Ald. Scott Waguespack offers up some resolutions for Chicago and its mayor in his discussion with Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott). The 32nd Ward alderman also talks about his want for better a working relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council in 2026.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss what he is looking forward to 2026 and how he hopes to work with the City Council to better the city. The Mayor also offers up some New Year’s resolutions for himself and the city’s alders.

Emmy Award-winning writer and author Geoffrey Mark joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about his experience witnessing the assassination of John Lennon and how Lennon’s son consoled over the guilt he endured and the helplessness he felt in that frightening moment. Steve and Mr. Mark also talks about his friendship with Rob Reiner and Geoffrey’s own struggles with sobriety as a young man, much like Reiner’s son, Nick.

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 Top Chefs Unite For Todos Ponen, A Fundraiser For 125 Immigrant Families: Restaurateurs Diana Dávila and Marcos Carbajal will bring together more than 40 chefs for the Jan. 19 event at the Ramova Theatre. Proceeds will supply families impacted by ICE with groceries from local supermercados.

City To Enforce 10 PM New Year’s Eve Curfew For Minors After Area Shootings: “We’re asking parents who may not be as diligent as most parents already are, to just know where their children are,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

How Block Club Stories Made An Impact In 2025: Our reporting spurred readers to donate their time, money — and for one reader, a kidney — to make a difference in neighborhoods across Chicago.

Horticulturist at Vern Goers Greenhouse Dan Kosta joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about if you should keep your plants away from the window during cold weather, the benefits of grow lights, and how to know how much water to give your plants. He also discusses how much fertilizer to give your plants, questions about orchids, and using a moisture meter to help water your plants.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share details about how Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo were honored in the U.K. and the showbiz deaths of 2025. He also talks about performers canceling appearances at the Kennedy Center and Dean’s most watched cooking segments of 2025.

Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to answer the listeners’ laundry questions, like how to properly wash shoes, how much is too much detergent, and why you should tear laundry sheets in half. He also explains how to clean out a washing machine at a laundromat and if you have to separate lights from darks.

Michael Hides (Senior Vice President Business Banking at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today’s Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss how large U.S. banks are entering 2026 in a strong position, along with year-end moves that could save you money.

On December 31st, 2025, Ryan Burrow shares today’s potential market drivers:

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss an update on Rob Reiner’s autopsy, Beyoncé’s billionaire status, and Taylor Swift’s good deed on Christmas. They also share details on George Clooney’s residency in France, a new trailer for “Malcom in the Middle,” and Dean’s interview with Michael B. Jordan.