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Chicago Way w/John Kass (02/17/25): This week, John Kass & Jeff Carlin take on the week’s news, starting with the long-awaited guilty verdict in People v. Michael J. Madigan and ending with tear-jerking film recommendations. Also on the docket, ex-governor Rod Blagojevich was back in the headlines after receiving a full pardon from President Donald […]
Despite this week's cold snap, we have had very little snow in Chicago this winter. After a few years of below-average snowfall, WGN's Bill Snyder discusses weather the whether in winter has changed for good. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Bill Snyder, WGN-TV ProducerSponsor - Adult Education Classes At The Newberry Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.
In the Best of Mully & Haugh this week, Chicago Sports Network analyst Clay Harbor shared what the scene was like in Philadelphia after the Eagles won the Super Bowl; WGN sports anchor Jarrett Payton shared his experience during Super Bowl week; Mully and Haugh reacted to infielder Alex Bregman choosing the Red Sox over the Cubs; Score baseball insider Bruce Levine explained why the Cubs don't like to defer money in contracts; Mully and Haugh wondered why Cubs manager Craig Counsell is being secretive about his rotation; and Mully and Haugh debated who will be the biggest stars in Chicago sports five years from now.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier spends some time with comedian Jeff Ross, THE Roastmaster General about his comedic process, favorite roast jokes and his upcoming appearance at The Den Theatre in Chicago on March 7-9th, 2025. For tickets, visit thedentheatre.com.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory hangs out with WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the snow moving into the area tonight and through the weekend, along with some spirited 90's pop culture trivia.
Steve Darnall, Editor-in-Chief of Nostalgia Digest Magazine, speaks with WGN Radio's Dave Plier about the latest edition of Nostalgia Digest Magazine, featuring stories about film legend Lionel Barrymoore, Judy Holliday, the history of Pez and more. Steve & Dave also celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Jack Benny's debut on television and his 131st birthday, which is on […]
Half a century after the drug-fueled, DJ-driven, glamour-drenched musical phenomenon of disco was born at a New York City loft party, disco's musical and fashion influences live on in popular culture. WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to author Frank DeCaro about his new book Disco: Music, Movies, and Mania under the Mirror Ball — an entertaining, yet serious tribute […]
The executive director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute Dr. Patrick McCarthy joins Lisa Dent to share the amazing story of how the institute began and how they are now celebrating 20 years of saving lives.
Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Lisa Dent to share her latest restaurant review. Chu reviews the Mexican seafood restaurant Mariscos San Pedro at the historic Thalia Hall in the Pilsen neighborhood. Chu describes the mouth-watering dishes offered and details their process in making their breakfast tacos.
The associate director of legislative activism at the Electronic Frontier Foundation Hayley Tsukuyama joins Lisa Dent to discuss to what extent your boss might be spying on you. Tsukuyama recommends not putting private information on company electronics.
In the final hour, Mike Mulligan and David Haugh were joined by WGN sports anchor Jarrett Payton to discuss his experience at the Super Bowl. Later, Blackhawks television analyst Darren Pang joined the show to discuss the team's recent play and the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" on WGN Plus
Kelly hosts a special Valentine’s Day Bonus Pod with professors Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick who host the “Love Factually” podcast. Eli and Paul are relationship scientists at Northwestern and The University of California, Davis. Their podcast looks at a modern romantic comedy each week through the lens of the science of relationships. “Relationship outcomes […]
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the big stories of the week including how many press conferences President Trump has given in his first few weeks in office, the strategy the administration is using on some issues, where the administration is winning in the court of public opinion, and his thoughts on the AP […]
Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the big stories of the week including how many press conferences President Trump has given in his first few weeks in office, the strategy the administration is using on some issues, where the administration is winning in the court of public opinion, and his thoughts on the AP […]
Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
NewsNation reporter Natasha Zouves joins Lisa Dent to talk about the upcoming NewsNation special report, Area 51: Classified Cancer, a story that details Area 51 veterans getting tumors from working around radiation. You see more here and watch her full report this Saturday at 6pm CT on NewsNation.
Patrick Dolan, employment lawyer at Conti & Dolan, LLC, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the 75,000 federal workers that are accepting President Trump’s buyout as the offer expires. Those that accepted the buyout make up just over three percent of the federal workforce. The two discuss what might happen for those federal employees that didn’t […]
Lisa checks in with the newsroom to share their stories. Mary shares her What’s With?, Kevin shares an article that says men are more romantic then women, and Steve shares that Gen Z may get more romantic with co-workers than previous generations.
