John Howell: Recent Episodes
WLS-AM
John Howell has been a daily presence on Chicago radio for 30 years. Arriving in 1988 to host mornings at WCKG, he spent the next 17 years at WUSN, followed by an 8 year run at WIND, and for the last 4 years at WLS AM890. In addition, John hosted a nationally syndicated weekend show for Westwood One Radio from 1998-2006. John grew up in Holland Michigan and graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He lives in Chicago’s northern suburbs with his wife Sarah, children Will and Penny, and an ever growing brood of canines.
“I’m very excited about hosting the new afternoon show at WLS AM890,” said Howell. “I intend on presenting Chicago with a quick paced, informative, honest and intelligent summery of the day’s biggest stories. An afternoon wrap of the day’s biggest events featuring prominent newsmakers, reporters, experts and stars. Of course, our town’s most colorful characters will also be welcome. In addition, I’m looking forward to (finally) golfing when the sun’s in the east.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson's latest budget forecast estimates that Chicago will face a 538-million-dollar shortfall in 2024. Bret Gogoel welcomes Leigh Giangreco, Reporter for Crain's Chicago Business, to discuss the city's financial position and how it compares to the last administration's
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Bret Gogoel welcomes Rick DiMaio, Chicago Meteorologist & Professor of Aviation and Meteorology at Lewis University, to discuss how operational meteorology impacted the September 11th, 2001 attacks. The devil, it seems, is in the details. DeMaio also discusses the incoming Fall weather.
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Choose Chicago is excited to announce the launch of the first ever mobile Chicago Brew Pass, which allows Chicago-natives and tourists alike to earn points and prizes while enjoying local craft beer. Bret Gogoel welcomes Jason Lesniewicz, Choose Chicago's Director of Cultural Tourism, to elaborate on how to use the Brew Pass and what breweries are involved.
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The Chicago Bears will kick off their 2023 season against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Bret Gogoel welcomes Zach Pearson, Reporter for BearReport.com, to provide some insight on what to expect this weekend.
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Stacy Gavis Gates, the President of the Chicago Teachers Union, is receiving backlash after sending her child to a private school, despite her history of speaking out against school choice programs. Bret Gogoel is joined by Paul Vallas, Policy Adviser for the Illinois Policy Institute, who shares his opinion on the CTU and the Chicago School System.
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Misericordia Heart Of Mercy is a not-for-profit focused on providing quality care for people with mild to profound disabilities. Bret Gogoel welcomes Julie O'Sullivan, Misericordia Foundation Director of Creative Arts Marketing Manager, to discuss Misericordia's largest fundraising event of the year. To learn more information, you can visit www.misericordia.com.
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True-Crime junkies or casual news viers alike, society is fascinated by a prison break. Bret Gogoel is joined by Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst in Washington, to explain our fascination with jail breaks, the minds of an escapee, and the process of catching them.
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Arlington Heights village officials have committed to working with the Chicago Bears, local businesses, and residents alike to continue redeveloping the Arlington Racetrack. Bret Gogoel welcomes Christopher Placek, Reporter for the Daily Herald, to discuss what actions have been taken to continue forging a path forward to a new stadium.
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Andrea Darlas is joined by Russell Lissau, Writer for the Daily Herald, to tell us a story about a baseball card collector's adventure in autograph hunting.
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Andrea Darlas welcomes Amy Danzer, the Program Director of Printer's Row Lit Fest, to discuss one of the city's most popular festivals designated to celebrate the abundance of literature. For more information visit https://printersrowlitfest.org
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• Josh Gerstein, POLITICO’s Senior Legal Affairs Reporter, examines how Trump’s co-defendants are already starting to turn against him.
• Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune’s Chief Political Correspondent, asks why President Biden spent so much time campaigning this Summer in an already blue Illinois.
• ABC’s Alex Stone reports that Burning Man, according to attendees, was not as bad as headlines made it sound.
• Plus, performers at the Illinois State Fair had some interesting contract riders. John reviews some of the most outrageous things that were included.
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How can the police better respond to their community, and how can the community assist officers when they're out on the street? John Howell is joined by Retired Chief Tom Weitzel to have a conversation on ways residents can effectively engage and improve relationship with the officers in their community.
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Have you ever noticed something you've browsed for online reappear as a suggested advertisement? The culprit is digital cookies, not to be mistaken for their confectionary counterpart. Kim Komando, America's Digital Goddess, joins John Howell to explain how to stay safe digitally by utilizing a virtual private network, otherwise known as a VPN, and dual-factor authentication.
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• Max Burns, founder of Third Degree Strategies, joins John Howell to discuss Vivek Ramaswamy’s complicated week of media visits.
• Ronnie Marmo shares his love of comedy and his one-man show, “I am Lenny Bruce,” which will be playing in Skokie next week.
• Nate Bukaty, Play-by-play announcer for MLS Season Pass, previews this weekend’s Chicago Fire game vs the DC United.
• Plus, Jason Nathanson discusses this weekend’s very different box office releases.
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The South Barrington Park District has halted a property sale to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church after receiving strong community pushback. John Howell is joined by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau to explain some of the factors that led for this proposed land sale to head to court.
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Skye Blue, a 23-year-old star wrestler and Chicagoland native, joins John Howell ahead of her AEW tag team match this evening. She shares what sparked her love for wrestling, how she got her start, her tips for others wanting to get into the game, and more. All Elite Wrestling is in Chicago this week, with events at the United Center on Saturday and Sunday.
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• Alex Stone explains the red flag fire warnings on Maui today and the concerns over back to school planning.
• Mina Bloom from Block Club Chicago shares why both sides are frustrated with restaurant surcharge arguments: the restaurants and the customers.
• The Chicago Tribune’s Nick Kindelsperger shares his list of the best Maxwell Street Polish sausages in Chicago.
• Plus, John poses the question to his listeners: how old is too old to serve in public office? Should there be age or term limits for certain offices?
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Governor J.B. Pritzker has appointed a former state senator and longtime ally of Mike Madigan to a state board. John Howell is joined by Dan Petrella, Reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to make sense of this decision that has raised many eyebrows.
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The Burr Ridge Police recently warned residents of possible coywolf sightings, but wildlife experts have disputed these concerns. Chris Anchor, Senior Wildlife Biologist at the Forest Preserves of Cook County, joins John Howell to explain the low probability of a wolf-dog hybrid roaming loose, and he shares overall safety information.
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• ABC News’ Jim Ryan joins John live from Tampa with the latest details on Hurricane Idalia.
• Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium, shares facts about tonight’s rare super blue moon, as well as how to best observe this phenomenon.
• Sam Charles from the Chicago Tribune has the latest details on the White Sox shooting.
• Plus, Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, joins John to discuss the latest national political stories.
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A lawyer for one of the women struck by gunfire at last Friday's White Sox game denies that she brought a firearm into Guaranteed Rate Field. Sam Charles, who covers the Chicago Police Department and Criminal Justice Topics for the Chicago Tribune, joins John Howell to explain the latest details of this investigation.
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John Howell welcomes Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent. They once again discuss the debate surrounding the "appropriate" age for politicians to continue to hold office, polling surveys after the first GOP debate, and an overview of happenings in Ukraine. Plus, they go into a bit of golf.
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• Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the CATO Institute, discusses the delicate relationship between America, Ukraine, and Russia.
• The Chicago Tribune’s Rick Kogan joins the show to remember the life of Wendella’s Bob Borgstrom.
• Steve Bernas from the Better Business Bureau warns us about a Kane County Sheriff’s Office phone scam.
• Plus, Alex Isenstadt has the details on Donald Trump’s fundraising after the release of his mugshot.
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Last Friday, during the fourth inning of the White Sox vs. the Athletics, two women were struck by bullets. John Howell welcomes Rick Telander, Sports Columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, to recount the events & the bizarre mishandling of the aftermath by both the White Sox & the Chicago Police.
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Today, the FBI dismantled and neutralized Qakbot malware, a ransomware botnet believed to be responsible for millions of dollars stolen from unsuspecting online victims. John Howell is joined by Alex Stone, ABC News Los Angeles, to share details on this significant technological operation against cybercriminals.
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• Steven Portnoy, ABC News Washington, joins with the details on Trump’s upcoming court dates.
• Christopher Borrelli, Columnist for the Chicago Tribune, explains the Chicago-centric legacy of “Risky Business” and how Tom Cruise and Alice Cooper share a Chicago tie.
• Crain’s Chicago’s John Pletz tells us why physicists from all over the world will be watching Fermilab.
• Plus, John reviews a report on the accuracy and bias ratings for cable news and networks.
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John Howell is joined by the Chicago Tribune's Ray Long, who (literally) wrote the book on Mike Madigan. Howell and Long discuss how the conviction of Tim Mapes has uncovered the lies he told to protect his boss, Michael Madigan, and what that may reveal about the federal case against Madigan.
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A West Loop street festival, the Taste of Randolph, used a charity's namesake to collect donations...but the charity says they weren't involved in the logistics. Face the Future Foundation, a Chicago-based non-profit, says they weren't involved in the planning or told how their organization would benefit from the street fest. John Howell welcomes Melody Mercado, reporter for Block Club Chicago, to explain Face the Future's response.
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*ABC’s Alex Stone walks us through the current situation in Maui and the release of the names of the 388 people still missing.
*Marcelo Balboa, Match analyst for MLS Season Pass and Soccer great, joins John to preview this Sunday’s Chicago Fire game versus the LA Galaxy.
*Charles Lipson, Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago, shares his analysis of Prigozhin and the man who hired him.
*Plus, Jason Nathanson previews this weekend’s box office and “Golda,” the story of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir’s struggle to lead her country through the 1973 Yom Kippur war.
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John Howell catches up with the great Bill Cameron, long-time City Hall reporter and current host of Take 1 on WLS. They discuss his recent chat with Paul Vallas, Cameron’s thoughts on Mayor Johnson’s first 100 days, and his analysis of the Mapes verdict.
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John Howell is joined by Scott Reeder from the Illinois Times to discuss the “missing Blagojevich portrait” and what the absence of the portrait says about the state and the times. Reeder dives deep into this in his latest piece, where he argues that Blago deserves a portrait, despite his time spent behind bars.
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• Geoffrey Skelley, Senior Elections Analyst at FiveThirtyEight, joins John to discuss last night’s GOP debate and when we may expect to see its impact at the polls.
• Dan Lipinski shares his analysis of the debate as a former member of Congress himself.
• Jason Meisner, Federal Courts reporter for the Chicago Tribune, shares everything we know about the Tim Mapes guilty verdict and what is next.
• Plus, Steven Portnoy had the details on Trump’s last minute legal team changes on the day of his surrender in Georgia.
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After a three-week criminal case, a jury has found Tim Mapes guilty on perjury and obstruction of justice charges. John Howell welcomes Jason Meisner, Federal Courts Reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to provide an overview of the trial and share memorable moments.
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Trump has made significant changes to his legal team hours before surrendering himself to authorities in Fulton County. John Howell is joined by Steven Portnoy, ABC News Washington, to explain how these last minute changes can impact the trial moving forward.
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• Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago attorney and Northwestern adjunct law professor, joins John to analyze the Tim Mapes perjury trial as it reaches its final chapter.
• Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, previews tonight’s GOP FNC debate.
• Leigh Giangreco from Crain’s has the details on Mayor Johnson’s “mansion tax” and how it affects different property owners.
• Plus, Bret Gogoel shares his take on the White Sox big moves from yesterday afternoon.
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One hundred days ago, Brandon Johnson pledged to build a "better, stronger, and safer Chicago." John Howell is joined by the Chicago Tribune's Gregory Royal Pratt to break down Johnson's triumphs and missteps, as well as where he stands on his campaign goals.
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The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning that will be in effect until Thursday evening. John Howell welcomes Mark Thibodeau, Broadcast Meteorologist for The Weather Channel, to discuss the heat conditions and how to stay cool and safe.
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• Alex Stone joins the show with the latest on the devastation in Maui and the searches amongst the homes.
• Katie Anthony from the Sun-times examines how a swim club is skirting many of the city’s swimming regulations as it explodes in popularity.
• The White Sox ponder moving from their South Side home - and John reminisces on the first time the city nearly lost its South Side baseball team.
• Plus, Geoffrey Skelly takes a look at who did not make the RNC debate stage, and Christopher Placek has the latest on the negotiations between the Chicago Bears and Arlington Heights.
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Arlington Heights officials have hired lobbyists to help fight their case for their stadium redevelopment project. The Daily Herald's Christopher Placek joins John to provide updates on the Chicago Bears' search for a new home and the politics involved.
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Milwaukee is set to host the first Republican Presidential Debate tomorrow night. John Howell welcomes Geoffrey Skelley, Senior Elections Analyst for FiveThirtyEight.com, to discuss the details surrounding the GOP Debate, and who seems to be missing from the debate stage.
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• Andy Field joins the show from Washington to discuss rekindled fears of a Government shutdown as the HFC balked at a stopgap bill.
• Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, and John discuss whether or not Justin Fields needed to play in the pre-season Bears game this past Saturday.
• Annie Krall recaps her time spent at Olympia Fields this past week observing the BMW Championship and gives her takeaways from the event.
• Plus, our listeners chime in as to whether or not the risks of a high-speed chase are worth removing criminals from the street.
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Former President Donald Trump and his associates who were indicted by an Atlanta Grand Jury have until Friday, August 25th to turn themselves in. Colby Hall, Founding Editor of Mediaite.com, joins John Howell to predict what might become of the spectacle of having a former President submit to a local jail.
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John Howell welcomes Greg Hinz, Political Reporter and Columnist for Crain's Chicago Business, to provide an overview of Brandon Johnson's first 100 days in office and the state's overall economy. They also discuss Illinois' record job levels, now higher than before the pandemic.
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• Ald. Ray Lopez, 15th Ward, joins John Howell to share his thoughts on immigration in Chicago.
• Steven Portnoy reports that Trump’s attorneys and the Fulton County DA are expected to meet next week.
• Calen Carr, former Chicago Fire Player and MLS Season Pass announcer, previews this weekend’s game against Orlando.
• Jason Nathanson has the story of “Blue Beetle,” the first live action Latino superhero movie in theaters this weekend.
• Plus, Annie Krall from our own WLS AM newsroom joins us again from Olympia Fields Country Club to give more analysis of the BMW Championship.
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A neighbor in the nude has revealed loopholes in Chicago's public indecency laws. John Howell welcomes Ben Bradley, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter on WGN TV's Investigative Team, to explain the details of the ongoing conflict between female residents and a male resident, who has been allegedly exposing himself and harassing them for years. Bradley also explains how the story is much more nuanced than just an "annoying naked neighbor" and reveals some of the laws in question.
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The second day of the PGA Tour is underway at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia, IL. Annie Krall joins John Howell from Olympia Fields Country Club to provide her analysis on the course and the overall conditions that are affecting today's performance. John also asks his burning questions about the size of the locker rooms and the porta-potty situations.
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• Alex Stone joins the show live from Hawaii to detail the devastation he’s witnessed in the aftermath of the fires, as well as how search, rescue, and rebuild efforts are proceeding.
• Jon Seidel, Federal Courts Reporter for the Sun-times, shares the latest details from the Tim Mapes trial as it heads towards wrapping up.
• Annie Krall from our own WLS AM Newsroom joins John live from the BMW Championship over at Olympia Fields Country Club with her analysis of today’s play.
• Plus, Shia Kapos from POLITICO discusses both Governors Day and Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair.
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What do you call a soft drink: pop, soda, or coke? Your answer says more than just word preference; it says a lot about the area of the country where you grew up. Valerie Fridland, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada and Author of Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English, joins John and crew to explain the reasoning behind regional speech patterns. Plus, she leads them through a fascinating dialect quiz.
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After the Democrats piled on the Republican criticisms at Governor's Day, the GOP utilized the Illinois State Fair to spark excitement for the upcoming election season. Shia Kapos, Reporter for POLITICO and Author of POLITICO's Illinois Playbook, joins John to provide a glimpse into the GOP's strategy for the 2024 campaign.
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• Steven Portnoy from ABC joins John with details on obtained DM’s from Trump’s Twitter.
• Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer, provides insight on Governor Pritzker’s new property tax equity legislation, introduced on Friday.
• Jason Nathanson from ABC provides an entertainment report on Baldwin, Bernstein & Barbie.
• Steve Dolinsky, The Creator of Pizza City Fest, lets us know what to expect for this years annual Pizza City Fest.
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John Howell connects with Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washinton Correspondent, to discuss the possibility of Donald Trump withdrawing from the presidential race following his 4th indictment, the criticism over Biden’s Maui response and movement from a Ukrainian cargo ship.
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This week, the PGA Tour heads to Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia, IL, to host the BMW Championship. Vince Pelligrino, Senior Vice President of Tournaments for the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation, joins John Howell to discuss what to keep an eye out for during the GMW Championship to provide details about the Evans Scholarship, an effort to award full tuition and college scholarships to high-achieving caddies with limited financial means
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• Brian Clark from ABC joins us with details on Michael Oher’s lawsuit to end his conservatorship.
• Keith Naughton, co-founder of Silent Majority Strategies, wonders if Biden’s lack of strategy on Ukraine could put Trump back in the White House.
• Alex Isenstadt from POLITICO details a clash between Trump supporters and DeSantis super PAC officials at a Des Moines dive bar.
• Plus, Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the BBB of Chicago and Northern IL, has tips on how to safely donate to Maui.
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Although millions of people follow professional football every week, not many know when it originated. Believe it or not, football had been around for 75 years before the first Super Bowl was ever played. Gregg Ficery, Author of Gridiron Legacy: Football's Missing Origin, joins John Howell to discuss professional football's early history and the game's early pioneers that propelled the professional game forward.
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Donald Trump and 18 of his associates were charged with attempting to overturn his election defeat in the state of Georgia. Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, joins John to discuss what are the next legal steps for Trump's 4th indictment.
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• Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune joins the show from Springfield to review some of the 40 bills Pritzker signed into law late last week.
• ABC’s Alex Stone joins the show from Maui to discuss the continued devastation from the fires.
• Craig Klatzco, owner of the Bunny Hutch, is celebrating the Hutch’s induction into the Hot Dog Hall of Fame tomorrow.
• Plus, Mark Denzler from the IL Manufacturers’ Association shares his thoughts on some of the new laws in Illinois and how they impact workers in the state.
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Brandon Johnson has selected Larry Snelling to serve as the next Chicago Police Superintendent. Sam Charles, who covers the CPD for the Chicago Tribune, joins John Howell to review Snelling's history with the department & his reception amongst other officers.
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Fulton County, Georgia has presented a potential 4th indictment of Trump based on his alleged efforts to interfere in the vote counting within the state. ABC's Steven Portnoy joins John Howell live from Atlanta to discuss what we know about the Georgia election case.
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• The AG has elevated the Hunter Biden prosecutor to Special Counsel, and Andy Field joins with the details.
• WTTW’s Paris Schutz dives into the numbers of fentanyl driven opioid overdoses in Cook County last year - and what can be done to drive this down.
• ABC’s Steven Portnoy explains why a judge said that Trump’s 1st Amendment Rights were “not absolute.”
• And the great Bill Cameron shares his thoughts on the goings on in Chicago, as well as previewing his latest episode of Take 1 WLS.
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The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the state's ban on the sale and possession of semiautomatic weapons. John Howell is joined by Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel to share his overall thoughts and why he believes law enforcement should enforce the ban regardless of their personal feelings.
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John Howell is joined by John T. Bennett, former White House Correspondent and writer for Roll Call. Bennett examines the atmosphere surrounding July's national news cycle and elaborates on the tonal shift between the United States and abroad.
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• Clarence Thomas is under renewed scrutiny after more potential ethics violations - and Steven Portnoy has the details.
• Former Governor Pat Quinn shares his memories of Rocky Wirtz.
• Michael Phillips, film critic for the Chicago Tribune, explains why he believes “The Fugitive” is one of the greatest Chicago films.
• Plus, Alex Stone from ABC has the latest details on the fires in Maui.
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Since Wednesday, thirty-six lives have been lost to wildfires currently ravaging Hawaii's two largest islands. Now, a scene of chaos at the Maui airport as people frantically try to leave the island before things get worse. With more details, ABC's Alex Stone joins John Howell.
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John Howell is joined by the former IL Governor Pat Quinn. They discuss their memories of the late Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, a day after fans poured to United Center to demonstrate support for the team and the legacy of the owner who revived it. They also catch up on the latest headlines in Illinois, from Madigan's trial to the White Sox.
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• Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago attorney and Northwestern law professor, discusses the latest legal aspects of the school’s hazing scandal.
• Alex Stone, ABC News Los Angeles, reports on Maui and the big island burning, a disaster in Hawaii.
• Jon Seidel from the Sun-times shares the latest from the courtroom in the Mapes trial.
• Plus, Jason Nathanson shares the latest off-book drama happening in reality television, which Hollywood producers must rely on for the foreseeable future.
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The board of directors for Chicago's commuter rail system. Metra, took a trip on their own trains. That trip ended up costing more than $10,000. How did they rack up a bill like that? Sarah Freishtat, the Chicago Tribune transportation reporter who broke the story, joins John Howell to break it all down.
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As most House Republicans push for a Biden impeachment, some aren't so sure. John Howell brings on Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent (and frequent BJH guest) Mike Emanuel to expand on why this disagreement could be another sign of a bigger split.
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• Lee Bey, Sun-times architecture critic, explains how City Hall has taken the right step to protecting historic signs.
• The Daily Herald’s Christopher Placek gives us the latest on Arlington Race Track’s deal with the Bears and explains why Arlington Park still has horses.
• Andy Field gives us a 2024 update, including the latest on Pence’s donations and DeSantis’ campaign manager.
• Plus, Bret Gogoel shares his thoughts on the White Sox losing ugly and the Cubs winning big this past weekend.
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Lincoln Park has seen a marked uptick in robberies in recent months, and Alderman Timmy Knudsen is requesting more officers to combat this. But is this the right strategy? And what's been driving this increase in crime? John Howell is joined by Ald. Knudsen to discuss his request, the problems at hand, and more.
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Conspiracy theories run rampant on the right, with Trump fans standing out as particularly vulnerable. Why is this? To explain the link between language and conspiracy, John Howell brings in semiotics and linguistics professor Marcel Danesi from University of Toronto.
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• ABC’s Steven Portnoy has the latest on Pence testimony and Trump’s lawyers.
• Russell Lissau from the Daily Herald shares which major Trump supporters have started to send their dollars towards DeSantis.
• Mundelein Village Administrator Eric Guenther has the details on the village’s music festival that will allow on-site cannibas consumption.
• Plus, Mike Dobuski has the latest on the Zuckerberg-Musk fight that will allegedly happen later this month.
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Former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan's controversial streak is proving to be contagious, as his former Chief of Staff Tim Mapes is now facing trial for lying to a grand jury about his former boss. It's a lot to digest, so John's joined by award-winning investigative reporter Ray Long, whose recent article for the Chicago Tribune breaks it down.
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John Howell is joined by legendary drummer and frequent Ringo Starr collaborator Gregg Bissonette. Bissonette has performed with Starr's All Starr band since 2008. He shares his unique perspective on his illustrious career, Ringo Starr, and the Beatles ahead of The Fest for Beatles Fans, hitting Rosemont this weekend.
For more details on The Fest or tickets, visit www.thefest.com.
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• Paul Lisnek from WGN-TV, joins to talk about his upcoming meeting with former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
• Alex Stone, ABC News Correspondent, has the latest on two U.S. Navy Sailors arrested for allegedly spying for China.
• Keith Costigan, MLS Season Pass Play-by-Play Announcer, has all the details on the Chicago Fire vs Club América Game.
• Plus, Lauren O’Neil, Host on Q101, is our guide for the remainder of Lollapalooza weekend & Andrea Darlas previews her show, Show & Tell, for this upcoming Sunday, from 5-6.
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As the Midwest drifts more to the right, Illinois stands out as an island of blue. This fact is what draws the young and drives away the old, and to take a closer look at this pattern, John Howell is joined by Chicago Magazine's Ted McClelland.
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With multiple criminal investigations and trials underway, Trump's calendar is looking like a nightmare. ABC's Steven Portnoy sits in with John Howell to help us civilians navigate his legal tour schedule, plus his team's new two-week countdown to choose a trial date.
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• John G. Louis, Massage Therapy Hall of Famer, joins to talk about his time as massage therapist for the White Sox and more.
• Andy Field, ABC News Washington, has the latest details on what happened during Trump’s arraignment today.
• Steve Chapman, former staff columnist and editorial writer for the Chicago Tribune, asks who deserves the credit for our surprisingly strong economy.
•Plus, Q101’s Lauren O’Neil previews tomorrow’s lineup at Lollapalooza, and two best friends stop in the studio on their way over to Grant Park.
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The brand of conservatism that Mike Pence has come to represent is exactly what voters now reject, at least according to most polls. It's a symptom of a greater divide within the GOP, and Washington Post's Olivier Knox is on with John Howell to explain what impact this has for the upcoming election and beyond.
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According to Roe Conn, director at the Cook County Sheriff's Office, carjackings are down while auto thefts are on the rise. Why is this? And how can I deter people from stealing my car? Conn joins John Howell to chat about this, plus they do a great deal of reminiscing about his time in the big chair at the Big 89.
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• Russell Lissau from the Daily Herald joins us with an update on July’s water crisis in Southern Lake County.
• Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, reviews the Trump Indictment and how he may challenge it.
• Liz Garibay, executive director of the Chicago Brewseum, discusses this past weekend’s Brew Summit and explains exactly what a “Brewseum” is.
• Plus, Jason Nathanson explains why politicians in Los Angeles are asking Taylor Swift to postpone her upcoming concerts.
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One of the country's largest music festivals, Lollapalooza is back tomorrow! With over 170 artists, though, it can be hard to decide which artists to see. Thankfully Q101's Lauren O'Neil has been to Lolla every year since 2012 and has you covered on how to get the most out of your festival experience.
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From the Fox desk to the WLS airwaves, Mike Emanuel is back with John Howell! He's got details about the legal background between Trump and the judge overseeing (one of) his trial(s). Does it constitute a conflict of interest? They dive into everything, including some of the former president's other legal troubles, Biden in space, and DeSantis's high-profile debate request.
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• Robert Herguth from the Sun-times brings us another chapter in the story of the Illinois Gaming Board and a Cicero diner’s gaming license.
• Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, joins the show to discuss the MLB trading deadline and what the Cubs and Sox chose to do.
• Jay O’Brien shares what we know regarding the closed door testimony of Devon Archer yesterday afternoon.
• Steve Bernas, President & CEO of BBB of Chicago & Northern IL, discusses music festival scams and other things to look out for as Summer wraps up.
• Plus, John Howell and Kim Gordon discuss the Trump indictment and Jack Smith’s statement on the matter.
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Amid the Trump indictment, it's easy to forget that Devon Archer, a former associate of Hunter Biden, delivered closed-door testimony to the House Oversight Committee just yesterday. Back with John Howell to jog our memories and share updates on the case is Jay O'Brien with ABC News Washington.
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In a (not so) shocking turn of events, there's a bit of corruption again in the Illinois and the Chicagoland area. This time, the Illinois Gaming Board failed to look into testimony delivered by an alleged mobster before approving a gaming license for his Cicero diner. Breaking it all down in the Sun-Times and with John Howell is Robert Herguth.
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• Ed Kilgore, longtime political observer and New York Magazine columnist, asks if DeSantis’ reboot will be more like McCain’s or Bush’s.
• John takes a look at Ed Sheeran’s time in Chicago, both at Soldier Field and at the Weiner Circle.
• Derricke Dennis shares reports that there may be a possible Covid-19 resurgence in New York City.
• Russell Lissau from the Daily Herald examines the Illinois budget halfway through the year.
• Plus, Alex Stone has the details on Lori Vallow Daybell’s sentencing today and why some coined her the “Doomsday Mother.”
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Just ahead of election season, Russell Lissau of The Daily Herald has taken a look at funding numbers from the first half of the year for each of Illinois's two major parties. He's found that IL Democrats hold slightly more than the state's GOP. What does this mean for state politics and election outcomes? He joins John Howell to let us know.
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Devon Archer, a former business partner of Hunter Biden, delivered a closed-door testimony in front of the House Oversight Committee. It's impossible to know exactly what he said, but ABC News Washington's Jay O'Brien joins John Howell to explain what his appearance means and how House Democrats have characterized his testimony.
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• Dan Mihalopoulos from WBEZ has the details of PPP fraud in Cook County and the Chicago Park District.
• Bill Cameron, Host of Take 1, joins John to preview this weekend’s episode and his conversation with Senator Tammy Duckworth.
• Andy Field from ABC covers everything Congress left to do after their August recess.
• Plus, Jason Nathanson looks at this weekend in movies, both in theaters and on the home screen.
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Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson was the latest stop in the Bears' mayor meeting marathon, but are there any new signs that they'll stay? Joining John Howell with all the details is Greg Hinz, politics reporter and columnist for Crain's Chicago Business.
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The world's most famous people get made into cards, statues, and even...bobbleheads! Now Jack Smith, DOJ special counsel and the US's most talked-about lawyer, has his own tiny-necked, big-headed statuette. John Howell is joined by Phil Sklar, CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, to talk about what makes someone especially fit for becoming a bobblehead.
https://www.bobbleheadhall.com/
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• Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime & Terrorism Analyst, unpacks the Hunter Biden investigation from an investigator’s point of view.
• Colby Hall, founding editor of Mediaite, has the details on Rudy Giuliani’s court filing.
• Bob Chiarito discusses his piece in the Sun-times about Jason Aldean’s song “Small Town.”
• Plus, Keith Naughton from The Hill says how Mr. Nice Guy Tim Scott could win the GOP Nom.
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If history has taught us anything, it's that nice guys usually finish last. But why, then, is Senator Tim Scott avoiding negativity in the GOP primary? If he wants to boost his poll numbers, Mr. Nice Guy might need a name change. Keith Naughton, opinion contributor for The Hill, joins John Howell to explain what Sen. Scott would need to do in order to improve his political outlook.
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Mark Followill joins John Howell to talk about everything from the Mavericks to Minneapolis. Of course, as a play-by-play announcer for MLS Season Pass, he tells John about everything to expect in the Chicago Fire's upcoming Leagues Cup match against the Minneapolis United.
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• Attorney Kaivan Shroff, Senior Advisor for the Institute for Education, explains the ins and outs of plea deals and how this applies to Hunter Biden’s day in court.
• Carl Cannon, Washington bureau chief for RealClearPolitics, introduces us to “The 1735 Project” about changes in media.
• Alex Stone from ABC has the latest on the massive heat waves across the country.
• Plus, Chef John Rudolph from Hoyt’s American Tavern joins John in studio with some treats, and a Judge from Evanston has rejected the request to limit discussion of the NU football stadium plan.
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Arlington Heights, Naperville, Waukegan, and even Rockford have floated the idea of becoming the next home to the Chicago Bears. Now, Richton Park, just over thirty minutes from city center, has signaled their interest in hosting the team. Mayor Rick Reinbold joins John Howell to explain why they'd be a good fit, where they're at in the negotiations, and just how likely it is Richton Park will be selected.
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Hunter Biden has plead not guilty to federal tax charges in Wilmington, Delaware after a judge rejected a plea deal that seemed all but final. Now what? Steven Portnoy of ABC News Washington joins John Howell to take a closer look.
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• Em Nguyen has the details of Biden’s historic Emmett Till proclamation.
• David Roeder from the Sun-times explains why landlords in the city are in hot water.
• Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, discusses the potential changes (or lack of changes) on the Cubs and Sox as the season of trading begins.
• Plus, Rick Kogan from the Tribune takes us back to the days of Mike Royko and beer tasting.
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As Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project put it, Mayor Johnson has few progressive options for finding revenue. Nitkin joins John Howell to explain what a city income tax would look like and why it seems like an increasingly attractive revenue stream to the new mayor.
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It's a stunning blockbuster, breaking box-office records and earning critical acclaim, and now critics have begun looking beyond the box to see what Barbie says about the battle between masculinity and femininity. Regular POLITICO contributor Joanna Weiss joins John Howell to dive into Barbie's world and read between the lines.
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• Bob McCoppin from the Chicago Tribune explains why residents of Evanston are angry about the move by the city to bypass public discussion on the Northwestern stadium project.
• ABC’s Andy Field has the details on the crisis in Israel and the divisive judicial overhaul.
• Rick Pearson, Chief Political reporter for the Chicago Tribune, shares which group just won the rights to Illinois voter data and why.
• Plus, Retired Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside says that drivers have rights during a DUI stop, but not cooperating with police may have consequences.
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John Howell welcomes Neil Steinberg, Columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, to discuss why it's important to keep an open mind to other opinions & to challenge one's line of thought.
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Daily Herald Transportation Reporter Marni Pyke finds that crime on Metra has increased with a growing ridership. It's a question looming over commuters as the suburban rail system looks to bounce back from a COVID-induced dip in riders, but Metra has said it's as safe as it's ever been. Pyke joins John Howell to break down the numbers and trends.
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The great John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus, joins John Howell to share his thoughts on The Open, happening now over in England. The two, of course, end up far off topic plenty of times, but end the segment giving their picks alongside newswoman Annie Krall.
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As the possible dangers of AI have been quickly approaching, President Biden encouraged seven of the largest developers in the field to play nice and work toward a safe AI-driven future...and they agreed. Jay O'Brien, from ABC News Washington, joins John Howell to expand on what this means politically, strategically, and competitively for the tech industry and their friends in D.C.
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• Someone in Los Angeles is holding a $1 billion Powerball ticket - Alex Stone has the details.
• Brakkton Booker, National Political Correspondent for POLITICO, joins the program with a deep dive on GOP presidential hopeful Tim Scott.
• Ike Ejiochi explores the top concerns of the Pentagon’s UFO Czar.
• Plus, Leanne Redden, Executive Director of the RTA, lets us know what they need from the city and updates us on the future of our railways.
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Why does society feel like women talk too much? It's an idea that has existed in the social sphere for hundreds of years, but aren't we past that? Linguistics professor Valerie Fridland, author of Like, Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English, joins John Howell to explain how women have used words as weapons, and why traditionally masculine society doesn't always agree.
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Joining John Howell is Leanne Redden, the executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority here in Chicago. She and John discuss what the RTA needs from the city and Mayor Johnson as they look forward to their future. She also answers all sorts of transportation questions, including those about construction, short-term planning, and long-term methods of funding the continent's third-largest transit system.
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• POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein joins John with the latest on the Trump documents trial.
• Mark Guarino, journalist and author of “Country & Midwestern,” shares stories about his book and an event tomorrow at the Harold Washington Library.
• Ike Ejiochi, ABC News Washington, has the details on Biden’s Competition Council meeting from earlier today.
• Plus, Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, joins to talk about the record breaking week in baseball.
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It's been over a month since the mass shooting in Willowbrook, but the last update from the police came three weeks ago. Where's the transparency? John Howell is joined by Ben Bradley, member of WGN Investigates, who shares what his team has learned and why information has been slow to come.
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The Cubs have been on fire, but even more impressive is their recent expansion of charity efforts. Alicia Gonzalez, Executive Director of Cubs Charities, joins John Howell to share how everyone, even Sox fans, can get involved.
For more information on Cubs Charities' programs, visit:https://www.mlb.com/cubs/community/cubs-charities/baseball-programs
To participate in the auction, visit: www.cubs.com/charityauction
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• Rick Pearson, the Chicago Tribune’s Chief Political Reporter, joins John to discuss the Netroots Nation conference.
• Ed Kilgore, longtime political observer and columnist, says we, perhaps, shouldn’t write off Ron DeSantis just yet.
• Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois, has the latest on Artificial Intelligence scams and more.
• Plus, Alex Stone talks about the heat wave hitting the nation and breaking records in Phoenix.
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A federal judge just dismissed the Madigan-related bribery charges against ComEd in Illinois. Madigan's not quite in the clear, though, as he's due to face corruption charges at trial next year. Jon Seidel of the Chicago Sun-Times joins John Howell to clear up what this means for the IL Dems' disgraced former leader, Chicagoland's electricity provider, and everyone caught in the middle.
