On February 9th, 2026, Dave Schwan shares today’s potential market drivers:

The final football game of the season may be the top thing on people’s minds this weekend, but Valentine’s Day is just eight days away. Samantha Nelson, a freelance writer, talks to Bob Sirott about the list of restaurants you should consider when making your reservations for one of the biggest ‘Date Nights’ of the year. From steak houses, to bakeries, Samantha’s list has a wide range of menus and price points. Samantha also has a few suggestions for those who may be opting for ‘Galentine’s Day’.

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:

Palace Grill Up For Sale 2 Years After Fire Forced Its Closure: The Palace Grill property is being marketed as a redevelopment opportunity, signaling the end of the iconic 80-year-old restaurant near the United Center.

It’s A ‘New Era’ For The Chicago Reader As Iconic Alt-Weekly Shifts To Monthly Magazine: The Reader has struggled in recent years amid funding gaps and administration changes. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Conway says she plans to honor the paper’s history while focusing on its future.

3 In 4 Indie Music Venues In Chicago Aren’t Profitable, Report Says. Can The City Can Help Them Stay Afloat?: A new report found Chicago’s indie music scene generates billions for the economy. But increasing costs and taxes paired with lower alcohol sales have put a strain on business.

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

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about the Opening Ceremony at the Winter Olympics in Milan. They also discuss Bad Bunny’s nerves ahead of his appearance at this Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show. Later on, Dean shares his recommendations for what to do in and around the Chicagoland area this weekend.

The Super Bowl may not be for everyone. Some only want to watch the game, others need the volume up during the commercials, and the halftime show seems to cause some debate every year. Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott’s wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to share some non-game-related prop bets that will keep everybody’s attention. You can find the prop bets, along with recipes for mocktails, and cocktails at Savvy-Planet.Com.

Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy tip: [email protected]. Follow Marianne on Twitter (@marimur), Instagram (@havanagirl), and on Facebook (SirottAndMurciano).

Nancy Loo, former WGN-TV reporter now a West Coast correspondent for NewsNation, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie, whose daughter Savannah is a co-anchor for the ‘Today Show’ on NBC, has been missing since between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Urgency has picked up since the 84-year-old grandmother has a pacemaker, heart issues, and relies on daily medication. The family has requested proof of life after ransom notes were sent out to media outlets.

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about the history of the Super Bowl halftime show and what he believes were the worst three shows in halftime show history.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about tips from the BBB to look into before joining a gym and an increase in LinkedIn job scams. He also shares details about unexpected phone calls that claim your money is at risk and fake invoices that claim to be from the Geek Squad.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the premiere of “Love Story,” rumors addressed by Mark Ruffalo, and how the Westminster Dog Show pays tribute to Catherine O’Hara. They also share what happened to Sabrina Carpenter during her Grammys performance and some of their favorite Super Bowl commercials.

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:

City Seeking Proposals To Redevelop Vacant Property Near 95th Street Red Line Station: Projects proposed for the city-owned land should include housing, retail and open public spaces.

City Sues For Millions In Damages After ‘Worst Landowner’ Property Auction Fails: It’s the latest controversy surrounding land owned by Suzie B. Wilson and her sister Swedlana Dass, who have been caught in a legal web since a 2023 investigation by Illinois Answers Project and Block Club Chicago revealed they owed $15 million in unpaid tickets.

How The Great Migration — And Segregation — Built The South Side’s Black-Owned Lounge Culture: For more than a century, cocktail lounges — distinct from dive bars and nightclubs — have served as essential gathering places for Black Chicagoans.

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