Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on:

Mahjong Is Having A Moment — And Uniting Chicagoans In Chinatown And Beyond: The parlor tile game created in 19th-century China is sweeping the city, providing strategic gameplay and social connection.

Funkytown Brewery Bringing Black-Owned Taproom To Lake Street: After operating for five years at Logan Square’s Pilot Project Brewing, the award-winning brewery will open the city’s only freestanding Black-owned taproom with help from a city grant.

19th Ward Pancake Breakfast To Help Chicago Officers Buy Bulletproof Vests: Ald. Matt O’Shea’s 12th annual Get Behind The Vest Pancake Breakfast will be held this weekend in support of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. 

Sponsored by Great Lakes Credit Union – Committed to financially empowering local communities. For more info go to GLCU.org.

Joseph Lenzie, Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Officer Lead at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week’s Thought Leader conversation to break down why traditional fraud detection isn’t enough anymore, and how the financial world is evolving, from smarter fraud defense to the broader economic and risk trends shaping 2026.

On February 19th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty discusses the likelihood of a measles outbreak and answers a question from a listener asking about COVID vaccines.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the E2 nightclub stampede, Marina City’s landmark status, Walter Jacobson’s final newscast, and more.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about a tour announcement from Bruce Springsteen, a fan suing Donny Osmond, and why Shia LaBeouf was arrested. They also share details about Kunal Nayyar’s donations, what Megan Thee Stallion got for her birthday, and what’s new on streaming.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss possible consequences for the individual sending emails to TMZ concerning Nancy Guthrie and the likelihood of whether or not Alex Murdaugh could get a new trial. She also talks about cases in which a parent should be responsible for their child’s actions and a settlement concerning a shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo.

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:

After Trump Denies August Flooding Disaster Aid, City Leaders Vow To ‘Get Creative’ To Help Neighbors: Following FEMA’s decision to deny Illinois’ appeal for aid, alderpeople and community leaders are stepping up to help South and West side neighbors, from creating heat maps of flood-prone areas to reviewing sewer lines that need repairs.

Lizard’s Liquid Lounge Will Close In April After 18 Years In Albany Park: The bar will close April 12 on its 18th anniversary. “It’s going to be missed, and I’m going to miss it more than anybody,” owner Liz Kavanagh said.

Meet Beverly’s ‘Knife Guy,’ The South Sider Keeping Old-School Cart Sharpening Tradition Alive: Retired Chicago firefighter John Carmody has taken up where the original Knife Guy of Beverly left off, traveling the neighborhood with his signature cart and honing neighbors’ knives for $2 a blade.

Sponsored by Great Lakes Credit Union – Committed to financially empowering local communities. For more info go to GLCU.org.

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

WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek joins Bob Sirott to remember the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson and how he made Chicago his home. He also explains the work he did with Martin Luther King Jr. and his work with hostage releases.