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In the face of a classified documents case, defamation lawsuits, and tax inquiries, Trump's mountain of legal battles grew taller after he was informed that he is the target in a probe of efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Now, experts and the public await what happens next. ABC News Los Angeles' Legal Analyst Royal Oakes joins John Howell to break it down.
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• Ike Ejiochi has the details on Secretary Blinken’s latest warning on the risks to National security created by unfilled State Department posts.
• Gregory Royal Pratt from the Chicago Tribune discusses the Chicago watchdog report on Ald. Jim Gardiner’s violations of the city ethics code.
• Jason Nathanson runs the numbers on the cost of a double strike in Hollywood.
• Plus, a caller shares his opinion of Chris Christie, and Rachel cannot stop raving about the new “Mission Impossible” movie.
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It's all everyone's been talking about since it dropped on Hulu, but Chicago-based food writer John Kessler joins Big John Howell to tell us just how accurate 'The Bear' really is. According to Kessler, anyone who's ever worked in a restaurant will relate to something in the show.
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Chicagoan and Ides of March singer Jim Peterik collapsed in Des Plaines over the weekend. He's expected to be OK, but why'd he go down? Ron Onesti, CEO and President of Onesti Entertainment Group, joins John Howell to share an insider's point of view.
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Marked by a fiery announcement from President Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA has officially gone on strike. It's the largest such demonstration from the actors' union in decades, so John Howell is joined by ABC's Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson to explain what this means for the industry and what it will take for our favorite shows to come back.
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A tweet many feel is insensitive from a North Side Alderwoman has sparked outrage between her, an Italian American action group, and a much smaller Italian American action group. Shia Kapos, author of POLITICO's Illinois Playbook, joins John Howell to help him answer these questions: should Ald. Rodriguez-Sanchez be censured, and if so, will she be?
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Minimum donor amounts, a divided GOP, and a crowded primary has led to a fascinating fundraising race on the right. Still, Trump's $35 million raised is less than half of what's in Biden's campaign wallet. Why is this? Andy Field from ABC News Washington joins John Howell to break down the numbers and what we might expect as the election draws nearer.
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If you thought Chicago Fire FC games were fun, team President Dave Baldwin shares how upcoming games will exceed your expectations. He joins Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, to share some of the promotions that will be run during the rest of the season for Chicago's soccer team. Plus, they discuss some of the new perks added for season ticket holders.
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Emma Watson from Goddess and Grocer joins Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell. Watson shares the latest on their fundraising partnership with PAWS Chicago, one of the largest no-kill shelters in the area. Until July 11th, Goddess and Grocer is featuring special menu items and drinks, with portions of each sale going to PAWS.
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The Chicago River is cleaner than it's been in years, and Friends of The Chicago River is showing it off with their Summer Float Party on Sunday, July 23rd. Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Friends of the Chicago River's Executive Director Margaret Frisbie to share more details of this unique event and how you can get involved.
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• Faith Abubey from ABC Washington discusses Biden’s comments today at the NATO Summit.
• Chicago Attorney and Northwestern adjunct law professor Andrew Stoltmann answers John’s questions about the NU hazing scandal and the firing of Coach Fitzgerald.
• Janelle Iaccino, also known as “The Bug Girl,” shares her tips for avoiding mosquitos during an especially bad year for the bugs in Chicagoland.
• Plus, Alex Stone has the details on what Dems say is millions of Taxpayers’ data being shared with Meta.
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Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel is back, this time with the latest on the PGA hearing in front of Congress. He joins John Howell to share why a potential merger with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf has people upset about security issues and more.
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Fitz is out, but will Northwestern be able to justify ending his contract? Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago attorney and adjunct professor at Northwestern University, joins John Howell with his point of view on the legal implications of Pat Fitzgerald's firing.
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• Kyle Cheney, Senior Legal Affairs Reporter at POLITICO, discusses Trump’s request for his classified documents trial to be delayed until after the 2024 election.
• Tim Brown joins the show to discuss his newest book, “The Tao of the Backup Catcher.”
• Alex Stone from ABC Los Angeles warns of the extreme heat blasting huge areas across our entire country.
• Plus, John Howell discusses more of the aftermath of Coach Fitzgerald’s firing in the Northwestern Hazing scandal.
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It's been more than a year since Russia invaded, and Ukraine has been holding on; however, it's also clear they're having trouble making swift, meaningful progress. Professor emeritus of political science from the University of Chicago Charles Lipson joins John Howell to share why now might not be the time for Ukraine to join NATO.
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The Saudi government has a damning human rights record...so why is the PGA hellbent on merging with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf? ABC News Washington's Jay O'Brien joins John Howell to explain the latest in PGA's defense of their potential partnership in front of Congress.
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*Ike Ejiochi presents Kirby’s defense of his decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine.
*Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, previews the format, the players, and the dingers coming at the 2023 Home Run Derby.
*Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, discusses two bills that are sitting with Governor Pritzker that the IMA believes will do more harm than good.
*Plus, Jason Nathanson and John Howell ask - why is it en vogue to throw things at singers performing on stage?
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Since making headlines last week, details continue to pour in about the recent hazing allegations made against Northwestern University's football team. Joining John Howell is State Rep. Kam Buckner, who shares his point of view as a Chicago-based lawmaker looking to protect college athletes against hazing.
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James Lewis, the only suspect in the 1982 Tylenol poisonings, was found dead in his Massachusetts home on Sunday. John Howell is joined by Stacy St. Clair, Chicago Tribune reporter and co-host of Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders, to revisit the decades-old case and the man investigators believe may have played a part.
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• Ed Kilgore, longtime political observer and Intelligencer columnist, joins John to discuss the 2024 abortion battle and who will show up to the polls.
• Bill Cameron, Host of Take 1 and WLS City Hall Reporter Emeritus, previews this weekend’s episode of the show and recaps his recent conversation with Dick Durbin.
• Danielle Slaton, Broadcasting and Olympic Legend and Match Analyst for MLS Season Pass, previews Saturday’s Chicago Fire game vs Nashville and discusses some of her soccer favorites.
• Plus, ABC’s Jason Nathanson has the scoop on the latest in entertainment news.
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Two of the world's richest and most prominent tech entrepreneurs could be fighting in Rome's Colosseum; what would it take to make it a reality? Joining John Howell is Evan Bleier, senior editor at InsideHook, to share the latest on what some say would be the biggest, most watched fight in human history.
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John Howell is joined by David Roeder, who covers business and labor for the Chicago Sun-Times. As we await a detailed analysis of how NASCAR's recent pit stop performed in Chicago, they discuss the likely financial gains (or losses), whether it'll be back for a second lap next year, and how local and state officials have weighed in.
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• John Howell remembers the life of the great broadcaster, Dick Biondi.
• Andy Field from ABC News Washington describes the Secret Service’s hunt for the culprit behind the cocaine found in the White House.
• POLITICO’s Jordan Carney discusses the House GOP’s plan to go after the FBI and DOJ.
• Plus, Alex Stone has the story of a “missing” Texas boy who was never really missing.
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Meta's newest app has gone live; it's called Threads, and it's being called Mark Zuckerberg's answer to Twitter. John Howell is joined by Technology Reporter for ABC News Mike Dobuski to learn more about what this could mean for an already-crowded social media landscape.
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It's day five of the water crisis impacting Kildeer and Hawthorne Woods, and there doesn't seem to be a resolution in sight. The Daily Herald's Russell Lissau joins John Howell to tell us why this is happening, what town officials are saying, and how affected residents are reacting.
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• Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, shares the story of “Roofgate” and some big decisions that the White Sox and the Cubs are facing.
• Best-selling author, Jennifer Ackerman, is on to discuss her latest book, “What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds.”
• Kristin Kopicki, Co-owner of Cody’s public House, joins John with details of their Doggie Ice Cream Social benefitting the Second City Canine Rescue.
• Plus, Ramblin Ray shares his thoughts on this weekend’s NASCAR Chicago street race.
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It's Mike Emanuel time! Fox News' Chief Washington Correspondent joins John Howell to share the details of the recent drug discovery on Pennsylvania Avenue. The good news? It's not anthrax. The bad: we don't know whose it is.
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It was the most watched NASCAR event in six years, but how much money did it bring for the city? John Howell is joined by Robert Channick, Business Reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to talk viewing figures, Sunday's downpour, and who really won the race.
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• Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside shares his thoughts on the acquittal of Scot Peterson in the Parkland Florida case.
• Royal Oakes has the news on SCOTUS and their final decisions of the term.
• Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, has the details on the newest installment in the Indiana Jones series and the WGA strike.
• Plus, Stefano Fusaro, Host and Play-by-Play Announcer for MLS Countdown and MLS Wrap-Up, joins John to preview Saturday’s Chicago Fire game vs Orlando.
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In their final week of the term, SCOTUS ruled on several landmark cases, including one where they ruled in favor of a Christian Web Designer who refused to create websites for same-sex marriges. What does this mean for LGBTQ+ rights going forward? And what about the other decisions put forward by the Supreme Court this week? John Howell welcomes Professor Eric Segall, Kathy & Lawrence Ashe Professor of Law at Georgia State University, to discuss if individual interpretations of free speech have the authority to trump long time civil right statues.
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Checkered flags are set to fly for the first time in the Windy City. John Howell is joined by Josh Bilicki, one of the NASCAR drivers racing this weekend. He will be behind the wheel of the Zeigler.com No. 78 Chevy Camaro. Together, they preview the race course and discuss NASCAR racing legends from Bilicki's home state, Wisconsin.
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• Lindsay Watts joins John Howell live from Washington to discuss the big decisions SCOTUS has made thus far this week and which decisions are to come.
• Jennifer Haberkorn from POLITICO discusses how the Biden world wants the GOP to feel the pain for voting no while taking the dough.
• Kim Komando, America’s Digital Goddess, explains to John exactly what “big tech” knows about him…and it’s way more than you’d think.
• Plus, Alex Stone has the latest on the Titan submersible recovery efforts.
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The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is almost here, and for business owners, so is a possible surge in business. John Howell is joined by David Roeder, Business and Labor Reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. They discuss the fears, expectations, and likely realities for Chicago's business owners surrounding the weekend's events.
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It's a big week for SCOTUS as they make major decisions on elections, admissions, and more. John Howell is joined by POLITICO State Politics reporter, Zach Montellaro, to discuss one such decision made earlier this week that could prevent future fake elector schemes.
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• Mark Borgschulte, Economics Professor at the University of Illinois, explains how air pollution from wildfires affects the labor markets.
• Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, joins John to chat about this week’s biggest political stories.
• Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, discusses the legal implications of Trump’s tape.
• Plus, have we found the next Babe Ruth? Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, joins John to discuss.
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Can the families of victims in the Titan tragedy sue OceanGate? What about the waiver they signed before getting in? John Howell is joined by Steve Levin, Founding Partner at Levin & Parconti, one of Chicago's leading personal injury and medical malpractice law firms. Together, they discuss the efficacy of waivers, the responsibilities of all parties, and more.
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After a year of questions surrounding the nation's most famous laptop, John is joined by Kaivan Shroff, Legal and Political Analyst and Senior Advisor for the Institute For Education and public interest. They discuss the charges against Hunter Biden, the motivations behind them, and how whistle blowers are legally protected.
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• Lindsay Watts from ABC reviews the Supreme Court decisions which came down so far this week and the decisions still to come.
• Rick Telander, sports columnist for the Sun-times, explains the similarities he sees between NASCAR and American culture.
• Salena Zito, national political reporter, shares the story of America’s oldest brewery.
• Plus, Christopher Placek from the Daily Herald brings us the latest news about the Chicago Bears and their proposal to Arlington Heights.
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Where does Donald Trump stand in the 2024 GOP primary polls, despite the newly found Trump tape? John Howell welcomes Carl Cannon, Washington Bureau Chief for RealClearPolitics, to discuss Donald Trump, SCOTUS decisions, and the American people's perspective on ideological extremes.
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The race is just days away, and Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese joins John to discuss the NASCAR Foundation's benefit dinner ahead of the big day. Find more information on how you can help at nascarfoundation.org/chicago.
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• ABC’s Andy Field shares the details on Biden saying that the US and NATO Allies were not involved in the recent Russian rebellion.
• Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside shares his thoughts on the recent violence in Willowbrook and our nation.
• Jason Nathanson reveals how Taylor Swift is singlehandedly boosting the economy of every city she travels to on her tour.
• Plus, John discusses the assessment on the Cook County Assessor’s home and what exactly went sideways.
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The trial of Scot Peterson, school safety officer in Parkland, Florida, is now awaiting a jury's verdict. John is joined by ABC News reporter Derricke Dennis to discuss the charges, the arguments from both sides, and what it means for Peterson that the jury has not yet decided his fate.
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A law considered by the Illinois House could grant second chances to criminals sentenced to life in prison before the age of 21. But should these people be let back on to the streets? John Howell is joined by Jeremy Gorner, reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to discuss this proposal and its implications, as well as what its critics are saying.
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• ABC’s Lindsay Watts has the details on President Biden and VP Harris marking the one year anniversary of SCOTUS’ decision on Roe v Wade.
• A.B. Stoddard from Real Clear Politics says that Chris Christie intends on being the X-Factor in 2024.
• Nate Bukaty, Play-by-play announcer for MLS Season Pass, joins the show to preview this weekend’s Chicago Fire FC game versus Kansas City.
• Plus, Andrea Darlas previews this weekend’s episode of Show & Tell.
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Chris Christie has made a splash thus far in the GOP presidential primary by calling out his competitors and what he sees as their vast differences. John Howell welcomes A.B. Stoddard, Associate Editor and Columnist at RealClearPolitics, to discuss Christie's role in the race and how he intends to shake things up.
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After the tragic loss of the Titan submersible, questions are being raised about who is responsible for investigating this disaster. John Howell is joined by ABC News' Andy Field to discuss the complicated process of assigning authority to lead an inquiry.
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• Jerry Nowicki, Bureau Chief from Capitol News Illinois, explains Pritzker’s decision to freeze noncitizen health care enrollment.
• Alex Stone shares what we know about the sad conclusion to the Titan Submersible story.
• Andy Field from ABC News Washington has the details on the special counsel handing over first discovery to the Trump team.
• Plus, Steve Cochran, WLS Morning show host, joins the program to smooth over some claims of theft in the afternoon and chat about golf.
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EverythingALS, a patient-focused non-profit, is currently conducting the world's largest AI-powered ALS study. John Howell is joined by Indu Navar, Founder of EverythingALS, to discuss the details of the study and history behind the non-profit. The study is still taking participants, both those who have ALS and those who don't. For more information, visit everythingals.org.
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After a contentious debate, Chicago's divided city council approves of a $1 million dollar settlement to compensate the mother of a 26-year-old man shot and killed by the Chicago police. John Howell welcomes Alderman Ray Lopez from Chicago's 15th Ward to discuss his thoughts on what he calls the city's "knee-jerk" propensity to settle lawsuits alleging police misconduct.
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• Gregory Pratt joins John Howell to discuss his upcoming book, “The City is Up for Grabs: How Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis.”
• Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, lends his thoughts and analysis on the biggest national news stories of the week.
• Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas tells the story behind a powerful new photography exhibit on Mariupol.
• Plus, Alex Stone has the latest on the search for the Titanic submersible lost in the Atlantic.
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Prior to departing for their summer recess, the Supreme Court is expected to make decisions on student debt, affirmative action, immigration and more. John Howell welcomes James Romoser, POLITICO'S Legal Editor, discuss how the next two weeks are imperative for impending Supreme Court rulings.
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As the search for the missing Titan submersible continues, John Howell welcomes David Waud to recount his personal experience on The Titan's voyage to see the back Titanic in 2021.
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• Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ Reporter on Government and Politics, has the details on a grant that will provide $6.8 million towards Chicago monuments.
• Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins us with the latest on scams to avoid.
• ABC’s Andy Field joins from Washington to discuss the GOP reaction to Hunter Biden’s charges.
• Plus, Lindsay Watts has the scoop from Biden’s AI Forum this afternoon.
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Titan, the Submersible, vanished after carrying 5 people to the Titanic wreckage site, and officials are saying the submarine has approximately 40 hours left. John Howell is joined by Alex Stone, ABC News Los Angeles, to discuss the latest on the Titanic Submersible search.
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John Howell welcomes "Bulldog" John Drummond, Legendary Chicago Crime Reporter, to discuss the story of the infamous leader of the Chicago outfit, Sam Giacana. Decades ago, before his untimely end while cooking sausages and peppers, Bulldog reveals that Giacana had ties to aldermen, county commissioners and several other Chicago figureheads.
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• AXIOS’ Justin Kaufmann joins the show to review his picks for best fictional Chicagoan father of all time.
• Robert Channick from the Chicago Tribune has the details on the temporary casino Bally’s will set up in the Medinah Temple starting this August.
• Thunder Rosa, former AEW Women’s Champion, joins the show to promote the very first Collision event, tomorrow at the United Center and airing at 7 pm on TNT.
• Plus, Jason Nathanson has the details on the new Flash movie, and the show shares their favorite pieces of advice that their fathers ever gave them.
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Different suburbs continue to throw their hat into the ring while Chicago also suggests more ideas for open development sites to house the new Chicago Bears stadium. John Howell welcomes Paris Schutz, Chicago Tonight Co-Anchor and Correspondent, to go over the pros and cons of each location.
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Donald Trump's attorneys have filed a motion to move the Manhattan criminal trial to federal court, arguing that his charges took place while Trump was in office. John Howell is joined by Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, to discuss the reasoning behind the motion & what could follow.
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Happy Father’s Day to all of our listeners! AXIOS Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann joins John Howell to share his rundown of the seven best fictional fathers from Chicago. Listen as they both revisit some of their favorite television and movie memories of extraordinary dads.
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• Professor Charles Lipson returns to the program, this time to discuss Trump’s indictment and what it does to confidence in our institutions.
• Ariel Parella from Block Club Chicago has the latest details on the federal investigation into Ald. Jim Gardiner.
• ABC’s Alex Stone talks about the San Francisco drug crackdown that netted enough fentanyl to kill 2.1 million people.
• Plus, a listener shares his thoughts on Professor Lipson and John Howell’s conversation and the state of our country.
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As the Chicago Bears continue their search for a new home, Waukegan throws their hat in the ring alongside Arlington Heights, Naperville and Chicago to host the football team. John Howell is joined by the Daily Herald's Christopher Placek to discuss where the Bears stand in negotiations.
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John Howell welcomes Valerie Fridland, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada and Author of Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English.Together, they discuss parents' roles in teaching language to their children, the origin of the word "father" from different families of language, and if the word "dude" is a term of respect or solidarity.
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• Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus, joins John Howell to recap their golf game with over 160 years of cumulative radio experience in the mix.
• Gus Noble, President of the Chicago Scots, previews the 37th Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games happening this weekend.
• ABC’s Derricke Dennis reviews Pennsylvania’s plans for repairing the collapsed section of I-95 in Philadelphia.
• Plus, Mike Dobuski shares the news of a new Beatles song, brought to us by AI.
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Former President Donald Trump has been arraigned and plead not guilty on all counts in his federal classified documents case. John Howell is joined by Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, to discuss the speech Trump delivered post-hearing, where he claimed 'political persecution,' as well as the next legal steps.
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From Biden's reaction to Trump's Indictment and his reelection campaign, to our nation's geopolitical relationship with China, John Howell and Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, cover it all. Together, they discuss today's political updates and the Annual Congressional Baseball Game at National Park.
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• Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment correspondent, has the details on Garth Brooks’ new bar and the backlash he’s receiving from some conservatives.
• Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, joins to discuss new regulations around striking workers and more.
• Author Darrell Hartmen shares the story of “Battle of Ink and Ice,” his new book detailing a 60 year battle between two explorers to arrive first at the North Pole.
• Plus, Royal Oakes has the latest details on Trump’s indictment and the federal charges against him.
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John Howell welcomes Darrell Hartman to discuss his new book, BATTLE OFINK AND ICE: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Makingof Modern Media.Together, they discuss the contest to get to the North Pole, the journalistic duel between The Times & The Herald, and the parallel this story holds to modern day media.
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Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on federal charges in an investigation into his handling of classified documents. John Howell is joined by Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, to break down Trump's charges and details pertaining to his upcoming court date tomorrow.
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• John discusses the indictment of Donald Trump and special counsel Jack Smith's remarks.
• ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, Jason Nathanson, joins John to discuss this weekend's movie releases.
• Bill Cameron joins the show to give John a rundown of this weekend's episode of Take 1 on WLS.
• Plus, Play-by-Play Announcer for MLS Season Pass Kevin Egan previews this Saturday's Chicago Fire match against the Columbus Crew.
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Former President Donald Trump is facing felony counts based on retention of confidential defense information, conspiracy and more. John Howell welcomes Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent, Washington, to break down the allegations and indictment against Donald Trump.
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John Howell is joined by Michael Hawthorne, Environment and Public Health Reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to discuss the restoration of the middle fork of the Vermillion River, Illinois' only natural scenic river.
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• Jason Meisner from the Chicago Tribune shares the latest from the courtroom in the James T. Weiss trial.
• Crain’s Chicago’s Danny Ecker has the details on Sterling Bay, the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund and Lincoln Yards.
• The Chicago Fire FC’s Evan Whitfield joins the program to discuss upcoming programming.
• Plus, Chef Damarr Brown stops by after winning a James Beard Award earlier this week.
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This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson met with the Bears CEO after making several statements about wanting to keep the team in Chicago. John Howell is joined by Gregory Pratt, who covers Mayor Johnson and City Hall for the Chicago Tribune, to discuss the pathway forward for the team and city.
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The U.S. House of Representatives is set to hold a hearing to investigate a whistleblower's claims that the U.S. has found an alien spacecraft and its pilots. John Howell welcomes Andy Field, ABC News Washington, to discuss the details of these and other claims of unidentified flying objects & extraterrestrial life.
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• Jerry Nowicki, Bureau Chief from Capitol News Illinois, reviews some of the 500 bills Pritzker is considering signing over the next several months.
• Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, shares his thoughts on the latest political stories and, of course, the PGA/LIV merger.
• Nick Kindelsperger, Chicago Tribune Food Critic, recaps the James Beard Awards.
• Plus, John Howell discusses Brandon Johnson’s criticism of the media’s coverage of Chicago violence.
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Due to the Canadian wildfires, the Northeast, and New York in particular, is experiencing some of it's worst air quality in decades. John Howell welcomes Derricke Dennis, ABC News New York, to discuss how the smoke is impacting NYC.
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Chris Christie has filed campaign paperwork for the 2024 Presidential election. John Howell is joined by Lisa Kashinsky, Author of Politico's Massachusetts Playbook. They discuss what Christie has done to set himself apart, both from the other GOP candidates and from his prior run for the Oval Office.
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*Justin Finch from ABC has the latest on the standoff between the finance committee and Harlan Crow.
*The Sun-Times’ David Roeder discusses the threat that electric vehicles pose to Chicago’s AM radio market.
*Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the BBB of Northern IL and Chicago, has the details on the latest scams to look out for.
*Plus, Alex Stone reports that illegal border crossings are down 70% since the end of Title 42, and Jason Nathanson has the details on the SAG-AFTRA strike authorization vote.
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Matthew Nelson, one half of the band Nelson and son of the legendary Ricky Nelson, joins John Howell. They discuss honoring family legacy, the power of music, and the Nelson twins’ upcoming show at CD and Me this weekend. For more information, visit https://www.cdandme.co/june10.
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The Chicago Bears, still seemingly determined to leave Chicago, met late last week with representatives in Naperville. IL State Representative Marty Moylan joins John Howell to share his thoughts on the Chicago Bears move and his ideas on a solution.
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*Will Governor Pritzker sign a bill that gives a break to first-time gun offenders? The Chicago Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner joins the show to discuss.
*ABC’s Andy Field has the details on the NTSB crash investigation into the F-16S scramble near the capitol.
*Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel shares his thoughts on Friday's Humboldt Park police standoff, new Illinois legislation, and more.
*Plus, Mike Dobuski tells us everything he knows about Apple’s latest innovation: a Virtual Reality headset.
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Last Friday, there was a standoff in Humboldt Park between police and a citizen acting in a bizarre way on a rooftop. It’s come to light that there were over 40 calls to police regarding this citizen in the months leading up to Friday’s incident. Why didn’t the police act sooner…could they have? Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside joins John Howell to share his thoughts on this, plus the Parkland trial, new Illinois legislation, and more.
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Apple kicked off its Worldwide Developer Conference today and revealed plans for a brand-new virtual reality headset. This is Apple’s first big move into the VR space. Mike Dobuski, ABC News Technology Reporter, joined John Howell with the details.
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• ABC News Correspondent, Alex Stone, joins John to talk about the access that Ring employees had to all customer cameras.
• Anti-Semitic remarks were shouted at a suburban high school soccer game and the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau talks with John about what we know so far about the incident.
• John is joined by Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, to discuss the trial surrounding the former resource officer of Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland, Fl.
• Lindsay Watts, ABC News Correspondent in Washington brings us the latest on the debt ceiling deal.• Plus, Liz Turnbaugh and Ruben Estrada from The Board Room in Libertyville, talk about their new charcuterie restaurant!
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John Howell welcomes Mike Flannery, Political Editor of Fox-32 Chicago, to congratulate him on his retirement after 50 years of keeping the city of Chicago up-to-date on politics and to ask him, "What's next?"
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After Ron DeSantis made his campaign announcement via Twitter, contention has arisen in the Republican Party as to who will come out on top as the GOP candidate. John Howell is joined by Marc Caputo, National Political Reporter, to explain how a former congressman became Republicans' best hope to defeat Donald Trump.
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• Drama in the House of Representatives. Fox News Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins John to talk about the latest on the debt deal.
• Mike Kellner, a Marengo man who has taken on the project of rebuilding a B-17 Bomber, talks with John about the process.
• John talks about the migrant crisis in Chicago and the pointing of fingers throughout the city.
• Plus, should people who were convicted of a crime for their part on January 6th be allowed to fundraise from prison?
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Illinois Republicans have begun choosing which candidate to back in the 2024 Presidential Race. John Howell is joined by Greg Hinz, Political Reporter and Columnist for Crain's Chicago Business, to report which candidates have already been endorsed by Illinois Republicans.
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After an attorney was sanctioned on the basis of presenting non-existent cases generated by artificial intelligence, concerns have been raised on the usage of AI in court. John Howell welcomes Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago Attorney and Northwestern Adjunct Law Professor, to elaborate on the threat that AI has on the rule of law.
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• David Siders, Political Editor with POLITICO, joins John to talk about how the GOP lost Wisconsin.
• WTTW Chicago Tonight Reporter Amanda Vinicky, brings the Illinois legislative session roundup to WLS.
• Tyler Terens, Play-by-Play for MLS Season Pass, previews tomorrow night’s Chicago Fire FC match vs Toronto FC.
• Plus, the "Voice of the Illini" and host of The Coaches Show on WLS, Brian Barnhardt, joins the show and tells us a little bit about himself.
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John Howell welcomes Neil Steinberg, Columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times, to elaborate on how the Sun-Times coverage of City Hall progressed & if the cynicism was a natural evolution or a result of scandals.
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U.S. President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have worked out an agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling, but here are still hurdles ahead. John Howell is joined by Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent, Washington, to provide updates on whether or not the 99-page bill will pass the House of Representatives and proceed forward to the Senate.
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• ABC’s Justin Finch talks about the progress (or lack there of) in the Debt Ceiling talks ahead of the holiday weekend.
• Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, joins John to chat baseball and both North Side & South Side Hendricks.
•Lori Lindsey, Match Analyst for MLS Season Pass, previews tomorrow night’s Chicago Fire FC match vs New England.
• Plus, John speaks with a listener about his most memorable road trip and about his time serving his country.
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With The Little Mermaid hitting the silver screen this weekend, Ted Lasso, Succession & Barry are coming to an end. John Howell welcomes Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, to present his Memorial Day Weekend Mega Entertainment Report.
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John Howell is joined by Greg Pratt, reporter from the Chicago Tribune who covers Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Hall. They discuss Mayor Johnson's plan to combat violence and keep the city of Chicago safe this Memorial Day Weekend, how it differs from past plans, and if residents are optimistic.
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• Rose & Rob Bronstein, founders of Buckets Over Bullying, join John to reflect on the tragic loss of their son to bullying and how proposed legislation could save other children.
• Andy Field from ABC News Washington discusses a new poll showing that, so far, most Americans only know who they will NOT vote for.
• Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger joins the show with the best pastrami finds in the city.
• Plus, Kevin Burke joins John in-studio to chat about Big Nose Kate Whiskey and Dottie May’s Oatmilk Cream Liqueur.
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No Florida politician has ever been elected president. Can Ron DeSantis break the "Florida Man" political curse? John Howell is joined by Charles Mahtesian, Politico's Senior Politics Editor, to discuss his announcement on Twitter & potential challenges he may face on the campaign trail.
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John Howell welcomes Frank Manzo IV, M.P.P., Economist at the nonpartisan Illinois Economic Policy Institute, to discuss the fourth anniversary of the Rebuild Illinois law and how it's been a success thus far by modernizing neglected infrastructure and providing jobs to the state.
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• Tania Haigh, founder of KIDS TOO, joins the show to discuss the troubling report on sexual abuse in the IL Catholic church and how her organization is working to protect kids.
• ABC’s Alex Stone says Walmart has promised to stop selling something pretty surprising.
• Todd Powell, co-founder of Vacations by Rail, talks about traveling by railroad this Memorial Day weekend and beyond.
• Plus, Charles Lipson shares his memories of the late Robert Zimmer, and John discusses the impact of traffic on the city.
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Northwestern University's plan to replace Ryan Field with a sports and entertainment complex is causing quite a stir with Evanston residents. John Howell welcomes Bob Reed, Writer for Chicago Magazine, to discuss the pros and cons of having a venue that can seat more people than both the United Center & Allstate arena placed in the middle of a residential area.
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John Howell is joined by Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, to discuss the biggest national political stories of the week. They chat about the eminent approach to the debt ceiling deadline, public ethics concerns pertaining to Supreme Court Justices & Republican donors leaning towards a candidate.
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• Andy Field, ABC News Washington, has the story of the teen accused of deliberately driving a u-haul into a building near the White House.
• The BBB’s Steve Bernas has everything we need to know about ticket scams, especially with Taylor Swift’s Chicago shows right around the corner.
• Andrea Darlas, Host of Show and Tell on WLS, joins John to recap the Trial of Socrates event last night at the Harris Theatre.
• Plus, ABC’s Jason Nathanson has the good news: AM radio is safe in Ford vehicles…for now.
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U.S. Surgeon General is calling for immediate action by tech companies and lawmakers to protect adolescent mental health on social media. John Howell is joined by Derricke Dennis, ABC News New York, to explain the effects of excessive social media usage and harmful content particularly on younger audiences.
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John Howell welcomes Joshua Zeitz, contributing writer at Politico Magazine & author of Lincoln's God: How Faith Transformed a President and a Nation. They discuss Lincoln's spiritual journey and how it led to him courting and encouraging political engagement from churches during the Civil War.
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• Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside shares his thoughts on home detention and what police chiefs look for in an officer.
• Jason Knowles from the ABC 7 I-team gives us a preview of his investigation into where plastic bags end up when you drop them off for recycling.
• John LaGiglia, Chicago Firefighter and Veteran, joins the show to discuss the Patrick William Roche Foundation and the “One Pill Can Kill” event for parents and children tomorrow evening.
• Plus, John discusses the unfortunate incidents with pedestrians ending up in fights and the “wolf pack” mentality of it all.
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John Howell welcomes Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus. Dempsey shares his thoughts on the PGA Championship's best moments and Brooks Koepka's outstanding performance. Meanwhile, Howell pleads for him to install a landline.
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With the expiration of Title 42 and the transportation of undocumented immigrants to sanctuary cities, the politics surrounding immigration is highly contentious. John Howell welcomes John Feehery, Partner at EFB Advocacy and blogger at thefeeherytheory.com, to discuss how Republicans can work with Joe Biden to repair the immigration system.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, welcomes Carla Bruni, Historic Preservationist, Art Institute Faculty & Founder of the Community Glue Workshop. Community Glue is a free, monthly repair clinic at Edgewater Workbench where mechanically-inclined volunteers help repair broken items brought in by the community.
For more information, visit https://communityglueworkshop.wordpress.com/
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by author and actor Andrew McCarthy, star of Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire. They discuss his new book, Walking With Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain, a memoir following McCarthy as he walks the Camino de Santiago with his son, Sam. Over the course of a 500-mile journey, the memoir is filled with honest conversations surrounding divorce, school and strengthening father-son relationships.
The program will be held at the Skokie School Auditorium in Winnetka, IL, Wednesday, May 24th . For more information on tickets, visit https://rb.gy/9ismi
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Some big automakers are considering leaving AM Radio behind. Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, welcomes Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, Los Angeles, to discuss how important AM Radio is in regards to public safety, and what legislation is being introduced by Congress to mandate auto manufacturers to keep it.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Cheryl Hamilton-Hill, CEO of Lincoln Park Community Services Homeless Shelter, to talk about how her social services agency provides all-encompassing services such as interim housing, mental health counselling, substance use support, financial literacy classes, and opportunities of employment for people experiencing homelessness to regain independence.
LPCS will be hosting its annual spring gala & fundraiser Metamorphosis to raise money to fund the programs they run for their guests.
Learn more at www.LPCSChicago.org.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, welcomes to the studio Retired Lieutenant John Garrido & Sergeant Rubble to talk about Sgt. Rubble's story and the foundation of the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation. They also discuss how Sgt. Rubble and other rescued dogs like him him benefit the community and improve officer wellness. For more information, visit garridostrayrescue.org.
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• Tinos Diamantatos gives his take ahead of the Trial of Socrates next Monday at the National Hellenic Museum.
• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were pursued by a “highly aggressive” paparazzi in a car chase - Derricke Dennis from ABC has the details.
• Attorney Andrew Stoltmann has the answers to John’s questions about Rudy Giuliani.
• Plus, Jamie Watson, Match Analyst on MLS Season Pass, previews tonight’s Chicago Fire FC game, and Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, reviews the latest national political stories.
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Brewer's Triangle is a newly formed conglomerate of award-winning breweries in Avondale and Logan Square. Join the newly formed conglomerate in an old school Block Party on Saturday, May 20th, from 10 A.M. - 8 P.M. John Howell is joined by Tracy Hurst, Owner of Metropolitan Brewing, to share all the details pertaining to the festivities.
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John Howell welcomes Kathy Gilsinan, author and contributing writer for POLITICO Magazine. Gilsinan dives into her investigation on Rita Crundwell, the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history, and how it benefited Dixon, IL in the end.
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• Alex Stone from ABC has the latest details in the New Mexico mass shooter situation.
• Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, shares his thoughts on why Washington should not continue to encourage Ukraine to battle on.
• The Daily Herald’s Chris Placek has the latest on the Bears’ proposed move to Arlington Heights and the many roadblocks they’re facing.
• Plus, author Drew Millard joins the show to discuss his book, “How Golf Can Save Your Life.”
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John Howell is joined by former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Governor Quinn has proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution to give more power to the people to vote on binding referendum that enacts ethics reform in Springfield and across the entire state.
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A.I. Tech Executives have been pleading with lawmakers to implement regulations for A.I systems. John Howell welcomes Mike Dubuski, ABC News Technology Reporter in New York, to elaborate on the impending risk of artificial intelligence if the technology continues to develop unchecked.
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• Greg Pratt from the Chicago Tribune joins to discuss Lori Lightfoot’s legacy as Brandon Johnson stepped into the mayor’s office today.
• Bob Herguth from the Sun-times tells the tale of Jeffrey Bertucci, video gambling, and how it all went sideways - Illinois style.
• Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart calls for Illinois to start enforcing its own gun laws.
• Plus, Attorney Sarah King joins John in-studio to discuss the upcoming Trial of Socrates event at the National Hellenic Museum
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John Howell will be a juror in the National Hellenic Museum's Trial of Socrates. Attorney Sarah King from Clifford Law Offices joins John in-studio to discuss her client, Socrates, and why she believes he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
For more information or tickets, visit https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/
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Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is sounding the alarm about Illinois' failure to enforce its own gun laws. He joins John Howell to discuss the retrieval of guns from those who have had their right to own firearms revoked.
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• Major League Soccer Match Analyst Kyndra de St. Aubin joins John to discuss the Chicago Fire.
