Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the weekend box office and the success of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” They also discuss highlights of the Critics Choice Awards, Mickey Rourke’s money troubles, Billy Joel’s surprise appearance, and a “Stranger Things” documentary.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on:

Chicagoans March Against Trump’s Removal Of Venezuelan Leader: ‘Solely About Oil And Power’: Hundreds marched Downtown Saturday to denounce President Donald Trump’s military operation in Venezuela, while Venezuelans living in Chicago described “mixed reactions” to the ouster of the country’s leader, Nicholás Maduro.

Chicago Recorded Fewest Murders In 60 Years In 2025, Bucking Trump’s ‘Murder Capital’ Insult: Chicago ended 2025 with 416 murders, according to preliminary data, a 29 percent drop from last year. Here’s why the mayor, top cop and experts say violent crime is down.

Beverly Businesses Damaged After Car Crashes Into Building On New Year’s Day: A 41-year-old man has been charged in connection with the early-morning crash, police said. Beverly Phono Mart, FoundHERS Suite and Ephemera Gallery are closed until further notice.

McCormick & Schmick’s Closes In The Loop: Parent company Landry’s Restaurant Group opted not to renew its lease for the Wacker Drive location, the steak and seafood chain’s only Chicago outpost.

On January 5th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

WGN-TV Meteorologist Mike Janssen joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about videos of recipes he makes for the Bears games every weekend, including this weekend’s Soul Rolls recipe. He also shares how he started creating his videos, how he got his start in making recipes, and the forecast for this weekend’s Bears game against the Detroit Lions.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about some of the most memorable dishes and drinks of 2025, including the New Moon Burger from Funeral Potatoes and the Chaotic Good from void. She also shares what she thinks will be some top food trends for 2026, like the comeback of the deli.

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:

10 Things To Do Outside In Chicago This January: Start off the new year by savoring the last of the twinkling lights, going on an “owl prowl,” ice-skating or supporting native ecosystems.

At Lincoln Park’s North Pond, Chef César Murillo Lets The Seasons Set The Menu: Murillo finds inspiration by preserving the yield from the restaurant’s rooftop garden and beehives and nurturing a hyperlocal approach in the kitchen, even in winter.

After Years Of Construction, CTA Opens Door To Redevelopment Near Clark And Roscoe: Requests for proposals signal the next phase of the Red and Purple Line Modernization project in Lakeview.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the “Stranger Things” finale (no spoilers included), and how the show’s special effects have evolved over their five seasons. They also share their opinions of “Marty Supreme,” the “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion, and another season of “Shrinking” on Apple TV.

On January 2nd, 2026, Ryan Burrow shares today’s potential market drivers:

Regional Medical Director at Northwestern Immediate Care Dr. Sindhu Aderson joins Steve Dale with some tips for staying healthy in 2026 and advise about how to avoid injuries or worse in cold weather.

The Director of Marketing for The League of Chicago Theaters Alexis Davis joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to preview a wonderful 2026 ahead for theater in Chicago and some of the highlights from 2025.