Bob Sirott

Freelancer Samantha Nelson joins Bob Sirott to share some of Chicago’s best hotel restaurants, including Hotel Zachary, Viceroy Chicago, and the Kimpton Gray Hotel. She also has a preview of this summer’s food and drink festivals, like the Chicago Taco & Tequila Festival, Inferno Fest, and the Taste of Polonia.

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob this morning to share how you can talk to someone who is attached to their phone. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy tip: hello@savvy-planet.com. Follow Marianne on Twitter […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” and Ringo Starr’s comments about his son’s firing from The Who. They also share details about things to do this weekend and Dean’s movie reviews.

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: River Concert Series Creator's Next Act: A Musical Floating Parade: With the help of a $5,000 city grant, musician Ben Kinsinger and friends are organizing a July 19 show that will […]

On June 20th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about FanDuel’s extra charge for Illinois customers to offset the state’s sports betting tax and his impressions of Bally’s temporary casino. He also shares details about the idea of a union for Uber drivers and Chicago’s new slogan. For additional insight on the betting […]

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: New Red Line Stations At Bryn Mawr, Berwyn, Argyle And Lawrence Opening Soon: The four new stations will officially open in late July, CTA officials said. The Lawrence and […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about the Bruce Springsteen biopic trailer, the death of Lou Christie, and Sabrina Carpenter’s opinion on phones at concerts. They also talk about the cast of Marvel’s “Ironheart” at the Griffin Museum of Science […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about fake robo calls offering deals for TV, phone, and internet providers, the most popular summer scams, and a fake AT&T notification. He also shares details about a scam phone call that could surprise pet owners, as well as people who say they […]

Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial and host of WGN's “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Bob Sirott to discuss just how much gas prices impact the economy as well as the pros and cons of using your home equity line of credit. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on […]

Jake Braund (Portfolio Manager, Wealth Management & Institutional Services at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today's Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss Jake’s upcoming webinar, “Private Wealth & Investment Outlook Webinar: How to manage risk and capitalize on opportunities in a time of change,” and the overall outlook on the economy and stock markets.

On June 19th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the inventing of the vacuum cleaner, the arrival of koalas at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the introduction of the Baby Ruth candy bar, and more.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: Wolf & Company's Restaurant, Cafe And Market — Attached To 606 Trail — Opens Monday: The sprawling spot from the team behind Little Bad Wolf and Gretel will be […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how a judge decides if someone is entitled to a public defender and what happens if a jury can decide on some charges, but not all of them. She also shares details about the juror who was dismissed from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, and […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the increasing popularity of The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” album and Tyler Perry’s sexual assault charge. They also share details about Kelsey Grammer’s eighth child and what’s news on streaming services.

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty shares a study that was done on COVID vaccines and their link to protecting against kidney disease, as well as explains what an arbovirus is.

On June 18th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Robert Sherman, NewsNation National Correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to describe the setting in Tel Aviv, recalling the panic he witnessed as people ran to bomb shelters. He also explains whether or not Iran is ready to renew diplomacy and Israel’s long-term goals.

Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what we should expect from the Fed decision tomorrow and what the high U.S. debt load means for investors. He also explains the progress of inflation over the years and what he foresees concerning oil prices. For more information on […]

Social media strategist and expert Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott this morning to talk about the benefits of taking a break from social media and why summer is the best time to do that. He also shares some steps to take to prepare for your “social media vacation” and answers this week’s genius bar question.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: How Lincoln Park High School Students Are Fighting To Make Armitage Avenue Safer: Students are leading the push for protected bike lanes on Armitage Avenue. So far, their petition calling […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the James Beard Award winners, Willie Nelson’s health announcement, and items in an online celebrity auction. They also share an update on R. Kelly’s hospital visit, the plea of Matthew Perry’s doctor, and Dean’s […]

On June 17th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Chief Medical Officer at Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Tom Moran joins Bob Sirott to talk about how plant-rich diets could help lower the risk for diabetes, how a cup of beans a day could help improve heart health, and the benefits of almonds. He also explains how a diabetes drug could have antiaging components, the […]

WGN's own and host of Eye on Travel Peter Greenberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about new details on the Air India crash and why airfare to Europe is coming down. He also discusses whether or not airlines can tag backpacks, paying to avoid the middle seat, and whether or not solo travelers are charged […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about the weekend box office numbers, where you can find the “Jaws” movies on streaming services, and why the Jonas Brothers are moving some of their concerts. They also talk about why “Gunsmoke” is […]

On June 16th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Doug Boles joins Bob Sirott and Dave Eanet to talk about the upcoming Bommarito Automotive Group 500 race Sunday night at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, IL (near St. Louis) and the significance of that race track. He also shares some of his personal stories with David Letterman […]

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to discuss how you can communicate with a dad who doesn’t talk a lot. She also shares her recipe for chicken meatballs. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share statements from Mike Love and Al Jardine as they remember Brian Wilson and a “Leave It to Beaver” reunion. They also talk about Mel Brooks’ return to “Spaceballs” with Rick Moranis, things to do this […]

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: Could Alderpeople Soon Have The Power To Ban Short-Term Rentals? City Council To Decide Next Week: A proposed ordinance would allow alderpeople to ban Airbnb and other rentals on a precinct-by-precinct […]

Dan Levy, host of the Barguments podcast, joins Bob Sirott to talk about which sub sandwich chain is the best between Subway, Jimmy John’s, and Jersey Mike’s. He also shares some of his favorite Chicago patios to visit this summer, like Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, as well as some pet-friendly patios.

On June 13th, 2025, Kevin Wells, in for Steve Grzanich, shares today's potential market drivers:

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the death of Brian Wilson and how the song “Good Vibrations” was created. They also shared Dean’s interview with the cast of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about why you should be cautious of any last-minute Father’s Day purchases, gym membership scams, and how an Evanston woman lost thousand to a Kevin Costner impersonator. He also shares details about social media videos asking for money and deceptive passport and visa […]

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about the death of Mike Love and the impact The Beach Boys’ music has on many generations. They also discuss the creative rivalry between The Beach Boys and The Beatles and why Brian Wilson moved to St. Charles in the 90s.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: Chicago Braces For Surge In Immigration Raids As Mayor Brandon Johnson Urges City To ‘Resist': The mayor's chief of staff said federal agents received notice to deploy to five […]

Thought Leader Adam Lutostanski (Head of Illinois Commercial Banking at Associated Bank) is with Steve Grzanich this week to talk about the current status of the financial markets and the impact on business leaders and owners. Later on, they discuss how tariffs may be impacting those same leaders, especially in Chicago.

On June 12th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Bob Sirott pays tribute to Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene and his nostalgic article about summer: “Of Summer Days, Summer Nights and Pebbles in a Jar.” He reads a few of his favorite excerpts and how he remembers spending his summers as a kid.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss the state of California’s lawsuit against President Trump and why Mike Madigan was denied a new trial. She also shares details about talk of jury misconduct in Harvey Weinstein’s trial and the new ruling concerning payments to college athletes.