• “Book Club: The Next Chapter” hits theaters this weekend, and Jason Nathanson from ABC News lets us know if it's a worthwhile mother's day gift.
• The Bears season schedule has been released and WLS Defacto Sports Director Bret Gogoel talks with John about a season that starts between fierce rivals.
• Plus, host of Show & Tell Andrea Darlas joins the show to talk about the Trial of Socrates and what's going on around Chicago.
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Joining John Howell, Colby Hall, Founding Editor of Mediate.com, breaks down the Trump Town Hall and addresses the criticisms that followed.
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Title 42 has come to an end because the COVID-19 public health emergency and restrictions are no longer in place. Em Nguyen, ABC News Correspondent in Washington, is welcomed by John Howell to explain what's next for immigration policy and the new legal hurdles the Biden Administration faces.
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• WBEZ’s Dan Mihalopoulos joins John to discuss Thomas Cullerton’s journey from politician to prison to lobbyist.
• POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney has the details on Trump’s upcoming legal battles and what may be coming next.
• Jim Ryan from ABC News in El Paso discusses what may take the place of Title 42 as it ends today.
• Plus, John reviews last night’s CNN-hosted Trump town hall.
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With the COVID national emergency declared over, will things ever go back to "normal"? Neil Steinberg, Columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times, joins John Howell to explain how we will shift from pandemic to endemic.
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It is projected that in early June, the U.S. Treasury will run out of money while staying below the debt ceiling. Secretary Yellen has proposed a new system to end the repeated standoffs over said debt ceiling so that we may (hopefully) find a resolution. John Howell welcomes Faith Abubey, ABC News Washington, to elaborate.
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• Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune State Government Reporter, has the latest on the fight between the Naperville gun store owner and the Illinois Supreme Court.
• Andy Field from ABC has the latest on George Santos’ arrest and what may happen next.
• Bob McCoppin asks, who will regulate cannabis regulation?
• Plus, John asks, is it ever appropriate to tell someone they “look like Hitler”? Probably not, but especially if you’re a state representative
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Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, is welcomed by John Howell to report updates on hot topics in D.C. including Title 42, McCarthy's next move after George Santos was indicted on 13 federal charges & Senator Diane Feinstein's return to the Senate.
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What would Joe Biden do if Hunter is indicted? John Howell is joined by Charles Lipson, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Chicago. Professor Lipson elaborates on the (reportedly) imminent charges and what steps may happen next.
Charles Lipson's columns for Real Clear Politics, Spectator|World, and others are available for free at CharlesLipson.com.
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• Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside joins John to discuss his latest piece on carjackings.
• Mike Dobuski, ABC News Technology Reporter, has all of the details on a brand new social media landscape.
• Steve Bernas from the Better Business Bureau warns us about the latest in consumer scams, including timeshares & moving scams.
• Plus, Andy Field wraps up the meeting on the debt ceiling.
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Fentanyl is a highly addictive opioid used to assist individuals experiencing severe pain, especially after surgery. Now, fentanyl is also one of the leading causes of death for Americans under 50. Alderman Matt O'Shea joins John Howell to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl. The Alderman discusses how he and volunteers from the Patrick William Roche Foundation are doing outreach with high schools to educate teens on the dangers of this and other drugs.
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John Howell is joined by Royal Oaks, ABC News Legal Analyst, to share latest updates on E. Jean Carroll Trial.
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• ABC 7’s Jason Knowles joins John with a preview of tonight’s I-Team report on unlicensed movers and moving disasters.
• Lee Bey, Chicago Sun-times architecture critic, shares his solution for preserving the Baxter International campus.
• Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter, is among four journalists receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago Headline Club.
• Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, has the latest on energy policy.
• Plus, Dave Baldwin from the Chicago Fire FC previews the upcoming games against STL and Derricke Dennis has the details on a case in NYC.
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"A Pint For Kim" was created in 2020 when a Naperville mom, Kimberly Benedyk Sandford, who had terminal cancer asked that her family hold a blood drive in lieu of a wake. Kim needed over 40 blood transfusions during her final months of treatment, and this is when she and her family learned that the largest use of donated blood goes to cancer patients to help them remain strong enough to continue their battles. Their blood drive set the state record for one-location. John Howell is joined by Kristen Benedyk, Kim's sister who originally organized "A Pint For Kim", to share their goals on breaking their previous state record and what else is planned, in addition to the blood drive.
"A Pint For Kim" is on Saturday, May 13th, from 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Naperville North High School, 899 N Mill St, Naperville, IL, 60563
To learn more, visit www.apintforkim.com. The organization is also seeking sponsors and raffle items.
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John Howell welcomes Alex Stone, ABC News Los Angeles, to share everything we know currently about the Allen, Texas Mall Shooting.
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• Chef Damarr Brown, James Beard Nominee and Chef at Top This Mac N’ Cheese, joins to discuss the launch of First Responder First Fridays at the restaurant.
• Jason Nathanson from ABC News has the details on the verdict in the Ed Sheeran and Marvin Gaye copyright case.
• Lindsay Watts has the latest on the convictions in the Proud Boys January 6th trial.
• Plus, John’s old pal, Joey Calves, joins the show to discuss his boycott of a hardware store and the end of the pandemic.
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The Chicago Fire is preparing to kick off against Nashville SC this weekend. John Howell welcomes Jamie Watson, MLS Season Pass Match Analyst, to share commentary on this season's Chicago Fire team & the bright future for MLS.
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Mint julep in one hand, derby pie in the other. John Howell welcomes Sam Gordon, Kim Gordon's Father & WLS' Kentucky Derby Expert. Sam, Kim, and John discuss Sam's history with the Kentucky Derby and his picks for which horse will be favored to win.
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• Kim Komando, Host of the Kim Komando Show, warns John about the “dark side” of Google.
• Christopher Placek from the Daily Herald has the latest on the Bears move to Arlington Heights.
• Peter Hancock from Capitol News Illinois has the info on the bill blocking libraries from state funding if they choose to ban books in Illinois.
• Listeners and Illinois politicians share their thoughts on Chicago as a Sanctuary City and updates to Amtrack and trains in Illinois.
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A bill proposed in Springfield would block libraries from receiving state funding if they ban books. Peter Hancock, Reporter for Capitol News Illinois, joins John Howell with updates on the bill's progress and what happens from here.
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The Chicago Bears take the next step towards moving out of Soldier Field. John Howell welcomes Christopher Placek, Staff Writer at the Daily Herald, to discuss the imminent demolition of Arlington International Racecourse and intel surrounding the property tax appeal.
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• Russell Lissau from the Daily Herald has the story of what happened when three Des Plaines alderpersons tried to disregard votes.
• Jason Meisner from the Chicago Tribune dives into the “ComEd Four” verdicts and what they could mean going forward.
• Eric Segall, Professor of Law at Georgia State University, examines whether or not SCOTUS and Ethics will ever come together as one.
• Plus, Curtis Stock gives us some Kentucky Derby history when discussing his new book, “The Turcottes.”
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As Chicago prepares to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Illinois is in the national, political spotlight. With that, some are considering adding ranked choice voting into the mix. Kam Bucker, Illinois State Representative, joins John Howell to discuss Ranked Choice Voting, what it is, and how embracing it can benefit both candidates and voters.
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What can we take away from the "ComEd Four" trial and the guilty verdicts? What constitutes a bribe? With whom should legislatures lobby? John Howell is joined by Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago Attorney and Northwestern Adjunct Law Professor, to try and tackle these questions and more.
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• John T. Bennett from CQ Roll Call joins John Howell to analyze Biden’s first 2024 foe: his enthusiasm problem with the Dems.
• ABC’s Alex Stone has the latest on the search for the Texas murder suspect, though the trail has gone cold.
• John discusses the debt ceiling, the right and the left of it all, and attempts to put “trillions” into perspective.
• Plus, Jason Nathanson joins from the picket lines to expand on what is happening with the Writer’s Strike in Hollywood.
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There has been much talk in the news and legislature lately of bullying and cyberbullying policies and the changes that must be implemented to protect our children. John Howell is joined by Rose Bronstein, who founded Buckets Over Bullying in honor of her son, Nate. Nate ended his life after a terrible experience with cyberbullying over Snapchat. Rose joins John ahead of speaking at a rally at the Snapchat headquarters next week, and she shares other important work the foundation is doing.
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John Howell welcomes Mark Guarino, Journalist and Author of Country & Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival. They discuss Chicago-local country bands, such as the Sundowners, and the transfer of knowledge and musicianship to new generations.
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• David Skidmore, ensemble member and Executive Director of Third Coast Percussion, joins to preview the Chicago premiere of Metamorphosis.
• Richard Roeper from the Sun-times gives his thoughts on HBO’s “White House Plumbers.”
• POLITICO’s David Cohen has the details on Lightfoot’s urge to Greg Abbott not to ship more migrants.
• Plus, Bret Gogoel answers the question, did the Bears have a successful draft?
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John Howell welcomes Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, a respected expert on MENA geopolitics and founder of the global non-profit, Ideas Beyond Borders, to discuss the Sudan conflict and its geopolitical implications for Africa, the U.S., and the world.
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Late Chicago Congressman, Frank Annunzio, was linked to the mob in recently obtained files. John Howell is joined by Robert "Bob" Herguth, Investigative Reporter at the Chicago Sun Times, to discuss the FBI File investigations and what this all means.
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John Howell speaks with Bruce DuMont, founder of the Museum of Broadcast Communications. They discuss the complicated and long career of Jerry Springer, who passed away yesterday at age 79. Springer helped to create a new daytime format, dozens of jobs, and brought Chicago into the spotlight.
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*Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, joins John to give his thoughts and predictions on the start of the NFL draft.
*Kevin Bessler from The Center Square has the details on the IL GOP’s plan to combat crime.
*Dave Packer, ABC New York, reveals why Disney has filed a lawsuit against Governor DeSantis.
*Plus, Andrea Darlas shares memories of working alongside Jerry Springer, and Jeremy Gorner discusses what IL House Speaker Welch is (and is not) ruling out adding to the 2024 ballot.
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*Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, joins John to give his thoughts and predictions on the start of the NFL draft.
*Kevin Bessler from The Center Square has the details on the IL GOP’s plan to combat crime.
*Dave Packer, ABC New York, reveals why Disney has filed a lawsuit against Governor DeSantis.
*Plus, Andrea Darlas shares memories of working alongside Jerry Springer, and Jeremy Gorner discusses what IL House Speaker Welch is (and is not) ruling out adding to the 2024 ballot.
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The Supreme Court recently released a rare, joint statement on their ethics standards and practices, but is this enough? In light of recent events, legislators and the public are pushing for something enforceable to hold the justices accountable. John Howell is joined by Josh Gerstein, POLITICO’s Senior Legal Affairs Reporter, to discuss.
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John Howell is joined by Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, Los Angeles. They discuss the life and career of Jerry Springer, who passed today at age 79. Springer, once a politician, became the long-time host of a show that changed the landscape of “reality” on tv forever.
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IL State Representative Marty Moylan joins John Howell. Rep. Moylan, from Des Plaines, has a proposal to help get the Chicago delegation on board for the move to Arlington Park. The bill proposes a $3 surcharge on all entertainment tickets purchased there, and it will go towards the city and paying down the Bears’ debt to Soldier Field.
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John Howell is joined by Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. She discusses how she was introduced to terramation (natural organic reduction,) how they crafted the bill, and why they believe it would benefit the state and the world as a whole. Rep. Cassidy also speaks to the pushback against human composting and the negative effects of some other post-death options.
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• Justin Kaufmann from AXIOS has the latest on the “ComEd Four” trial wrapping up.
• Scott Hodge, President emeritus from the Tax Foundation, asks, do the rich pay their fair share?
• Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois, has the latest scams to watch for.
• Plus, the Sun-Times’ Rick Telander says “Goodbye and Good riddance” to Aaron Rogers.
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After Biden's announcement that he is standing for reelection, John Howell is joined by Jeff Greenfield. Greenfield, a 30-year Political Analyst for ABC, CNN, CBS and PBS, shares his thoughts on Biden's age and its implications in this race and beyond.
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John Howell welcomes Valerie Fridland, Linguist and Author, to discuss her new book, "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." Together, they explore the speech habits that we love to hate, and Fridland teaches John a few lessons along the way.
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• Andy Field from ABC News Washington has the details on the US Embassy staff evacuation in Sudan.
• The Daily Herald’s Russell Lissau discusses suburban political fundraising and its implications.
• Tom Weitzel, Ret. Police Chief from Riverside, addresses crime and policing issues in Chicago.
• Plus, WBEZ’s Dan Mihalopoulos shares the investigation into the Chicago Park District employees accused of fraud.
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John Howell is joined by Chris Cillizza to discuss his new book, POWER PLAYERS: Sports, Politics and American Presidency.Cillizza speaks to the importance of sports and presidents throughout American history.
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Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon have both parted ways with their respective news networks. Derricke Dennis, ABC News New York, joins John Howell to discuss what went down and what's next for these vastly different news anchors.Thanks for the update.Thanks for letting us know.Really?ReplyForwardCN
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by writer and Windy City Times columnist, Jerry Nunn. Nunn brings us a list of must-see movies in theaters this weekend. They also discuss Andrea’s absence from the movies…it’s been a few years! For more of Nunn’s writing, visit nunnontherun.com.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Haley Burns, co-founder of River Strategies. They discuss the importance and implementation of media and crisis communication training, particularly for schools.
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Andrea Darlas is joined by Bill Conway, the newly elected west side Alderman, to discuss being inaugurated next month & his goals to work towards a safer city.
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ndrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Chicago Police Commander Melinda Linas and Dr. Eugene Lipov. Together, they discuss the DSR Shot, officer wellness, and advocating for mental health services for police officers. Dr. Lipov also explains his campaign to eradicate the term "PTSD," instead using "PTSI."
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, to elaborate on the involuntary manslaughter charges dropped with less than a month away from trial.
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The 2023 Learn2Laugh Comedy Fundraiser will be held at the Atheneum Theater tomorrow night. James Stephens III will be there performing all of Ray Charles' classic hits. Stephens, a former tour-mate of Ray Charles, shares how Charles' music has changed the music scene for generations. elaborates on the 2023 Learn2Laugh Comedy Fundraiser will be held at the Athenaeum Theater. For more information on the event, visit https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2023/the-ultimate-ray-charles-and-sam-cooke-tribute-show-and-live-band/.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Monica Eng for the News of the Week, covering topics ranging from Brandon Johnson addressing concerns of public safety, to Pink Floyd at the Adler Planetarium.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst. Fox has reached settlement for $787 million in their case with Dominion. Oakes has the details on the wins and the loses here for both companies.
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Andrea Darlas welcomes Dr. Parag Patel and Dr. Erin Nasralla, Cardiologist and Emergency Medical Specialists, to advocate for their Lutheran General partnership with Enda running schools to educate, empower and elevate young women in Kenya.
You can visit them at: https://enda.run/globalficcs
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Joining Andrea Darlas, Katie Kaleidis, the Director of Research and Content for the National Hellenic Museum, shares information for the Homer-a-thon, a community reading and retelling of Homer's Odyssey.
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Andrea Darlas, filling in for John Howell, is joined by Derricke Dennis, ABC News Legal Analyst, to discuss the felony charges filed against the 84-year-old suspect in the teen shooting.
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Andrew Darlas, covering for John Howell, welcomes Shia Kapos with Politico to cover Chicago Mayor Elect Brandon Johnson to Governor Priztker, and their future relationship.
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Andrea Darlas, covering for John Howell, is joined by Ariel Towers, a member of the organization Have Dreams that provides programs and services for people across the spectrum, their family and caretakers. She also uses Zentanlge, an method of art therapy she teaches to young adults with autism
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Andrea Darlas, subbing in for John Howell, is joined by Alderman Ray Lopez to address concerns of safety after a group incident in Millenium Park this weekend.
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• The man who leaked the Pentagon documents has been charged. Royal Oakes joins with the details.
• Hannah Meisel from Capitol News Illinois gives us an update on this week in the ComEd Four trial.
• Karen Knotts, actress, stand-up comedian, and daughter of Don Knotts, joins the show to discuss her upcoming show, “Tied Up in Knotts,” and her father’s acting career.
• Plus, Andrea Darlas previews this weekend’s episode of “Show & Tell” and next week’s fill-in for Big John.
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Jim Fahey, Symphony Center Presents Director of Programming, joins John Howell. The 2023/2024 season of "Symphony Center Presents Jazz!" is a big one, as it marks their 30th season. Listen as Fahey and Howell review the lineup and share their favorite jazz memories.
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Due to baseball games becoming shorter, vendors are striking out on beer sales, but bars surrounding the ballparks are hitting homeruns. Maureen Martino, Executive Director of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, joins John Howell to talk about the boom of business for Wrigleyville bars.
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• Anne Flaherty, ABC Senior National Policy Reporter in Washington, has the latest on the abortion pill ruling and where it will go from here.
• The Chicago Tribune’s Joe Mahr discusses the new series, “Stalled Justice” about the goings on in Cook County.
• The man who leaked the Pentagon’s sensitive documents has been caught and arrested. John has the details.
• Plus, more of your memories from our 99th Birthday yesterday.
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Justin Finch, ABC News Correspondent, joins John Howell with updates concerning the 21-year-old's identification and arrest after leaking classified Pentagon documents online.
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As activists look forward to the Democratic convention, ex-Chicago police officials look back on the turbulent NATO Summit. Joining John Howell, Frank Main with the Chicago Sun-Times, shares how we, as a city, can plan accordingly.
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• Russell Lissau from the Daily Herald has details on a proposed new concert series in Mundelein.
• RealClearPolitics’ A.B. Stoddard covers the GOP trifecta of negatives: abortion, guns, and Trump.
• Bill Cameron, WLS City Hall Reporter Emeritus, shares his memories of working on the station.
• Plus, Rick Kogan has the scoop on “Out of the Loop,” a new series about Chicago stand-up comedy.
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Quinn Myers, a Reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins John Howell after sitting with Mayor Elect Brandon Johnson to talk all things ShotSpotter & the future of the gunshot detection system in the city of Chicago.
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Taking a walk down memory lane, John Howell welcomes Doc Duncan, the last music host on WLS, reminiscing on the transition from a rock music station to a talk-radio format.
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• The Chicago Tribune’s Rick Pearson shares the details on Chicago landing the DNC.
• Jason Nathanson from ABC News has the latest on the Bud Light & Jack Daniels controversies.
• Charles Lipson examines the overreaching and grandstanding on both sides of the aisle.
• Plus, the BBB’s Steve Bernas warns us of the latest scams involving AI impersonations and tax season.
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Joining John Howell, Justin Finch explains the push by Democrats for an investigation of Clarence Thomas accepting gifts "in kind" from a wealthy GOP Doner and the need for ethical standards to be reinstated in the Supreme Court.
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Can you run for president from jail? Sure, it's been done before. Josh Gerstein, POLITICO's Senior Legal Affairs Reporter, joins John Howell and dives into the history of Eugene V. Debs and how he received over a million votes from behind bars.
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*ABC’s Justin Finch has the details on the possible reinstating of an expelled Tennessee lawmaker.
*The Sun-times’ David Roeder reviews some of the downtown issues Mayor-elect Johnson will have to conquer.
*Jim O’Donnell from the Daily Herald explains why a Mayor-elect Johnson may push the Bears farther from Soldier Field.
*Plus, Mark Denzler from the IL Manufacturers’ Association talks Chicago manufacturing and Carbon emission regulations.
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Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus, joins John Howell with a recap of his weekend at The Masters. Dempsey shares his favorite moments, his thoughts on the final results, and his review of the course itself.
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Four victims were killed and eight others were injured today in a mass shooting at a bank in Louisville. Jim Ryan, ABC News Dallas, joins John Howell with the latest details on those who were killed, what we know about the suspect, and how the Governor has a connection to the bank.
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• Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi shares his thoughts on the meeting he attended with the Taiwanese president.
• The Chicago Tribune’s Dan Petrella analyzes the results of the suburban school board elections & which party won big.
• POLITICO’s Bianca Quilantan discusses the Supreme Court vote against reinstating a West Virginia transgender sports ban.
• Plus, Alex Mar discusses her powerful book about a Gary, IN murder, “Seventy Times Seven,” and John Dempsey joins the show live from The Masters.
• Plus, Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus, calls in to John with his loving list of thoughts from The Masters.
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John Howell welcomes Jon Seidel, Federal Courts Reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, who takes us behind the scenes of the ComEd Trial and walks us through Ochoa's Testimony.
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Joining John Howell, Lee Lowenfish, author of Baseball's Endangered Species: Inside the Craft and History of Scouting by Those Who Lived It, dives into the fascinating history and career of Baseball Scouts.
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• ABC News’ Lindsey Watts joins John Howell to discuss the Tennessee State house vote to potentially oust lawmakers after a gun protest.
• Kim Komando, Host of the Kim Komando show, warns John about car hackers and other digital scams.
• Plus, Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus, calls in to John with his loving list of thoughts from The Masters.
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With election season behind us and many religious holidays this week, let us give thanks for freedom from campaign rhetoric. John Howell welcomes Neil Steinberg, Columnist for the Chicago Sun-times, to discuss how the position of mayor has shifted the past few terms.
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Eric Segall, Constitutional Professor of Law at Georgia State University joins John Howell, elaborating on the nonpartisan issue of impropriety and an unregulated ethics code amongst the Supreme Court.
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• Mike Emanuel, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent, discusses the National reactions to Trump’s indictment yesterday.
• Madison Fernandez from POLITICO recaps yesterday’s election in Wisconsin and what the results mean.
• Frank Calabrese, Chicago-based consultant, mapped out the Johnson/Vallas results and analyses his findings.
• Plus, Alex Stone from ABC News has the story of a man who has been wrongfully accused by “Find my iPhone” for years.
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Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago-based attorney & adjunct law professor at Northwestern University, joins John Howell. Stoltmann breaks down Trump's indictment yesterday, what the 34 counts really mean, and how this could affect the former President in 2024 and beyond.
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With Chicago's election season coming to a close and the final votes being tallied, Rachel Hutchinson, Chicago-based Research Analyst for FairVote joins John Howell, offering some analysis on how RCV might have impacted the Chicago election and how it could impact future elections.
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From restaurants to world-class museums, Chicago has a plethora of places to explore. Wendy Altschuler, author of "Perfect Day Chicago: Grab-and-Go Itineraries for Everyone" Joins John Howell to discuss hometown hidden gems.
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Former President Donald Trump had his first day in court today. But this isn’t the first time that someone with “President” before their name has been taken to court. Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent Washington, joins John Howell with a presidential history lesson.
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John Howell is joined by Steve Daniels, Crain’s Chicago Business’ Senior Reporter on Banking, Insurance, and Utilities. Daniels joins us from the courthouse to discuss the latest developments in the “ComEd Four” trial. They also discuss how the latest wiretaps illustrate the “quid pro quo” of it all.
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• Dr. William “Doc” Jones, Chicago-native and jazz legend, shares his mission to inspire youth to get into jazz.
• ABC News’ Derricke Dennis has the latest from New York as Trump arrived today for his arraignment.
• Ret. Police Chief Tom Weitzel discusses the lowering of police standards Nationwide and public safety in Chicago.
• Plus, John shares clips of former AG Bill Barr’s advice for Trump.
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This past Friday, the country was ravaged by storms and worse. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune reporter, joins John Howell to discuss affected communities in Illinois. In particular, the emergency disaster proclamation and Pritzker’s visits to Belvidere and Robinson.
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Ahead of tomorrow’s election, John Howell speaks with Max Bever, Director of Public Information for the Chicago Board of Elections. They discuss how mail-in ballots are processed, contingency plans for inclement weather, and how close the race may be.
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*Hannah Meisel from Capitol News Illinois gives us an update on this week in the ComEd Four trial.
*Sun-times reporter Frank Main reviews the daunting public safety challenges that will be faced by Chicago’s new Mayor.
*Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, gives us a legal guide to the Trump indictment.
*Plus, Nick Kindelsperger, Chicago Tribune Food Critic, goes through the James Beard 2023 nominees with ties to Chicago and the midwest.
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This year alone, there have been 130 mass shootings in the United States. John Howell is joined by Dr. Michael Roeske, Senior Director for the Newport Healthcare Center for Research and Innovation. Dr. Roeske discusses the mental health impacts of gun violence on children and adolescents.
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A grand jury indicted Donald Trump yesterday afternoon. Would the DA pursue this case if it weren’t involving Trump? Will the case rely on evidence or evidence of a cover-up? John Howell is joined by Andrew Stoltmann, Chicago attorney and Northwestern adjunct law professor, to hear his analysis of yesterday’s Grand Jury indictment.
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It’s baseball’s opening day, and John Howell relives some of his favorite baseball and Ernie Harwell moments.
Andy Field from ABC News has the details of the Russian arrest of a Wall Street Journal reporter.
Block Club Chicago’s Mick Dumke explores the money going into the Chicago City Council election.
Plus, Steve Cochran from WLS Mornings joins John to preview his upcoming shows & talk about election coverage.
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If you’ve been on the internet lately, you’ve seen an influx of angry and uncontrollable airline passengers. A bipartisan group is looking to create a “no fly” list for passengers who have caused problems both in the airport and in the air. Justin Finch from ABC News Washington joins John Howell with the details.
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With the election a handful of days away, endorsements are still coming in and claims are going out. The Chicago GOP has declared they do not claim Paul Vallas as a Republican. Is this true, or a strategic move? John Howell is joined by Greg Hinz, Crain's Chicago Business columnist covering politics and government. They discuss this and analyze other aspects of the race.
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Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, shares the biggest national political stories of the week.
Sara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, speaks about the Big Cat Act and Congressman Quigley’s work with the bill.
Justin Finch, ABC News Washington, has the details on the $842B budget and competition with China.
Plus, Veteran Journalist Rory Carroll talks about his new book, “Margaret Thatcher, The IRA, and Two Minutes that Changed History,” and ABC’s Alex Stone has the latest on the Gwyneth Paltrow trial.
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After another tragic school shooting, what can be done to make change? Ret. Police Chief Tom Weitzel joins John Howell to share his thoughts. Chief Weitzel has suggested we have a state-appointed school safety and training chief to help prevent future shootings.
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According to polls, young Chicagoans (aged 18-24) aren’t showing up to vote. Lynn Sweet, Reporter for the Chicago Sun-times, shares some of the possible reasons why. Sweet and John Howell also discuss ways politicians are trying to excite the youth into voting again.
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Jim Ryan, ABC News Correspondent in Nashville, shares the latest details on yesterday’s tragic shooting .
Bret Gogoel, WLS de-facto Sports Director, has a spring training report, live from Arizona.
Justin Kaufmann from Axios discusses the fundamental flaws in CPD training.
Plus, Steve Bernas from the Better Business Bureau joins us with the latest baseball and concert ticket scams.
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book, and a piece Kogan wrote years ago that still resonates. In it, he asks, does baseball still matter?
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Johnson & Vallas are working hard on the campaign trail, and over the weekend, they both had to address some contentious issues. Signs have been placed around the city combining Vallas & Trump’s MAGA slogan, and Johnson doubles down on his statement that he will not cut a single penny from the police budget. John Howell speaks with Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune reporter covering Mayor Lightfoot and City Hall.
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Janet Kenny, the Lombard Garden Club’s Conservation Committee Chair, shares why over 500 households in Lombard are holding off on mowing until Mother’s Day.
David Goldenberg, ADL Midwest Regional Director, talks about the next steps for the targeted UpRising Bakery.
The Chicago Tribune’s Dan Petrella shares how conservatives are targeting suburban school board elections.
Plus, Alex Isenstadt from Politico has the details of Trump’s first 2024 rally.
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Over the weekend, Trump held his first rally for the 2024 election down in Waco, Texas. Alex Isenstadt from POLITICO joins John Howell with all of the details. Who spoke, how many people were there, and what is “Trump’s rendition” of the National Anthem?
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Conservatives are zeroing in on Suburban school board elections. Who are these groups, and what are they doing in the suburbs? John Howell is joined by Dan Petrella from the Chicago Tribune to discuss.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by AXIOS’ Justin Kaufmann. They run through today’s biggest stories, including Johnson and Vallas’ mayoral race and the endorsements that have been flooding in.
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*The Hill’s Amie Parnes has the details on Biden’s possible search for a 2024 campaign manager.
*Justin Finch from ABC News has the latest on Mitch McConnell’s status after his injury earlier in the week.
*Bill Cameron, host of Take 1 here on WLS, shares his thoughts on the current status of the Mayoral race.
*Plus, John Howell is joined by Trish Biondo to discuss the passing (and the past) of Robert Blake.
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Long-time writer and editor Frank Sennett was in the middle of his new novel "Shadow State" when the January 6 Capitol attack took place. The novel was already a political thriller, but the effects of January 6 began to infiltrate the novel. Frank Sennet joins John Howell to discuss the new book and how January 6 became a part of "Shadow State."
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The Oscars have used ranked choice voting since 2009 and the award show offers a non-political example of how RCV can help find a winner in crowded elections. Rob Richie is the President and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan electoral reform group, and he joins the John Howell show to talk about his column at Real Clear Politics that explains the advantages gained with RCV.
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*Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Los Angeles, discusses the reasons the Oscars may have declined to bring Zelensky into the mix.
*Kim Komando, America’s Digital Goddess, gives John tips on keeping his inbox tidy and securing his phone.
*Bronson Arroyo, legendary baseball pitcher, introduces John to his band, Bronson Arroyo and the ‘04.
*Plus, David Wachs, Founder and CEO of Handwrytten, shares why he thought the world needed more handwritten notes - and how robots are helping make it happen.
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The new "Hallmark of AI" can send birthday, thank you, and other types of "handwritten" notes to loved ones. Visit their website, type your message, and mail a handwritten card to anyone. The twist? The cards are transcribed by robots using real pens. John Howell is joined by David Wachs, Founder and CEO of Handwrytten.
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Legendary baseball pitcher, 2004 World Series Champion, and musician, Bronson Arroyo, joins John Howell. They discuss his band, Bronson Arroyo and the ‘04, their new album, and a couple of baseball memories for good measure.
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*Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, joins John for their weekly visit to discuss the biggest national news stories.
*Melody Mercado from Block Club Chicago has the latest on the scheduling “disaster” that may affect Summer staples like Taste of Chicago.
*Frank Calabrese discusses the impact of race on voting in this Mayoral election.
*Plus, we hear from Jennifer Hesser, Assistant General Manager at 360 Chicago, who tells us all about Cloudbar - a new, Chicago-centric bar on the 94th floor of the John Hancock.
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Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson would like to be the next mayor of Chicago. He joins John Howell to discuss his plans for our city, which he says has been divided for far too long. He reviews his plans to combat crime, support our residents, increase the quality of our education, provide mental health services, and treat every resident with fairness.
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*Robert Channick from the Chicago Tribune has the details on the additional money 1.3 million Illinois Facebook users may receive.
*Author Lance Morrow joins the show to discuss his career and his latest book, “The Noise of Typewriters: Remembering Journalism.”
*Jeremy Gorner has the details on the millions of funding going into the State witness protection program.
*Plus, another horror story from the skies: John runs through the story of an unhinged passenger on a flight from San Francisco to Boston.
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Even though prior gubernatorial candidates have referred to our city as a “hell hole,” Geoffrey Baer insists that Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Baer, the ever-affable historian and personality from WTTW, joins John Howell to preview the premier of his special, “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago,” tonight at 7 pm.
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Last week’s election had a very low turnout. Why could this be the case: Lack of interest, lack of knowledge, lack of civics, lack of time? Katrina Phidd, Communications Director for Chicago Votes, joins John Howell to share her thoughts on where we went wrong - and how we can get a higher turnout next time around.
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*Lee Bey, Chicago Sun-Times Architecture critic, tells us the big role Chicago’s next mayor will play in the city’s design future.
*Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Los Angeles, recaps Chris Rock breaking his silence on the Will Smith incident.
*Tom Weitzel, Retired Chief from the Riverside Illinois Police Department, joins the show to discuss his new role with the Illinois National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
*Plus, Justin Finch has the details on the proposed bi-partisan Railway Safety Act.
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The Bears’ land deal in Arlington Heights prohibits a casino on the premises. This got past the city ordinance on a technicality. Chris Placek, staff writer at the Daily Herald, joins John Howell to discuss the latest road bump in the Bears’ journey to Arlington Heights.
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The Chicago City Council is slated to vote on improvements to bike safety, including using traffic cameras to ticket people who block bike lanes. Alderman Matt Martin from Chicago’s 47th Ward joins John Howell to discuss the proposed ordinances and why they’d be helpful to cyclists and pedestrians alike.
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*Jerry Nowicki, Bureau Chief for Capitol News Illinois, has the details on Pritzker’s $60 million park grant announcement.
*Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, has the details on “Creed III” and what else to watch this weekend.
*Chicago Media Personality Andrea Darlas joins the show to promote upcoming episodes of “Show & Tell” on WLS.
*Plus, Hannah Meisel has the story of Madigan’s former besties preparing for trial.
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The House Ethics Committee has opened a broad investigation in to Rep. George Santos. Along with multiple lies about his background and questions about his campaign finances, there are new stories developing about additional trouble he’s been in. Andy Field joins John Howell to discuss.
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How did special interest donations and endorsements affect the Aldermanic and Mayoral races? John Howell is joined by the Chicago Tribune’s A.D. Quig for her analysis.
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*Geoffrey Cubbage from the Better Gov Association takes a look at how the City Council spends their time during meetings.
*Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime & Terrorism Analyst, shares his take on the origin of COVID and the FBI’s belief it was released by accident.
*Neil Steinberg from the Sun-times says it’s easier to win when you pick your voters - gerrymandering in Chicago.
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John Howell is joined by Marni Pyke, who reports on transportation and politics for the Daily Herald. They discuss the upcoming construction on the Kennedy that will last several years. The last time the Kennedy was under such construction was in 1994.
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“Havana Syndrome,” consisting of unexplained neurological symptoms, has 1500 documented cases across 96 countries. After a review by the U.S. Intelligence Community, they say it is “very unlikely” caused by a foreign adversary. This is not going over well with many who believe this was a targeted attack or have seen its effects. John Howell speaks with Dave Packer, ABC News New York, about the intelligence review.
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*Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, runs down the biggest National political stories.
*Jason Meisner from the Chicago Tribune has the details on Madigan’s lawyers asking for the wiretaps to be tossed.
*Politico contributor Joshua Zeitz says that the new House “Weaponization Committee” may be seriously misfiring.
*Plus, John has the biggest stories from last night’s mayoral race, and Bret Gogoel tells tales from the Vallas HQ gathering.
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The jury in the Murdaugh trial visited the crime scene this morning to observe the scene, and then closing arguments commenced. Derricke Dennis, ABC News Correspondent, New York, joins John Howell with the latest on the trial.
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Brandon Johnson & Paul Vallas will continue on in the Mayoral runoff, but what about the seven other candidates? John Howell speaks with Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter for the Chicago Tribune, about what’s next.
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*Russell Lissau from the Daily Herald joins the show with an update on a Mundelein candidate who made some questionable comments during a forum.
*John “Bulldog” Drummond, legendary crime reporter, shares his memories of reporting on Jimmy I, who has now been revealed to be an FBI informant.
*Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, talks Patrick Kane’s departure from the Blackhawks.
*Plus, Tom Johnson from the Better Business Bureau shares with us the latest Spring break travel scams, COVID test scams, and phishing scams for Facebook users.
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Dominion Voting and Fox News are deep in a $1.6 Billion defamation lawsuit as Rupert Murdoch admits that some hosts at Fox "were endorsing" the narrative that the 2020 election was stolen. Colby Hall is the Founding Editor of Mediate.com and joined the John Howell show to talk about how a November 2020 column of his was referenced in Murdoch's defamation testimony.
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Disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh took the witness stand and testified to the jury, admitting that he lied to investigators when he said that he was not at the scene before his wife and son were fatally shot in June 2021. Andrew Stoltmann is a Chicago attorney & Northwestern adjunct law professor and he joins the John Howell show to discuss how taking the stand likely damaged Murdaugh's own defense.
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*Chris Placek, Staff writer for the Daily Herald, has the latest on the Bears potential move and possible lobbyist involvement.
