Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, talks to John about the wild market week, what was spooking the market, the lack of confidence in the Fed in Washington, how much interest rates should be cut in September, and why he sees buying opportunities in the market.

Segment 2: Michael Jacobson, President and CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, joins John to talk about the health of the hotel industry coming out of Lollapalooza and heading into the DNC. Why should regular Chicagoans care about the tourism industry?

Segment 3: Tom Webb, Chief Marketing Officer, Association of Pickleball Professionals, chat with John about National Pickleball Day and the APP coming to Chicago Labor Day weekend.

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

Chicago hotels are thriving. The latest data from the city’s marketing arm, Choose Chicago, shows hotel room demand during the first six months of this year up 4.2% over 2023 with 5.2 million room nights. Hotel revenue was nearly 4% higher than 2023 at nearly $1.2 billion dollars. Choose Chicago says there were 10 different conventions in the city during the first half of the year that set all-time attendance records. 

Also, there’s a report that Walgreens is considering selling its stake in VillageMD. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the market volatility this week, and why this is a great opportunity to look at your 401K.

Segment 2: Aki Ito, Chief Correspondent at Business Insider, joins John to talk about her recent piece showing that many college students are reneging on job offers.

Segment 3: Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com Senior industry analyst, joins John to break down the results of Bankrate’s latest credit card survey that shows half of American cardholders now carry credit card debt, many with no plan to pay it off.

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

The company that makes electric vehicles in Illinois is still losing money despite cost cutting and increased sales. Rivian Automotive had a net loss of nearly $1.5 billion in the second quarter, nearly 21% higher than the loss at this time last year. Second-quarter revenue rose by about 3% and sales rose 9%. Company execs say the company is on the path to profitability even though it’s currently burning through cash. According to it’s latest earnings report, Rivian is losing about $32,700 per vehicle it delivers. It’s R1 vehicle, manufactured in downstate Normal, sells for about $70,000. 

Also, the law firm Barnes & Thornburg is expanding its downtown Chicago footprint. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about Friday’s labor report, how the market reacted yesterday and the slight recovery today, why he believes the economy overall is not a disaster, and what this all means for the 2024-2025 job market.

Segment 2: Dennis Rodkin, residential real estate reporter for Crain’s, joins John to talk about when interest rates will come down, home prices continuing to rise, Illinois ranking last at keeping rich people from moving out, and Lake Geneva mansion Aloha Lodge selling for almost $22 million.

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

A Chicago startup that helps makes changing jobs easier has secured new funding. When raised $4.6 million in a seed round led by B Capital. When is a post-employment job support platform that assists exiting workers with severance packages and insurance options. The company also helps employers reduce costs and risks associated with COBRA. The platform is powered by artificial intelligence. When claims to be redefining the employee exit process to benefit both employees and employers. 

Also, Thoughtworks, a Chicago-based technology consulting firm, is going private. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media and Best Money Moves, joins John to talk about the scary day on the market, what is causing the markets to drop significantly today, and why this market dip isn’t the same as 1998 or 2008. Ilyce also explains what this day means for Fed policy.

Segment 2: Angela Hall,, Co-Founder, Family Friend App, joins John Williams to talk about the new app (available in the App store) and their mission to make it easier to foster meaningful connections and friendships with families in your community.

Segment 3: Bill Nevruz, Executive Partner and Divisional President for Shaw’s Crab House, tells John everything Shaw’s has going on for John on National Oyster Day! Bill also talks about the business of oysters, and why oysters are a perfect way to start any meal.

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

Chicago-based snack maker Kellanova could be gobbled up soon by the Mars candy company. Mars is considering an acquisition of Kellanova, the spinoff of Kellogg. It became its own company las year after a separation from Kellogg’s cereal operations. Kellanova brands include Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts. The company’s shares shot up nearly 20% after the news broke. Analysts say the acquisition could help Mars diversify its portfolio, which is heavily focused on chocolate products. It could also help Mars grow in international markets. The Wall Street Journal says a deal could value Kellanova at $30 billion. Mars is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

Also, Chicago foundations had a good year last year. Listen for more below:

Segment 1: Jane Oates, Senior Policy Advisor and recent President, WorkingNation, talks to John Williams about the disappointing jobs report, and what this will mean with Fed policy and interest rate cuts, high prices continuing to hurt Americans, and the way AI is impacting the job market.

Segment 2: Ed Kugler, Market Manager, Ravinia Farmers Market, talks to John about his longtime involvement in local farmers markets, and the 2nd annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market celebrating National Farmers Market week!

Segment 3: Cheryl Hudson-Jackson, Director of Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, YWCA Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about the mission of the accelerator program, who is eligible for the program, and how the accelerator program helps women of color build wealth. Interested in applying for the program? Click here.

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

A new report says two high-income earners leave Illinois for every one that moves into the state. According to the data, compiled by the Cato Institute, Illinois is the worst at keeping affluent people. The Cato report, titled “Interstate Migration of High Earners and Retirees,” uses Internal Revenue Service data. Florida was on top. For every higher earner who leaves the Sunshine State, nearly three move in. The report shows Illinois is also near the bottom of the states for retention of people 65 and over. A separate analysis shows the lost income from all Illinois out-migration at about $10 billion in recent years. 

Also, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency order that lifts summer fuel requirements in Illinois and three other Midwest states. Listen for more below: