According to the Morton Arboretum buckthorn is an invasive plant in Illinois and should not be planted. It forms dense thickets and reproduces very freely, crowding out other plants and disrupting ecosystems in forest preserves and other natural areas. A few years back, sports anchor Dave Eanet complained that the buckthorn in his yard was “exploding”. Horticulturist at Vern Goers Greenhouse, Dan Kosta, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the proper way to get rid of overgrown buckthorn and takes some time to answers listeners’ questions.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to provide the latest news in entertainment. Wendy and Dean share details about Oprah’s hospitalization, more Jon Stewart debate nights, and an update on BTS. They also discuss Billy Ray Cyrus’ annulment filing, the death of Paul Brian, and what’s new on streaming services.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of ‘The Block Club Chicago Podcast’ from Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on:

Riot Fest Is Leaving Douglass Park: The rock festival moved to the West Side park in 2015, but neighbors have been split about the event. The co-founder blamed the Park District for the move.

As Foxtrot Plans Its Return, Some Vendors Wary Of Working With Company Again: ‘There’s Distrust Now’: Foxtrot founder Mike LaVitola is bringing the upscale convenience store chain back to Chicago after it closed stores overnight. But what if the small, independent vendors that helped grow Foxtrot don’t come back with him?

Horner Park’s Coiled Serpent Mound Now Open: The spiraling earthen mound, designed by Indigenous artist Santiago X, honors the Native American tradition of mound building with a modern twist: a QR code that takes visitors on an augmented-reality experience.

Before Scottie Scheffler won the 2024 Masters and earned the title for top golfer in the world, he was in Glenview taking home the 2019 NV5 Invitational trophy. The event returns to the Glen Club next month (July 25-28). Chris Montagano, the Tournament Director, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) and Dave Eanet to preview the NV5 Invitational. For more information, to buy tickets, and learn about potential volunteer opportunities, visit NV5Invitational.Com.

All proceeds from the NV5 Invitational presented by Old National Bank benefit the nationally acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation.

Journalist and editor of ‘Ukrainian Freedom News’ Joseph Lindsley joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, from Ukraine to deliver the latest news on the Ukraine-Russia War, including how some Ukrainians keep track of Russian missiles and Ukraine’s destruction of a few missile radar systems in Crimea. You can find more updates on Joseph’s website, ukrainianfreedomnews.com. To donate to Joseph and his team’s efforts to distribute supplies throughout Ukraine, click here. View the Ukrainian Freedom News YouTube page here.

On June 12th, 2024, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Nationally syndicated Tech+Life columnist Jennifer Jolly joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the comeback of flip phones and how you can get rid of political scam texts. She also shares details about what tech gifts to buy for dad for Father’s Day and different ways to save your digital photos.

WGN Radio’s Dane Neal joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about how this year’s Chicago NASCAR race will be different from last year, who will be performing on the entertainment stages, and the best places to watch the race. He also discusses ticket prices and a big announcement on July 5th.

To learn about a different way to watch the NASCAR race, click here: 2024 CHICAGO ROOFTOP EXPERIENCE

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to provide the latest news in entertainment. Wendy and Dean talk about Kevin Costner’s visit to the WGN-TV Studio and the street dedication for William Friedkin. They also talk about Lainey Wilson’s induction into the Grand Ole Opry, Maren Morris’ announcement about the LGBTQ+ community, and what we know about Jennifer Hudson’s relationship with Common.

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the expectation on whether or not the Fed will make a decision about interest rates and how to know if inflation is impacting you. He also discusses the differences between minimum wage versus living wage and the increase of fast food prices.