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:

Ford City Mall To Close In June: Shoppers have until noon June 22 to visit the mall, which opened in 1965 and has been deteriorating for years. Sixteen tenants remain, including the city’s last JCPenney.

Take A Look Inside Paper & Pencil’s New Andersonville Stationery Store: Owners Tyler McCall and Eric Campbell are anticipating long lines for Saturday’s opening of their larger storefront on Clark Street.

Photographer Unveils More Photos Of Humboldt Park Students From The ’70s. Are You In Them?: Former CPS substitute teacher Susan Fell-Lazar hopes to find alumni and give them prints of photos from her time at Lafayette Elementary School in the late ’70s.

Sam Sianis, Steward Of Chicago’s Legendary Billy Goat Tavern, Dies At 91: Sianis spent decades leading and preserving one of Chicago’s most iconic taverns, known for its burgers, newspaper lore and Cubs curse history.

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about Ella Langley’s big night at the CMAs, the weekend box office numbers, and John Travolta’s new movie. She also shares details about John Krasinski’s portrayal of “Jack Ryan,” a novel about “The Godfather,” and Willie Nelson’s upcoming studio album.

On May 18th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Chicago Tribune columnist Paul Sullivan joins Bob Sirott and Andy Masur to preview the South Side edition of the Crosstown Series between the Cubs and White Sox. They discuss the hot streak the Sox have been on, how the Cubs have battled through injuries, and more.

Bob Schwartz, VP of Vienna Beef, joins Bob Sirott to discuss that nostalgic feeling that people get when summer comes around and they find themselves visiting their favorite hot dog stands and the latest on the openings of new hot dog joints. He also shares where Cubs fans can find the best hot dogs on the South Side and where to find his book, “Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog.”

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:

Chicago Cyclists Are Organizing More Bike Tours To Buy Out Street Vendors: The series is meant to help street vendors recovering from plummeting sales due to immigration enforcement, an organizer said.

Chicago’s Oldest Bowling Alley Is In The Basement Of A Northwest Side Catholic School: Immaculate Conception School’s 102-year-old alley has survived with students serving as pinsetters and a Monday night league still chasing an elusive perfect game.

An American Eel In The Chicago River? Angler’s Rare Find Raises Questions: Americans eels are born in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s just one other known instance of an eel being found in the Chicago River in recent years.

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the premiere of “Dutton Ranch,” the finale of “Outlander,” and if we could hear new music from Phil Collins in the near future. Jason Lesniewicz, senior director of cultural tourism at Choose Chicago, also joins Bob to share details about events around the city this weekend, like Lincoln Park Mayfest, Renegade Craft Fair, Bruno Mars at Soldier Field, and more.

On May 15th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Joseph Lindsley, Editor in Chief of Under Fire News, joins Bob Sirott to discuss why he will be leaving Ukraine for a period of time and what he plans on doing before he returns. He also talks about a recent missile and drone attack by Russia on Kyiv and what he predicts for the war going forward.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to share details on where to find a list of reputable businesses for your lawn and garden needs and why you should be cautious of unknown friend requests on social media. He also talks about a scam where someone claims to know the recipient from school and how to know if your personal information is safe on health and insurance apps.