Bob Sirott

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:

Historic Portage Theater Has A New Owner Who Plans To Revive It As A Community Space: Chris Bauman, founder of the Avondale Music Hall and partial owner of the Patio Theater, bought the theater and wants to create a “community center” that hosts concerts, film screenings, indoor markets, performances and more.

What’s Up With The Obama Presidential Center?: With the Obama Presidential Center set to open next year, Maxwell Evans joins the Block Club Chicago podcast to discuss how neighbors feel as it nears completion — and what Chicagoans really think about its look.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the premiere of “IT: Welcome To Derry,” the remake of the 90s movie “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle,” and what their favorite Halloween movies are. He also shares details about Ann Rice’s new show on AMC, the premiere of a new movie on Netflix, Ben Stiller’s tribute to his parents, and the “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion.

On October 24th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about a man who lives on his boat full time and if this is something that’s becoming more common. He also shares details about Butch McGuire’s companion bar, Mary Jo McGuire’s, and the authenticity behind restaurants and bars names after real people.

Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial and host of WGN’s “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the increase in refinancing rates and an update on the Cook County Tax Bill. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio. You can call him at 855-56-David, or check out the Team Hochberg website.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about Halloween costume shopping scams and how voice technology is being used to hack into bank accounts. He also explains how a scammer can pose as an attorney to ask for money and the BBB’s upcoming 100th anniversary celebration.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share details about the “Stranger Things” series finale showing in theaters and the season finale of “Gen V.” He also talks about one of his favorite shows “Hal & Harper,” as well as some new movies and shows coming to streaming services, like “The Chair Company.”

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:

Chicago-Area Companies Raked In Millions From Feds As Operation Midway Blitz Intensified: One Chicago-based company was awarded more than $7 million to relocate ICE employees while a suburban weapons manufacturer was paid nearly $1.5 million in two weeks to supply pepper balls and air-powered guns.

Chicago’s 1st City-Backed Public Restroom Will Open In 2026, Alderman Says: The free restroom will open next year in a yet-to-be-disclosed location in the 1st Ward, said Ald. Daniel La Spata.

Downtown, North Side Bridge Closures A ‘Clusterf—,’ Alderman Says: The Lake Street, Cortland Street, Chicago Avenue and State Street bridges over the Chicago River are closed for repairs, causing widespread backups, alderpeople said during a Wednesday budget hearing.

Caryn Levey, Senior Vice President and Private Banking Group Manager at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week’s Thought Leader segment to discuss the new federal income tax brackets for 2026, as well as how the government shutdown will affect year-end planning, including student loan debt.

On October 23rd, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: