Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host Mike Piff joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to preview ‘Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament,’ sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, which kicks off June 1st. There will be 64 mom-and-pop shops across the area that will battle for the top spot! Mike asks listeners for their recommendations on the best hot dog places.

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:

Good News For Gardeners: Native Plants On Parkways Can Grow To 36 Inches Under New City Rule: Previously, gardeners could be fined if native and pollinator garden plants grew beyond 10 inches. Advocates hope the change encourages people to plant more native species.

Rogers Park Affordable Apartments, West Ridge Dispensary Approved By City Council: Plans for affordable apartments near the Howard Red Line station are moving forward, as is a proposal to open West Ridge’s first dispensary.

You Can Now Celebrate ‘Italian Beef Day’ In Illinois, Starting Saturday: An Illinois House resolution just designated May 23 as a day honoring the “iconic sandwich as a proud symbol of the state’s culinary heritage.”

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

On May 22nd, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Head Petroleum Analyst at GasBuddy Patrick De Haan joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about where around the Chicagoland area you can find lower gas prices and when he thinks gas will be under five dollars. He also shares the day he thinks gas is the cheapest and when you should fill up your vehicle.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about Memorial Day scams targeting veterans and how people are losing money from social media scams. He also explains what “clickbait” scams are and fake “work from home” job listings.

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

This Pilsen-Based Indie Events Company Is Making A Splash On Chicago’s Festival Scene: Tucked behind a repair shop, Windy City Events Management has grown from hosting loft parties to producing Michelada Fest and this weekend’s first Forever Mine.

Neon Paddle Returns For Illuminated Fun On The Water At Chinatown’s Ping Tom Park: Founder Torrence Mitchell is introducing two music-focused events this summer alongside his one-of-a-kind motorized tours on LED-lit paddleboards.

ChiArts Teachers, Parents Sound Alarm On Layoffs As CPS Takes Over: With the recent layoffs of more than 20 teachers and the future of the school’s teaching artists unclear, parents and union members are pressuring CPS for answers.

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

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about Stephen Colbert’s last show tonight and a spin-off of “Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood.” He also shares details about “Schmigadoon’s” North American tour and a new Michael Jackson documentary.

Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Atlantic Coast Mortgage and host of WGN’s “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how truckload spots are becoming more expensive and his new role as director for the Northbrook Veteran Center. 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 how AI is transforming talent management through recruiting and employee retention, and how today’s business leaders are rethinking succession and exit planning to prepare for the future.

On May 21st, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: