Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about markets continuing to perform well, his takeaways from Fed Chair Powell’s comments today about the economy, what we know about the future of Social Security, and how much money people need to retire comfortably.

Benjy Ward, design principal at Gensler, joins John Williams to talk about a plan to revitalize Michigan Avenue to make it more accessible. Benjy explains how the north end of Michigan Avenue has struggled recently, how shopping behavior has changed, the design measures they are suggesting to boost foot traffic, and when we might see this proposal actually take shape.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the plans to redesign the northern part of Michigan Avenue, the violence that plagued the city of Chicago over the holiday weekend, how he believes Mayor Johnson is handling the problem with violence in the city, his thoughts on the NASCAR race, and why he believes it’s time for President Biden to step down from the presidential race.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]

Craig Bolanos, Co-Founder and CEO of Wealth Management Group, joins John to talk about why he wants to see a Fed rate cut in both September and December, the economy being okay but continuing to slow, investing during a Fed pause being good for the investor, when he starts to worry about rising unemployment, what the election in France means for the world, and where he suggests putting your money right now.

Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the violent holiday weekend and how he’s working to make the city a better and safer place.

Phil Vettel, Naperville Magazine restaurant critic and former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic, joins John Williams to offer his take on Hulu’s ‘The Bear.’ Phil talks about the series, how accurately it depicts the restaurant industry, and the importance of restaurant reviews to a new restaurant. And Phil, ever the restaurant critic, tells John some of the restaurants he’s been enjoying lately.

Dane Neal, WGN Radio’s motorsports expert, joins John Williams to recap the big NASCAR weekend in Chicago. What were Dane’s takeaways? Does Dane consider this year’s event to be a success?

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]

Clay Jenkinson, author, humanities educator, and historical impersonator, joins John Williams to talk about his time following John Steinbeck’s journey and what he learned from studying him. John and Clay also discuss that the image we perceive of the media isn’t always accurate.

Jenkinson is scheduled to join John Williams on stage as Theodore Roosevelt at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove on November 2 for a WGN Radio show. Additional details including how to purchase tickets will be announced soon on WGN Radio and wgnradio.com.