*Jake Norman from the NW Herald has the details on a McHenry County ruling regarding non-governmental flags flying on city buildings.
*Plus, Andy Field has the updates on the potential origins of COVID due to a new agency report.
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In conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Take it Down is a way for teens or adults to get explicit images of themselves taken down from the internet. Derricke Dennis joins John Howell to discuss the details of this new program.
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The Chicago mayoral candidates have been pushing for every last vote in the last few days before the election. Greg Pratt joins John Howell to discuss the latest moves, the February surprises, and tomorrow's election.
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- Rex Huppke, humor columnist from USA Today, discusses MTG’s idea for a “national divorce” and why he’d be for it.
- Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment correspondent, has the low down on “Cocaine Bear.”
- Bill Cameron, Host of Take 1 on WLS, previews his interview with Mayor Lightfoot and gives his predictions for Tuesday’s election.
- Plus, Steve Cochran and John look ahead at their Election Night special.
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The Chicago City Council had a contentious meeting with CPD officials this week, questioning why they haven’t moved more aggressively against officers who were involved in hate groups and connected to the capitol riot. John Howell speaks with Alderman Matt Martin from Chicago’s 47th Ward to discuss.
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With Lou Dobbs’ 2020 election fraud lies coming to light, he may cost Fox News a lot of cash. It seems like this could help Dominion Voting’s lawsuit against the company. John Howell is joined by Jacob Sullum, Senior editor at Reason Magazine, to discuss.
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*Kim Komando, America’s Digital Goddess and host of the Kim Komando show on WLS, joins John to talk about tightening up security & ChatGPT.
*Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, asks if the foreperson in the Georgia Trump case could undermine future cases.
*Peter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter for Capitol News Illinois, has the details on the equitable restroom bill.
*Plus, listeners share their thoughts on MTG's proposed "National Divorce" and the equitable restroom bill.
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Evan Drellich is an author, former Houston Chronicle beat writer, and now a national writer for The Athletic. He joins John Howell to discuss his book "Winning Fixes Everything: How Baseball's Brightest Minds Created Sports' Biggest Mess," and how a culture of cheating had spread through the Astros organization.
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The Chicago Teachers Union has been forced to make changes in their election filings otherwise they risk violating state law. WTTW Chicago Tonight Co-Anchor and Political Correspondent Paris Schutz joins John Howell to discuss how donations exceeding one-million dollars to Brandon Johnson's campaign has created problems in the CTU.
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- Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, reviews the latest national political stories & gives the latest on Jimmy Carter’s reported condition.
- Illinois comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses her legislative effort to protect CPD officers and firefighters who were disabled by COVID.
- ABC News’ Andy Field gives the details on Biden’s proposed new limit on how migrants can seek asylum in the US.
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As election day approaches next week, there are dozens of alderpersons vying for your vote. Justin Kaufmann from Axios joins John Howell to discuss some of the most contentious and interesting races happening this time around.
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The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on social media immunity laws and reviewing section 230. In Gonzalez versus Google, judges are appearing reluctant to throw out three decades of precedent. John Howell is joined by Eric Segall, Author and Professor of Law at Georgia State University, to discuss.
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- Reverend Dr. Kenneth Phelps from Concord Baptist Church discusses the Chicago 4 All initiative, which is providing resources to the migrants living in a former elementary school in Woodlawn. Visit chicago4all .org for more information.
- Crain’s Chicago’s Greg Hinz reveals his two big questions about the Chicago Mayoral race.
- Faith Abubey, ABC News Correspondent Washington, discusses Biden’s trip to Kyiv and Poland.
- Plus, Mack Liederman introduces us to a unique paczki just in time for Fat Tuesday.
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John Howell speaks with Max Bever, Director of Public Information for the Chicago Board of Elections. Early voting has begun with a great turnout ahead of next week’s election. Howell and Bever discuss the stats, the expected turn out, and where you can vote today or on election day.
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Ron DeSantis spoke in Elmhurst over the weekend on a one-day, three city, Back the Blue tour in Illinois. His visit caused quite a stir in surrounding areas. John Howell is joined by Russell Lissau, veteran reporter covering politics, education and other areas of interest for the Daily Herald. Lissau discusses Desantis’ visit, as well as his findings on where the Uihleins sent their cash last Fall.
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Russel Lissau from the Daily Herald shares the story of a Mundelein candidate who’s in hot water due to some comments over Asian people.
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The Sun-Times’ Jon Seidel has the latest on feds seeking a sentence for R Kelly that would guarantee he never walked free.
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Bob Herguth, Investigative reporter for the Sun-Times and part of the Watchdogs team, explains how Boeing’s misconduct hasn’t stopped IL politicians from taking their cash.
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Plus, John reflects on the E2 nightclub disaster that was 20 years ago this week.
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A new Dominion court filing says that Fox News anchors and producers privately acknowledged that the allegations of election fraud in the aftermath of the 2020 election were false. ABC News Correspondent, Em Nguyen, talks with John Howell about the private text messages that were sent between the employees of the company.
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As the Chicago Bears finalize their deal to purchase the former Arlington Park racetrack, Mayor Lori Lightfoot won't rule out the use of public funds to keep the Bears in Chicago at Soldier Field. Gregory Pratt covers the Mayor and City Hall for the Chicago Tribune and he joins the John Howell show to discuss the strategies that Mayor Lightfoot is utilizing to keep the Bears.
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*Kim Komando, Host of the Kim Komando Show, joins the show to answer our tech questions (and school John on old technology.)
*Ald. Matt O’Shea promotes the Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast and discusses the state of crime in the city.
*Bob McCoppin reviews the pros and cons of the Bears purchase of Arlington Park.
*Plus, Ralph Martier shares his thoughts on Pritzker’s budget proposal.
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J.B. Pritzker proposed a budget yesterday that beefs up education for all ages, amongst other changes. He was good to be optimistic, but maybe not quite as much as he is, says our guest. John Howell speaks with Ralph Marteir, Executive Director of the Bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.
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The Chicago Bears announced yesterday that they closed on the purchase of Arlington Park. There are still many questions and issues remaining to be resolved before any move is made official. John Howell is joined by Bob McCoppin, Chicago Tribune reporter focusing on news and trends in the suburbs.
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*Jeff Greenfield, five-time Emmy winning network television analyst and author, says that Biden missed a huge opportunity by passing on a Super Bowl interview.
*ABC’s Andy Field has the details on the FAA taking action on close calls.
*Representative La Shawn Ford explains why lawmakers have proposed a drug-injection site to prevent overdoses and provide resources.
*Plus, Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, gives his thoughts on the Cubs and Sox at the start of Spring training.
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Super PACs have made large donations to big time Mayoral candidates during this election cycle. This “dark money” has become a contentious issue. John Howell is joined by Alisa Kaplan, Executive Director of Reform for Illinois.
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John Howell is joined by Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent. They review this week’s biggest national political stories, including the flying objects popping up around the country and the apparent rift between Mitch McConnel and Rick Scott.
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*Alex Stone from ABC News joins with the latest details on last night’s Michigan State University shooting.
*Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau, warns of romance scams surging around Valentine’s day.
*Danny Ecker from Crain’s Chicago Business explains why the Chicago Casino is waiting on the Chicago Tribune.
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On this valentines day evening, Travis Wilkinson is the Farm Manager at Southside Blooms and he joins the John Howell show to tell us all about how Southside Blooms trains south side youth to grow and market flowers with sustainability and year-round efforts.
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Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas joins the John Howell show to talk about his plans to help the city if he is elected as the next mayor of Chicago. Paul dives into his plans to combat crime, improve the CTA, help Chicago's Public School system, and more.
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*China has accused the US of flying spy balloons into its airspace. Luis Martinez, ABC News Correspondent from the Pentagon, joins with the latest details.
*Mark Bilek from Drive Chicago tells us what we can experience at the 2023 Auto Show.
*Peter Greene, Columnist for Forbes, discusses the end of the Illinois Voucher Law.
*Plus, the Howell show recaps their highs and lows of the Super Bowl.
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Airing on WTTW's digital sites, 'FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison,' is a series that offers an intimate look at the challenges and opportunities that people face as they return to society after spending time in prison. To talk about the series, John is joined by a producer of the series, Mario Thorpe, and Nicholas Crayton, who will be re-entering society after serving 24 years.
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Is "quid pro quo" the Chicago way? Investigative reporter for WBEZ's Government and Politics team, Dan Mihalopoulos, joins John Howell to discuss how a big deal with the CTA and prominent Chicago businessman, has helped Lori Lightfoot's reelection efforts.
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*Dan Hampton, NFL Hall of Famer and Chicago legend, joins John to talk about bringing the Super Bowl Shuffle back to 2023.
*Jason Nathanson from ABC News has the scoop on all of the rom coms coming out this weekend.
*John Cribb, Bestselling author, discusses the life and legacy of Lincoln ahead of his birthday on the 12th.
*Plus, Bret Gogoel, WLS Defacto Sports Director, shares his thoughts on the big game.
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The United States have shot down another "high-altitude object" over Alaska on Biden's Orders. Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent in Washington D.C., talks with John Howell about both this unidentified object, and the balloon taken down on February 4th.
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This February is the 40th Anniversary of the attempted assassination of Ken Tokyo Joe Eto, an American mobster with the Chicago Outfit and later an FBI informant. The legendary crime reporter "Bulldog" John Drummond, joins the John Howell show to talk about the life and attempted hit of Tokyo Joe.
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*Jerry Nowicki, Bureau Chief of Capitol News Illinois, tells us what we need to know ahead of Pritzker’s budget proposal.
*ABC’s Justin Finch explains how the Chinese surveillance balloon may trigger US “action” against Beijing.
*A good Samaritan was stabbed while trying to save someone’s life yesterday. John asks what we as citizens would do when seeing someone in need.
*Plus, the latest “February Surprises” in the Mayoral battles.
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The city of Chicago has budgeted resources to address homelessness, but advocates say that the money is not being spent where it is most needed. Reporter for Block Club Chicago, Ariel Parella joins the John Howell show to talk about how the homelessness crisis at O'Hare shows the need for extra support at the airport and around the city.
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As the mayoral race heats up in Chicago, several candidates have released polls that show them in the lead. Derrick Blakley was a television news reporter and anchor for 41 years, he's now at DePaul University's College of Communications and he has been following the mayoral race at the Center for Illinois Politics; he joins John Howell to discuss the muddled numbers.
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Both the Des Plaines and Aracada Theaters are hosting MONGO BOWL events on Super Sunday. The events will benefit former Bears player, Steve "Mongo" McMichael, with medical bills related to ALS. John Howell is joined by Ron Onesti, President & Founder of Onesti Entertainment, to discuss Mongo, the inspiration for the fundraisers, and all the details. For information, tickets, or a donation link, visit www.oshows.com
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John Howell is joined by Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent. The two recap last night’s State of the Union address, Washington’s reactions, Governor Huckabee’s response, and McCarthy’s possible “hush.”
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*Dan Petrella from the Chicago Tribune has the details on a tax proposal that could aid the Bears’ move to Arlington Heights.
*Paris Shutz, Co-anchor of “Chicago Tonight,” previews the channel 11 Mayoral forum, which he will be hosting.
*Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois’ Manufacturer Association, discusses receiving the Railroader of the Year Award.
*Plus, Matt Bonesteel tells us what we need to know about this year’s Superbowl.
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Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward has introduced a resolution to City Council calling for a hearing to discuss ranked choice voting in Chicago. He joins the John Howell show to explain how ranked choice voting would save money and create a more democratic system.
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ABC News Correspondent in Washington D.C., Justin Finch, has been following the State of the Union story and he joins John Howell to talk about what President Biden is expected to speak on in his speech to Congress.
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*Dan Balz, Chief Correspondent for the Washington Post, shares what the numbers are saying about both Biden and Trump’s popularity.
*ABC News’ Derricke Dennis has the story of two men arrested in an extremist plot to “completely destroy” Baltimore and how it shines light on power grid attacks Nationwide.
*Neil Steinberg from the Sun-times celebrates his career and the 75th anniversary of the newspaper.
*Plus, Tom Weitzel, Retired Chief from the Riverside Police Department, joins the program to talk safety and anti-police rhetoric in schools.
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A JAMA study reveals that some neighborhoods in Chicago expose young men to a greater risk of violence than American troops in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Brandon del Pozo is a Brown University researcher and former New York City policeman, and he joins John Howell to discuss the risks that young men are facing in several Chicago neighborhoods.
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Thousands of people are dead after a devastating earthquake rocked southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria early Monday morning. Jordana Miller, ABC News Correspondent, is in Jerusalem, and she joins John Howell to talk about how the earthquake is affecting the region.
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John Howell is joined by Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus & Springsteen Aficionado. The two discuss The Boss and his E Street Band embarking on their first major tour in six years, plus Dempsey relives his favorite Springsteen moments.
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*Kelli Pelc, Founder of The Refilleri in Humboldt Park, joins the show to discuss the zero-waste shop and how to live more sustainably.
*Marissa Lynn Ford, League of Chicago Theaters Executive Director, has the details on Chicago theatres celebrating Black History Month & the upcoming Chicago Theatre Week.
*Axios reporter Victoria Knight explains why the GOP has parted ways with a historical ally: Doctors.
*Plus, ABC’s Alex Stone has the latest details on the surveillance balloon floating above the US.
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An ex-Chicago Firefighter has just been charged with storming the Capitol with a right-wing militia group. What was he charged with specifically, and why did it take so long to charge him? John Howell is joined by Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune Federal Courts Reporter, who has the details.
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John Howell is joined by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. Sheriff Dart shares his thoughts on how we can get to a place in our society where mass shootings are no longer considered commonplace. Read his full op-ed in the Chicago Tribune.
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Sophia Van Pelt, Reporter for the Better Government Association, compares Illinois Legislative oversight to that of other states…and we don’t look good.POLITICO’s Caitlin Oprysko has the details on where the Uihleins sent their cash after January 6th.Sheriff Tom Dart shares his thoughts on how we can get to a place where mass shootings aren’t considered commonplace.Plus, John gives a lesson in Groundhog Day history, and Mike Lindell visits Jimmy Kimmel in quite the unique fashion.
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Three Chicago-area refineries are some of the worst polluters in the country. Why is this such a problem, and how can it be rectified? John Howell is joined by Eric Schaeffer, Environmental Integrity Project’s Executive Director and former Chief of Civil Enforcement at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Alderman Gil Villegas shares his thoughts on a pilot program for the city shoveling sidewalks.Anne Flaherty, Senior National Policy Reporter ABC News Washington, has the details on a GOP-led panel targeting COVID relief dollars for review.Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, has the latest on this week’s biggest national political stories.Andy Field discusses the FBI search of Biden’s Rehoboth Beach Home.*Plus, John reviews last night’s contentious mayoral forum, and we talk to Tom Brady’s number one fan about his retirement.
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Opponents of the Assault Weapons Ban have won a round in court. An appellate court has upheld a temporary restraining order that blocks part of the ban. Peter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter for Capitol News Illinois, joins John Howell with the details.
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Over the next two weeks, we will have a chance to see a once-in-a-lifetime scene in the night sky. The Green Comet will pass within 26 million miles of the planet, and will not return again for tens of thousands of years. John Howell speaks with Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium, about this special comet.
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*Olivier Knox, National Political Correspondent and Anchor of The Daily 202, explains why America and China may see a flash point in 2023.
*Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Illinois, joins the show to discuss identity theft protection and Superbowl scams.
*Charles Lipson, Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago, shares his solution to stopping politicians from taking classified documents
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Does bail reform cause a spike in crime? A pair of Loyola professors set out to study the national data on the matter, and their conclusions may surprise you. John Howell is joined by Dr. David Olson, Co-director of Loyola’s Center for Criminal Justice, who conducted the study alongside Don Stemen.
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*Jordana Miller, ABC News Jerusalem, reports on Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to Israel.
*The Suntimes’ Frank Main discusses the PPP loans that were misrepresented in Chicago.
*POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin shares his thoughts on the Democrats who may step up as Biden steps down in the party.
*Plus, we discuss the passing of Bobby Hull, and Nick Kindelsperger goes through the list of Chicagoan semifinalists for the James Beard award.
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Union battles, declining enrollment, and empty schools have haunted Lori Lightfoot's term as mayor and whoever becomes the next mayor of Chicago will continue to face challenges with CPS and the CTU. Chicago Tribune Reporter A.D. Quig covers Cook County and City Hall, and she joins John Howell to talk about the challenges that the next mayor will face.
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Memphis, Tennessee city officials released the disturbing footage of the fatal confrontation between Tyre Nichols and Memphis police officers. Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst, joins John Howell to discuss what the footage reveals about the encounter and how it affects the police force nationwide.
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*Craig Wall, ABC 7 Political Reporter, has the details on the latest mayoral forum.
*Alee Quick, Civic Marketing Manager for the News Literacy Project, explains how building public trust in the media is essential to democracy.
*ABC News’ Alex Stone has the details on the Paul Pelosi call and footage that were released today.
*Plus, Doug Cummings explains why he updated his book, “Escaping the O-Zone.”
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You can find bobbleheads of nearly anything these days…even congressmen. Phil Sklar, Co-Founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, joins the John Howell show to discuss their brand new George Santos bobblehead and what else they have at the museum.
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The Tyre Nichols video is set to be released later today. What do we expect the reaction to be, why was it released now, and where do we go from here? John Howell speaks with Jim Ryan from ABC News in Memphis to try and tackle those and other questions.
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*Rep. Daniel Didech from IL District 59 joins the show to talk about being named chair of the House Gaming Committee.
*Kim Komando has the latest tech stories of the week, including “woke” Xboxes and TVs that are spying on us all.
*Colby Hall from Mediaite explains that Vice Presidents CAN, in fact, declassify documents.
*Plus, ABC News’ Anne Flaherty talks about the possibility of a yearly COVID vaccine, similar to the flu.
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Public financing for elections has had a positive impact in several cities in the US. Now, it’s being proposed in Chicago. John Howell speaks with Alisa Kaplan, Executive Director of Reform for Illinois, about the mechanics and what she believes to be the benefits.
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“Place-based resentment” is the feeling that rural areas are ignored, fundamentally misunderstood, and disrespected by lawmakers and cityfolks. Residents in Southern Illinois are speaking out against Pritzker after his victory in the gubernatorial election, even though they have not been ignored by the state legislature. John Howell speaks with Ted McClelland, Author and Contributor at Chicago Magazine.
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*Dave McKinney of WBEZ details the economic plans released by each of the Chicago mayoral candidates.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel discusses the latest on the classified documents scandals.
*Evan Bleier of InsideHook tries to discern Tom Brady's future after he curses out the host of a podcast.
*Plus, longtime political analyst Jeff Greenfield tells John that trying to predict the results of the 2024 election is a fool's errand.
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The M Room is a first-of-its-kind concept from the teams behind Roka Akor and The Macallan. Jason Huffman, bar manager for The M Room, joins John Howell and Bret Gogoel to talk about some of the whiskey you can try at The M Room.
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The World Economic Forum is attended by CEOs, lawmakers, presidents and prime ministers, but little news and little change comes out of the conference. Charles Gasparino, FOX Business Network Senior Correspondent & New York Post columnist joins the John Howell show to talk about the conference.
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*Laura Miller, Books and Culture Columnist for Slate, says that Prince Harry’s book is simply good literature.
*Harlan Ullman, Senior Advisor at the Atlantic Council, shares what he believes are the roots of America’s discontent.
*Greg Hinz, Political writer and blogger for Crain’s Chicago Business, joins to talk about the “wide open” Chicago Mayoral Race.
*Plus, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson has the scoop on the Oscar nominations.
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For anyone scorned in love this Valentine’s Day, the Brookfield Zoo may have a solution for you: naming a hissing cockroach after your ex. Tim Sullivan, Director of Behavioral Husbandry for the Chicago Zoological Society, joins John Howell to discuss the benefits of cockroaches and how the Brookfield Zoo is celebrating Valentine’s Day. Visit www.csz.org/brookfield zoo for more.
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There have been several lawsuits brought against the Assault Weapons Ban. The most frequent argument is that it is “unconstitutional,” among others. Lawmakers and Sheriffs have spoken out for and against the ban. John Howell is joined by Peter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter for Capitol News Illinois, to discuss.
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*Alderman Matt O’Shea discusses an ordinance he introduced that he believes would prevent assaults of Chicago paramedics and emergency workers.
*Jim Brosnahan, legal analyst, represented the producer of “The Crow” after an accidental shooting death on set. He joins the show to discuss comparisons to the Alec Baldwin case.
*ABC News’ Alex Stone has the latest as authorities search for motive in the Lunar New Year shooting.
*Plus, Elizabeth Schulze has the details as Biden and McCarthy plan on meeting to discuss the Debt Ceiling.
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This Friday and Saturday, January 28-29, The Jazz and Lincoln Center Orchestra will play at Chicago's Symphony Center. Jazz legend and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis talks with John Howell about these upcoming shows, playing the trumpet, and music and culture.
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With the passing of the Illinois assault weapons ban, a number of Illinois sheriffs have stated that they will not enforce this new legislation. Tom Weitzel, retired Riverside Chief of Police, joins John Howell to discuss how their refusal to uphold the law is a violation of their duty.
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*Justin Finch from ABC News brings more George Santos revelations.
*John Wilmes, Professor at Roosevelt University, explains why he is done with the CTA.
*Legendary Crime Reporter "Bulldog" John Drummond brings a 40 year old unsolved murder to light.
*Plus, Ron Onesti joins to discuss the cancellation of an event at the Des Plaines Theatre.
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The first televised mayoral debate allowed all of the candidates to discuss their plans if elected for mayor. Greg Pratt joins John Howell to talk about the debate and how each candidate fared.
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*Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, discusses the charges against Alec Baldwin.
*The Chicago Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner has the details on the federal lawsuit filed by the IL State Rifle Association.
*Jason Roe, former Michigan Republican Party Executive Director, explains why the “2024 DeSantis Train” will start in Michigan.
*Plus, John discusses the possibility of adding another NFL team to the Windy City.
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Ben Harvey is an Avid Cyclist and Member of the Activist Group and he is beta testing RideReel, an app that asks bicyclists to upload their videos of situations they have while on the street. He joins John Howell to talk about how the streets of Chicago can become safer for cyclists in the city.
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Alec Baldwin and the armorer on the set of "Rust" have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. ABC News Reporter Jason Nathanson talks with John Howell about the details of the shooting on the set.
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*Kara Kennedy, Staff Writer for The Spectator World, shares her thoughts on Prince Harry’s book and the global response.
*Jordan Engerman, VP of Strategic Partnerships for Choose Chicago, previews the upcoming Chicago Restaurant Week.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins to talk about this week’s biggest political stories.
*Plus, Dr. Vara Saripalli sheds some light on why we procrastinate.
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The DuPage County Sheriff has made a statement refusing to enforce the new firearm law. John Howell is joined by Liz Chaplin, DuPage County Board Member. Chaplin is calling for the Sheriff to retract his statement or resign.
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After five years, Chicago U.S. Attorney John Lausch will be leaving office by March. John Howell is joined by Renato Mariotti, Former federal prosecutor, Legal Affairs Columnist for POLITICO Magazine, & Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. They discuss Laucsh’s career and what’s in store next.
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*John T. Bennett from Roll Call tells us how the House GOP went “full swamp” behind closed doors.
*ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone has the details on the failed GOP candidate who has been accused of hiring hitmen in New Mexico.
*Tom Johnson from the BBB reviews a list of all of the scams we fell for in 2022.
*Plus, the numerous Chicago Mayoral candidates gave their takes over the weekend regarding the Bears’ potential move to Arlington Heights.
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Will the assault weapons ban hold up in court? Are the firearms in question “dangerous and unusual” or in common use? What kinds of regulations will actually stick, if any? John Howell is joined by Assistant Law Professor Eric Ruben from Southern Methodist University.
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Mayor Lightfoot mixed it up with her challengers at a forum over the weekend. It appears that Lightfoot’s team has decided Paul Vallas is one of her biggest obstacles to re-election. All of the other candidates also had a lot to say about their competition. John Howell speaks with Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune reporter covering Mayor Lori Lightfoot and City Hall.
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*The Daily Herald’s Chris Placek explains how the New Bears President, Kevin Warren, is well-equipped to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights.
*Jason Nathanson, ABC News Correspondent, remembers the life of Lisa Marie Presley after her passing yesterday.
*Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg speaks to how Lightfoot’s CPS blunder still isn’t the worst attempt to gain mayoral support.
*Plus, Tim Hygh and Steph Castelein, two of the representatives from the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, share about the beautiful island just ahead of National Plan for Vacation Day.
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One of Mayor Lightfoot’s campaign workers was found emailing CPS teachers attempting to recruit campaign volunteers, which has been found as inappropriate. Bill Cameron spoke with the Mayor today to discuss this and other issues during her campaign. John Howell speaks with Cameron about his thoughts on the news and his interview. You can listen on Sunday at 4 pm on WLS, or catch the podcast on wlsam .com.
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There’s a long list of Chicago politicians recorded by wiretaps, which has never ended up well. Transcripts of Madigan wiretaps were just released this week. John Howell speaks with Dick Simpson, longtime Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Simpson says these events reveal a widespread contempt for voters.
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*Ike Ejiochi, ABC News Correspondent, brings the latest on Merrick Garland appointing a special counsel to investigate Biden’s documents.
*Olivier Knox, Anchor of The Daily 202, reports on Biden’s call for changing Big Tech moderation rules.
*Investopedia editor-in-chief Caleb Silver discusses lowering inflation and the hope that the US can avoid a recession.
*Finally, Nader Issa from the Sun-times has the story on Lightfoot’s campaign soliciting CPS teachers for volunteers.
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A group of Illinois Sheriffs have announced that they will not enforce the new assault weapons ban. John Howell is joined by Professor Howard Krent, Separation of Powers Expert at Illinois Tech’s Chicago-Kent College of Law, to discuss his thoughts.
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John Howell is joined by the great Gary Sinise: Actor, Musician, and Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony, and SAG Award Winner. Sinise has a great deal of passion for his work with Veterans through his foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation. This month, Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre is hosting a special presentation of “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret.” For tickets, visit steppenwolf.org/last-out.
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US domestic flights were all shut down this morning due to an FAA system outage. Alex Stone, ABC News Correspondent, Los Angeles, joins John Howell to detail just what happened, possible causes, and other updates.
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*WGN News Anchor Ben Bradley details the findings inside the CPS Inspector General’s annual report.
*Ald. Chris Taliaferro from Chicago’s 29th Ward explains why he is renewing the call to fire the CPD officer tied to the Proud Boys.
*Greg Hinz from Crain’s Chicago Business details how labor and business both won in a “Springfield miracle.”
*Plus, Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, discusses this week’s biggest national political stories.
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There have been new revelations in the Mike Madigan / ComEd Case: a little bit of quid pro quo, questionable internships and subcontracts, and more. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune Federal Courts reporter, joins John Howell with the latest.
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*Bob Dunn, President of Landmark Development, joins the show to talk about the proposed plan for Soldier Field renovations.
*Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning Guitarist, Sharon Isbin, previews her upcoming show at the Chicago Philharmonic.
*ABC News’ Alex Presha has the latest on the summit between US, Canada, and Mexico.
*Plus, Salena Zito has the latest political stories and Brett Chase has the updates on the General Iron situation in Chicago.
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John Howell speaks with Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin, who has announced that he is resigning his seat in the legislature. Today is his final full day in his position. Durkin speaks as to what is next, what motivated this move, and his thoughts on the current state of the GOP.
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What is going on with Biden’s classified documents? There are several differences between this situation with Biden and what happened with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. John Howell is joined by Taegan Goddard, Founder and Publisher of Political Wire, to discuss that and other big political stories.
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*David Roeder from the Sun-Times joins the show to discuss the new plan to keep the Bears at Soldier Field.
*ABC News Correspondent Ike Ejiochi lays out McCarthy’s plan for the House.
*Chicago Tribune Political Analyst, Rick Pearson, discusses Jim Durkin’s decision to resign his seat in Legislature.
*Plus, Mark Denzler has the latest on the Governor’s inauguration, and Joe Cahill speaks on Chicago area leaders ready to share the spoils.
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The Assault Weapon Bill has hit a snag in the Illinois Senate. How viable will the bill be if it includes serial number disclosure? Opponents say that and other pieces will make the bill unconstitutional. John Howell is joined by Ben Szalinski, Legislative Reporter for The Daily Line Illinois.
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Threats to the US and our allies, conflicts between powers, climate change, and countless other issues to worry about - how do those who make policies decide what to prioritize? John Howell is joined by Paul B. Stares, General John Vessey Senior Fellow in Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations.
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*Professor Ken Alder joins to discuss Chicago’s long history with lie detectors.
*Greg Bishop, Associate Editor for The Center Square, discusses the gun control legislation that passed through the IL House.
*Paul E. Peterson, Professor of Government at Harvard University, asks: how can real conservatives stop Trump in 2024?
*ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone talks about the families of Idaho victims in court and seeing the alleged killer.
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Illinois is set to receive a large sum of money from a national settlement with several Opioid manufacturers. What should be done with this windfall to do the most good? John Howell speaks with Dr. Lori Ann Post, Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and Director of the Buehler Center for Health Policy & Economics.
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*The one and only Kim Komando joins John to talk about the latest stories in tech, including what your Amazon Alexa is recording.
*Professor Charles Lipson lends his thoughts on the vote for Speaker of the House and why Kevin McCarthy is winning this war of attrition.
*Jim Warren, Executive Editor of NewsGuard, discusses which information sources we can actually trust.
*Plus, the Daily Herald’s Jim O’Donnell explains how and why the NFL always thinks “league first.”
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Bureaucracy, not billionaires, is keeping our emergency room full. The goal is to get people insured, but no one is thinking beyond that, says Dr. Marc Siegel. John Howell speaks with Dr. Marc Siegel, Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of Doctor Radio at NYU.
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The NFL has not been a stranger to controversy over the past few years, and the Damar Hamlin incident is the latest. John Howell is joined by Rick Morrissey, Chicago Sun-Times Sports Columnist. Morrissey attempts to answer the question: Why do we keep watching the NFL?
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*Dan McGrath, Crain’s contributor and Former Tribune Sports Editor, asks what Kevin Warren could do for the Bears if he took over for Ted Phillips.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, Mike Emanuel, joins the show to review the biggest political stories of the week.
*Eric Felton from Real Clear Politics has the latest on the battle for Speaker of the House.
*Plus, John and the team introduce a new segment, the Wheel of Warm and Fuzzy.
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After the Southwest Airlines issues over the holidays, they need to look to the past for solutions. John Howell speaks with Bob Reed, Former Editor of Crain’s Chicago Business and Contributor to Chicago Magazine.
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Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin’s condition continues to move in a “positive direction.” John Howell is joined by ABC News Correspondent, Derricke Dennis, to discuss the latest developments and where the NFL may go from here.
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*Politico’s Daniel Lippman joins the show to talk about the vote for Speaker of the House.
*Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune discusses the current battle over the SAFE-T Act and the end of cash bail.
*Ret. Police Chief Tom Weitzel suggests we stop spending entertainment dollars in Chicago until steps are taken to reduce violent crime.
*Steve Bernas, President & CEO of BBB of Chicago & Northern IL, has a list of New Year’s Resolutions we can follow to avoid scams.
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John Howell speaks with Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, Los Angeles. Actor Jeremy Renner is in critical condition after a snow plow incident. Nathanson has the latest updates.
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John Howell is joined by Lee Bey, Chicago Sun-Times Architecture Critic and member of the Editorial Board. The AIA just awarded a gold medal to Architect Carol Ross Barney for her work designing the Chicago Riverwalk. Bey & Howell discuss the work Barney has done and the importance of well-designed public spaces.
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*ABC News Law Enforcement Reporter, Luke Barr, has the latest on the arrest made in connection with the Idaho murders.
*Melody Mercado from Block Club Chicago joins to discuss the city’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and its potential.
*Chicago Tribune Food Critic, Nick Kindelsperger, has the 12 Best Dishes of 2022.
*Jen DeSalvo and John Howell reflect upon Jen’s time in radio and their time as colleagues.
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A Kankakee Judge ruled that the ending of cash bail is unconstitutional. John Howell is joined by Professor Harold Krent, Separation of Powers Expert at Illinois Tech’s Chicago-Kent College of Law. Professor Krent discusses the viability of the ruling and the rest of the SAFE-T Act.
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John Howell is joined by Mary Jane Copps, founder of The Phone Lady. Mary Jane discusses what led her to founding The Phone Lady consultant company, how she helps her clients get over “phone phobia,” and what happened to phone etiquette in the first place.
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*Jon Seidel from the Sun-Times discusses the judge’s ruling that the end of cash bail is unconstitutional.
*The Chicago Tribune’s Gregory Pratt asks if a lesser-known challenger could defeat Lightfoot in the 2023 Mayoral race.
*Block Club Chicago’s Ariel Parrella tells the story of a community gathering behind a chihuahua after a stabbing in their neighborhood.
*Plus, Jason Nathanson has this week’s entertainment report, and John’s team discusses a story of dog rescue & whether or not they’d do the same.
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*Herb Scribner, Breaking News Reporter for Axios, discusses the Southwest Airlines delays and cancellations that are rampant.
*ABC News’ Andy Field joins the program to talk about what happens next after all of the airline troubles.
*Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune’s Chief Political Analyst, dives into the state GOP’s analysis of election data.
*Block Club Chicago’s Mack Liederman talks new state laws regarding rules of the road and lost baggage amidst the Southwest crisis.
*Plus, Faith Abubay has the latest on SCOTUS’ ruling to keep Title 42 in place.
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Chris Quintana, Education Enterprise Reporter for USA Today, joins the John Howell show. George Santos admitted to lying about his education, and he is far from the first politician (or person) to embellish their resume. Quintana and Howell discuss this and other cases of resume “embellishment” in our country.
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Pete and Lisa ask 18th district of Illinois representative Darin LaHood why he voted against a $1.7 Trillion dollar spending package that was dropped in the middle of the night. The bill also proposes banning TikTok on government devices and strengthening anti-discrimination policies for pregnant employees amongst many other things. Darin LaHood explains why they are piling on so many different add-ons to the bill.
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Mayor of the Village of Bellwood Andre Harvey tells Pete and Lisa about what it was like when two water mains break on Christmas Eve and the measure that had to be taken to prevent the citizens from ingesting tainted water. Water Pressure dropped too low and a boil order was put in effect for precautionary measures.
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*ABC News’ Alex Stone has the latest on the mess that was holiday travel today in the bad weather.
*Rick Telander from the Sun Times toys with the idea of benching Justin Fields for the last three games.
*Meteorologist Mark Thibodeau joins with the latest on the movement of the storm and what it says about our climate.
*Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus, and John review this year in golf.
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John Howell is joined by Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune Reporter & Editor of Vintage Tribune. She shares her research about polar vortexes in Chicago, our cold temp records here in the city, and the coldest Bears games in history.
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*The Tribune’s Jason Meisner joins the program with a tale of a great Chicago prison escape that only happened a decade ago.
*Mark Thibodeau, Senior Radio Broadcast Meteorologist, joins to talk about the upcoming winter storm.
*Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Correspondent, discusses the biggest national political stories.
*Plus, we have a listen to Rand Paul’s Christmas wish for America.
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A bill to ban TikTok is making its way through Congress and U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi joined the John Howell show to discuss why the app should be banned in the United States.
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*Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas joins to catch up with John and talk about her 2023 Calendar Project.
*Robert Herguth from the Sun-Times shares his investigation into the FBI and the Local 150.
*Steve Bernas, President and CEO of BBB of Chicago & Northern IL, gives us tips on avoiding porch pirates and other scams this holiday season.
*Colyn Ritter, Research Assistant at Ed Choice, explains why Americans want school choice.
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John Howell is joined by Bill Cameron, host of Take One here on WLS. The two remember the life and legacy of the last of the big city bosses. Richard J. Daley died 46 years ago today.
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*Will Bauer, Metro East Reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, joins the show to give an end-of-year update on the IL counties that would like to secede from the state.
*Brett Chase from the Chicago Sun-Times brings a story about high lead levels found in paint at a CPS elementary school.
*The Chicago Tribune’s Gregory Pratt joins the show to chat about the mayoral tax returns that were released - and which one was not.
