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:

Historical Rogers Park Homes, Including 1 By Frank Lloyd Wright, Donated To Loyola By Pritzkers: Jennifer Pritzker’s company TAWANI Enterprises donated the Emil Bach House and Lang House to the university for use as student and community event spaces.

Diehard Cubs, Sox Fans Won’t Be Able To Conquer A Red Line Doubleheader This Year: There were three opportunities to see a Cubs game and a White Sox game in Chicago on the same day in 2024, but none are scheduled for this summer.

Chicago Fire’s Near West Side $80 Million Training Center Opening Next Month: The controversial new “world-class” training center is expected to open in March, and the club’s pro team will start training there later this month, team officials said.

WGN Radio today announced a multi-year extension with morning show host Bob Sirott who is heard 6 am to 10 am weekdays.

“Management has given me a terrific on-air and behind-the-scenes team, plus freedom to do whatever I want,” said Bob Sirott. “That’s why waking up at 4:30 am is fun now. Actually…that last line is a lie.”

Sirott has been the station’s morning drive host since 2020. Listeners can expect to hear hyper-local stories along with news and conversations related to health, tech, business, travel, entertainment, lifestyle, and where to find the best Chicago-style hot dog.

“Bob’s work ethic, focus and character is the stuff of legends in the broadcast industry,” said WGN Radio Vice President and General Manager Mary Sandberg Boyle. “He’s an excellent communicator and continues to strategically engage and connect with the WGN Radio audience daily. Bob is one of the best in the business and we’re proud to have him as part of the WGN Radio team.”

Generations of Midwesterners have grown up with lifelong Chicagoan Bob Sirott whose acclaimed broadcast career spans five decades as a radio host and DJ and television news anchor. Sirott is a national Emmy award-winning journalist who received a 2022 Dante Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and a 2022 Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

Bob Sirott and John Williams discuss Bob’s contract extension:

On February 5th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss China’s response to President Trump’s tariff proposal and what this week’s employment report could tell us. He also talk about the Fed speakers that will react to the tariffs proposal this week and the outlook on stocks.

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about the biggest recent changes in social media, joining private groups on social media sites, and the popularity of short-form videos. He also shares details about the downsides of the current trends and answers this week’s genius bar question.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean discuss summer concert announcements, the death of Gene Barge, and an update on the Lively-Baldoni legal battle. They also talk about Sean Hayes’ “Good Night, Oscar” traveling to London and Dean’s interviews with Ke Huy Quan and Giacomo Gianniotti.

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:

Otto’s Would Bring All-Day Restaurant, Bar To Vacant Ukrainian Village Auto Shop: Longtime employees of Heisler Hospitality want to open Otto’s at the site of the former Grace Auto Repair on Damen Avenue.

Foxtrot Preparing To Reopen Wicker Park Shop: The upscale convenience store is “opening soon” in its former Wicker Park storefront after last year’s abrupt closure, according to signs posted on the location’s doors.

Middle Brow’s New Detroit-Style Pizza Is Coming To The Beer Temple: The Avondale bottle shop and taproom is partnering with Middle Brow to offer pizza made in-house and served at the bar along with salads and sides.

Saxophonist Gene “Daddy G” Barge, who toured with The Rolling Stones and Bo Diddley, died of natural causes Sunday at his home in Bronzeville. He was 98. Barge moved to Chicago in the 1960s to become a staff musician and producer with Chess Records. He also produced Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Bob Sirott shares his memories of “Daddy G” and plays back part of an interview they conducted at Chess Records.

CLICK HERE to listen (and watch) the interview with Barge.

On February 4th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share highlights from the Grammy Awards, including the L.A. firefighter’s presentation for Album of the Year, a tribute to Quincy Jones, and a montage of the best performances.