Segment 1: Trevor Wagener, Chief Economist and Director of the Research Center, Computer & Communications Industry Association, joins John to share the latest report on retail shoppers and the role the internet plays in their decisions when shopping.

Segment 2: DCASE commissioner Clinée Hedspeth joins to talk about Chicago’s New Year’s Eve celebration and where you can be to ring in the new year.

Segment 1: Steve Bernas President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois joins Wendy Snyder to talk about the resolutions people can make that will help them avoid being victim to scams in the new year.

Segment 2: John Furlan of Furlan Guitars joins to talk about how he started his business from a passion. Furlan then discusses the process and who might get their own custom guitar

Segment 3: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells Wendy which businesses are leaving Chicago, and UChicago’s latest investment in a start up.

Segment 4: IRS Tax Attorney Steven A. Leahy joins to talk about the 20 million dollars that congress stripped from IRS’ federal budget.

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the end-of-the-year market numbers, solutions to credit card debt, and the latest on Social Security. Later Savage answers texts and caller questions on the show.

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

Mastercard SpendingPulse is reporting Holiday sales rose at a faster pace from a year earlier. Sales from last month through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8 percent, up from 3.1 percent last year. SpendingPulse tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards.

Also, as the year ends, mortgage rates are up.

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

We could see record highs for holiday purchase returns.  A report by the National Retail Federation and the company Happy Returns expects this year’s returns to hit 17 percent, or 890 billion dollars.  That’s up two percent and 743 billion from last year.

Also, a survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about economics after the election.  The National Federation of Independent Businesses Small Business Optimism Index rose eight points in November to 101.7, the highest reading since June of 2021.

Segment 1: Reed Simpson joins Dane Neal to talk about the upcoming Winter Classic on January 31st. Hosted at Wrigley Field, Simpson shares what fans can expect the night before to celebrate the event.

Segment 2: Tim Shanley joins to talk about the Bears tailgate and the process that starts early in the morning to bring the best tailgates for Bears fans.

Segment 1:  Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, talks to Dane Neal, in for John Williams, about a number of auto industry related stories such as details surrounding the confirmed plans Honda and Nissan have to merge into the 3rd largest automaker and what we learned about the auto industry in 2024.

Segment 2: Tim Shanley, legendary Chicago Bears tailgater and driver of Da Bus, talks with Dane Neal about his tailgating experience and how it has led to food donations and community partnerships, such as one with Firewater BBQ. Matt from Firewater BBQ joins the show as well to discuss Firewater’s role in the upcoming Bears’ tailgate.

Segment 3:  Phil Davidson, Communications Director at Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council and one of the hosts The Workers’ Mic on WGN Radio Sundays from 8am-9am joins Dane Neal, in for John Williams, to share updates on the Chicago Starbucks workers’ strike and the Amazon workers’ strike.

Segment 4: Mark Virkler, Owner and Director of Vito Vault, a new speakeasy in Chicago that offers a variety of entertainment and food options joins Dane Neal, in for John Williams. Listen below to hear Mark talk about the process of getting Vito’s Vault open, when the shows are, and more! Vito’s Vault is located at 5901 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630.

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

The Chicago metro area was home to the third most porch thefts in the U.S. in 2023. The website Safewise analyzes data on home safety and says the Chicago area had 2.7 million porch thefts last year, involving nearly $262 million in stolen merchandise.  

Chicago is the third-best city for foodies in America. That’s according to a new study that used social media hashtags about restaurant visits for its ranking.

There are a handful of stores open on Christmas Eve for last minute shoppers. Grocery stores like Costco, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Mariano’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and more. Target, Kohls, Walmart, and Costco will be open on Christmas Eve, but will close on Christmas Day. CVS and Walgreens will be open both days at most locations. All 24-hour Walgreens locations will be open as regular.

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

Bolingbrook-based Hyzon, which makes hydrogen-powered trucks, says nearly all of its employees could be laid off earlier next year. The company is running out of cash and customers are delaying orders.

A company that produces sustainable aviation fuel will make Illinois its new home. Avina Clean Hydrogen will build an $820 million sustainable aviation fuel facility in southern Illinois.

Segment 1: Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins Wendy to talk about the latest student loan debt relief and who is entitled to them

Segment 2: Carl Prouty from Abt electronics shares some last minute Christmas gifts and how you can get them with same day delivery

Segment 3: Dave Dumas, Administrative Director for Share Food Share Love Food Pantry, joins to discuss how you can help those who are less fortunate this holiday.