*Plus, ABC News Correspondent Justin Finch joins with the latest on the Jan 6th Committee’s final public hearing.
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John Howell speaks with Mike Flannery, Fox 32 News Political Editor. Chuy Garcia and Paul Vallas are both beating Lori Lightfoot in polls for Chicago Mayor. Flannery goes through this and other data as we approach 2023 and the mayoral election.
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*Matt Wolfe, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent New York, previews this weekend’s box office opening for Avatar 2.
*Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times Columnist, asks the question: Why does the media keep making predictions?
*RealClearPolitics Contributor, Myra Adams, joins to discuss the potential of Trump running in 2024.
*Phil Shenon, Former DC and foreign correspondent for the NYT, speaks to the JFK files that were released this week.
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John Howell is joined by Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent in Washington. Twitter and Elon Musk are facing backlash over suspensions of high-profile journalists. Field explains why Musk says these accounts were suspended and what this means for journalism and Twitter moving forward.
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John Howell speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, National Security Advisor to President Trump from 2018 to 2019 and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006. They discuss the Brittany Griner trade, what the end-game for the conflict in Ukraine may look like, and why Trump’s behavior may be disqualifying.
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*Brenden Moore, Illinois State Government Reporter for Lee Enterprises, joins the program to touch on how the IL Legislature is not as liberal as we may think.
*Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime & Terrorism Analyst, has the latest developments on the FTX news.
*Kim Komando, Host of the Kim Komando Show, shares her favorite last-minute gifts and how to block spam calls.
*Plus, Steve Cochran from WLS Mornings has the details on how to win a big screen television and how to see him perform on New Year’s Eve.
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John Howell speaks with Alderman Anthony Napolitano from Chicago’s 41st Ward. Yesterday, the City Council approved his crackdown on illegal gun possession. Ald. Napolitano joins the program to speak to the specifics of the ordinance and why he feels it is important to the city.
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John Howell is joined by Attorney Steve Mandell, Founding Partner of Mandell and Menkes who represents media and first amendment concerns. Mandell discusses the downside to the CPD delaying media access to police radio. He says this is an issue of public safety and governmental transparency.
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*Sophia Van Pelt, Policy Analyst for the BGA, explains why it is that Illinois Courts are exempt from FOIA requests.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, Mike Emanuel, joins the program to talk about the biggest stories in national politics.
*Why are Americans so interested in Harry and Meghan? John discusses their new Netflix show and our fascination with royalty.
*Plus, John goes over Chuy’s potentially tainted cash and what that means for his campaign.
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Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans is having his employees interviewed in an investigation of PPP loan fraud. Frank Main, a reporter for the Sun-Times, joins the John Howell show to talk about this PPP fraud inside the court.
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Objections towards Proco Joe Moreno and Sam Royko are flying in the aldermanic race for the 1st Ward. Mina Bloom, a reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins the show to discuss the details of the challenges on this ballot.
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*Jon Seidel from the Sun-Times explains the current challenges to the SAFE-T Act.
*Alex Stone from ABC News Los Angeles has the details on the historic breakthrough in clean energy.
*The Hill’s Emily Brooks talks about the behind the scenes hunt for a McCarthy Speaker alternative.
*Plus, Ike Ejiochi explains the FTX on Capitol Hill after SBF was arrested.
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The final report from the January 6th hearings will be releasing this month and Kyle Cheney, Congress Reporter for Politico, joins John to talk about what we might see on the upcoming report.
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President of Daily Planet Productions, Scott Marvel, joins the John Howell show to remember the Joseph Kromelis, known as the Walking Man. Scott raised $5,000 for Kromelis by printing and selling T-shirts after he was beaten in 2016, then sold another round of shirts after Kromelis was set ablaze that raised $8,000. He plans to give the money to Kromelis’ family to help fund his recovery.
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*Luke Barr, ABC News Justice and Homeland Security Reporter, joins the show to discuss the level of hate crimes committed in the United States versus the level of hate crimes reported to the FBI.
*President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, Mark Denzler, talks about Illinois' workforce development programs aimed at helping minority contractors.
*Salena Zito, prolific National Political Reporter, discusses changes in the Senate with Sinema's move to the independent party.
*ABC News Correspondent, Derricke Dennis, talks with John about masks and their usefulness in this 'tripledemic.'
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Public safety is on the mind of Chicago's residents and mayoral candidate Paul Vallas joins the John Howell show to talk about his anti-crime program that he would implement if elected mayor of Chicago.
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Crime in Chicago is up and the business community is hoping for public safety improvements from the city's leadership. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, joins the John Howell show to talk about how to improve public safety in the city.
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*John plays the audio of a Willie Wilson aide allegedly bribing a member of Ja'Mal Green's team to drop their challenges.
*University of Illinois Play-by-Play announcer Brian Barnhart recaps a big win over the #2 ranked Texas Longhorns, and looks ahead to more Big Ten play.
*Russell Lissau of the Daily Herald details how the community has responded strongly to the news that the Pickwick Theatre could be closing down.
*Bruce Abramson, Director at the American Center for Education & Knowledge shares what America needs for the 2024 election.
*Plus, Andrea Darlas stops by to discuss this week's episode of Show & Tell that offers great hotel deals for those spending the holidays in Chicago.
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Sen. Sinema declared on Friday that she will become a registered Independent. David Winston a long time advisor to congressional republicans broke down how the Senate will be affected moving forward.
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*Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst, joins the show to talk about Brittney Griner’s release from Russian prison.
*WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky discusses her recent report on social equity licenses and cannabis dispensaries in Illinois.
*Long time political analyst Jeff Greenfield discusses the recent changes in primary schedules, including Iowa’s and New Hampshire’s.
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John Howell speaks with Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis for Gas Buddy. De Haan joins with the good news that gas prices are projected to continue to drop during the holiday season. He also explains why gas prices have soared so high, how the Keystone Pipeline issues have affected this, and what we can expect going forward.
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John Howell is joined by Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. Pritzker has proposed an assault weapons ban, and it is likely to face legal challenges. Pearson and Howell discuss the different pieces of the proposal and how Pearson plans to challenge each of them.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Jingmai O’Connor, Field Museum paleontologist. Dr. O’Connor is currently the lead on a project to attempt to answer an ages-old question: why are t-rex arms so short? Dr. O’Connor discusses how they formulated the study and what they hope to learn from here.
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*Kori Rumore from the Chicago Tribune sheds light on why 200,000 people travel each December to Des Plaines.
*Dr. Megan Ross, President and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo, gives us tips on how to co-exist with urban wildlife.
*Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, joins the show for his weekly hit, discussing the biggest national and political stories.
*Plus, an Olive Garden manager is in hot water for her extreme attendance rules.
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John Howell speaks with Keith Naughton, Co-Founder of Silent Majority Strategies and former Pennsylvania political campaign consultant. Raphael Warnock’s victory over Herschel Walker in yesterday’s runoff election could be a loss for Trump as well as Walker. Naughton gives his thoughts on this and the wider implications of Walker’s loss.
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*Election AttorneyBurt Odelson runs through the happenings with the five Chicago Mayoral candidates who face signature challenges.
*Longtime Georgia Political Expert, Kerwin Swint, discusses the Georgia runoff election and if ranked-choice voting would be a better choice in the state.
*Steve Bernas, President and CEO of BBB Chicago & Northern IL, joins to warn us about the 12 scams of Christmas, adopting animals online, and more to watch out for this season.
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John Howell is joined by Jim Ryan, ABC News Correspondent from Atlanta. Today is the runoff election in Georgia between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker. Ryan has the latest on voter turnout, predictions as to what may happen, and what this election means in the Senate as a whole.
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*Ald. Brian Hopkins explains why he’s abandoned his plan to knock Lori Lightfoot off of the mayoral ballot.
*Ley Bey from the Sun Times joins the show to discuss Chicago’s architecture in 2022 and what’s in store for 2023.
*Crain’s Chicago’s Joe Cahill explains why Illinois is losing out on EV Production.
*Plus, Professor Peter Fallon gives us a lesson in how to spot propaganda.
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John Howell is joined by Retired Police Chief Tom Weitzel from the Riverside, Illinois Police Dept. They discuss the 300-page trailer bill to the SAFE-T Act and Weitzel’s thoughts on these additions. Chief Weitzel also gives his thoughts on San Francisco’s decision to authorize the use of robots for lethal force.
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John Howell is joined by Laura Belin, Publisher & Editor for the Iowa politics website Bleeding Heartland & reporter for KHOI Radio. Next year, Iowa will have no Democrats in our Congressional Delegation. Belin joins the show to discuss how this happened and what Dems in Iowa may need to do to strategize.
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John Howell speaks with Josh Noel, Chicago Tribune Reporter covering restaurants, beers, and bars. He joins the show to talk festive beers for Christmastime, as well as his rankings of the different holiday variants released by Chicagoland breweries.
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*Greg Hinz, Political reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business, takes a look at all of the vacancies in City Hall and how they could be filled come election time.
*Diallo Riddle, Emmy and WGA-nominated writer, actor, and showrunner, joins the program to talk about season three of “South Side” on HBO Max.
*Rich Lowry from Politico explains why Trump can’t quite quit the victim act.
*Plus, Jason Nathanson has the latest on Will Smith’s new movie, and our NFL insider has a standoff with our news anchor over the Bears versus Packers game.
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John Howell speaks with Dionne Miller, ABC 7 Sports Anchor & Reporter. The Bears will play the Packers this Sunday at Soldier Field. Miller has a preview of the game, the quarterback situations, and what may come from the draft.
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*Professor Tom Mockaitis from DePaul University explains why the conviction of the Oath Keepers’ leader is just the beginning of the battle against extremism.
*Josephine Beavers joins to discuss the upcoming documentary which she hosted and produced entitled, “The Musicians’ Green Book: An Enduring Legacy.”
*The Associated Press’ Tim Sullivan attempts to answer the question: Why are Americans so fearful?
*Plus, Kim Komando gives John tips on great holiday gifts for the season and how to make the most of the SOS features on the iPhone.
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John Howell speaks with Greg Bishop, Associate Editor for The Center Square. Amendments have been filed for the SAFE-T Act, and they’ve been debated today in the Illinois House. Bishop has the latest on these proposed changes to the act, how the hearings have gone, and what we may expect on January 1.
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John Howell is joined by Mark Cohen, Director of Retail Studies at Columbia University and Former CEO of Sears’ Canadian Unit. They discuss the rise and fall of Sears, where the chain is headed, and if this is the last Christmas for Sears.
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*Lynn Sweet from the Chicago Sun-Times explains why Illinois’ bid to become an early primary state is likely to be rejected.
*Mediaite’s Colby Hall asks why Fox News is ignoring Trump’s meeting with Nick Fuentes.
*Derricke Dennis from ABC News warns us of the risk of heart attack during the winter months and has advice as to how to stay healthy.
*Plus, Fox News Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins to discuss this week’s biggest national stories, and Gus Noble from the Chicago Scots previews their 177th Annual Saint Andrew’s Day Gala.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. According to a new study, Canada geese have beaten humans out in a battle for territory. Dr. Askren explains how these geese claim territory, how they’ve managed to keep it, and what he and his team learned from harassing the geese back.
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John Howell speaks with Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. The now-averted rail strike would have upended the country’s supply chain. Denzler explains how freight trains impact the Illinois economy, what would happen in the event of a strike, and how this one was averted.
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*Alisa Kaplan, Executive Director of Reform for Illinois, explains how dark money helped the only Republican Cook County official win.
*Professor Bill Schneider shines light on why 2024 is already getting interesting.
*Bill Cameron, WLS City Hall Reporter Emeritus and Host of Take 1, shares his thoughts on Alderman Ed Burke deciding not to run for a 15th term.
*Plus, Dr. Eli Merritt discusses his new book, “The Curse of Demagogues: Lessons Learned from the Presidency of Donald J. Trump.”
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Eli Merritt, Psychiatrist and political historian at Vanderbilt University. He writes the Substack newsletter ‘American Commonwealth.’ Together, they discuss Dr. Merritt’s new book, “The Curse of Demagogues: Lessons Learned from the Presidency of Donald J. Trump.”
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John Howell is joined by Bill Cameron, WLS City Hall Reporter Emeritus and Host of Take 1. Cameron and Howell discuss the tenure of Ed Burke and his decision to not run for a 15th term on the City Council. Cameron also speculates as to what will happen with Burke’s existing legal cases after Burke leaves office.
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*Alex Stone from ABC News Los Angeles updates us on the University of Idaho murders and what we still do not know.
*Mike Marr, Owner of Buffalo Creek Brewing, shares why he has named several beers after the repeated crashes at the Long Grove Bridge.
*Salena Zito, National Reporter, gives her thoughts on Josh Shapiro & why she believes he is the “blueprint” for Democrats.
*Plus, Bruce Iglauer, Founder of Alligator Records, discusses being honored by the Recording Industry Association for Alligator’s 50th Anniversary.
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John Howell is joined once again by Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent. The holiday weekend box office was a big disappointment, all movies seeing much lower numbers than anticipated. Nathanson discusses the potential reasons this occurred. He also has the info on the rumors of a Disney sale to Apple.
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John Howell is joined by Burt Odelson, Founding Partner of Odelson, Sterk, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath Ltd., and elections attorney. Odelson has been in the business for over fifty years, and he says this is one of the most surprising mayoral and City Council elections he’s seen. The two discuss the multiple candidates for mayor and the City Council and give their predictions for what to expect at the polls.
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*David Winston, long time Republican advisor, analyzes the numbers and breaks down why it’s “always” about the independents.
*Rajan Menon, Director of Strategy for Defense Priorities and Scholar at Columbia University, has the latest on Ukraine and Zelensky’s upcoming hurdles.
*Alvin Waddles from “Too Hot to Handel” comes on and previews the show, as well as discusses his great career as a jazz pianist.
*Plus, McCullough Kelly-Willis from the Chicago Meat Collective has tips for butchering your own meat this holiday. Fox News Correspondent Mike Emanuel goes over the nation’s latest political stories.
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John Howell is joined by Doug Cummings, Personal Security Consultant, author, and former Deputy Sheriff. More than once every news cycle, we see another mass shooting, most recently at a Walmart in Virginia. Cummings shares ideas on how you can protect yourself and stay safe during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
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John Howell is joined by JR Westberg from Parkside Pub in Huntley. They are hosting their 40th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival tomorrow, November 23. The two discuss what happens at the festival, how it came about in the first place, and the Del Webb crowd’s presence at the event.
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John Howell is joined by Ted McClelland, Author and Contributor at Chicago Magazine. Together, they discuss the long list of Chicago Mayoral candidates: their qualifications, their strengths, and their ranking amongst the pack.
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*The Hill’s Niall Stanage joins the show to discuss Merrick Garland’s appointment of a new Special Counsel for two Trump investigations.
*Brett Chase, Chicago Sun-Times reporter, has the latest on Ozinga’s attempt to build an underground warehouse.
*Trump faced legal challenges in four courtrooms today, and ABC’s Andy Field has the info on how the day went.
*Plus, Steve Bernas from the BBB has your holiday scam warnings, and the Afternoon crew and John talk about their family Turkey Day traditions.
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*Professor Amy Bass answers the question: how important IS Taylor Swift to America?
*Andrew Eastmond joins to discuss how Abraham Lincoln is a role model for today’s turbulent times.
*Irish violinist, harpist, and soprano singer, Tara McNeill, previews her one-night-only engagement in Chicago happening next month.
*Plus, we get a Bears v Falcons recap from our NFL insider, and John poses a question about a class with a “controversial” title at the University of Chicago.
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John Howell speaks with Howard Yaruss: Economist, Professor at New York University, and Author. He joins the show to discuss his latest book, “Understandable Economics: Because Understanding Our Economy Is Easier Than You Think and More Important Than You Know.”
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John Howell is joined by Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune Reporter covering Mayor Lori Lightfoot and City Hall. Lightfoot’s allies are raising money outside city ethics rules; it’s not illegal, but they’ve skirted several regulations. Pratt sheds light on this, as well as Alderman Ray Lopez taking his hat out of the mayoral race.
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You heard John mention it after his show at the Billy Goat...the Goat has new buns! John Howell is joined by Nick Kindelsperger, Chicago Tribune food critic, to chat about the evolution of the cheezborger and the quality of these new buns in question.
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*Tom Schuba, Chicago Sun-Times reporter covering marijuana, talks about the battle surrounding opening a dispensary in the old Rainforest Cafe building.
*ABC News’ Alex Stone has another update regarding the murders which have turned an Idaho town upside down.
*Brian Barnhart, play-by-play man for Illini football and men’s basketball, gives his preview of this weekend’s game versus Michigan and the rest of the season.
*Dennis Rodkin, Residential Real Estate Reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business, explains Chicago’s “Come Home Plan.”
*Plus, ABC’s Dave Packer unravels some of the mess that’s gone on at Twitter this week.
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*John speaks with G.H. Merritt, chair of an organization aiming to form a new state out of Southern Illinois.
*Katrina Quint, Lincoln Park Zoo’s Director of Horticulture, tells the story of the 300-year-old oak tree that is set to be removed from the zoo.
*Ike Ejiochi, ABC News Washington, talks next steps for the Republicans after they’ve taken back the House.
*ABC News Los Angeles’ Alex Stone has the latest details in the complicated situation in Idaho.
*Plus, Jason Nathanson has the details on this season’s first “Christmas Controversy,” and Kim Komando gives her thoughts on the drama at Twitter.
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John Howell is joined by Alderman Anthony Napolitano from Chicago’s 41st Ward. The City Council has once again delayed the vote on the City-wide booting mandate. He and John discuss why the Alderman believes this mandate to be a bad idea and which Alderpersons have seen donations from booting companies.
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John Howell speaks with Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, about the state of manufacturing in Illinois and an event to attend and learn more.
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*Ameya Pawer, Senior fellow with the Economic Security Project, joins the show to discuss the collapse of FTX and its ties to Chicago.
*Jim Nowlan, former IL Republican state legislator, shares his thoughts on how to make the IL GOP relevant again.
*Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, joins the show to discuss the state of manufacturing in Illinois.
*Plus, John plays a round of “Debunk the Junk” and Mike Emanuel shares his thoughts on the latest National political stories.
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John Howell is joined by ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone. At least 25 LA County Sheriff recruits were struck by a car this morning. Stone gives us updates on what we know, the condition of the recruits, and more.
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John Howell speaks with John Greenfield, Streetsblog Chicago co-editor and former freelance writer for the Chicago Reader. Greenfield is facing backlash for an article he released looking deeper into allegations made about The Hideout, including having “ties cut” at the Reader. Greenfield and Howell discuss the articles in question, the Hideout story, and what this all means for journalism as a whole.
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*Politico’s Joshua Zeitz discusses the history of non-consecutive term campaigns for the White House and what it means for Trump.
*Elizabeth Schulze from ABC News has the latest on the battle for Speaker of the House.
*Charles Kenny, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, says Happy Birthday to the Earth’s 8 billionth person and what this means for the global population.
*Plus, Bruce Finkleman previews the Salt Shed’s indoor concert venue and lineup that was announced today.
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John Howell is joined by John Feehery, EFB Advocacy and writer at TheFeeheryTheory. Feehery discusses his piece on how Ron DeSantis can take down Trump in order to secure a place at the head of the GOP and on the ticket in 2024.
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John discusses the movement in Southern Illinois to split away from the Northern part of the state (which includes Chicago.) The “New Illinois” movement would like to “create a new state” rather than “secede.” There are many obstacles in the Constitution and National Law. John discusses the article from the Center Square on the ins and outs of the movement.
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*John plays a clip from Dave Chappelle, who tells an SNL audience the moment that Trump became a political star.
*A GOP Governor and a GOP Senator have different techniques of saying Trump can't be the party leader moving forward.
*Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel details how we can start correcting the gun violence facing Chicago youth.
*Bill Scher discusses his piece in POLITICO Mag looking at how to primary Joe Biden, despite how difficult it will be.
*Plus, national political reporter Salena Zito breaks down how John Fetterman ended up besting Dr. Oz in Pennsylvania.
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Former Illinois governor Pat Quinn talks to John about how Chicago is the only one of the ten largest cities in America that doesn't have mayoral term limits. He believes the people should have a say in how long their mayor can occupy office especially when the mayor claims to be in favor of term limits. Quinn also weighs in on whether he thinks mayor Lightfoot is a liability.
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82nd District State Representative Jim Durkin will not be on the ballet for Illinois House GOP leader. John asks Jim what the Republican party needs to do in order to get back on track as well as how candidates can have a fair chance in the primary elections.
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*Derricke Dennis from ABC News sheds some light on what in the world is happening at Twitter.
*Chicago Magazine’s Robert Reed joins the show to discuss his piece on the issues a new Bears stadium may bring to Arlington Heights.
*Andrea Darlas, host of Show and Tell here on WLS, talks about her latest episode and her chat with musician and poet, Patti Smith.
*Plus, Mallory Vor Broker, WLS City Hall Reporter, has the latest stories out of Chicago City Hall.
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ABC 7’s Dionne Miller joins the John Howell show to preview this weekend’s Bears game against the Detroit Lions. She also reviews how the Bears have been progressing, last weekend’s exciting game, and the evolution of Justin Fields.
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Alexi Giannoulias, IL Secretary of State Elect, joins the John Howell show. They discuss Giannoulias’ win, the state of politics today, and plans for the Secretary of State office. Giannoulias also speaks on the launch of the Rev Up Illinois website, a place for IL residents to give their input as to what they want to see in our state. That, and more, on the podcast.
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*David Greising, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Government Association, joins to discuss their new, investigative journalism website, Illinois Answers.
*ABC’s Alex Stone has the latest from Arizona, where they are still counting votes with no clear winners in sight.
*Ray Long from the Chicago Tribune reviews the big super majority win for Chris Welch.
*Plus, John discusses Chuy Garcia’s mayoral candidacy announcement, as well as the proposed advisory referendums slated for next year’s election.
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With the possibility of oppositional parties in different chambers, what will happen in Congress? Editor-At-Large for Roll Call, John T. Bennett joins the John Howell Show to discuss what we could see from Congress in the new year after the results of the 2022 Midterm elections.
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Darren Bailey's run for Governor of Illinois has ended, but he's not moving away from politics. Mark Maxwell, Political Editor for KSDK News, gives John the details about what may be up next for State Senator Bailey.
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- Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia, joins the show to discuss Meta’s layoffs and what they may mean for the media giant.
*ProPublica’s Jessica Priest discusses her investigation into churches that are illegally supporting candidates, yet getting a pass from the IRS.
*Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the US Hispanic Business Council, analyzes how the Hispanic population ended up voting yesterday.
*Plus, Fox News’ Mike Emanuel joins us for his weekly hit to analyze the biggest political stories, and John Howell recaps some of the highs and lows from election night.
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The votes are still being counted as the country waits to find out the final results of the 2022 Midterm Elections. ABC News Correspondent in Washington, D.C., Andy Field, joins John Howell to talk about what the numbers currently say.
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The 2022 Midterm Elections have given the Cook County Forest Preserves extra funding. Larry Suffredin, the 13th District Cook County Commissioner, joins the John Howell show to discuss the voter-approved property tax increase to fund the forest preserves around Cook County.
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*Exavier Pope from the Pope Law Firm in Chicago joins the show to examine the question: is there a fix for our broken society?
*The Daily Herald’s Chris Placek joins the program to talk about the Arlington Heights board’s predevelopment deal with the Bears.
*Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, discusses the false promise of Universal National Service and other national stories.
*Plus, Steve Bernas from the Better Business Bureau joins the show with the latest news on scams, and John Howell reads from an interesting piece while trying not to make a mistake.
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John Howell speaks with Dave McKinney, Politics reporter at Chicago Public Radio and the Sun Times. McKinney gives a preview of the campaign between Pritzker and Bailey. They take a look at the short, hostile campaign.
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*Alex Stone, ABC News Correspondent, joins the show live from Phoenix where he is covering the elections.
*Zack Pearson from BearReport.com recaps yesterday’s game against the Dolphins and Justin Fields’ performance.
*Megan Cassella from Barron’s discusses what the outcome of the midterms could mean for the economy.
*Plus, Jason Nathanson recaps last night’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
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John Howell speaks with Deon Thomas, Associate Director of Development at University of Illinois Athletics & Color Commentator for U of I Basketball. The Illini men’s basketball team starts their season tonight against Eastern Illinois. Thomas previews tonight’s game and the Illini’s upcoming season.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. David Olson, Professor at Loyola’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology & Co-Director of the Center for Criminal Justice Research. Dr. Olson discusses the simple facts about the SAFE-T Act and what will actually happen come January 1.
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*Scott Reeder from the Illinois Times gives us a tutorial on Amendment 1 and all that it entails.
*Myra Adams from RealClearPolitics poses the question: which will happen first, a Trump indictment or 2024 presidential run announcement?
*Alderman Matt O’Shea from the 19th Ward joins the show to discuss his objection to reducing fines for bike lane incursions, as well as his issues with recent rulings.
*Plus, Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger has the ultimate Chicago Italian beef guide, and Derricke Dennis has the latest on the recent layoffs at Twitter.
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John Howell is joined by Eddie Scarry, D.C. columnist at The Federalist and Author. Scarry gives his advice for soon-to-be-elected Republicans to stay out of the wrong kind of limelight. He previews the political playing field that may come after the midterm elections.
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John Howell speaks with Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune Features Columnist. Two Kanye West murals in Chicago have been treated differently: one painted over, and one remaining as it is. Borrelli joins the show to discuss what this means for public art and discourse.
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*James Romoser from SCOTUSblog joins the show to discuss why he believes this term of the Supreme Court will focus primarily on race.
*Dr. Emily Knox from the University of Illinois talks about America’s newest hobby, book banning.
*Chris Plante joins John Howell live at the Chevy Chase Country Club to talk about the midterms and his live event.
*Plus, Ike Ejiochi updates us on the Oath Keepers trial, and Jason Gay talks about his new book, “I Wouldn’t Do That If I Were Me.”
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Benjamin Bryner, Associate Director of Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Support, as well as the Director of the Expanded Donation Program at Northwestern Medicine’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Bryner shares what exactly a “heart in a box” is, how transplants work in general, and where this program goes from here.
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John Howell is joined by Storer Rowley, Lecturer at Northwestern University and former National Editor and Foreign Correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. America, he says, must stand firm against Russia rather than pull back any support. The two discuss the bipartisan support of Ukraine, what support looks like, and more.
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*Attorney Mike Greenberg joins to discuss a Michigan court who ruled that a town could use drones to spy on residents without a warrant.
*Don McCleese, former Chicago Sun-Times rock critic, talks about his new book, “Slippery Steps: Rolling and Tumbling to Sobriety.”
*WGN TV’s Ben Bradley breaks down how the city reversed course and won’t seek legal fee reimbursement from police officers.
*Plus, Alby Gallun from Crain’s Chicago runs through why developers like Chicago but love the South.
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John Howell is joined by Alex Stone, ABC News Correspondent, Los Angeles. In the aftermath of the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, capitol police want to increase lawmaker security. Stone brings us more details on the attacker, Paul Pelosi’s condition, and what capitol police are planning in terms of security.
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John Howell speaks with Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent. They discuss today’s biggest political stories, including what Biden is expected to touch on in his speech this evening. They also discuss the potential of a “red wave” versus a “red trickle” come election time as well as what’s going on in Russia.
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*Quinn Myers from Block Club Chicago explains why legendary Chicago bar, The Hideout, will shut down until 2023.
*The Hill’s Alexander Bolton joins to discuss the Wisconsin Democrats’ chances at knocking Ron Johnson out of office and what that would mean for Wisconsin.
*We learn the history of Streeterville and more during “Corrections and Clarifications” with the Afternoon crew.
*Plus, in an edition of John Howell’s Book Club: John Koblin speaks about HBO in his new book, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO” and Andrew Seidel speaks about church and state in his latest, “American Crusade.”
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Twenty years later, taxpayers still owe $640 million on the 2002 Soldier Field renovation due to costs and interest. This comes at a time when the Bears are in talks to leave Soldier Field completely and move to Arlington Heights. NBC 5’s Phil Rogers joins John Howell with the details on how this happened and what our options are from here.
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John Howell is joined by Chicago Sun-Times Reporter, Tom Schuba. A high-ranking Chicago Police supervisor quit amid an investigation into racist and other incendiary social media posts. Schuba discusses Lt. John Cannon’s posts, the way he tried to dodge accountability, and what this means for free speech and the CPD.
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*Sun-Times reporter David Roeder joins the show to discuss the revised proposal to save the Calumet Country Club.
*AJ Perez from Front Office Sports reveals another wrinkle in the Brett Favre scandal, this time involving “concussion cream.”
*The Tribune’s Robert McCoppin tells us why Illinois’ casino business is ramping up.
*Plus, Salena Zito talks about the latest national political stories, including the recent Oz/Fetterman polls, and Associate Producer Rachel analyzes this weekend’s Bears loss.
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John Howell speaks with Jason Nathanson, ABC News Correspondent, Los Angeles. Elon Musk has officially taken over Twitter and dissolved its board of directors, now maintaining sole control. They discuss further changes that may come, the rise in hate speech across the platform since Musk took over, and the possibility of charging for the blue checkmark.
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John Howell is joined by Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune Federal Courts Reporter. A longtime member of Madigan’s “inner circle,” Tom Cullen, has provided federal testimony to the feds in the case against Madigan. Meisner explains what this means for Madigan, Cullen’s role, and what we may expect from here.
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*ABC 7 Sports Anchor Dionne Miller joins the show with her thoughts on this weekend’s Bears game against the Cowboys.
*Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss shares his thoughts, as a private citizen, about the possibility of bringing ranked-choice voting to town.
*WLS City Hall Reporter Emeritus & Host of Take 1, Bill Cameron, previews this week’s interview with mayoral candidate Kam Buckner.
*Plus, Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, explains why they are demanding more transparency in CPD spending.
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John Howell speaks with Ray Stout, Executive Director for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB) takes place next weekend, and Stout joins the show with both the history of the event and a preview of what to expect. For more on the event, visit https://www.fobab.com.
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John Howell is joined by Alex Stone, ABC News Correspondent, Los Angeles. Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi’s husband, was attacked in his home this morning. Stone has the latest information on this developing story, including information about the alleged attacker and Pelosi’s condition.
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*Tim Tomasik, President of the Chicago Bar Association, joins the show to urge voters to ignore television ads focused on the judge elections.
*ABC News Correspondent Andy Field sheds some light on a recent poll: did anyone’s views change after the January 6th hearings?
*Steve Cochran, WLS Morning Show Host, joins the show to put “Chair Gate 2022” to bed once and for all.
*Plus, Associate Producer Rachel has the inside scoop on the latest Bears trade.
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The Lincolnwood Library held a meeting this week which had to be ended abruptly due to being disrupted by public commenters. It’s not the public comments portion of the meeting that is the problem, says John, but rather, it is the public. Keep calm, carry on, and stop yelling to try and get your way.
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John Howell speaks with Patrick Keck, Statehouse reporter for The State Journal Register, about the IL Workers’ Rights Amendment. This will appear on ballots across the state next month. Keck speaks about the nuances of the amendment and what this could mean for workers in Illinois.
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*Josh Kraushaar, Senior Political Reporter for Axios, joins the show to talk about the Oz/Fetterman debate.
*Susan Sarkauskas from the Daily Herald recaps a contentious Aurora city council meeting regarding their casino move.
*Mike Emanuel from Fox News makes his weekly Howell Show appearance and discusses last night’s debate and other national political stories.
*Also, John and the Afternoon crew review the recently released Uline company dress code.
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John Howell speaks with Luke Barr, ABC News Law Enforcement Reporter in New York. There has been a Pro People’s Republic of China campaign recently, attempting to aggressively target the midterm elections and other things globally.
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John Howell is joined by Madeleine Doubek, Executive Director for CHANGE Illinois. No one is addressing the underlying causes of corruption in Springfield, she says. There are structural changes Doubek believes need to be made in order to help prevent corruption from happening in the future.
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*Max Greenwood, Campaign Reporter for The Hill, discusses the GOP momentum swing that has Democrats worried ahead of the midterms.
*Steve Bernas, President and CEO of BBB of Chicago and Northern IL, has the latest on Halloween-related scams to look out for this season.
*ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson joins the show to discuss the latest consequences for Kanye West.
*Plus, David Siders gives us all the info on Alaska’s ranked-choice voting, and Aaron Keller tells the story of a judge who was suspended for acting like a “game show host.”
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John Howell speaks with ABC News Correspondent Derricke Dennis, live from Harrisburg PA. Dennis previews what we can expect during tonight’s one and only debate between John Fetterman and Dr. Oz, each vying for the same spot in the Senate.
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John Howell is joined by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart to discuss the new tracking initiative designed to deter carjackings. The system involves giving the county permission to directly contact the car manufacturer if the car is stolen in order to locate it more easily. Sheriff Dart explains why he believes this will be an effective program and what the county can expect.
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John Howell is joined by Joe Cahill, Assistant Managing Editor & Columnist for Crain’s Chicago. There will be an antitrust review of the proposed “megamerger” between Jewel and Mariano’s. Cahill gives the details on the merger, what we could expect if it goes through, and the possible timeline.
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- University of IllinoisProfessor Kent Redfield joins the show to discuss the money being poured into the IL Supreme Court races.
- Dr. Sheldon H. Jacobson from the University of Illinois answers the question: should we be concerned about Ebola?
- Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg attempts to shed some light on why Trumpers still stump for Trump.
- Plus, Rick Telander explains how Bill Belichick shows continuity is king in the NFL, and a listener calls in to answer John’s questions about Diwali.
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John Howell discusses the research out of Georgetown that has shown remote learning went on too long and is believed to have put children behind. It is being described as a “learning loss” among students who are struggling. John reviews the main points of the study in this segment.
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- Ald. Scott Waguespack from the 32nd Ward joins John Howell to discuss growing frustrations with the CTA, safety, and their proposed budget.
- Robert Herguth from the Sun-Times discusses his investigation into a garbage hauler with alleged ties to the mob now working for O’Hare.
- Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, joins the program to talk about this weekend’s big releases.
- Plus, Andrea Darlas shares about the upcoming “Show and Tell” Special, and Alex Stone has the latest on CSI digging up a car in the backyard of a $15 million mansion.
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John Howell is joined by Kelly Krauchun, Co-founder of Bank the Blue. Back the Blue is an organization that provides funding for and access to mental health services for Illinois law enforcement. Krauchun was inspired to found the organization in part from seeing the mental toll the job took on individuals in her life and after learning what they witness every day. For more information, visit www.banktheblue.com.
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John Howell is joined by Maureen Martino, Executive Director of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. After a string of armed robberies in Wrigleyville, residents are asking for more police presence.
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- Sean Hammond, Chicago Bears reporter for Shaw Media, joins the show to discuss the Bears and Justin Fields’ season.
- Chuck Neubauer, Special Contributor for the Better Government Association, has the scoop on a powerful Pritzker administration insider turned consultant.
- Daniel Depetris, Fellow at Defense Priorities and foreign affairs columnist, joins the program to discuss the question: will Putin go nuclear?
- Plus, Steve Cochran previews tomorrow’s morning show, and John tells the newsroom about his favorite awkward “Lynyrd Skynyrd” intro moment.
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John Howell is joined by Rupert Steiner, European bureau chief for Barron’s. PM Liz Truss announced her resignation as Britain’s Prime Minister. From across the pond, Steiner calls in and discusses Truss’ tenure, how she ended up in office, and what to expect going forward from here.
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John Howell is joined by Greg Bishop, Associate Editor for The Center Square. More meetings are set to discuss the SAFE-T Act. Bishop discusses a possible trailer bill, details on these meetings, and what we could expect to come out of them.
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John Howell speaks with legendary musician, Huey Lewis. Lewis joins the program to discuss his new movie, “Wings Over Water,” which showcases the importance of the Prairie Pothole Region. The two then dive deep into Lewis’ musical career, including questions about the song “Small World” and the great jazz guest soloist, Stan Getz. Both Huey and John enjoyed the memories.
For more information on “Wings Over Water,” visit msichicago.org.
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- John Howell kicks off the show by highlighting some of the standout moments from last night’s second and final debate between JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey.
- Luca Harsh from the Commuters Take Action coalition explains why they are unhappy with the CTA’s current service.
