote on the agreement and the terms and conditions. Eliana Sagarin, a friend of Bob’s who lives in Tel Aviv, also joins him to share details about the public perception of the ceasefire and what the tourist industry could look like if the ceasefire is approved.

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on:

Floating Farmers Market? Parks Over Expressways? Here Are The Ideas For Reigniting Culture Downtown: Ideas presented by Team Culture, a group of arts and business leaders, aim to revitalize Downtown Chicago through arts and culture. Check out the full presentation from the City Club of Chicago HERE.

Charlie Trotter’s To Reopen This Year, Son Says — But First, A Pop-Up Restaurant: Dylan Trotter and Next chef Grant Achatz are hosting a two-week dinner series at the Lincoln Park restaurant, featuring a Trotter’s tribute menu.

‘Piss On History’ At Skylark, Home Of Chicago’s Oldest-Known Urinals: The stately, 3.5-foot-tall porcelain facilities date to 1910 when the building was a tied house for Birk Bros. Brewing Co. Now, the Pilsen bar is working to honor the storied loo’s history.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about how you can safely donate to wildfire relief efforts, fake rewards from holiday purchases, and a warning from the Illinois Attorney General. He also shares details about how to recognize a Cost-of-Living Adjustment scam, fake banking apps, and fake emails about iCloud storage.