Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about what he expects to see from the upcoming labor report, and his thoughts on labor and the economy in 2025.

Segment 2: Philippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John to talk about what you should know about a new Illinois law that just took effect last week that stops employers from requiring staff attendance at meetings intended to discuss political or religious beliefs.

Segment 3: Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, talks to John about the automotive winners and losers in 2024, tax issues that could impact the auto industry in 2025, Tesla’s sale decline, EV demand growing, and the latest on Nissan/Honda merger.

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

The New York Times has named Loaf Lounge in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood as one of the 22 best bakeries in the country. The Times singled out Loaf Lounge’s sandwiches, oatmeal cream pies and sourdough bread. The bakery went viral when it created The Very Chocolate Cake for the TV show, ‘The Bear’. Loaf Lounge is located at 2934 N. Milwaukee Avenue. 

Also, Chicago-based McDonald’s is ending some of its diversity practices. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Faron Daugs, CFP, Founder and CEO, Harrison Wallace Financial Group, joins John to talk about what he expects of the economy in 2025, why there is a lot of optimism in the air, and the latest on President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plan.

Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about LanzaTech landing more federal funding for a clean energy project, a new venture arm from UChicago medicine investing in startups connected to the university, the future of clean energy in the U.S., and a Chicago social media startup being acquired for $250M.

Segment 3: Ray Stout, Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild joins John to talk about Illinois breweries launching the 3rd annual beer fridge competition.

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Chicago-based United Airlines has set this spring for the launch of new in-flight WiFi using the SpaceX Starlink service.  According to Bloomberg, the rollout will happen earlier than expected. United says the service will be available free to members of its loyalty program. It was initially going to be offered free to all passengers. It’s hoped that Starlink will provide faster and more reliable WiFi, similar to what consumers are used to on the ground. 

Also, a parts shortage caused a sharp drop in production in the fourth quarter for Rivian Automotive. Listen for more below:

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about how 2024 was a great year for the financial markets, the amount of credit card debt we are carrying, and how you can get yourself out of debt in the new year. And as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Companies that make products with alcohol, including Chicago-based Molson Coors, are seeing dropping share prices. The declines follow an announcement by the U.S. Surgeon General that alcohol products like beer and wine should carry warnings about links to cancer. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says less than half of Americans recognize the risk of drinking alcohol. Cancer rates have been rising, with about 100,000 cases and 20,000 related deaths each year. Molson Coors shares fell 3% at one point. Other companies, including AB InBev and Constellation Brands also fell. The Surgeon General says direct links have been shown between alcohol and throat, mouth, esophagus, voice box, colon, liver and breast cancers. 

Also, a Chicago-based technology startup that connects social media influencers with companies has been acquired by a Boston firm. Listen for more below:

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Chicago-based Vivid Seats, the online ticketing marketplace, is exploring a sale. Bloomberg reports the company is working with an advisor to gauge interest from buyers. So far, there’s been interest from private equity firms. Vivid Seats went public in 2021 and began exploring a sale after takeover interest. Its share price climbed after the news broke. It had fallen 40% in the past year. The company has market value of about $904 million. Its chief competitors are StubHub and SeatGeek.

Also, a shareholder has called for the resignation of the Archer Daniels Midland CEO, claiming there’s been a lack of transparency about the Chicago-based company’s accounting practices. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Matt Schultz, LendingTree chief credit analyst, talks with Jon Hansen about a new Lending Tree survey that shows 36% of Americans Took on Holiday Debt, Averaging $1,181.

Segment 2: Bree Fowler, Senior Writer, CNET, joins Jon Hansen to talk about Tesla’s global sales rising 2.3% in the fourth quarter, President-elect Donald Trump asking the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect, and New York state government agencies having to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they’re using artificial intelligence software under a new law.

Segment 3: James Rodriguez, Senior Real Estate Reporter, Business Insider joins Jon to talk about how Zillow’s price estimates are impacting homebuying.

Segment 4: Darren Envall, Vice President of Midwest Boat & Sportshows for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, joins Jon to talk about the 2025 Chicago Boat Show.

Dave Schwan, in for Steve Grzanich, has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

The Chicago Business Barometer, released yesterday, slipped over three points to 36-point nine in December.  The monthly business survey, produced by the Institute For Supply Management and MNI showed the third consecutive decline, the lowest index since May and below the 2024 average.

The price at the pump looks to be lower next year.  GasBuddy’s 2025 fuel price outlook is forecasting a third consecutive year of lower gas and diesel prices.  

Dave Schwan, in for Steve Grzanich, has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute.

Big Lots has reached a deal keeping hundreds of stores open.  The discount chain will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, which specializes in distressed companies.  Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September.

And, the man who gave us HBO and other prominent media companies has died.