- Alex Stone, ABC News Correspondent Los Angeles, has the story of two college students who went hunting and ended up fighting a grizzly bear.
- Plus, Mike Emanuel joins the show for his weekly recap of everything happening in Washington and beyond.
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John Howell is joined by Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times Staff Reporter covering casinos, sports betting and gambling regulation. Illinois voters have given a fairly resounding “no” about using their tax money to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights for the Bears. So, what are the next steps if the team would like to move and build a new home at the Arlington Racecourse?
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John Howell speaks with Jordan Lazowski, Editor-in-Chief for Sox on 35th. Ozzie Guillen has not been ruled out as a potential new (old) coach for the White Sox. Lazowski discusses this prospect, Guillen’s tenure as coach and player, and when a decision may be made.
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- Mary Ann Ahern, NBC 5 Political Reporter, discusses the new poll from the IL Broadcasters Association regarding the gubernatorial race.
- Derrick Blakley, Contributing Editor at the Center for Illinois Politics, explains how issues like abortion and the “Trump Factor” will likely affect the midterm voter turnout.
- Adam Gross, Executive Director of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, says civilian police oversight is off to a slow start.
- Also, Keith Naughton from Silent Majority Strategies previews the Pennsylvania Senate race, and John and Nick Gale talk about suburban cougar sightings.
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John Howell is joined by Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV Political Reporter & Analyst, as well as Host of the ‘Behind the Curtain’ podcast. They preview tonight’s gubernatorial debate, the second between J.B. Pritzker and Darren Bailey. Will they have Walk-Up music? Will Darren Bailey bring any more pledges for Pritzker to sign? That, and the issues we can expect covered.
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*Ken Paulson from the Free Speech Center joins John to discuss how the Alex Jones $1 billion verdict affects (or does not affect) free speech.
*Jay O’Brien, ABC News Correspondent in Washington DC, talks about the upcoming midterms as we approach the three week mark.
*Salena Zito, nationwide reporter, analyzes contentious upcoming elections, including the Pennsylvania Senate race between Fetterman & Oz.
*Also, John and Kim Gordon discuss the Student Loan Forgiveness program that just went live.
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John Howell is joined by Daniel Lippman, Reporter for POLITICO. There is a lot of internal fire within Customs and Border Protection, including issues for the Border Control Chief. Lippman discusses the nuanced events surrounding the agency chief, as well as the issue most Americans are focused on.
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John Howell speaks with Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune reporter covering Mayor Lightfoot and City Hall. Pratt speaks on Chicago progressives and their distaste for Mayor Lightfoot, as well as their chance for ousting her while keeping the Mayor’s office a progressive one.
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*Gretchen Hause of Hindman Auctions details the letters from Al Capone that are set to be auctioned off next month.
*Ed Yohnka of the ACLU of IL discusses how two suburbanites have received letters from Awake Illinois threatening a defamation lawsuit.
*University of Illinois play-by-play announcer Brian Barnhart previews the Illini's upcoming game against Minnesota.
*Plus, Rachel Morrison of PorchDrinking.com tells John about the Illinois breweries who won big at the Great American Beer Festival.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. Jamieson Webster, Clinical Psychologist and Professor at the New School for Social Research in NYC. They discuss the mental health crisis amongst America’s teens and the 54% increase in suicides among their age group. Dr. Webster shares her thoughts as to why this is, what teens are responding to, and what we can do to spot a teen in trouble.
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John Howell is joined by Jon Seidel, Chicago Sun-Times Federal Courts Reporter. New charges have been filed against Mike Madigan due to alleged activity with AT&T Illinois. Seidel and Howell discuss how this will affect Madigan’s preexisting legal issues, what specifically the accusation is, and how this compares to the trouble with ComEd.
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*John welcomes Kim Gordon back from her London trip, who shares what the NFL experience was like across the pond.
*Vernal Coleman of ProPublica reports on the major issues that have been taking place at Roseland Community Hospital.
*A report shows that America falls politically down the middle, so why do politicians on both sides cater to the crazies?
*Plus, Steve Cochran announces that he'll be joining John Howell for election night coverage next month.
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There has been a high staff turnover rate at the State’s Attorney office, with 235 assistant state’s attorneys leaving in the past 15 months. Kim Foxx has faced a lot of criticism during it all. John Howell discusses this and comments from Foxx, a former prosecutor, and Mary Ann Ahern’s piece on the matter.
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John Howell speaks with Maya Steinitz, Law professor at the University of Iowa and the author of “The Case for an International Court of Civil Justice.” They speak about her recent piece in the Washington Post and the idea that holding the politically powerful accountable can bring the nation together.
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John Howell speaks with Tyler Kepner, Baseball Columnist for the New York Times. He joins the program to discuss his new book, “THE GRANDEST STAGE: A History of the World Series.” Kepner’s book goes through stories from the 117 series played since 1903.
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*Faith Abubey of ABC News details how President Biden dodged questions regarding support for the Saudi arms sale bill.
*John shares how the Chicago City Council has moved closer to approving private booters across the entire city.
*Author William Hazelgrove discusses his new historical book, "Writing Gatsby" surrounding the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel covers the biggest stories out of D.C.
*Plus, a man in Milwaukee has been 'swatted' several times, simply for stating that he never found Norm MacDonald funny.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. David Awschalom, Professor at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and leader of the quantum team. Dr. Awschalom explains how they are making history in Hyde Park by working on quantum research that could provide a safer, unhackable internet. He breaks it down for the layman and teaches us why it could work and what it would mean for our future.
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*8th District Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi tells John why he opposes the proposed $31 billion railway merger.
*Washington Post Sports Journalist Sally Jenkins tries to discern the point when performance enhancement becomes cheating.
*Gina Sunseri reports from Houston after NASA announced the results of last month's DART mission.
*ABC's Jason Nathanson shares the details of the inappropriate incident involving Bill Murray that shut down his recent film.
*Plus, Adam Rubin of the Chicago Architecture Center previews this year's upcoming Open House Chicago event.
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John Howell speaks with Pat Doerr, Managing Director of the Hospitality Business Association of Chicago, a lobbying group that represents bars, restaurants and music venues. They discuss how late-night venues in Chicago have been closing earlier, affected by the pandemic, and what we can expect now that the world is returning to pre-pandemic times.
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John Howell is joined once again by Doug Bandow, Senior fellow at the Cato Institute, specializing in foreign policy and civil liberties. Rep. Kinzinger stated today that he believed it was time for America to send tanks and jets to help Ukraine. Bandow discusses why getting further involved may not be the right move and what the consequences may be.
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*Jeremy Gorner of The Chicago Tribune recaps am event where Darren Bailey seemingly didn't acknowledge Donald Trump Jr.
*Max Bever of the Chicago Board of Elections discusses early voting and reminds voters that your polling place may be different.
*John and the staff recap the Illini's big win over Iowa and try to determine if Justin Fields is really progressing.
*Stephen Moore tells John that the betting markets, not the polls, are where you should be looking for odds on elections.
*Plus, Professor Jeremi Suri of the University of Texas at Austin shares what America's future leaders should encompass.
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John Howell speaks with Jeremi Suri, Professor of History and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and Author of “Civil War by Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy.” They discuss Suri's recent piece on CNN and his thoughts on the evolution of America's leaders.
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Derricke Dennis from ABC News New York joins the John Howell show to discuss the cyberattacks that happened today on US Airports. The attacks have been traced back to Russia and caused issues for hours on airport websites. The investigation is still ongoing.
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John Howell is joined by Greg Hinz, Columnist for Crain’s Chicago. Ahead of next month’s election, Hinz discusses Jim Durkin’s role as minority-leader and if his leadership style still fits the House GOP.
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*Olivier Knox of The Washington Post delves into the numbers to show that the election-denier storm is coming.
*Craig Wall of ABC 7 shares his thoughts on last night's gubernatorial debate between JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey.
*John debunks the idea that rainbow-colored fentanyl will be distributed to children on Halloween.
*Alex Isenstadt of POLITICO shows how politics aside, Kari Lake's campaign is unlike anything we've ever seen.
*Plus, John honors Judy Tenuta, and Mike Arturi previews his upcoming show at the Arcada Theatre.
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John Howell speaks with Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent, Washington. At a private event, Biden mentioned a nuclear “Armageddon” in his comments on Russia. Field and Howell discuss if these comments were serious, if there is an actual threat, and how these comments leak from private events.
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ABC 7 Sports Anchor Dionne Miller joins the John Howell show to preview this weekend’s Bears game. The Bears go up against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. Dionne and John discuss the quarterbacks, the team strategies, and their predictions for the outcome.
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*Investigative Reporter Tim Novak details how one of the key players in the Bridgeport bank failure lost $1 million at casinos
*John breaks down how the protestor who was punished on the field during Monday Night Football is suing his tackler.
*Chris Dargis, challenging Raja Krishnamoorthi in Illinois' 8th District jumps on the show to talk about his campaign.
*Plus, Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune shares how Second City has decided to open a theater in Brooklyn.
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John Howell is joined by Mayor Andrew Goczkowski of Des Plaines. The city of Des Plaines has welcomed 80 asylum seekers this week without issue. Mayor Goczkowski and John discuss the preparations, the city-wide response, and the communications surrounding the asylum seekers’ arrival.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. Eli Merritt, Psychiatrist and political historian at Vanderbilt University. He writes the Substack newsletter ‘American Commonwealth.’ Dr. Merritt joins the program to discuss his recent opinion piece on a pathway towards a new conservative party amongst the disorder that the GOP has felt since Trump’s nomination.
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*ABC News Correspondent Reena Roy reports from Fort Myers as recovery continues in Florida after Hurricane Ian.
*Susanna Wickham of PAWS Chicago shares how listeners can help the 50+ pets that were rescued from FL storm.
*Law Professor Eric Segall of Georgia State University previews the upcoming Supreme Court cases and calls for judicial term limits.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel stops by for his weekly visit to detail the under-the-radar OPEC news.
*Plus, David Drucker of the Washington Examiner looks at how fundraising is going for Herschel Walker.
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John Howell is joined by Matt Wolfe, ABC News Correspondent New York. Alec Baldwin and “Rust” producers settled the wrongful death suit for the film’s cinematographer. Wolfe has the details.
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John Howell speaks with William Lee, Reporter for the Chicago Tribune. Traffic has been increasing lately, and it’s only going to get worse according to Lee. Lee and Howell discuss the factors adding to traffic, including road work and a return to office post-Covid.
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*Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart shares why he believes the SAFE-T Act will actually make Illinois safer.
*Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow takes the opposite side of the debate, discussing his issues with the Act.
*John plays an audio montage that draws a correlation between VP Kamala Harris and Selina Meyer of 'Veep.'
*David Roeder of the Chicago-Sun Times breaks down why LaSalle Street is in need of a major facelift.
*Plus, author Wayne Clingman discusses the 40th anniversary of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal’s Cadillac Eldorado exploding.
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John Howell speaks with Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times Sports Reporter. Tony La Russa stepped down yesterday from his position as White Sox manager after a season full of speculation and health issues. Telander and Howell discuss that exit and also take a dive through sports history.
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John Howell is joined by Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart and then Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow. Rinehart discusses why the SAFE-T Act will make us safer and the pros in keeping violent offenders, unable to buy their way out. Glasgow brings to the table why he believes the SAFE-T Act is bad for Illinois and what is wrong with the new process.
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*13th District cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin calls for approval on a ballot that could add 3000 acres to the forest preserve.
*Judge Mike Noland responds to Comptroller Susana Mendoza referring to him as a "shameless grifter."
*John discusses the usage of federal disaster relief funds, including some audio from Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
*Brandis Freeman of Chicago Tonight on WTTW previews the upcoming four-part series "Permanent Punishment"
*Plus, National Political Reporter Salena Zito provides an update on the Pennsylvania Senate race amid John Fetterman's health issues.
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John Howell speaks with Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune Columnist and Chicago Journalism Hall-of-Famer. Kogan gives his thoughts on “Punch 9,” a new documentary about the life and career of Harold Washington. Howell and Kogan also speak about the impact of Washington on the city of Chicago.
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John Howell speaks with John Harris, Founding Editor of Politico. According to Harris’ latest column, the news has never been unbiased. Reporters have an obligation to be fair, truthful, and to deal in facts. That doesn’t mean things aren’t always neutral, Harris says, especially when it comes to questions of democracy.
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*Dionne Miller of ABC 7 previews the Bears upcoming trip to face the Giants and tries to figure out why Justin Fields is struggling.
*Professor Charles Lipson of the University of Chicago tells John how we can start restoring free speech on college campuses.
*Chicago Tribune Chief Political Analyst Rick Pearson discusses how Darren Baily referred to Chicago as an "unruly child."
*Brian Barnhart, play-by-play announcer for the Fighting Illini preps you for Saturday's game against the Wisconsin Badgers.
*Plus, Chris Baker shares why he was honored by the FBI for helping victims and ex-criminals at his tattoo shop, 180 Ink.
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John Howell speaks with Tom Weitzel, Retired Riverside Police Chief. Chief Weitzel joins the program to discuss his issues with the SAFE-T Act, what he believes it gets wrong, and how we could improve this legislation.
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John Howell is joined by Chicago Inspector General, Deborah Witzburg. The city hasn’t learned lessons from huge CPD misconduct payouts. Why is that? Witzburg discusses a study showing that the city is not collecting enough information about the lawsuits and so cannot learn from mistakes.
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*John hopes that one of his favorite Florida destinations is still standing, and Nick Gale has some fun sitting in for Kim.
*Senator Phil Gramm takes on the biggest questions facing the economy while previewing his new book "The Myth of American Inequality.
*ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson breaks down Rolling Stone Magazine's top 100 TV shows of all time.
*Audio of Joe Biden from back when he was a Senator shows that the President was much tougher on crime than he is now.
*Plus, we officially welcome Jane Clauss to the WLS family and ask how she is handling the morning commute.
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John Howell speaks with Robert Reed, Contributor for Chicago Magazine. They discuss Reed’s latest piece on Illinois and its many government entities. Illinois has more than any other state and most are not of use to us - in particular, our large number of townships. Reed discusses why that is and why we have not yet bid them farewell.
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John Howell is joined by Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Former legislators who voted to reject raises have no right to claw them back now, says Mendoza, and the IL Supreme Court agrees. Mendoza goes on to say why she is disappointed in the politicians attempting to make these moves and why this is a victory for Illinois taxpayers.
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*John makes his triumphant return to the hosting chair and shares how he fought back the grim reaper's scythe.
*Professor Adam Wandt of John Jay College of Criminal Justice discusses how the CPD is moving their radios to encrypted channels.
*City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin previews her upcoming events to give access to tools to help build wealth.
*AJ Perez of Front Office Sports breaks down the latest in the Brett Favre involved Mississippi welfare scandal.
*Plus, co-author of the upcoming Ramsey Lewis memoir Aaron Cohen remembers the jazz legend.
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John Howell speaks with Mike Emanuel, Fox News Anchor and regular guest on the show. They catch up on this week’s biggest stories, including the US Embassy advising Americans to leave Russia, the chance of a global recession, and the latest hectic press conference at the White House.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Connie Mixon, Professor of Political Science & Director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University. Do political debates still matter in 2022? Dr. Mixon gives her thoughts on the efficacy of debates to gain voter support, the risk of debating, and how these events can turn into spectacles.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Legendary Agriculture Broadcaster, Max Armstrong. Armstrong talks about life on the farm, projections for agriculture and livestock prices, and farming equipment advances. He also gives an update on his longtime friend and broadcast partner, Orion Samuelson.
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Ramblin' Ray, in for Big John Howell, speaks with George Siegal, former TV weatherman down in Tampa and Director/Producer of "The Last House Standing." Hurricane Ian is projected to hit Florida later this week.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, is joined by Lou Canellis, Fox 32 Sports Anchor & Host of Bears GameDay Live & Bears GameNight Live. Lou recaps yesterday’s Bears win against the Texans, and he gives us his predictions for the team, Justin Fields, and the season. Da Bears!
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Meteorologist Ray Stagich about Hurricane Ian. Stagich explains what makes a hurricane and how they decide who is in the evacuation areas, where this storm is expected to hit, and also his weekend football predictions.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, is joined by Axios Chicago Reporter Justin Kaufmann. The “People Who Play by the Rules PAC” is dominating the headlines with their past three commercials stirring controversy and gaining attention. Kaufmann touches on the ethical questions surrounding this, as well as discussing what exactly the goal is for these commercials that rarely mention the GOP candidate’s names.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Jon 'Dr. J' Najarian, Co-Founder of Market Rebels, Star of Halftime Report on CNBC, and former Chicago Bears Linebacker. Ray and Dr. Najarian discuss how our economy has gotten to this point, what’s going on with the car market, and how the Bears have changed.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. They talk about recent events in Chicago and whether or not Quinn is considering throwing his hat in the ring for Mayor.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau. Mayor Pekau introduced a new police program designed to work around new regulations that will be put in place by the SAFE-T act.
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Pete McMurray, in for John Howell, speaks with Northwestern Medicine's Dr. Jeffrey Kopin. Dr. Kopin answers questions about the state of Covid in our world now, when we should get boosted, and more.
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Pete McMurray, in for John Howell, speaks with Attorney Rich Lenkov to get an update on where each of Trump’s legal cases stand and his thoughts on where they will go from here.
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Ald.Ray Lopez says the only polls he cares about are the ones he takes on the street regarding Chicagoans’ opinions. He also speaks with Ramblin Ray about his own mayoral campaign, last weekend’s violence, and how he wants to improve the city.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey. Bailey addresses the weekend violence in the city, rejuvenation among the farm economy, and how we can make Illinois great again.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, is joined by Dan Brady, the IL GOP candidate for Secretary of State. Brady discusses the changes he proposes to upgrade the DMV experience and lower Vehicle-related fees.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Paul Vallas, Chicago mayoral candidate and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools. They discuss the violent weekend in Chicago, including 62 shootings, and the delays in the 911 response. Vallas speaks on his ideas regarding what needs to change in the city, how the policing should be done, and the overrun 911 system.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with ABC 7’s John Garcia. A Lombard resident who was held captive by the Taliban for 31 months was just swapped with a man who has been called the “El Chapo” of the Taliban.
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*ABC 7 Sports Anchor & Reporter Dionne Miller previews a tough matchup for the Bears as they head up North to take on the Packers.
*John Keilman of The Chicago Tribune details the drama out in Sugar Grove as the Saudi-backed LIV tour tees off at Rich Harvest Farms.
*WLS City Hall reporter emeritus Bill Cameron breaks down the state of the mayoral race and previews this weekend's episode of 'Take 1'
*In the wake of the R. Kelly verdict, John asks how people reconcile with listening to his music in the future.
*Plus, government affairs lobbyist Craig Holman describes how the effort to eliminate 'dark money' from federal elections may have traction.
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John Howell speaks with Ald. Anthony Napolitano from Chicago’s 41st Ward. Private booters could soon be allowed to operate all across Chicago. Ald. Napolitano says that this will cause fights and take up police resources unnecessarily.
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John Howell speaks with Elena Gottreich, Chicago’s Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. She says that CPD Reform is making progress since the consent decree. With several examples of new policies and actions, she speaks about how the CPD has grown and changed in a positive way.
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*Svante Myrick of People For the American Way details how a NM judge has ruled that a county commissioner can't hold public office.
*John shares a story of an unruly airline passenger who was sentenced to four months in prison for disturbing a flight.
*The latest on immigrants being shipped up from Governor Abbott, and how far do Pritzker's power stretch in this situation?
*John Carruthers for Revolution Brewing discusses their new collaboration beer with Garrett's popcorn.
*Plus, avid golfer (and morning show host) Steve Cochran provides his thoughts on the LIV Golf Tour stopping in Chicago.
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John Howell speaks with Bamani Obadele, Community Engagement Director for Acclivus. Obadele says it was shameful for Darren Bailey to politicize the shooting in Washington Park. He also challenges Bailey to roll up his sleeves and actually get involved in neighborhoods rather than watching everything from above in the John Hancock building.
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John Howell speaks with Anton Adkins, a Chicago resident who lives across the street from Douglass Park. They discuss the impact of Riot Fest on the neighborhood, as well as residents’ ideas for what to do about large festivals moving forward.
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*Jacob Sonenshine of Barron's discusses how inflation shocked the market yesterday, but some stocks could still benefit.
*Professor and first amendment scholar Geoffrey Stone believes that Awake Illinois has no backing for a defamation case against Rep. Casten.
*Alex Stone of ABC News provides an update on the potential rail strike and looks at the economic impact it could have.
*Bob Chiarito reports from the courthouse after the verdict was announced in the R. Kelly trial.
*Plus, Gus Noble of Chicago Scots tells John about the importance of the Stone of Destiny, as it makes the trek to King Charles' coronation.
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John Howell is joined by Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, for their weekly chat about the latest news stories. Are Republicans upset that Graham stepped all over Biden’s bad day? What does the GOP want to do about security measures? Why was James Taylor singing “Fire and Rain” yesterday at the White House event?
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John Howell is joined by Eben Novy-Williams, Sports Business Reporter for Sportico. What happens when Virginia McCaskey passes? It’s more complicated than you think: a common problem in the NFL with shares, bylaws, and family-owned teams.
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John Howell is joined by Ally Marotti, Reporter for Crain’s Chicago covering consumer products, food, restaurants, retail, media and advertising. They discuss the McPlant, a plant-based burger that was tested in some markets and will not be put on the menu at this time. Marotti discusses why this sandwich may have been rejected and what plant-based foods are doing well.
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*Renato Mariotti of POLITICO Magazine shares why he believes that Donald Trump's lawyers are letting him down.
*John details how violent threats have forced the cancellation of Drag Queen Bingo at the Downers Grove Library.
*Steve Bernas of the BBB warns of sports betting scams you should be aware of as the NFL/NCAA seasons kick off.
*Dr. Harlan Ullman of The Killowen Group ponders if America is heading down a dangerous path.
*Plus, Doug Bandow of the CATO Institute warns that America's continual involvement in Ukraine could backfire.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Founder Professor in Computer Science at the University of Illinois. He joins the show to discuss his piece on how the electoral college system needs to be changed, but not just yet. Further, Dr. Jacobson says we need to repair our relationship between parties, and changing the constitution at this point would do the opposite of that.
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*Dan Petrella of the Chicago Tribune goes through the list of lawsuits levied by GOP Attorney General candidate Tom DeVore.
*Author David Maraniss previews his new book looking at the life and legacy of Jim Thorpe.
*Theater Critic Chris Jones shares how the Victory Gardens Theater has decided to stop producing its own shows.
*John wonders what led a Virginia country club to develop a menu with a very poorly timed them: 9/11.
*Plus, Associate Producer and residential Bears expert Rachel Woodall breaks down how the Bears managed to top the 49ers.
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John Howell speaks with Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times Columnist. Alderpeople need to stop whining on their way out, Steinberg says in his latest piece. During this mass exodus of Alderpersons, we are hearing a lot of complaining as they exit office. John and Neil also discuss Chicago politics in general, the Lit Fest, and Neil’s writing.
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John Howell speaks with Mayor Gary Grasso of Burr Ridge after the unannounced busing of migrants to the village over the weekend. He is not against helping the migrants, he says, but he is pushing for more coordination in the future. Grasso also says we are all products of immigrants and we need better plans to help these migrants and treat them as humans.
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*Chris Placek of the Daily Herald recaps the Bears meeting last night, and shares reaction from the local residents.
*ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone provides an update on the dangerous conditions in CA as harsh weather looms.
*Grant DePorter of the Chicago Sports Museum tells John about a historical baseball found in the walls of the Tribune Tower.
*Former IL legislator Jim Nowlan outlines the issues with a November amendment that prohibits "Right to Work" legislation.
*Plus, John shares a Wendy's workplace romance story that somehow ends in a potential terrorism charge.
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John Howell speaks with Brian Costin, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity, Illinois. The Bears held a meeting last night in Arlington Heights to discuss their potential plans, including how they imagine they will fund the new stadium and surrounding areas. Did they do enough to alleviate worries of taxpayer subsidies?
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John Howell is joined by Alderman Howard Brookins from Chicago’s 21st Ward. Ald. Brookins has joined the long list of Alderpersons leaving the City Council. He joins the show to discuss the reasoning behind his exit, his thoughts on how the city is run, and his only regret, which involves a bike ride and a squirrel.
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*Em Nguyen shares the reaction out of Washington after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
*A.D. Quig of the Chicago Tribune has the details on Alderman Brookins adding his name to the City Council exodus.
*Reporter Bob Chiarito offers the latest from the R. Kelly trial and tells John which side seems to be winning.
*Bill Scher of Washington Monthly details how the Alaskan GOP is now going to war with ranked-choice voting.
*Plus, Steve Cochran pops on to mourn the loss of the Queen, and shares his case of mistaken identity.
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John Howell speaks with Tom Rivers, ABC News Correspondent, who joins live from London. They discuss the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who from the royal family was there, and what will happen across the pond going forward. The Queen reigned for 70 years, and this is a very different, new chapter.
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John Howell speaks with Steve Israel, Former NY House Rep and current Director of the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy Institute of Politics and Global Affairs. Why are midterms so hard to predict? Israel sheds light on that question, including how we think the Democrats will fair and how each side can recruit young voters to participate.
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*Wall Street Journal energy reporter Katherine Blunt discusses her new book, "CALIFORNIA BURNING" focused on PG&E.
*John shares the latest poll numbers in the race for IL governor, and they look bleak for Darren Bailey.
*ABC News Correspondent Andy Field reports on how Russia is buying millions of rockets and artillery from North Korea.
*Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by for his weekly visit to break down the latest news out of DC.
*Plus, Evan Bleier of InsideHook previews the biggest NFL storylines to watch as the season kicks off tomorrow night.
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John Howell speaks with Phil Cline, Former CPD Superintendent & Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Fund. This week, there was a ceremony at the Gold Star Families Memorial in Chicago to honor all Chicago Police officers that have died in the line of duty since the 1830’s. There were 595 names read.
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John Howell speaks with Mary Ann Ahern, NBC 5 Political Reporter. Pat Quinn has said that he is mulling over a run for mayor - Ahern and Howell discuss what this would mean for an already crowded race.
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John Howell is joined by Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune columnist and Chicago Journalism Hall of Famer. Together, they remember some of Chicago’s great, bygone taverns and the impact those places had on the communities they touched.
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*Dave McKinney of WBEZ tells John how the Illinois GOP is fighting to take control of the state's Supreme Court for the first time in 58 years.
*Jason Meisner of the Chicago Tribune discusses today's closure of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and gives the latest on the R. Kelly trial.
*ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone covers the continuing heat wave in California that threatens rolling blackouts.
*John breaks down how the commute of Dr. Hartley during "The Bob Newhart Show" didn't really make sense.
*Plus, U of I at Chicago professor and former 44th Alderman Dick Simpson looks back on his career after announcing his retirement.
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John Howell speaks with Dan McGrath, Crain’s Chicago contributor covering the business of sports and President of Leo High School. They discuss Ted Phillips’ exit from the Bears, the Bears’ exit from Chicago, and what happens next at Soldier Field.
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Pete McMurray, in for John Howell, speaks with Sheriff Tom Dart. They talk about how Summer in Chicago has been in terms of violence, police presence, and legislation. They also discuss the Sheriff's presence in River North and how it’s affected activity in the area.
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Pete McMurray, in for John Howell, speaks with Senator Dick Durbin. They speak about a number of issues affecting the country right now, including immigration, student loan forgiveness,the infrastructure bill, and how we can work together despite our political party.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with David Jackson, Senior Investigative Reporter for the Better Government Association. The BGA tracks spending and recently looked at Pritzker’s ties to different companies in the state.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Illinois Gubernatorial candidate, Darren Bailey. Bailey gives his thoughts on education in Illinois, campaign funding, his “hell hole” comments regarding Chicago, the state budget, and more. The two also catch up about Bailey’s farm and the crops this year.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Greg Glod, Senior Criminal Justice Policy Fellow for Americans for Prosperity. They talk about the rise in car jackings and violence across the country, as well as the changes they believe will come after the midterms.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Alderman Ray Lopez. Today, Ald. Lopez is out collecting signatures for the upcoming mayoral election, and he called in from the sidewalk to chat about his excitement around the election and the positive changes he’d like to make in the city if elected mayor.
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Chicago White Sox Head Team Physician and Bulls Team Physician Dr. Nikhil Verma jumps on with Ramblin' Ray to discuss how limiting contact and teaching proper technique can help your child avoid injury while playing football this Fall.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, speaks with Rep. La Shawn Ford. All people, Representative Ford says, want the same thing: to feel safe in their communities. They discuss how we need to empower both law enforcement and the community to do good, to protect our citizens, and create this safe environment.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for John Howell, is joined by Alderman Anthony Napolitano of Chicago’s 41st Ward. They discuss the violence we’ve seen in the city, the contributing factors, and what is being done to combat this.
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Ramblin’ Ray, in for Big John Howell, speaks with Armando Chacon, President of the West Central Association. They discuss the drifting and street racing that happened in the West Loop over the weekend and what is being done to crack down on that and other criminal behavior in the area.
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*Joe Cahill of Crain's Chicago shares how Illinois is falling behind in the race for an Electronic Vehicle battery factory.
*John details how a Texas judge ruled a law preventing 18-21 year-olds from carrying handguns in public is unconstitutional.
*Reporter Bob Chiarito runs through the most important parts of the R. Kelly trial as it approaches its halfway point.
*Dr. Murphy Westwood at the Morton Arboretum discusses the Illinois trees that are at threat of extinction.
*Plus, Grant DePorter previews the upcoming Green Tie Ball, benefitting Chicago Gateway Green.
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DuPage voters can vote in any of 263 polling places in DuPage County. Jean Kaczmarek, DuPage County Clerk, discusses the options that voters will have in the upcoming midterms elections.
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Former CEO of Chicago Public Schools & Candidate for Mayor joins the John Howell Show to discuss proposed plans to protect the CTA with dogs, and the questionable claims of fiscal discipline from Mayor Lightfoot.
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*Jerry Nowicki of Capitol News Illinois recaps the battle between Darren Baily and JB Pritzker at an IL agricultural forum.
*Derricke Dennis has the details on a Missouri school district that is reinstated corporal punishment, including spanking.
*Callers share some of the antics from their childhoods that caused them to be spanked or paddled in school.
*Katalin Rodriguez Ogren of the West Loop Community Organization talks about the troubling kidnap attempt in West Loop.
*Plus, Steve Cochran jumps on with John, and it quickly divulges into a lesson on aging gracefully in radio.
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Dr. Matthew Pressman, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Seton Hall University, joins the John Howell Show to talk about why we're seeing an increase in vulgarity in politics across the nation.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Bryan McLaughlin, Professor of Advertising at the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University, to discuss how the way some people consume the news can cause their anxiety to go into overdrive.
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*Madeleine Doubek of CHANGE Illinois looks at how ranked-choice voting and other election reforms are on the way in IL.
*John receives listener feedback on a potential splitting of Illinois, and shares how Dennis Rodman has pulled a 180.
*Steve Galanis, Co-Founder and CEO of Cameo discusses their new live video feature, allowing you extended chats with celebrities
.*Mike Emanuel of Fox News tries to determine why the Biden Admin chose now to cancel student loan debt.
*Plus, comedian Tom Dreesen gets a good laugh out of John while talking about his upcoming event in Glen Ellyn.
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John Howell speaks with Bradley Laborman, who has just thrown his hat into the ring for Chicago mayor. They discuss Laborman’s thoughts on a number of topics important to the city, including crime, monuments, private events on public lands, and CPD-community relations.
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Biden announced his student debt forgiveness program this afternoon, and it’s come to mixed responses. Even some Democrats are being critical of the announcement. John Howell discusses what the program entails and what people from all sides of the political aisle are saying.
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*John looks at DuPage County's "Vote Anywhere" election day procedures that have been put into place.
*Andrew Perez of The Lever talks about the little-known Chicago billionaire who handed his fortune to a Super PAC.
*A player in the Little League World Series is caught on a hot mic claiming that ESPN was conspiring against his team.
*Attorney Jeffrey Leving warns that Chicago must protect families from gambling addictions before opening a casino.
*Plus, a new tech-infused mini golf experience has opened in Oak Brook for the listeners who want to work on their short game.
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John Howell speaks with Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the Bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. The Chicago suburbs had a lot of leeway on how they spent their Covid relief dollars, and the reports of where the money went are starting to come out. Martire talks about the accountability and rules regarding this money, and the impact of the Covid relief money over all.
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John Howell is joined by Max Bever, Director of Public Information for the Chicago Board of Elections. There is a new Chicago elections map that will cut precincts significantly ahead of the November general election. Voters will likely have a new precinct and a new polling place, which will be mailed out in early September on a new voter registration card (and in reminders after that.) Bever explains why this was done and what to expect in the future.
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*ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone provides an update on the high-profile missing girl case in Lake Tahoe.
*John breaks down a Daily Herald report showing the wildly different ways some Chicago suburbs have spent their Covid relief money.
*Kyle Cheney of POLITICO brings us up to date on all the arguments made by Trump's legal team in response to the Mar-a-Lago search.
*John presents a lesson in political extremism, pointing out a lefty and righty who may have gone too far.
*Plus, Salena Zito tries to determine what motivates voters, saying that this election will come down to Joe Biden.
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John Howell speaks with Retired Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann. They speak about his forthcoming book, “Operation Pineapple Express: The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan.” He outlines the tale of how he and a group of other retired Green Berets banned together to save an ally during America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. To find the book, available now for pre-order: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Operation-Pineapple-Express/Scott-Mann/9781668003534
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John Howell speaks with Alexandra Block, Senior Attorney for Policing and Criminal Legal System Reform at the ACLU of Illinois. They are calling for the CPD Superintendent and Mayor to make police reform a priority. The “positive community interactions” quota is not enough, Block insists. We need real reform.
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*Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg looks back at the life of Tom Coffey, one of Harold Washington's trusted advisors.
*David Greising of the Better Government Association discusses why Illinois is still in need of the Shakman decree.
*Former Alderman Proco 'Joe' Moreno tells John why he's looking to make a return to Chicago's City Council.
*A.B. Stoddard of RealClearPolitics rails against the threats being made to the recently doxed FBI agents.
*Plus, ABC News Correspondent Derricke Dennis has a warning for Apple users, and John shares why he's never sent an emoji in his life.
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John Howell is joined by Robert Herguth, Investigative reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times and part of the Watchdogs team. Several Illinois politicians are still willing to take that sweet, sweet pharmaceutical money, even from companies implicated in the opioid crisis.
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John Howell speaks with Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter. Darren Bailey spoke yesterday afternoon at the Illinois State Fair. In his delivered remarks, he doubled down on calling Chicago a “hell hole” and calling out it’s leaders. Pearson speaks about the implications of Bailey’s speeches, as well as his own projections for endorsements and each candidate’s success.
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John Howell speaks with David Hochberg, VP of Lending at Homeside Financial. They discuss the current status of the housing market, as well as John's knack for buying at the worst times possible.
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*Dan Petrella of the Chicago Tribune recaps a hearing where the IL GOP questioned the ISP on how it handled the Highland Park shooter.
*John tries to find the truth regarding the spat between Liz Cheney and Harriet Hageman regarding Cheney's concession speech.
*Producer Bret shares the details on the Deshaun Watson suspension settlement that was reached between the NFL and the NFLPA.
*A caller emphatically answers John's question of the day regarding a Proco 'Joe' Moreno wanting to run for City Council.
*Plus, WLS City Hall Reporter checks in after Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair.
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A magistrate judge in Florida is hearing arguments on whether or not to unseal the Mar-a-Lago affidavit. John Howell speaks with Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime & Terrorism Analyst, about what this would potentially mean for Trump and how the process would work.
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John Howell speaks with Alderman Brian Hopkins from Chicago’s Second Ward. There have been many issues on Lake Michigan’s Playpen. This includes a tragic incident from last weekend where a woman had to have both legs amputated, as well as multiple deaths. The Alderman discusses what he believes needs to be done to tighten safety measures in the area. They also speak about unregulated CBD shops in the city and how they are confusing cannabis customers.
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*Ramblin' Ray Stevens calls in to reminisce with John about a White Sox legend who let a small child down.
