Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial and host of WGN’s “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about the reasons homebuying is surging locally and if he thinks interest rates will be lowered in the new year. He 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.

Danny Salazar (Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in the Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss upcoming challenges for financial institutions in 2026, as well as a banking and capital markets outlook for the new year.

On December 18th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about Nick Reiner’s upcoming court appearance and if he would be eligible to get inheritance from Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner if he’s charged with their deaths. She also shares some of the new Illinois laws to take effect on January 1st, 2026, including the Safe Gun Storage Act and the Right To Die Law.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include six touchdowns in one game from Gale Sayers, the creation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the winning recipe from the Chicago Tribune’s 1964 Holiday Recipe Submission Contest, and more.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share an update about the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, the death of Gil Gerard, and a summer 2026 concert announcement from Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban. They also talk about the top Christmas movies of 2025, the biggest U.S. made movie of 2025, and what’s new on streaming services.

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 why our bodies have certain reactions when we get shots and how we know if the vaccine is working. She also explains why measles outbreaks are on the rise again and who should get the vaccine.

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:

Apartment Tower To Replace Lou Malnati’s In Gold Coast: The proposal includes a 312-foot tower with 307 apartments plus retail and restaurant space.

Group Planning 2,000 Affordable Homes For South, West Sides Wins $10 Million Chicago Prize: Reclaiming Chicago plans to use its prize winnings to fund a project to build homes on a 17-acre site in Chicago Lawn.

Neighbors Rally Around Lakeview Bar After Burglars Steal Donated Presents For Families In Need: Olive Black was burglarized last week, prompting an outpouring of support for a business known for helping neighbors.

On December 17th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about some tech tips you may be unfamiliar with, including how to clear app permissions, Bluetooth security precautions, and the different uses for voice typing. He also explains how to use your phone’s built-in scanning feature, the importance of backing up your phone regularly, and answers this week’s genius bar question.