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

Some Chicago School Board Members Call For Virtual Learning For Immigrant Families: School board members said district families are living in fear because of increasingly aggressive federal immigration raids: “This is an emergency right now.”

West Side Pastor Named To Time Magazine’s List Of 100 Rising Stars: Marshall Hatch Jr., pastor and leader of the MAAFA Redemption Project, was honored for his dedication to improving the lives of Black and Brown young adults.

Through Doughnate, Chicago Man Is Giving Pizzas To Neighbors In Need: Instead of joining his family’s South Side pizzeria, Angelo Corso took his passion for pies and his business acumen and turned it into Doughnate, which distributes donated pizzas to local homeless shelters.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about what “The Chair Company” is about, a new season of “Nobody Wants This,” and the return of “Smiling Friends” on streaming services. He also shares details about the “Only Murders in the Building” finale, a new “Star Wars” show coming to Disney+, a reboot of “Miami Vice,” and some Halloween shows to watch.

On October 27th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Affy Tapple’s Director of Marketing, Derek Dye, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the memories of Affy Tapple drop-off days in school and what their most popular apples are. He also explains the history of the Affy Tapple name, how the recipe was created in Chicago, and their collaboration with Stan’s Donuts.

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:

Historic Portage Theater Has A New Owner Who Plans To Revive It As A Community Space: Chris Bauman, founder of the Avondale Music Hall and partial owner of the Patio Theater, bought the theater and wants to create a “community center” that hosts concerts, film screenings, indoor markets, performances and more.

What’s Up With The Obama Presidential Center?: With the Obama Presidential Center set to open next year, Maxwell Evans joins the Block Club Chicago podcast to discuss how neighbors feel as it nears completion — and what Chicagoans really think about its look.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the premiere of “IT: Welcome To Derry,” the remake of the 90s movie “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle,” and what their favorite Halloween movies are. He also shares details about Ann Rice’s new show on AMC, the premiere of a new movie on Netflix, Ben Stiller’s tribute to his parents, and the “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion.

On October 24th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about a man who lives on his boat full time and if this is something that’s becoming more common. He also shares details about Butch McGuire’s companion bar, Mary Jo McGuire’s, and the authenticity behind restaurants and bars names after real people.

Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial and host of WGN’s “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the increase in refinancing rates and an update on the Cook County Tax Bill. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio. You can call him at 855-56-David, or check out the Team Hochberg website.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about Halloween costume shopping scams and how voice technology is being used to hack into bank accounts. He also explains how a scammer can pose as an attorney to ask for money and the BBB’s upcoming 100th anniversary celebration.