*ABC News Correspondent Justin Finch looks at Mike Pence's comments claiming he'd consider testifying before the Jan. 6th committee.
*Greg Peerbolte of the Old Joliet Prison tells you what you can expect to see at Blues Brothers Con this weekend.
*Kevin Schmidt of The Daily Herald has the details on Naperville's gun ordinance that bans the sale of certain high-powered rifles.
*Plus, WLS City Hall Reporter Mallory Vor Broker gives the latest from the Illinois State Fair.
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John Howell is joined by ABC News Correspondent, Alex Stone, who is in Jackson, Wyoming. Liz Cheney lost the primary last night and spoke in her concession speech about next steps. Stone talks about the reactions down in Wyoming last night to the speech and the news, as well as what we believe Cheney will do next.
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John Howell speaks with Steve Chirico, Mayor of Naperville. Naperville just passed an ordinance to ban the sale of certain high-powered rifles and high-capacity magazines. Mayor Chirico discusses the thought that went into proposing this ban and how he believes it will impact the community.
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John Howell speaks with Elliot Ackerman, Author of “THE FIFTH ACT: America’s End in Afghanistan.” It’s been almost a year since American troops withdrew from Afghanistan, and Ackerman talks about our history with the country as well as what has happened since.
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*Dr. Jonathan Zimmerman joins the program to discuss Salman Rushdie and the defense of hate speech.
*John Feehery speaks about Democrats and the "dead cat bounce."
*Steve Bernas joins the show to talk about fraud happening in the rental market & other things to watch out for.
*Stephen Moore comments on the American Dream.
*Ted McClelland answers the question: is Darren Bailey helping or hurting the IL GOP?
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John Howell is joined by Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV Political Reporter & Political Analyst and Host of the “Behind the Curtain” Podcast. Darren Bailey and his running mate are in trouble (yet again) for their social media posts- Lisnek and Howell discuss how social media has affected politics as a whole.
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Rob Johnson, in for John Howell, speaks with Doug Cummings, personal safety consultant. After yesterday’s shooting at Six Flags in Gurnee, we once again think about what we should do if we ever experience a similar event. Cummings reviews what to do if you hear gunshots, as well as how to address safety plans with our children without panicking them.
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Rob Johnson, in for John Howell, is joined by Jacob Infante, Lead NFL draft analyst and Bears writer for Windy City Gridiron. Infante was at the Bears’ preseason opening game against the Chiefs. They talk about the Bears’ outlook for the season, rookie players to watch, and the state of Soldier Field.
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Pete McMurray, in for John Howell, speaks with Alderman Brendan Reilly live in-studio. They recap this year’s Lollapalooza, the police stats afterwards, and the renewal of the Lolla contract. Alderman Reilly also gives his thoughts on the NASCAR deal, the mayor’s budget proposal, and more.
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*ABC News Crime & Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett discusses the threats of violence that have erupted since the Mar-a-Lago raid.
*Dr. Sophie Bjork-James at Vanderbilt University shares who joins hate groups on social media and how they attract young men.
*Robert Channick of the Chicago Tribune takes a deep dive into the history of Bally's after they submit their casino application.
*Plus, Playwright Will Allan tells John about his new show "Campaigns, Inc." opening tonight at the Timeline Theater.
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John Howell is joined by Paris Schutz, “Chicago Tonight” Co-Anchor and Correspondent. A marina was approved for Navy Pier several years ago, but it still has not been built. Schutz joins the show to discuss why they are experiencing roadblocks and what the marina would mean for the Pier and the city.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. Robert Alexander, Director of the Institute for Civics and Public Policy at Ohio Northern University. Dr. Alexander speaks about faithless electors and why it’s far past time to modify the electoral system and eliminate this possibility. They also discuss the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022.
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*John wonders if Mayor Lightfoot's talk to the rank and file of the Chicago Police will have any effect on their perception of her.
*Zach Hunter, Executive Director of Keep Country First introduces their 'pro-democracy candidate recruitment program.
*Community Organizer Ana Solano describes the issues that her community has with Riot Fest after a contentious meeting.
*Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel shares the White House reaction to the Mar-a-Lago raid.
*Plus, Walls Street Journal Personal Tech Reporter Dalvin Brown offers some hacks to help you navigate customer service issues.
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John Howell speaks with Alderman Brian Hopkins from Chicago’s 2nd Ward. They discuss how the Aldermen were blindsided by the NASCAR deal, and how he feels the Aldermen are being left out of that and more important decisions around the city.
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Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue University and former Governor of Indiana, joins the John Howell program. They speak about an opinion piece Daniels wrote for the Washington Post, asserting that we need to insist on more politeness in such a nasty era.
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*Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bay says that Lori Lightfoot needs to slow down and find the correct way to fix Soldier Field.
*John talks with the listeners to find out what they think about the search warrant executed at Mar-a-Lago.
*Danny Heitman of the BR Advocate shares his touching story of David McCullough after the famous author and historian's passing.
*Sports Columnist Rick Telander tells John that Aaron Rodgers' ayahuasca trips to Peru may have truly help the Green Bay QB.
*Plus, Doug Bandow of the CATO Institute claims that Nancy Pelosi may have put us on a path to war with China.
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John Howell speaks with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who just returned from his trip to Taiwan with Speaker Pelosi. He discusses why he attended the five country excursion, why he believes it was beneficial to stop in Taiwan, and how the trip went over all. He discusses why he feels it's in our national interest to keep the peace in places like Taiwan and Ukraine.
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John Howell is joined by Jeremy Stahl, Senior Editor for Slate. Stahl makes his case for why he does not believe Trump will run again in 2024.
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*Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Jonathan Bernstein takes a look at Wisconsin to point out how the GOP has a recruiting problem.
*ABC News Correspondent Andy Field breaks down the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
*Keith Naughton of Silent Majority Strategies discusses the tough decision that Merrick Garland has in relation to Trump.
*Dr. Robert Renteria tells John about his books and curriculum designed to empower youths to avoid violence, delinquency, and gangs.
*Plus, national political reporter Salena Zito talks John Fetterman's messaging and shares her thoughts on the raid of Mar-a-Lago.
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A nationwide shortage of Carbon Dioxide is starting to affect the beer market. John Howell speaks with Derricke Dennis, ABC News Correspondent, New York. Dennis has the very latest, including other items that are manufactured with Carbon Dioxide which may be affected.
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John Howell speaks with Mack Liederman, General Assignment Reporter for Block Club Chicago. Chicago Public Schools are experiencing a bus driver shortage, leaving parents and schools scrambling for solutions. Liederman speaks about the shortage, how CPS is trying to rectify the problem, and how this has affected students.
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-Ron Onesti, President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, joins to discuss their proposed plan to return and protect the Christopher Columbus statues in Chicago.
-Jay Tcath, Executive Vice President at the Jewish United Fund, calls in to discuss an interactive public art display about gun violence at their office in the Loop.
-ABC News Legal Analyst, Royal Oakes, has the very latest on Alex Jones’ legal proceedings.
-Jason Nathanson has the scoop on the new Brad Pitt flick, “Bullet Train,” and why “Batgirl” was shelved $90 million into the movie.
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John Howell is joined by David Greising, President and CEO of the Better Government Association. They discuss Darren Bailey and J.B. Pritzker’s very different views on Chicago, and what this means for both the city and their campaigns.
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John Howell is joined by Charles Lipson, Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago. Professor Lipson’s latest piece describes the decline and fall of the classic newspaper. We read differently now, most notably due to the internet.
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*ABC News Correspondent Jay O'Brien breaks down the Brittney Griner verdict and where things stand moving forward.
*John shares two stories regarding the 2nd Amendment that had incredibly different results.
*Jeff Greenfield of POLITICO Magazine tells John that the November midterms could bring a couple surprises.
*Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns condemns the man who has repeatedly defaced a Pride-painted fire hydrant with Nazi symbols.
*Plus, Jaime Guerrero of the Beer & BBQ Challenge previews what will be the final installment of the massive fundraising event.
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John Howell speaks with Brad Garrett, ABC News Crime & Terrorism Analyst. The US State Department is concerned about violence against Americans abroad after the Zawarhi killing. Garrett speaks about the reason for these cautions and how we can be careful overseas.
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John Howell speaks with Congressman Sean Casten from Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Congressman Casten insists that gun violence prevention bills need to be passed now. One proposal included is a gun buy-back program. They also talk about the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.
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John Howell speaks with the Chicago Tribune’s Ray Long, investigative reporter who broke the story about Mike Madigan. He’s the author of “The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois’ Velvet Hammer.” Madigan’s racketeering trial continues to get pushed back, but his pension payments, it seems, continue to balloon. Long has the latest.
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*97th District State Rep. Mark Batinick discusses his proposed legislation to allot speed camera revenues toward police and fire pensions.
*Dan Hinkel of the Better Government Association tells John that the city's claims about its anti-violence programs are overblown.
*John looks at how both Darren Bailey and Paul Vallas are being forced to answer for some unforced political errors.
*David Siders at POLITICO shares his biggest takeaways from yesterday's primaries, including the abortion vote in Kansas.
*Plus, Mike Emanuel stops by for his weekly visit to discuss Kyrsten Sinema, DC rumors, and a little bit golf.
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John Howell is joined by Brian Costin, Deputy State Director at Americans for Prosperity. The organization would like Arlington Heights to ban subsidies for a Chicago Bears redevelopment of the race track. Taxpayers, they say, already pay enough taxes without this additional burden.
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John Howell speaks with Leslie Recht, President of the Grant Park Advisory Council. The council and Aldermen city-wide are disappointed in the exclusion of local Aldermen in Lollapalooza and NASCAR negotiations. The alderpersons have several requests for clauses they’d like added into these deals.
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*ABC News Correspondent Jay O'Brien provides an update on Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan, including a surprise Republican supporter.
*John and Producer Bret parse through Deshaun Watson suspension, wondering if it was for the best that the Bears passed on the troubled QB.
*Steve Bernas of the Better Business Bureau shares how you can avoid ticket fraud if you're heading the Elton John concert.
*Mike Shoreman discusses how he is raising money for mental health awareness by paddleboarding across all the Great Lakes.
*Plus, world renowned civil litigator Ken McCallion previews his forthcoming book, "Saving the World One Case at a Time."
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Darren Bailey has encountered a few roadblocks recently. ULine, one of his biggest supporters in the primaries, is not happy with his campaign team. Also, some very controversial statements Bailey made have come out regarding the Holocaust and abortion.
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ACLU of Illinois attorney Rebecca Glenberg discusses the evolving situation at the recently vandalized Lake in the Hills bakery.
Colby Hall of Mediaite looks at the rift that is continuing to grow between Fox News and Donald Trump.
Stephen Moore tries to determine when the live-and-let-live left become the party that wants to abolish everything.
Daniel DePetris at Defense Priorities tells John that for better or worse, we are seeing the consequences of sanctioning Russia.
*Plus, Carl Cannon of RealClearPolitics breaks down their new poll showing that Americans are tired of billionaires.
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JB Pritzker and other Democratic gubernatorial candidates are buying TV ads in an attempt to hand-pick their GOP opponents. Steve Chapman of Creators Syndicate tells John how this strategy could hurt Democrats come November.
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*Greg Hinz compares Lori Lightfoot to one of her predecessors with how she seemingly unilaterally pushed the NASCAR deal through.
*Jeff Agrest of the Sun-Times sat down with Olin Kreutz, who finally discussed his firing from CHGO.
*Ally Marotti of Crain's Chicago tells John how several of Chicago's fine-dining restaurants are moving out to the burbs.
*ABC News Correspondent Dave Packer says that you can expect consumer prices to continue to climb in the coming weeks.
*Plus, Pat Etherington of Davey's warns about the Japanese beetle that has been causing havoc in the Chicago area.
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Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, joins the John Howell Show. Will Smith put out another video about the incident between himself and Chris Rock at the Oscars. Nathanson and Howell discuss the possible reasons this statement is coming now, how the public has responded, and what they’d do in Chris Rock’s situation.
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John Howell is joined by Sir John Dempsey, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus and former News Director. They catch up on the latest golf news, Lollapalooza bands, and the afternoon show’s golf outing this morning. Kim Gordon, it turns out, has the best swing of them all.
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John Howell is joined by Bob McCoppin, Chicago Tribune reporter focusing on news and trends in suburbs and especially on the legalization of marijuana. He has the numbers: Marijuana sales and tax revenues jumped 50% in the last year.
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*Bill Scher joins the show to plead with Joe Biden to not run for a second term, noting that they rarely go well.
*5th District Congressman Mike Quigley recaps his trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Vladimir Zelensky.
*Chicago Sun-Times reporter Brett Chase shares how two CPS teachers escaped termination for their General Iron protests.
*Mark Konkol of the Patch breaks down how speed cameras targets poor neighborhoods that pay too much and receive too little.
*Plus, John says to be wary if you win Friday's Mega Millions. He tells tales of past winners who have lost it all.
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John Howell speaks with Dr. Christopher Mooney, Professor of State Politics at the University of Illinois Chicago. Dr. Mooney discusses Darren Bailey’s strategies in this gubernatorial election. Is avoiding Donald Trump the right move?
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Lauren O'Neil of Q101 previews Lollapalooza, and tells John whether the festival is still worth it for the fans and the city.John Pletz of Crain's Chicago breaks down Google's surprise purchase of the Thompson Center.Personal Security Consultant shares tips to keep yourself safe if you attend Lolla or any other major public gathering.John wonders if all political candidates should be forced to take a competency test before running for office.*Plus, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay previews his upcoming event that will feature his nearly $100 million memorabilia collection.
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John Howell is joined once again by Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent. They discuss some of this week’s biggest stories out of Washington, including Biden’s case of Covid, the Respect for Marriage Act, and inflation.
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John Howell is joined by Robert Reed, Veteran Chicago journalist and current contributor to Chicago magazine. They discuss the plan to revitalize the Magnificent Mile and the Water Tower Place, as these former “hotspot” destinations have gone downhill in recent years. Some of these plans include diversifying the retail options, adding in different business types, and even expanding sidewalks.
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*State politics reporter Dave McKinney discusses how Chicago's push to host the 2024 DNC is shrouded by an internal party rift.
*Scott Shackford of Reason presents some of the new details regarding the quick release of Congressman Lee Zeldin's attacker.
*Sports Marketing Expert Marc Ganis shares his thoughts on Mayor Lightfoot's hail Mary attempt to keep the Bears in Chicago.
*Greg Lukianoff of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression tells John why cancelling Dave Chapelle is not a 'win' for free speech.
*William Kristol of The Bulwark wonders what politician can both defend and reform our democracy at the same time.
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John Howell chats about the rise in sales for cheap beer and tobacco brands among sky high inflation. People are not giving up their vices, but they are switching to cheaper alternatives.
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John Howell speaks with Dave McKinney, State Politics reporter at WBEZ. They speak about the Illinois Democrats’ bid for the 2024 DNC. They also look back at the 1996 DNC, which was held in Chicago.
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*ABC News Correspondent Derricke Dennis reports on the UN Health Agency's Chief declaring Monkey Pox a global emergency
.*Jaclyn Wegner, Director of Conservation Action at The Shedd discusses the effort to restore the South Branch of the Chicago River.
*Keith Naughton of Silent Majority Strategies shares how Biden and Trump's political careers are strangely dependent on each other.
*Zack Pearson of BearReport.com previews training camp for the Bears, including what to expect from Justin Fields this season.
*Plus, Salena Zito tells John how local messaging, not national partisan propaganda will win over voters in November.
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John Howell speaks with LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune reporter covering the White Sox. The two discuss the long overdue induction of Minnie Miñoso into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was one of Miñoso’s last wishes before his passing, which made it a bittersweet ceremony this past weekend.
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Today, Mayor Lightfoot announced the city’s proposed plans for renovations to Soldier Field. Kim Gordon and John Howell discuss what is likely “close to the last best offer” that the city is hoping will keep the Bears from leaving.
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*ABC News Correspondent Justin Finch provides the latest on Joe Biden's Covid case and the reaction from the White House.
*John plays some classic fights between Dr. Fauci and Rand Paul after Fauci announced when he will be retiring.
*Jon Swartz of MarketWatch explains how Twitter is blaming Elon Musk for their disappointing earnings report.
*Steve Cochran jumps on with John to preview the H Foundation's Goombay Bash coming up on Saturday.
*Plus, Rob Martier shares his disappointment in the Blackhawks for letting Eddie Olczyk leave the Blackhawks booth.
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A jury has found Steve Bannon guilty in contempt of congress, and ABC News Correspondent Andy Field joins John Howell to discuss the verdict. When will Bannon be sentenced and what will his sentencing entail?
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John Howell discusses an incident that happened at Congressman Lee Zeldin's rally on Thursday evening. As Congressman Zeldin was speaking, a man walked on stage and grabbed the congressman. Less than a day after the incident, the suspect is out on bail.
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*ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett tells John that the missing Secret Service texts are much ado about nothing.
*Ald. Anthony Napolitano describes his ordinance that aims to allow CPD officers to decline previously unscheduled hours.
*Ethan Wolf, Deputy Political Director for Rep. Brad Schneider discusses his Twitter account that attempts to highlight wins by the White House
.*Olivier Knox of the Washington Post breaks down the current trust level in the news media, and talks about the idea of 'equal' coverage
.*Plus, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico follows up on his announcement that he will not be running for reelection.
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John Howell speaks with Ald. Anthony Napolitano from the 41st Ward. Ald. Napolitano discusses the new proposed ordinance that would allow CPD officers to decline previously unscheduled hours. This is about relief, he says, and mental health support in a time when it’s never been worse among the CPD.
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John Howell is joined by Allen R. Sanderson, Senior Instructional Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. They discuss Chicago’s recent NASCAR deal and what Professor Sanderson thinks it will bring to the city. They also talk about the price tag (so far) and how it compares to other large events.
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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas discusses her report on how Chicago's redlining history is leading to urban decay.IL Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie comments on the Illinois State Police's expanded use of "clear and present danger."Halfway through, Marshall Jon Fisher looks back at the undefeated 1972 Dolphins , followed by the crew's grossest CTA stories.Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel talks Secret Service texts and Biden's failed international trips.*Plus, Steve Dolinsky of NBC 5 previews the inaugural Pizza City Fest: Chicago coming up this weekend.
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John Howell is joined by Mallory Vor Broker, WLS Chicago City Hall Reporter. They discuss the results of today’s city council meeting, including decisions on speed cameras, drag racing, and ethics reform.
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John Howell speaks with Rick Pearson, Chief Political Analyst for the Chicago Tribune. Pearson gives an analysis of the money spent per vote in the Illinois primaries. Money, to no one’s surprise, is a major player in these types of campaigns.
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*John and Kim Gordon discuss the announcement that NASCAR will be coming to Chicago for street racing starting next year.
*Alexa James of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago says the city is not doing enough to help overworked cops.
*Professor Charles Lipson at the University of Chicago details how President Biden came back empty-handed from his Saudi trip.
*IL BBB President Steve Bernas warns of schemes using "Deepfake" technology and scams that offer to buy or sell used cars.
*Plus, Stephen Moore and John break into an impromptu trivia match, and Dr. Bob Hueter of OCEARCH has great news regarding sharks.
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John Howell is joined by Richie Furay, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of the legendary and quintessential groups Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. Furay tells us about his first studio album in seven years, why he took a bit of a break, and what’s to come from here.
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John Howell speaks with Alexa James, Chief Executive of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago (NAMI) and consultant to the CPD. After a string of CPD suicides, she says that the city is not doing enough to help overworked cops. She also discusses her proposed plans to address psychological issues within the ranks.
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*Gary Fineout, author of POLITICO's Florida Playbook gives the reaction to J.B. Pritzker's speech from Saturday in the Sunshine State.
*First Amendment lawyer Bob Corn-Revere compares anti-abortion protestors to Anthony Comstock.
*Justin Finch of ABC discusses how the Secret Service is reacting to allegations that they intentionally deleted text messages.
*David Winston of the Winston Group describes the insanity of Joe Biden's campaign, saying that they are running out of gas.
*Plus, Dr. Amanda Paluch calls Chicago one of the most fit cities in America, and John wants to protect the Long Grove covered bridge.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Amanda Palach, Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The American Fitness Index has ranked Chicago as the 10th fittest city in America. Dr. Palach discusses how this ranking is put together and how the Windy City secured their top ten spot.
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John Howell is joined by Gary Fineout, author of POLITICO’s Florida Playbook. Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, spoke at the meeting of Florida Democrats over the weekend. Fineout has the details on what was discussed, including how he believes Ron DeSantis is acting like former President Trump.
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*Ozzie Guillen made headlines multiple times this week, and Jeff Agrest of the Sun-Times breaks down what happened.
*Dr. Veronica Pear at UC Davis tells John how we can make red-flag laws most effective against gun violence.
*Mark Konkol shares his frustration with Democrat officials who go after assault weapons while ignoring killer poverty.
*POLITICO Reporter Marianne LeVine discusses the steps that Senators are taking to address future transfers of presidential powers.
*Plus, Doug Bandow of the CATO Institute talks Biden's Middle East trip, and Chicago musician Edwin Daugherty remembers Capt. Walter Dyett.
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John Howell is joined by Mark Konkol to discuss his recent opinion piece in Patch. According to Konkol, Democrats are lining up to support assault weapon bans while ignoring poverty and letting society decay. He speaks to why he believes this is the case, as well as the differences between the parties in these views.
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John Howell is joined by Jeff Agrest, Deputy Sports Director at the Chicago Sun-Times. Longtime White Sox analyst, Ozzie Guillen, has had an eventful week: criticizing Tony LaRussa and challenging Jon Heyman to a fight. Agrest believes Guillen is the analyst we all need for the game of baseball.
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Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering discuss the steps she is taking to prevent another shooting like the one on the 4th of July.Steve Chapman of Creators Syndicate tells John why Joe Biden shouldn't stand for reelection in two years.Josh Kraushaar of Axios details how the voter bases for Democrats and Republicans have shifted dramatically.Dr. Allison Strom at Northwestern University shares what she hopes to learn from her time with the James Webb Space Telescope.*Plus, Walter Shapiro of Roll Call bluntly says that both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are too old to face-off in 2024.
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John Howell is joined by Walter Shapiro, Columnist for Roll Call, Fellow at The Brennan Center, and Political Science Lecturer at Yale. He joins to discuss his thoughts on the 2024 election and the prospect of either Trump or Biden running again. The emphasis on Biden’s age, he reminds us, has obscured the fact that Trump is nearly the same age. Both, he believes, are too old.
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John Howell is joined by Josh Kraushaar, Senior Politics Reporter for Axios. Kraushaar has been researching and writing pieces on the political realignment we are seeing happen in real time with both parties shifting in demographics. Republicans are becoming more working class and slightly more multicultural, and Democrats are becoming more elite and also female. These and many more statistical observations, on the podcast.
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*Jim Ryan reports the reaction from Texas officials and parents after the release of the Uvalde school shooting video.
*Nancy Latham of the University of Illinois tells John how staffing shortages are continuing to get worse in Illinois schools.
*Juanita Irizarry of Friends of the Park says that the potential improvements to the Museum Campus make a lot of sense.
*Bloomberg Opinion columnist Jonathan Bernstein looks at what it would take for Democrats to dump Joe Biden in 2024.
*Plus, Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by, and economic expert Paul A. London describes the inflation terror being felt by the Fed.
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John Howell is joined by Juanita Irizarry, Executive Director for Friends of the Parks Chicago. She speaks with John on why the proposed improvements to the Museum Campus make sense, even if the Bears do not stay at Soldier Field. These improvements would add more green space and outdoor museum activities, as well as improved amenities on the campus.
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John Howell is joined by Nancy Latham, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Executive Director of the Council on Teacher Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There are school staff shortages all over Illinois that are only getting worse. Latham discusses how the field of teaching has been unsupported for decades, and the pandemic was a huge turning point for retention.
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*James Hohmann of the Washington Post details the latest Jan. 6th hearing, which included some face tattoos.
*Dr. Sheldon Richardson of the University of Illinois shares why there have been so many summer flight delays and cancellations.
*Adler Planetarium Director of Astronomy Dr. Geza Gyuk tells John why the James Webb Telescope images are so important.
*Mike McMains from Tours with Mike describes his new tour that takes visitors on a stroll through Chicago’s underbelly (rats included!)
*Plus, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey gives his predictions for the 150th Open Championship.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Geza Gyuk, Director of Astronomy for The Alder Planetarium. The Webb Telescope images were released this week, and Dr. Gyuk explains why they are so important to science and humanity. He speaks to what we can expect to learn from these images and all of the efforts that went into capturing them.
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John Howell is joined by Dr. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Founder Professor in Computer Science at the University of Illinois, Urbana. Dr. Jacobson speaks to why there have been so many flight delays and cancellations this Summer. It goes beyond weather: staffing, re-training pilots who haven’t flown in awhile, and limitations due to backup crews. They also discuss what we as passengers can do when experiencing delays.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Annie Sweeney, Chicago Tribune Crime and Courts Reporter. Sweeney, along with colleagues at the Tribune, investigated the Illinois gun-permitting system in light of the Highland Park mass shooting. She discusses the “Clear and Present Danger” and “Red Flag” laws in Illinois, and how the alleged Highland Park mass shooter was able to pass through the system to purchase weapons.
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Andrea Darlas, in for John Howell, is joined by Kelsey Jones, Emarsys retail expert. They talk about everything we need to know ahead of Amazon Prime Days, which are July 12-13. Kelsey has advice on how to be a responsible consumer when presented with all of the choices we see on Prime days and during other big sales.
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*Mark Maxwell, the KSDK Five on Your Side Political Editor, discusses Darren Bailey's comments surrounding the Highland Park shooting.
*Stephan Blandin founding partner of Romanucci & Blandin LCC, provides his analysis on the legal liabilities of the people around mass shooters.
*Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent, has the latest on the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
*Professor Brian Levin discusses the connection between the dark corners of the internet and acts of violence.
*Former Representative Dan Lipinski is eyeing a run as an independent in suburban Illinois.
*ABC News Correspondent Derricke Dennis reports on how the economy created 372,000 jobs in June.
*Plus, John Howell is enjoying the spectacle around Boris Johnson's resignation.
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John Howell is joined by Professor Brian Levin, Director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. They discuss Professor Levin’s recent piece on online behavior patterns and how this relates to the alleged Highland Park shooter. Dark corners of the internet are attractive to people who are predisposed to violence, and this includes the shooter, according to Professor Levin.
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John Howell is joined by Andy Field, ABC News Correspondent, Washington. They discuss the assassination of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at age 67. Field sheds light on the life and works of Abe, as well as on the crime itself.
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John Howell is joined by Dan Lipinski, former U.S. Rep for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District. Lipinski comes on to discuss his recent op-ed on the need for Independents in our current political climate. The two also discuss Lipinski’s potential run as an independent in the upcoming election.
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*Dr. Lori Ann Post of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine says that the Highland Park shooter followed an all too familiar pattern.
*ProPublica's Mick Dumke shares how Ken Griffin's effort to kill the graduated income tax paid off handsomely.
*Patrick De Haan of Gas Buddy looks at why gas prices are starting to fall, and where they may eventually end up.
*Melody Mercado of Block Club Chicago tells John how Taste of Chicago and other fests are struggling to lure restaurants to participate.
*Plus, entertainment correspondent Matt Wolfe takes a look at the illustrious career of James Caan.
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Joe Cahill of Crain's Chicago Business worries that the exits of Boeing and Caterpillar could be a sign of things to come in Illinois. Geoffrey Cubbage of the Better Government Association compares the power of the Chicago Inspector General to others in the country. Rick Morrissey of the Sun-Times shares why he selfishly hopes that the White Sox won't fire Tony La Russa. John looks at why Mike Pence was a heavy focus of the Jan. 6th hearings today. *Plus, Susanna Homan of PAWS Chicago stops by, and Gus Noble previews the 36th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
Chicago’s Inspector General Office is among the nation’s strongest, but lacks the power to publish reports. Policy Analyst for the Better Government Association, Geoffrey Cubbage, discusses the BGA's latest policy analysis of inspector generals across the country and how Chicago compares.
Two major corporations have decided to move out of Illinois in just about a month. Joe Cahill, Assistant Managing Editor and Columnist for Crain’s Chicago, joins John Howell to discuss why corporations are leaving the state.
Asia Times columnist David P. Goldman tells John that the echo chamber surrounding Ukraine is out of control. Abe Scarr of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group says that Comed's $38 million payback to customers is not nearly enough. Former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks shares how the Jan. 6th hearings can deliver, and how they can still fail. Mike Emanuel joins to discuss the fed's historic rate hike and the delays in the Jan. 6th hearings. *Plus, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey previews the US Open and gives his predictions on who will win.
Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent, joins John Howell to discuss the week’s biggest stories.These include the historic rate hike, the Jan 6th hearings, Dr. Fauci’s Covid status, and their predictions for the US Open.
John Howell is joined by Abe Scarr, Director of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group. They discuss ComEd’s proposed $38 million payback to customers, and how this pales in comparison to the profits from the scandal. This is all connected to the federal bribery scandal that led to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s indictment. Scarr says there could still be more done for Illinois citizens.
Mitchell Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times breaks down a poll showing that Ken Griffin's political donations aren't working. Long-time Democrat Ted Van Dyke shares why he's been disappointed in the Jan. 6th hearings so far. John A. Lawrence discusses how a lot of what we see in Washington now started with Watergate 50 years ago. Audrey Wennink of the Metropolitan Planning Council takes a look at what it would take to cap the Eisenhower. *Plus, Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute says that Americans, not Ukraine should decide US policy.
John Howell is joined by John A. Lawrence, author of “The Class of ’74: Congress After Watergate and the Roots of Partisanship.” Fifty years out from Watergate, Lawrence discusses how it is still affecting Washington today. They talk about the changes in Congress and in the political parties themselves after Watergate took place.
John Howell is joined by Mitchell Armentrout, reporter for the Chicago Sun Times. They discuss the current Illinois gubernatorial race and how Ken Griffin’s backing of Richard Irvin is not currently working. In fact, many voters remain undecided. The two discuss other candidates and the latest in political ads.
Chris Marquette of CQ Roll Call shares the biggest takeaways from today's Jan. 6th committee hearing. Steve Daniels at Crain's Chicago details the latest developments in the ComEd bribery scheme. Market Reporter Jacob Sonenshine discusses how much worse the market could get after it took a big hit today. Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune breaks down the highly contested Democratic Secretary of State reace. *Plus, Chicago Journalism Hall-of-Famer Rick Kogan looks back at Chicago during the tenure of Mayor Richard J. Daley.
The stock market got crushed today, how bad could it get? Market reporter for Barron’s, Jacob Sonenshine, talks with John about today's drop and if now is a good time to buy stocks.
A newly unsealed search warrant brings to light new information between Madigan and ComEd. Steve Daniels, Crain's Chicago Senior reporter covering banking, insurance and utilities joins John to discuss the drip feed of the Madigan scandal.
Benjamin Ferdinand, local firearms dealer, speaks about why he is for universal background checks. Veteran political operative and lobbyist, Victor Reyes, joins John to discuss Lightfoot's uphill re-election. Royal Oakes, ABC News Legal Analyst, discusses what the first night of January 6th hearings told us. The Chicago Tribune's John Keilman joins John to preview the LIV tour coming to Aurora. *Plus, Ray Novak tells us all about the Chicago Fireboat tours, and Jim Wojdyla from the Volo Auto Museum talks about a chance to sleep in their Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine.
Looking for some historical family fun? Ray Novak, Co-Owner and Co-Captain of Chicago Fireboat Tours, talks with John about the history of their flagship vessel, The Fred A. Busse!
What can we do about gun control? Benjamin Ferdinand, owner of Benjamin Specialties LLC, supports universal background checks and he joins John to share his perspective as a local firearms dealer.
Mick Dumke from ProPublica joins the show to discuss an investigation into land Chicago slated for housing and gave to a soccer team. The Washington Post's Philip Bump is on to talk about the Proud Boys and their part in the Jan 6 insurrection. Greg Hinz of Crains Chicago Business is on to talk about Pritzker's campaign for re-election. CNN's own David Gergen joins the show to talk about his new book, "Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made." *Plus, Revolution Brewing's John Carruthers has all the details on the return of Freedom Fest.
With many people feeling uncertainty in our political leaders, Dave Gergen, Author, CNN Senior Political Analyst, and former Presidential Adviser, joins the John Howell Show to discuss his book "Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made."
Undeveloped land that was promised to the Chicago Housing Authority to help ease the city's housing crisis is instead going to the Chicago Fire FC. Reporter for ProPublica, Mick Dumke, talks with John about this clash for land.
The Chicago Tribune's Gregory Pratt discusses Mayor Lightfoot's stance on bail and her campaign for reelection. Mediaite's Colby Hall talks about why Fox is betraying viewers by not airing the January 6th trials Dr. Harlan Ullman, Senior Advisor at Washington DC's Atlantic Council, talks about returning to strategy over slogan. Howard Reich, author, producer, and Pulitzer Prize jury member, talks about Louis Armstrong's 100 Year Chicago Anniversary. *Plus, more on the Jan 6th hearings from Bloomberg's Jonathan Bernstein, and John reviews the biggest headlines with Mike Emanuel.
Senior advisor at Washington D.C's Atlantic council Dr. Harlan K. Ullman, describes one of the messages of his book 'The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Became the Looming Existential Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large '. People are reacting more to slogans of political parties as opposed to making decisions based off of the actions, creating a divide amongst parties.
Colby Hall of News Nation discusses with John Howell how Fox News will not broadcast the trials of the January 6th incident. Is Fox News betraying its viewers?
Dr. Janice Jackson, CEO of Hope Chicago, joins John Howell to speak about the incredible initiative they announced recently to send 4000 CPS high school students to college for free. Dr. Jackson discusses how Hope Chicago strives to not only send children to college, but give them valuable training and resources in addition to help them be as successful as possible. To learn more, visit hopechicago.org.
Jacob Sullum, Senior editor at Reason Magazine, joins John Howell to discuss the “rush to do something” after a shooting, and why this is not the best tactic. He talks about the flaws in the logic on both sides of the aisle, why rushing to make changes does not always lead to something lasting, and other things we as a country may be able to try to build safer environments for our children.
Mark Konkol tells the story of the son of a mayor who is now running for Mayor of Chicago Max Bever from the Chicago Board of Elections talks about polling places ahead of the election. Dr. Jean Kim discusses the question: are psychopaths born or made? Frederick Collins discusses his bid for mayor of Chicago. *Plus, Jason Nathanson has the latest on a Maverick lawsuit, and Derricke Dennis talks about the trouble in paradise between Elon Musk and Twitter.
Psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at George Washington University, Dr. Jean Kim talks with John about the idea of nature versus nurture, and its effect on possible mass shooters.
Seventy-three precinct polling places will be vacant ahead of the June 28th Primary Election day. Max Bever, Director of Public Information for the Chicago Board Elections joins John to discuss Chicago's polling places.
Brett Chase has the latest updates on General Iron's suit against the city of Chicago. A.B. Stoddard puts out a call to action for President Biden to reprimand those threatening SCOTUS. Chris Jones describes what it was like to attend the Queen's Jubilee celebration here in Chicago. Dr. John Kenneth White discusses his piece, "Let Biden be Biden." *Plus, Gus Noble from the Chicago Scots stops by to let us know all about the return of the 36th Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
It's summer in Illinois and the CEO of Chicago Scots, Gus Noble, talks with John about the upcoming 36th Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Itasca, Illinois!
President Biden has described himself as a "Gaffe Machine." Dr. John Kenneth White, Professor of Politics at the Catholic University of America, joins John to discuss how the White House is often overly protective of the President.
Paul Vallas discusses his bid for Chicago mayor, saying that Lori Lightfoot's policies make her vulnerable. Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel says that investing in children at a younger age can help end the violence. Joe Mahr of the Chicago Tribune dives into a consulting firm co-founded by Richard Irvin that is starting to raise some questions. Philip Bump of the Washington Post takes a look at how John Durham failed to deliver for Donald Trump. *Plus, Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by for his weekly visit and Bill Collar of Seymour, WI shares how his city is the home of the hamburger.