Lookingglass Theatre is truly one of Chicago's most unique theater companies. Their work is original and inventive and their location is actually inside the historic pumping station at Water Tower! The black box setting takes unique form with every single production. Joining in the conversation is Artistic Director Kasey Foster (a performer, producer, director, choreographer and puppeteer in her […]
Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joined Bob this morning to talk about creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, like preparing a candlelit dinner and writing love letters. 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. […]
On February 14th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:
Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the premiere of “White Lotus,” SNL’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Backstreet Boys residency in Las Vegas, and the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day. Bob also shares Dean Richards’ recommendations for […]
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: Proposed Apartment Complex At Ann Sather Building Downsized, No Affordable Housing Units: Mavrek CEO Adam Frieberg cited financing challenges and market conditions as reasons for the scaled-back design. Terror Vision Records […]
Editor at Eater Chicago Ashok Selvam joins Bob Sirott to talk about your chances of scoring a reservation at your favorite restaurant on Valentine’s Day, as well as how you can celebrate the day with Chicago’s iconic Malört. He also shares details about places to eat near McCormick Place and Milk Bar’s debut in Fulton […]
President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Doug Boles joins Bob Sirott to share details about how they are celebrating one hundred days until the Indy 500 with a Valentine’s Day party. He also shares details about where people travel from to watch the race, as well as how you can purchase tickets.
Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the big stories of the week including how many press conferences President Trump has given in his first few weeks in office, the strategy the administration is using on some issues, where the administration is winning in the court of public opinion, and his thoughts on the AP […]
Segment 1: Faron Daugs, CFP, Founder and CEO, Harrison Wallace Financial Group, joins John to talk about the market taking a little breath today, his thoughts on inflation data released earlier this week, if we should get used to inflation being a little high, and the latest on the Trump administration’s implementation of tariffs. Segment 2: Chip Lupo, […]
Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. Fabio Viviani is reportedly eyeing Lake Zurich for another new restaurant. According to Crain’s, the 2008 “Top Chef” and a partner have bought vacant space but the planning is still in the early stages. Viviani is said to be doing due […]
Check it out before you throw it out with Americash! Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to talk about items that could be worth money. The two discuss what happens if we eliminate the penny, the value of a 1930s quarter, and dart sets. If you think you have […]
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, political pundit Marj Halperin, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys. Woah, a lot of news already this week! The Rascals kick things off discussing the most important story of the week: The controversy surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show! […]
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to give us some healthy tips if you are dining out for Valentine’s Day, the best foods to lower bad cholesterol, and how to build a habit of exercising. Dawn also answers all of your food and nutrition questions.
Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about this weekend’s SNL 50th anniversary special and how many members of the cast got their start in Chicago at The Second City. Kelly also talks about a […]
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, political pundit Marj Halperin, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys. Woah, a lot of news already this week! The Rascals kick things off discussing the most important story of the week: The controversy surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show! […]
Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about this weekend’s SNL 50th anniversary special and how many members of the cast got their start in Chicago at The Second City. Kelly also talks about a […]
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to give us some healthy tips if you are dining out for Valentine’s Day, the best foods to lower bad cholesterol, and how to build a habit of exercising. Dawn also answers all of your food and nutrition questions.
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, political pundit Marj Halperin, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys. Woah, a lot of news already this week! The Rascals kick things off discussing the most important story of the week: The controversy surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show! […]
Lisa checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories. Lauren Lapka, filling in for Steve, shares the wishes of a 104 year old woman who wanted to experience being arrested. Mary gives us the statistics of ‘ghosting’ and where Chicago falls on the list. Then, Kevin shares some of the blockbuster names performing in […]
Brooke Mickey, president of the Illini Solar Car team, joins Lisa Dent to talk about their car, Calypso, which is on display at The 2025 Chicago Auto Show. The car took two years of work to complete its 1,500 mile trek fueled by solar power.
Dr. Santina Wheat, family medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the recent bird flu case in a dairy worker in Nevada. The worker was infected with a strain of bird flu that is different from the one spreading across the United States over the last year.
Relationship experts Stacey & Paul Martino joins Lisa Dent to share the secrets to lasting, fulfilling relationships. Co-authors of several books including their new title, The Missing Piece: A Proven Method to Single-Handedly Transform Your Relationship and Create Harmony in Your Home, that comes out on paperback February 18th, Stacey and Paul give some of […]
Ben Bradley, WGN-TV investigative reporter, joins Lisa Dent to analyze the jury’s decision in the Madigan trial. After a long deliberation process, the jury found Michael Madigan guilty of ten counts in a split verdict. Bradley breaks down the impact for one of the most powerful Illinois politicians over the last four decades.
Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees, new movies on streaming services, and rumors of a third “Top Gun” movie. We also hear from Dean’s interview with Hugh Bonneville and Emily […]
President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about scammers taking advantage of the winter weather and a variety of Valentine’s Day scams. He also discuss fake loan scam phone calls, check fraud, and impersonations from Wisconsin’s Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek joins Bob Sirott to share details about President Trump’s talks with Russia’s President Putin and Ukraine’s President Zelensky concerning an end to the war in Ukraine. He also discusses Mike Madigan’s verdict and what his team will do from here.
On February 13th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:
Chicago Way w/John Kass (02/10/25): Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) explains the special purpose room that houses a bounty of gifts on the 5th Floor of Chicago City Call and why he thinks it will take someone special to help Chicago course-correct before it’s too late. Plus, Kasso wonders who […]