Kim Adams, Residential Loan Officer at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week’s Thought Leader conversation to discuss the latest trends in the housing market. Kim discusses rising home sales, current mortgage rates, inventory challenges in the Midwest, and what first-time homebuyers should know before entering today’s market. She also shares tips for buyers and sellers navigating a competitive real estate environment.

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

Bob Sirott joins John Landecker to talk about the life of Tom Dreesen, a legendary comedian who grew up in Harvey, Illinois, and passed at the age of 86 today. Bob and John remember the legend and recall memories of hanging out with him in the city.

From January 27, 2014, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano talk with Walt Parazaider, saxophone player for and founding member of the band Chicago, about the group’s performance on the previous night’s Grammy Awards. Parazaider died June 17, 2026 at the age of 81.

Ilyce Glink, CEO of Think Glink, joins Bob Sirott to explain what a Roth IRA is and why younger generations are investing in them for their retirement. She also shares details about the different Affordable Care Act plans and her advice about which company is supplying your insurance.

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 a COVID-19 vaccine study that links to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as who should get the Alzheimer’s blood test.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include former Senator Barack Obama’s Father’s Day speech, Ryne Sandberg’s retirement announcement, the World Cup at Soldier Field, and more.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss whether or not the burning cross in Grant Park will be considered a hate crime and why disability rights groups are suing over the Illinois “right to die” law. She also talks about what she thinks will be the sentence of the convicted Gilgo Beach killer and why ChatGPT is being accused of practicing law without a license.

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:

Springsteen, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera To Perform At Obama Center Opening: Jennifer Hudson, The Roots, Common, Eddie Vedder and John Legend will also feature in Thursday’s festivities in Woodlawn.

Chicago’s 1st Hello Kitty Cafe Takes Shape Downtown: Outdoor seating and awnings have been installed outside the pink-and-white cafe dedicated to the viral Japanese character.

Englewood Organizers To Transform Old Leon’s Bar-B-Q Into $6.4 Million Community Destination: The Resident Association of Greater Englewood kicked off Juneteenth week with a celebration at the space, which will open in 2027.

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 death of Walter Parazaider, reactions to the “Shrek 5” trailer, and the growing popularity of the “hockey romance” trend. She also shares details about “Rocky Horror Picture Show” coming to the Las Vegas Sphere and the ratings of late night tv shows.