Caryn Levey, Senior Vice President and Private Banking Group Manager at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week’s Thought Leader segment to discuss workplace emergency savings accounts, building a financial safety net, and strategies for strengthening retirement savings. Caryn explains why it’s important to avoid tapping retirement accounts early, how employer matches can boost long-term growth, and why having a plan and staying the course are key to achieving retirement goals.

On June 25th, 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 shares details about the trials for the Moderna flu vaccine and the symptoms of tonsil cancer.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about an ongoing review in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and how the lawyers for the Charlie Kirk murder suspect are seeking to have the death penalty dropped. She also shares details about the Supreme Court limiting restrictions on drug users buying guns and news laws taking effect on July 1st.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the opening of Manny’s Deli, the Plain White T’s first number one single, the founding of Dad’s Root Beer, and more.

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’s Bike Lanes Don’t Hurt Businesses, City Report Finds: As protected bike lanes face opposition in some neighborhoods, city-backed case studies found lanes in a half-dozen corridors have not contributed to a negative impact on economic activity.

Logan Square’s Traffic Circle Redesign Debuts: ‘A Transformational Investment’: The project’s completion now leaves room for more construction to take place in the area, with the Comfort Station and the Blue Line canopy set to get improvements later this year.

With Loud Music And Rowdy Crowds, Neighbors Say West Loop Restaurant Is More Like A Club: Habibti, formerly Akilia Cosina, must take new steps to reduce late-night problems after neighbors and city officials described fights, blocked alleys, public urination and 274 police calls to the business since 2025.

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

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 Rolling Stones’ travel plans, new music from Brandon Flowers, and a movie written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. She also shares details about a movie starring Quentin Tarantino and a streaming series about pickleball on Apple TV.

On June 24th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss the progress of the tech sell-off and the comparison between AI stocks and the rest of the markets. He also talks about how the consumer is still going strong via retail sales and how long energy prices could continue to decrease.

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:

Work Begins On Bronzeville Trail, The South Side’s 1st Elevated Bike Path: Soil testing is underway at the abandoned rail site, which starts near 40th and Dearborn streets and would be a “conduit” to the Lakefront Trail, organizers said.

Pat Mac’s Pack Readies For Annual Bike Ride In Honor Of Late Beverly Teen: For over a decade, Pat Mac’s Pack has raised millions of dollars to support brain tumor research and provide assistance for families of children diagnosed with cancer.

After Devastating Fire, Owner Of Jay’s Backyard BBQ In Austin Looks To Rebuild: A kitchen fire on Friday destroyed much of Jay Young’s 7-year-old restaurant as well as neighboring businesses. A fundraiser has been launched to help Young with repairs.

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