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:

Indie Bookstore Day’s Chicago Book Crawl Is Back Saturday — And It’s Bigger Than Ever: Fifty-five bookstores are participating in this year’s Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl. If customers visit enough stores, they can earn discounts for the next year.

Bridgeport’s Cowabunga Pizza Pies Serves Up Ninja Turtles-Themed Slices, ’90s Nostalgia: Bridgeport resident Shawn Rogers opened the family-friendly pizzeria in March, with pizza and decor inspired by the popular animated TV show he grew up watching.

Mostaccioli Is Chicago’s ‘Heaven In Carb Form.’ Here’s How It Became The City’s Go-To Pasta: The Midwest’s love affair with the dish began with early 20th-century immigrants from southern Italy. Now, it’s a party staple Chicagoans proudly claim as our own. 

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to explain the differences between phishing and smishing scams and how to know when you come across a scam. He also shares tips on how to protect yourself from potential scams 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 talk about new requirements for people voting in the Oscars and the reunion of Alice Cooper’s band. They also share Dean’s interview with Donnie Wahlberg and George Clooney’s marital bliss.

On April 22nd, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

White House correspondent for The Hill Alex Gangitano joins Bob Sirott to talk about Vice President J.D. Vance’s meeting with Pope Francis and if the Pope’s Easter Sunday appearance surprised anyone. She also explains what will happen next in the search for a successor and Pope Francis’ funeral arrangements.

Chief Medical Officer at Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Tom Moran joins Bob Sirott to explain when you should take Advil versus Tylenol. He also talks about who should be taking vitamin A supplements and what we should know about the measles vaccination.

Since the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) launched in October, it has been the official television home for three of Chicago’s major pro sports franchises: the Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox. CHSN is available on TV through U-Verse, DIRECTV and Astound, and by using an antenna for channels WJYS 62.2 and WJYS 62.3 in Chicago. The channel can also be streamed on the CHSN website and app, as well as platforms such as Fubo and DIRECTV Stream.

Unfortunately, negotiations have stalled between CHSN and one of the more popular cable providers: Comcast/Xfinity. WGN TV has reportedly shown interest in airing CHSN broadcasts. Deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times, Jeff Agrest, joins Bob Sirott and Dave Eanet to explain whether this a realistic option, and when fans could potentially tune in.

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:

Photographer Reunites With Kids He Snapped On Bucktown Streets 45 Years Later: An exhibit featuring photos of kids playing in Bucktown in 1979, taken by then-college student Ray Reiss, opened a few weeks ago at the local library branch. Some of those now-grown-up kids have come forward.

City Sues Englewood Junkyard Property Owner, Mechanic Living On Lots: Mechanic Jerry Bell said a man claimed to own the lots and allowed him to move there rent-free in 2018. The city is suing after a Block Club investigation put the spotlight on the illegal junkyard after a decade of neighbors complaining.

Piping Plover Imani, Son Of Monty And Rose, Is Back Home At Montrose Beach: Imani returned Friday to the beach on which he hatched in 2021. His arrival comes one week after birdwatchers spotted ploveres Pippin and Uncle Larry.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean to talk about where people can watch the movie “Conclave” and about the weekend box office numbers. They also share details about a possible celebrity romance and how Zak Starkey is back with The Who.

On April 21st, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: