Adam McMahon from BBQ Authority joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the rising popularity of the grill and smoker combo, the difference between charcoal and gas grills, as well as portable pizza ovens. He also discusses grill cleaning tips and the grilling lessons that BBQ Authority offers.

For more information, and to browse BBQ Authority’s wide variety of products, visit their website: BBQ-Authority.Com.

Bob Zeni, the Chicago Tomato Man, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about why it’s important to fertilize tomatoes and what an heirloom tomato is. He also shares details about how people can sign up for tomatoes for next year and answers listeners’ questions.

Alex Zalben, lifestyle editor at FanSided, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about some of the most recent episodes of ‘The Boys’ and a new episode of ‘House of the Dragon’ coming out on Sunday. They also share details about the belated sequel to ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ new ‘Bluey’ minisodes available on Disney+, and a comedy movie on Amazon Prime starring Emma Roberts.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on:

Chicago’s Patrick Bertoletti Wins Nathan’s Famous Fourth Of July Hot Dog Contest With 58 Dogs: The Morgan Park Academy grad downed a personal best 58 hot dogs and buns to win the 2024 title.

Proud Piping Plover Parents Welcome 4th Chick At Montrose Beach: The birth of the four chicks marks the return of baby piping plovers to Montrose Beach after last year’s nesting season was unsuccessful.

Cyclists Attacked By Driver And Passenger Who Opened Fire During Group Ride In Uptown, Video Shows: Cyclists on a Critical Mass bike ride were confronted by people seemingly upset over being blocked from leaving an alley, participants said.

Journalist and editor of ‘Ukrainian Freedom News’ Joseph Lindsley joins Bob Sirott from Ukraine to deliver the latest news on the Ukraine-Russia War, including frequent power outages throughout Ukraine and Russian forces’ steady progress in Donbas. 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 July 5th, 2024, Dave Schwan shares today’s potential market drivers:

The water cooler topic of the month focuses on inflation and interest rates, and Steve Zandpour (Director of Consumer and Business Banking at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today’s Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss how rates staying higher for longer is playing out. Later, they question whether there is pressure to lower interest rates.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about why the judge in Donald Trump’s hush money case has delayed sentencing and the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Illinois assault weapons ban. She also explains which fireworks are illegal in Illinois and laws regarding transporting fireworks over the state line.

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty talk about the CDC’s warning for dengue and its spread throughout the Americas, as well as how it is spread.

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:

So Many Divvy Bikes Are In Lake Michigan That There’s Now A Group Dedicated To Fishing Them Out: So many bikes litter the lake that the Fire Department, the rideshare company and a group of volunteers dubbed the Divvy Fishers Society can barely keep up.

Promontory Point Paths Get Bollards After Outcry Over Cars On Walking Paths: The bollards were installed after drivers went onto the Lakefront Trail and Promontory Point walking paths, sparking debate over how the space is used.

Blue Jay Cafe Opens At Loyola Beach In Former Home Of Ropa Cabana: The beachfront eatery opened in June, serving picnic essentials like hot dogs, sandwiches and soft-serve ice cream.

Why Did The Park District Remove Donated Toys From Chicago Playgrounds?: Families leave old toys at the play spaces for children, but the Park District recently started enforcing a rule prohibiting items from being left in parks.