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:

How A Rogue Laboratory Got People Convicted For Driving High: A forensics scandal at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals a crisis of oversight in the state’s crime labs.

Cubs To Host First-Ever Oktoberfest In Wrigleyville This Fall: The three-day festival will feature beer tents, carnival rides, and a family-friendly “Kinderfest.” It takes place the same weekend of another Oktoberfest nearby.

John Stamos Slated To Appear At Riot Fest After Years Of Online Harassment: The actor could appear as the drummer for the Beach Boys, who are on the schedule for Saturday, Sept. 20. But first, “Riot Mike” must get a Stamos tattoo, and fans can now vote on which one.

On August 15th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Actor Steve Schirripa joins Bob Sirott to share how he got his big break in the movie “Casino,” how he found out his character would die on “The Sopranos,” and what it was like writing a book with Michael Imperioli. He also talks about who he originally auditioned for before getting the part of Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri, how his family and friends reacted to the show, and how he thinks the show ended.

You can get tickets to Talking Sopranos at the Athenaeum Center here.

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about a viral video that urges viewers to go back to the ways of the 80’s and why some of the claims in the video are inaccurate. They also discuss the latest Chicago hoax of a man trapped inside The Bean, or Cloud Gate, and the hype behind it.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about why you should refrain from posting your child’s back-to-school picture on social media and how to spot a fake refund promise. He also discusses fake celebrity ads, scammers who target older adults’ life savings, and why you shouldn’t have to pay for a prize you won.

Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to discuss why Priscilla Presley is being sued and the end of “Sex and the City.” She also shares why Martha Stewart will not be a “Real Housewife,” a health update from Sheryl Crow, and an expansion of the Backstreet Boys tour.

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on:

Augusta On Premise Bringing Wine Bar With Small Plates, Live Jazz To Lincoln Square This Fall: The wine bar from the owners of Augusta Food & Wine will feature jazz age decor, including a custom bar created from three upright pianos and wainscoting from Billie Holiday’s Harlem estate, the owners said.

The Never-Ending Line For Benefits Is Back, With Some Immigrants Sleeping Outside To Get A Spot: Immigrants, many who came to Chicago three years ago from the southern border, are camping outside after a state program that offers health insurance, food and cash assistance reopened enrollment at the end of July.

For 60+ Years, The West Side’s Shine King Has Made Shoes Gleam — And They Plan To Keep Shining: The Austin shop carries on the legacy of its founder, James Cole, who died in 2022. But these days, employees are as likely to fix up Jordans and Uggs as they are leather dress shoes, said his son and current owner Vernon Cole.

Angie Kappel (Vice President, Foreign Exchange at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today’s Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss what consumers can expect from new tariffs, the September interest rate cut potential, plus the Federal Reserve board and chair succession.

On August 14th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the first Illinois Lottery drawing, the premiere of “Soul Train,” the birth of the “Popeye The Sailor” cartoon, and more.