Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about digital safety tips to use when traveling for the holidays, like why you shouldn’t use public Wi-Fi and why you should be cautious when using public USB charging stations. He also explains why it isn’t smart to announce your travel plans on social media and answers this week’s genius bar question.

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:

How Chicagoans Helped Their Neighbors Through The SNAP Freeze: From turning their porches into food pantries to baking birthday cakes, neighbors found creative ways to help those going without food assistance during the government shutdown.

Humboldt Park Getting New Football Field, Fieldhouse Upgrades: The improvements are being led by the Park District after years of advocacy from neighbors. Nearly $12 million from the Division/Homan TIF district will cover most of the cost.

When Is The Best Time To Put Up Holiday Decorations?: Do you wait until after Thanksgiving for your lights and tinsel? Or do you put them up as soon as you can? Block Club Chicago readers weigh in.

The Ultimate Guide To Shopping Local In Chicago For The Holidays In 2025: Block Club reporters are putting the spotlight on small, locally owned businesses, which are offering everything from jewelry to toys, books, self-care items, clothing and more during the holidays.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about new allegations against P Diddy, a local tribute for Robert Redford, and the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” in New York. They also share details about who will host and perform on SNL in December, the live action version of “Moana,” who will perform for the Thanksgiving football halftime shows, and Dean’s interview with Brendan Fraser.

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss if the Fed is thinking about cutting rates again in December and why the next four to five months are typically the best for the markets. He also talks about when we will get accurate readings on market reports after the government shutdown, as well as updated jobs numbers.

On November 18th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Dr. Irfan Hafiz, Chief Medical Officer of Northwestern Medicine’s Northwest region of hospitals, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how you should treat a cold versus a fever and how patients have more choices to manage high cholesterol. He also shares research about the rejection of a pig kidney in some transplant patients, a study that shows a possible link between ultra processed foods and precancerous tumors, and the benefits of selenium-rich foods.

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:

Cannabis Dispensary Across From Wrigley Field Gets Final Approval From City Council: Entourage Holdings cleared its final zoning hurdle Friday, paving the way for the team to open after years of delays and neighborhood negotiations.

Proposed Crosstown Bike Trail Gains Traction But Needs Anti-Gentrification Measures, Some Say: Thursday’s virtual town hall was the first of many to discuss the proposed 3.2-mile trail that would run through Old Irving Park, Irving Park, Portage Park, Kilbourn Park, Belmont Cragin and Hermosa.

Chicago Offers Free Virtual Therapy To Students, But Some Have Concerns: A group of student privacy and mental health advocates are raising flags about the district’s contract with a for-profit company, arguing it may violate an Illinois student privacy law.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean discuss the weekend box office numbers, the Pope’s A-List guests at the Vatican, and why Dennis DeYoung slams the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They also talk about the 35th anniversary of “Home Alone,” a Sebastian Maniscalco spoof on SNL, and “The Beatles Anthology” series to stream on Disney+.

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

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott’s wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about how you should react to and handle unruly airline passengers. She also mentions one of her famous Thanksgiving sides.

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).