Chief Tom Weitzel, Retired Police Chief from the Riverside Police Department, joins John Howell. He discusses how investing in children at a younger age can help end the type of tragic violence we see in places like Uvalde. He talks about the warning signs, the steps law enforcement should take, and how more guns are not the answer.
Paul Vallas, Former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, joins John Howell to speak about his bid for Chicago Mayor. Vallas speaks about the differences between now and the last time he ran, the issues that have evolved, and what he would do differently than the current Mayor.
ABC News Correspondent Dennis Foley reports from Texas after a contentious press conference from law enforcement officials. Steve Lord of the Aurora Beacon-News discusses the ongoing disagreement between Richard Irvin and Pride Parade organizers. Former congressional staffer & campaign manager Matt Robison tells John what the really important questions will be heading into the midterms. Janice Riggs talks about Chicago's 'Walking Man' after he was left with 3rd degree burns after being attacked once again. *Plus, Ann Gunkel looks back at the impact of Monty the piping plover and Attorney Exavier Pope says that it's time to stick up for Chicago.
Exavier Pope, Principal Owner of The Pope Law Firm in Chicago, joins John Howell. Texas governor Greg Abbott called out the violence in Chicago in the wake of the Texas shooting, and Pope says it’s time for us to stick up for the city. Chicago has been painted in nearly dystopian terms as a talking point, but Pope says that these ideas have little basis in reality. This, and more, on the podcast.
Steve Lord, writer and reporter for the Aurora Beacon-News, joins John Howell. They discuss the reasons behind the Aurora Pride parade banning in-uniform police, and they review Mayor Richard Irvin’s response to the issue. What “city action” would possibly be taken? That, and more, on the podcast.
Chicago Tribune reporter Jason Meisner details how ex-state Representative Luis Arroyo was sentenced to near five years in prison. Dennis Foley joins again from San Antonio to discuss the questions facing law enforcement for their response to Tuesday's deadly shooting in Texas. 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea tells John about his ordinance designed to address the CPD staffing crisis. Legal historian and law professor Mary Ziegler previews what she believes will be an interstate war over abortion. *Plus, Jason Nathanson remembers Ray Liotta and author David Hanna talks Chicago history with his new book "Broken Icarus."
John Howell is joined by ABC News’ Jason Nathanson to discuss the passing of Ray Liotta. The actor, known best for roles in “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams,” passed away earlier today at 67. Nathanson had the chance to chat with Liotta last year and shared clips of that interview, as well as some favorite clips from his film work.
Alderman Matt O’Shea of the 19th Ward joins Big John Howell. Ald. O’Shea has proposed an ordinance offering an incentive program to address the CPD staffing crisis. It would provide benefits to new and veteran officers in hopes of building the CPD staff numbers. They also discuss the recent meeting between Lightfoot & Sigcho Lopez as well as the newly approved casino.
Legal Analyst Royal Oakes talks with John about red flag laws and which states do/do not have them. Jeffrey Maurer shares how indiscriminately forgiving student loan debt would make the Democrats' image problem even worse. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos discusses how Illinois and the Midwest could help with rising fuel prices. Henry Olsen of The Washington Post informs John that Joe Biden was actually correct in his comments about Taiwan. *Plus, Mike Emanuel stops by for his weekly visit, and two 2020 Chicago rioters are headed off to arson grad school.
Big John Howell is joined by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos of Illinois’ 17th district to talk about the future of ethanol use in Illinois. Rep. Bustos discusses E15 usage, how it is a beneficial replacement for fossil fuels, who can use it, and how Illinois can contribute.
Big John Howell is joined by Jeffrey Maurer, former senior writer for “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” to discuss the problem with forgiving student debt. Democrats have an image problem, according to Maurer, and forgiving debt blindly will make it worse. They discuss the potential messages this would send about the party and the potential disaster this would cause.
John takes the pulse of listeners after 14 students and one teacher were killed at an elementary school in Texas. Strategist Jim Manley shares why he believes that Joe Biden is planning on running again in 2024. Steve Bernas of the BBB of Chicago & Northern IL warns of scammers that are taking advantage of the baby formula shortage. Bill Scher at Real Clear Politics talks with John about the primaries taking place today, and how Trump's influence plays into them. Pamela Althoff of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois discusses the potential 185 new dispensary licenses coming to the state. Plus, Matt Weidinger of American Enterprise Institute portrays how federal Covid relief is helping to driving inflation.
Jim Ryan, ABC News Correspondent from Dallas, joins John Howell with the latest on the tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. As of now, there are 15 dead, including 14 children and one teacher.
Big John Howell is joined by Democratic strategist Jim Manley who thinks that Biden will, in fact, run for re-election in 2024. They discuss how the democrats are positioned, how conventional political thought may affect another bid for Presidency, and what Dems may do in the meantime.
Gregory Pratt of the Chicago Tribune looks back at Lori Lightfoot's first three years in office, nothing some big missed opportunities. Former CIA officer Alex Finley discusses her new book, "Victor in Trouble" which is inspired by the idea that Putin wants to destabilize Democracy. Jon Seidel of the Chicago Sun-Times tells John about the latest leak from the Mike Madigan wiretap audio. Stephen Moore of Freedom Works talks about the billions of Covid relief dollars that have disappeared into the pockets of scammers. *Plus, Dr. Cynthia Buckley breaks down the corrected IL census data, and John Dempsey recaps Justin Thomas's PGA Championship win.
Dr. Cynthia Buckley, Professor of Sociology at University of Illinois, joins John Howell to discuss the recent corrections to the Illinois Census numbers. Illinois was undercounted, meaning that we’ve gained residents rather than lost them. This is good and bad news. Dr. Buckley and John discuss this, plus who was least likely to fill out their Census, and what these numbers mean.
According to former CIA officer-turned-satirist Alex Finley, the answer is clear: To weaken democracy everywhere. John Howell spoke with Finley about her latest novel "Victor in Trouble" is inspired in part by this troubling notion.
As a mayoral candidate, Lori Lightfoot preached reform. Three years later, activists and aldermen alike have a lot to say about how she has (and has not) spent her time in office. The Chicago Tribune’s Gregory Pratt joins John Howell to talk about this, Lightfoot’s potential re-election, and more.
Richard Goldberg of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies says that it's time to stop giving crypto companies a pass. Professor Steven Lubet of Northwestern University tells John why Clarence Thomas's comments on SCOTUS are correct, but for the wrong reason. Dorri McWhorter at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago tries to discern how we can address the youths congregating downtown. Ald. Nicole Lee stops by for the first time on WLS to discuss the rise in anti-Asian crime, the Chicago ward map, and the Millennium Park curfew. *Plus, Joey Morelli of Max's Deli previews his first annual 'Joey's Food Fight' event and fundraiser coming up on Tuesday.
Having experienced violence involving young people in the city, many are considering other options for our youth. Alderman Nicole Lee of the 11th Ward joins the John Howell Show to discuss what we can do to try to curb the violence in Chicago.
With the Roe v. Wade leak out of the Supreme Court, the public's trust has diminished. Steven Lubet, Williams Memorial Professor at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, talks with John about Clarence Thomas's reaction to the lack in confidence.
Katherine Davis of Crain's Chicago discusses how Abbott's baby formula business could be turning into a bigger headache than it's worth. Joel Brodsky, Drew Peterson's former attorney tell John that after his gag order ends, it's only a matter of time before he reveals Peterson's secrets. Kara Voght from Rolling Stone wonders if John Fetterman should be the blueprint for Democrats moving forward. Seargent Rocky Sickmann with Folds of Honor previews their upcoming events and discusses his 444 days spent as an Iranian hostage. *Plus, the state of New York is having trouble deciding whether or not an elephant is a human.
He's been put under gag order, but Drew Peterson's former attorney joins The John Howell show this afternoon. Joel Brodsky talks with John about his reaction to Peterson's approved request to silence him.
As the baby formula shortage continues, North Chicago-based Abbott Labs finds itself under investigation. Kathrine Davis, a health care and biotech journalist for Crain's Chicago Business, joins John to discuss issues currently surrounding Abbott Labs.
Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune shares his impressions from the first faceoff between the Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidates. Paul Vallas warns that rushing into the Chicago casino deal could leave Chicago holding a bad hand. Mark Rodeghier of the Center for UFO Studies helps recap the first Congressional hearing on UFO's in 50 years. Mike Emanuel at Fox News discusses the hurting stock market and the results of the primaries that were held yesterday. *Plus, Sir John Dempsey previews the PGA Championship, and beer expert Ray Daniels outlines his master Cicerone program.
Chicago is set to gain a Bally's Casino, but not everyone is certain about the addition. Paul Vallas, former budget director for the city of Chicago and CEO of Chicago Public Schools, joins John Howell to discuss why the rush for a casino is cause for concern.
Retailers are leading the Dow down due to inflation eating away at their profits. Is a recession on the way? Editor-in-chief for Investopedia Caleb Silver joins John Howell to discuss this sharp fall on Wall Street.
Steven Shepard of Politico and Charles McElwee of RealClearPennsylvania prepare you for the results and implications of today's primaries. Ed Yohnka of the ACLU of Illinois questions the legality of Lori Lightfoot's curfew imposed on Millennium Park. Pete Stavros at KKR and C.H.I. Overhead Doors describes how the sale of the garage door company will pay out hugely to their employees. Atlantic Council senior advisor Harlen Ullman asks if it is possible that NATO caused the war in Ukraine. *Plus, the first Congressional hearing on UFO's in 50 years took place today, and John assures that the truth is out there!
John Howell speaks with Pete Stavros, Co-Head of Private Equity at KKR and Chairman of C.H.I. Overhead Doors. C.H.I. was sold for $3 billion, and some of the employees are getting a cut. A few are getting as much as $800,000. They speak about why the company thought it was important to include the employees in these profits and also about how the money was allocated.
John Howell is joined by Steven Shepard, POLITICO’s Senior Campaign and Elections Editor and Chief Polling Analyst. They review everything to watch in today’s primaries, including Pennsylvania’s tight race, all of the attack ads, and tough Democratic campaigns.
State Representative Kam Buckner announced his Mayoral campaign on last Thursday. Kam joins John Howell to discuss why he's running and his thoughts on Lightfoot's curfew.
Former 44th Ward Alderman Dick Simpson details how Chicago has been named America's most corrupt city for the third year in a row. Paris Schutz of Chicago Tonight breaks down his report of leaked texts from Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin that insult Donald Trump. Justin Laurence recaps a contentious town hall held by Bally's that consisted of hundreds of residence opposed to the River West casino site. Researcher Patrick T. Brown shares the pro-family agenda that Republicans should embrace once Roe is overturned. *Plus, David Greising of the BGA discusses their recently awarded Pulitzer Prize, and our own Steven Traficanti says goodbye to The John Howell Show.
Grocery stores across the nation are experiencing baby formula shortages and Americans are getting concerned. But how did we get to this point? ABC News Correspondent Brian Clark and John Howell take a deep dive into the issue.
For the third year in a row, Chicago has been deemed the most corrupt city in America and Illinois ranks third most corrupt among states. Former Alderman Dick Simpson joins John Howell to discuss why the city is so corrupt.
Eric Zorn and John discuss how protestors outside the homes of Supreme Court justices aren't helping their cause. Michale Edwards of the Chicago Loop Alliance shares that they are doubling their number of street ambassadors to curb violence downtown. Greg Hinz of Crain's looks at the new poll showing that the IL GOP gubernatorial race is tighter than expected. Reid Wilson at The Hill discusses how state GOP lawmakers are getting ready to pounce after Roe is overturned. *Plus, attorney Jaice Zolna talks about the city lawfully overcharging citizens for city sticker violations.
Last week, an Illinois appellate court ruled the city of Chicago has overcharged some residents on their city vehicle sticker tickets. Now, the tickets may be forgiven and wiped clean. Cherry & Associates Attorney Jacie Zolna joins John Howell with the full details.
Millions and millions of dollars have been poured into the upcoming GOP race for Governor but it still seems like anyone's race. Crain's Chicago Business Political Writer Greg Hinz joins John Howell to discuss.
Mike DeBonis of the Washington Post tells John how the GOP is betting that voters will care more about inflation than abortion at the midterms. John T. Bennett of Roll Call postures that overturning Roe v. Wade is the culmination of our shifting political/cultural views. 1st Ward Alderman Daniel La Spata describes his efforts to stop water shut-offs for the hard hit communities of Chicago. Mike Emanuel, Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent stops by for his weekly visit to cover the biggest stories in Washington. *Plus, Darel Jevens of the Sun-Times lists the big name celebrities that are being added to the board of advisors for Second City.
Democrats presented a bill this week regarding abortion rights in America. The bill was denied but was it meant to be received as more of a message to the GOP? Fox News Chief Congressional Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins John Howell to discuss the abortion bill, inflation numbers, and the war in Ukraine.
Polls continue to show Americans are more concerned with inflation rather than abortion. Even with Roe v. Wade being a hot topic lately. The GOP seems confident their actions will not harm them in the midterm elections. Washington Post Congressional Reporter Mike DeBonis discusses with John Howell.
Alex Nitkin of The Daily Line breaks down the ward remap deal, and Chaundra Van Dyk of CHANGE Illinois talks about her disappointment in the final map. Joe Ferullo, former EVP of Programming for CBS tells John why CNN will struggle as it attempts to shift back into "real news." Steve Bernas of the BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois informs you of the scams to be aware of surrounding moving and lawn care companies. Professor Wilfred Reilly at Kentucky State University shares why people should debate Amy Wax rather than call for her firing. *Plus, John asks the crew how they are enjoying the warm weather before talking about the fallout from Richard Irvin's presser.
The numbers are out and they are staggering. Polls continue to show Americans want fair and balanced news but what does that really mean? The Hill's Political Columnist Joe Ferullo believes the people just want news that agrees with their viewpoints rather than the actual facts. He joins John Howell to discuss.
Chicago Alderman have secured enough votes avoid a referendum for the new Ward maps. The new map includes 16 majority-Black wards, 14 majority-Latino wards, and 1 majority-Asian American ward. The Daily Line Editor and City Hall Reporter Alex Nitkin joins John Howell with the latest.
Former Crain's Chicago Editor Robert Reed discusses why no one seems particularly upset that Boeing is leaving Chicago. David Montgomery of The Washington Post Magazine shares what hunts for Confederate bounties and Jesse James reveals about the American psyche. China Scholar Craig Singleton tells John why China's covid announcement has major implications for the US economy. CNN Political Commentator Alice Stewart talks about how the reversal of Roe v. Wade made the Trump worth it. *Plus, Steve Moore breaks down how the cancellation of student debt would simply increase the cost of college going forward.
President Biden has been floating the idea of student loan cancellation but critics are arguing it would actually drive up the cost of college even more. Freedom Works Senior Economic Contributor Stephen Moore joins John Howell to share his thoughts.
The Boeing Headquarters has been located in the Chicagoland area for 20 years. But was it a good deal in the end? Chicago Magazine Contributor Robert Reed discusses the Boeing HQ deal and their plans to move.
Chicago Tribune Chief Political Analyst discusses Ken Griffin dumping another $25 million into Richard Irvin's campaign. Jeff Agrest of the Chicago Sun-Times talks about Olin Kruetz attacking a co-worker, saying that Kruetz will eventually have to address it. Mark Konkol of Patch shares why he believes Chicago missed a big opportunity with 'Chicagwa.' Curtis Shaw Flagg of The Laugh Factory Chicago tells John how the comedy industry is having to worry about safety more than ever. *Plus, Jim Miller of Hawthorne gives his picks for the Kentucky Derby, and John rails against the idea of student loan forgiveness.
John Howell is joined by Curtis Shaw Flagg, President of The Laugh Factory Chicago. They discuss the recent instances of violence at comedy shows (Chris Rock and now David Chapelle being attacked mid-show.) They discuss these changes in American humor, how cell phones and social media have changed audience dynamics, and how precautions have changed.
Jeff Agrest, Deputy Sports Editor for the Chicago Sun-Times, joins John Howell to talk about the aftermath of the Olin Kreutz incident on Monday. Kreutz attacked a coworker after what is being reported as a “friendly joke.” Agrest believes that, if Kreutz handles this appropriately, he could come back around - but we need to see that apology.
Melody Mercado of Block Club Chicago details Mayor Lightfoot's decision to award the Chicago casino to Bally's. Brian Israel of the River North Residents Association tells John about the issues that residents have with the Bally's casino. Mark Maxwell at KSDK News in St. Louis describes how a campaign volunteer's baggage is coming back to haunt Rep. Mary Miller. Jason Knowles of the ABC 7 I-Team breaks down how carjacking victims are being forced to pay red light and speeding tickets. *Plus, Grant DePorter of Harry Carry's Restaurant Group talks about the upcoming Gaming for Green Texas Hold'em Poker and Casino Night.
John Howell is joined by Jason Knowles, Consumer Investigator for the ABC 7 I-Team. Jason has been working on an investigation into victims of carjackings being forced to pay red light and speeding tickets issued after their cars were stolen. Even with a police report, the city denied some appeals. Jason also gives some advice on how to go about submitting these appeals if this were to happen to you.
John Howell is joined by Brian Israel, President of the River North Residents Association. Mayor Lightfoot announced today that the city of Chicago would like to accept the proposal from Bally’s, putting it in River West. “We don’t want this in anyone’s backyard,” says Israel. The association and residents are trying to push back against Lightfoot’s decision today.
Dan Brady has been an Illinois State Representative since 2013. He announced he is running for the Secretary of State's office. Dan joins Ray to discuss his campaign strategy, his thoughts on current Secretary of State Jesse White, and how he plans to help Illinois. More information at votedanbrady.com
Congressman Mike Quigley shares details about his trip to Eastern Europe and updates John on the possibility of running for mayor. Ed Yohnka of the Illinois ACLU discusses the privacy issues surrounding the automated license plate readers used by police. Bruce Abramson at the American Center for Education & Knowledge talks about Elon Musk's Twitter gambit. Edward Warden, President of the Chicago Ornithological Society joins the show to give an update on the newly sighted piping plover. *Plus, Henry Olsen of the Washington Post covers the growing rift between big business and the GOP.
Elon Musk has been making headlines lately about his remarks on free speech and Twitter. American Center for Education & Knowledge Director Bruce Abramson joins John Howell to discuss Musk's recent statements and how they pertain to Twitter and free speech as a whole.
Congressman Quigley went to Poland, Slovakia and Romania to get a better perspective on the war and how the United States could best help. He joins John Howell to discuss his trip, the relationships between the US and its NATO partners, and what our allies need most to help fight off Russia.
Retired Police Chief Tom Weitzel makes the case for the continued use of Automated License Plate Readers. Deb Otis of FairVote tells John where Illinois ranks for ‘voter voice’ in Congressional elections. Spoiler - it's not great Rex Huppke of USA Today looks back at the Oklahoma City bombing 27 years later, where he was reporting at the time. Bonnie McDonald of Landmarks Illinois shares the endangered historical landmarks in Illinois that are worth saving. *Plus, the latest on the Florida bill targeting Disney, and Vicky Lynch of the Chicago Red Stars discusses the rise in popularity of soccer.
"McVeigh was a monster, if anyone deserved the death penalty, it was him" says Rex Huppke, who was there during the execution of the Oklahoma City Bomber Timothy McVeigh. USA Today Columnist Rex Huppke joins John Howell to recount the tragedy in Oklahoma City 27 years later.
Automated license plate readers are becoming a hot topic as of late. Critics say the cameras are intrusive and leaves the door open for the data collected to be misused. On the other hand, law enforcement promises these cameras are an essential tool. Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel joins John Howell to share his thoughts.
WLS City Hall Reporter Mallory Vor Broker recaps a contentious City Hall Committee hearing on Lightfoot's gas card proposal Alisa Kaplan of Reform for Illinois discusses the concerns regarding Willie Wilson's gas giveaway conflicting with campaign guidelines. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez shares the problems that he sees in the 78 Casino proposal. Mike Emanuel stops by to discuss today's Capitol evacuation and to give his thoughts on the new aid package for Ukraine. *Plus, Geoffrey Baer previews the second season of the Great Chicago Quiz Show, and a poll asks whether or not Joe Biden will finish his first term.
During a Nationals baseball game, their parachute team was flying in restricted airspace and failed to inform Capitol Police about their presence. The entire Capitol Hill was evacuated for safety concerns but was only a false alarm. Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins John with the full story.
2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins discusses the potential issues of the proposed Bally casino site and hints at a potential mayoral run. Professor Charles Lipson tells John how politicians in America continue to pass the buck. Paul Vallas shares why he believes that CPD needs to purge its top brass, including Superintendent David Brown. Dr. John Kenneth White of the Catholic University of America describes why America's politics are stuck in neutral. *Plus, Matthew Walther of The Lamp satirizes the state of baseball, and Lee Murphy of Crain's covers the booming indoor golf facility industry.
Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas joins John Howell to share his thoughts on the exodus of officers in Chicago and what the city is doing about it.
As the time to break ground nears, residents of the neighborhoods currently being scooped out for a potential casino are becoming concerned with what a casino may bring to their area. Alderman are listening to their residents and some have committed to vote against the casino if their ward is chosen. Alderman Brian Hopkins joins John Howell to discuss the situation.
ABC News Correspondent Katherine Faulders details Joe Biden's 180 on oil and gas drilling on federal lands. Howard Reich tells John how his Tribune series 'Mac's Journey' is being written into an opera that will debut next year. Former Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis takes a look at the Battle of Donbas and tries to determine what Putin's next move will be. Ronald Kessler and Lis Wiehl join the show to discuss problems facing the Secret Service and the FBI. *Plus, Salena Zito describes how Pennsylvania is shifting dramatically to the right, but feelings are mixed about Dr. Oz
On February 18th, 2001, Robert Philip Hanssen was arrested and charged with committing espionage on behalf of the intelligence services of the former Soviet Union. His espionage was described by the Department of Justice as “the worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history.” Author Lis Wiehl joins John Howell to discuss her new book. Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Spy-Plain-Sight-Hanssen_Americas-Damaging/dp/1639361715
With Putin's finances being frozen at the moment, Military Expert Daniel L. Davis is suggesting we liquidate Putin's assets instead and give that money to Ukraine in the form of aid. John Howell shares his thoughts on the idea and situation in Ukraine.
Gery Chicago remembers the Great Chicago Flood, when he was Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard Daley. In the wake of Dianne Feinstein's reported issues, John talks about the 'old' problem that faces a large portion of the Senate. Mark Brown of the Sun-Times discusses why he believes that Ex-Alderman Danny Solis' deal with the feds was way too generous. Retired WLS City Hall reporter Bill Cameron honors the life and legacy of Mayor Harold Washington on what would have been his 100th birthday. *Plus, Madeleine Doubak of Change Illinois shares the state of the ward remap battle and Jason Nathanson previews the final season of Better Call Saul.
Today marks what would be the 100th birthday of former Mayor of Chicago Harold Washington. WLS City Hall Reporter Emeritus Bill Cameron joins John Howell to remember the life and legacy of Harold Washington.
Age is a problem in politics as old as time itself. People are becoming concerned with several politicians mental fitness to stay in office, specifically California Senator Dianne Feinstein. A few have reported needing to reintroduce themselves several times during an interaction that lasted several hours. John Howell shares his thoughts on the issue.
Ald. Nick Sposato defends himself after the Ethics Board claims he violated a city ordinance with a social media picture from 2014. Dr. Willie Wilson joined John to discuss his campaign for mayor, and shared why he regrets endorsing Mayor Lightfoot during the last election. Kevin Kosar of the American Enterprise Institute tries to discern why there are no more serious debates in Congress. George Will of the Washington Post tells John how Illinois could save itself from the financial abyss. *Plus, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi says that we need to reform Congressional stock trading.
Candidate for Mayor Dr. Willie Wilson joins John Howell to discuss his plans for Chicago if he wins.
The Chicago Board of Ethics thinks Alderman Spasoto violated the city's governmental ethics ordinance. He was exposed by photographs later posted to his social media accounts. Alderman Sposato joins John Howell to share his side of the story.
Alderman Ray Lopez joined John to discuss his mayoral campaign and why he would relieve Supt. David Brown of his duties if elected. Jon Seidel of the Chicago Sun-Times breaks down the details of Danny Solis' deal with the feds that will keep him out of prison. David Jackson at the Better Government Association reports how Alderman Burnett changed his stance on affordable housing once the money started flowing. Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by for his weekly visit and gives his thoughts on the Secret Service scandal and Tiger's Masters performance. *Plus, Mack Liederman of Block Club tells John about the boat stuck in the Chicago River, and Walter Shapiro shares why Democrats may not be dead yet.
Over three years ago, Ex-Ald. Solis was allegedly accepting benefits that included Viagra, prostitution services and campaign contributions. He signed a deferred-prosecution agreement to stay out of prison. The agreement just went public and Chicago Sun-Times Federal Courts Reporter Jon Seidel joins John with the full story.
Alderman Ray Lopez announced his run for Mayor of Chicago recently. He joins John Howell to discuss his campaign, why he decided to run, his stance on the violence in the city, how he would support CPD, and what he would do about Chicago corruption.
J.D. Tucille of Reason says that the seizing of Russian yachts could lead to the stealing of Americans' property in the future. Steve Bernas of the Better Business Bureau of Illinois details two powerful tools they are highlighting for Smart Money Week. Ross Pomeroy at RealClearScience discusses how America has a narcissism epidemic, and it's affecting every single generation. Doug Bandow from the Cato Institute tells John why preventing war with Russia is in America's best interest. *Plus, Reid Wilson of The Hill looks at the battle between states over NFL stadiums, and John discusses the life of Gilbert Gottfried.
"I think, to be honest, it has just gotten worse with every generation," says Ross Pomeroy. Ross joins John Howell to discuss America's narcissism problems and how it has gotten worse over time.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, world leaders imposed sanctions and began seizing the assets of top Russian officials and oligarchs. These actions highlighted the sketchy practices that go into asset forfeiture and now, some experts believe Americans' property could suffer a similar fate in the future. Reason.com Contributing Editor J. D. Tucille joins John to share his thoughts.
Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun-Times brings up the heckler's veto while discussing whether the Columbus statues are a free speech issue. Former CIA agent Douglas London tells John the understanding Vladimir Putin's true motives is essential to keeping him under control. Political Analyst and former federal and state prosecutor Pat Brady gives his take on Danny Solis being charged with bribery. Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago points out how politicians are conveniently finding extra money to spread around right before election season. *Plus, John Dempsey recaps the Masters and Stephen Moore breaks down how every state did in facing the Covid pandemic.
Elected officials are finding different ways to put more money in the pockets of Illinoisans. The General Assembly removed a gas tax this week but got into arguments over whether or not they should put stickers on the pumps notifying gas payers the tax was lowered. Crain's Chicago Columnist Greg Hinz thinks it's just a little too convenient with election season right around the corner. He joins John to discuss.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine rages on, many wonder what Putin's next move will be. He has a history of being an unpredictable risk taker but is calculated in his moves. Many signs suggest Russia will increase they're attack on Ukraine in the coming weeks making the fighting heavier than it has been so far. Former CIA Agent Douglas London joins John Howell to discuss.
Mark Maxwell at WCIA in Springfield presents how more texts and emails from Anna Valencia have surfaced that could be problematic for her. Mitchell Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times recaps the three community casino proposal meetings. Emmy winning television analyst Jeff Greenfield tells John that the midterms MIGHT not be a blowout. Chris Placek of The Daily Herald details how Lori Lightfoot remains hopeful about the Bears staying in Chicago. *Plus, Senior Data Reporter Harry Enten breaks down the numbers to show how baseball is no longer America's game.
The Chicago Bears are planning a move to Arlington Heights but Mayor Lightfoot plans to change their mind. She recently mentioned in an interview "I'm confident that we can and will make a very compelling economic case for the Bears to stay in Chicago". Daily Herald Staff Writer Chris Placek shares his thoughts with John Howell.
The City Clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia is under scrutiny for recently leaked emails regarding several city development's that benefited her lobbyist husband. She's being accused of promoting the projects while knowing it would help her husband. The couple has denied any wrong doing but WCIA Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Maxwell decided to dig deeper. He joins John Howell to discuss.
ABC News Crime & Terrorism Expert Brad Garrett tells John how Vladimir Putin could be facing a different outcome than expected in Ukraine. Mary Ann Ahern of NBC 5 takes a look at the outlook of the Chicago mayoral race now that Ray Lopez is in the mix. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart discusses his effort to get auto-manufacturers involved in curbing carjacking. IL House Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon Booth describes her party's anti-crime efforts. *Plus, Judy Pielach celebrates National Beer Day with John and PAWS Chicago's Susanna Homan details their Adopt-A-Thon that kicks off on Friday.
Defendants on home confinement awaiting trial are granted 2 days to roam around without monitoring under Governor Pritzker's SAFE-T Act. Those two days are supposed to be spent looking for a job or going to school but some of the defendants have been reportedly getting into trouble. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart joins John Howell to discuss.
Alby Gallun of Crain's Chicago Business details how the owner of Water Tower Place is moving on from the property. Tim O'Brien of Bloomberg shares how Elon Musk's investment into Twitter could actually be bad news for free speech. Josh Zeitz at Politco Magazine tells John that despite what people may think, the Supreme Court has never been apolitical. WTTW's Paris Schutz describes how the hits just keep on coming for Mayor Richard Irvin. *Plus, Mike Emanuel stops by for his weekly hit, and Andrea Darlas previews her new podcast debuting on WLS.
Critics are concerned the new Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson may not be able to judge cases fairly and without bias. But experts are pointing out, the Supreme Court has never been apolitical. Politico Magazine Historian and Contributing Editor Josh Zeitz joins John to discuss.
Elon Musk just bought a 3 billion dollar stake in Twitter. After the news broke, the Tesla Motors CEO asked his followers, in a twitter poll, if they "want an edit button?". The response was a resounding yes. He has mentioned he wants to bring more free speech to the platform but some critics believe this is just another publicity stunt. Bloomberg Opinion Senior Columnist Timothy O'Brien shares his thoughts with John Howell.
Brett Chase of the Chicago Sun-Times details how General Iron is facing resistance in its attempt to return to Lincoln Park. Chicago Tribune Chief Political Analyst Rick Pearson describes how Richard Irvin's campaign violated election code. 1st Ward Alderman Daniel La Spata shares whether or not he believes a compromise can be reached in the ward remap battle. Caleb Silver of Investopedia takes a look at how Elon Musk's investment into Twitter could shake up the social media platform. *Plus, author Chris Lamb gives a lesson in baseball history and John Dempsey rejoins the show to discuss the return of Tiger Woods.
After Woods' recent car accident, many thought he wouldn't be recovered in time for the Masters. But, in his press conference today, Woods said “as of right now I am going to play”. WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey joins John Howell to discuss.
General Iron operated it's scrap-metal yard for years in Lincoln Park before shutting it down in 2020 due to an agreement with the city. They planned on moving the scrap yard to the city's southside but the plans never came to fruition. Now, the company is considering reopening the scrap yard on the northside. Chicago Sun-Times Environment and Public Health reporter Brett Chase joins John Howell with the details.
Architecture Critic Lee Bay tells John why the U.S. Government shouldn't tear down two skyscrapers in the Loop. Joe Cahill of Crain's Chicago calls for two Chicago-based food companies to stop operations in Russia. Harold Holzer, a prominent Lincoln scholar details the feud that could affect the future of the Lincoln museum. Film and culture writer Jesse Hassenger breaks down how Bruce Willis's career went beyond his action roles. *Plus, National Political Reporter Salena Zito discusses how Governor Kemp is topping the polls despite Trump's bid to take him down.
Bruce Willis started acting in 1980 and appeared in over 100 movies during the course of his career. He recently announced his retirement after being diagnosed with aphasia. Writer & editor Jesse Hassenger discusses Bruce Willis' legacy with John Howell.
Kraft Heinz and other companies are facing potential backlash as they continue operating in Russia. The companies have stated they will scale back operations and only sell their "essential" products in Russia. But many stores in Russia are still carrying Oreo's, Heinz ketchup, mayo, and other products. Crain's Chicago Business Assistant Managing Editor & Columnist Joe Cahill shares his thoughts with John Howell.
Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery discusses why Odessa might be critical for Vladimir Putin. Professor Richard A. Epstein shares how Protect our Parks will continue to fight against the Obama Presidential Center location. Jason Willick of The Washington Post says that Joe Biden is sending a muddled message when it comes to nuclear weapons. 8th District Rep. La Shawn Ford details a new bill designed to target dangerous drag racers. *Plus, Steve Greenberg describes a different feeling in Wrigleyville and Jam Productions celebrates its 50th anniversary.
A judge recently dismissed a lawsuit regarding the Obama Center planned to be built in Jackson Park. Protect Our Parks is a group fighting to protect the habitat of Jackson Park and other natural ecosystems. Protect Our Parks Co-counsel Professor Richard A. Epstein joins John Howell to express his feeling on the lawsuit and what their next plan is.
A new bill introduced by IL State Rep. La Shawn Ford is taking aim at Chicago's street racing scene. There have been numerous reports of racing around the city's streets and highways causing traffic jams and sometimes shutting down entire roadways. IL State Rep. La Shawn Ford joins John Howell to discuss his bill and why street racing needs to stop.
Mark Maxwell of WCIU in Springfield shares his report on the firing of the President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett tries to discern what Putin's endgame is in Ukraine. Gregory Pratt of the Chicago Tribune discusses how Chicago is considered a possible destination for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Pat Garofalo at the American Economic Liberties Project details how his group is attempting to end secret deals between politicians and corporations. *Plus, Jonathan Bernstein of Bloomberg takes a look at the popularity of Ketanji Brown Jackson vs. the Senators who questioned her.
Bruce Willis announced his retirement this week after being diagnosed with Aphasia. Aphasia affects a person's ability to express and understand written and spoken language. The actor is only 67 years old. Rush University Communication Disorders Professor Manaswita Dutta joins John Howell to explain the disorder and how it can affect someone.
Illinois Democrats are considering a bid for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. They are looking towards Chicago to be the host city. Chicago hasn't hosted the Convention since 1996. Chicago Tribune City Hall Reporter Gregory Pratt discusses the possibility with John Howell.
Rob Karr of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association details a bill that has been proposed to help combat smash and grab robberies. Jerry Nowicki of Capitol News Illinois describes JB Pritzker's event to honor the Illinois State Police amidst rising crime in the state. Chicago Tribune Chief Political Analyst Rick Pearson tells John why we likely won't see Darren Bailey ads in the Chicago area. Stephen Moore stops by to discuss how people are flocking to Republican metropolitan areas in droves. *Plus, Mark Konkol breaks down what led to a major increase in Michael Madigan's campaign funds, which will now be used in his legal defense.
Who has donated the most money to Michael Madigan? Well, it's Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Mark Konkol from Patch.com joined Big John today to talk about the governor trying to distance himself from Madigan. https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/madigan-defends-himself-swollen-campaign-fund-thanks-gov
A new proposed bill could help crack down on the gangs of people going into stores and robbing the place. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Rob Carr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, wrote an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times asking to pass the bill. Rob Carr joined Big John today to talk about why. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/3/28/22999787/retail-theft-smash-grab-legislature-police-organized-crime-kwame-raoul-rob-karr-op-ed
Ron Onesti shares his thoughts on the potential return of the Christopher Columbus statue in Grant Park. Dr. Amy Steigerwalt at Georgia State University attempts to quantify the amount of influence that Donald Trump holds in the upcoming Georgia elections. Steve Bernas of the BBB of Chicago & Northern IL details the scams that are on the rise surrounding cryptocurrency. Eric Boehm of Reason gives his take on the "slap heard round the world," saying that Chris Rock comes out looking like the winner. *Plus, Paris Schultz, Host of "Chicago Tonight" breaks down how an Aurora company's donations to Richard Irvin has started to raise questions
According to one poll, more people support Will Smith over Chris Rock in the Oscars slap incident. Eric Boehm from Reason.com says that Will Smith supporters are wrong. He joined John Howell today to say why. https://reason.com/2022/03/28/be-like-chris-rock/
Since the Christopher Columbus was taken out of Grant Park, Ron Onesti, the President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans, has been fighting to get it re-erected. Mayor Lightfoot says she expects the statue to return. Read the article here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2022/3/28/23000625/columbus-statue-grant-park-return-protest-police-injured-public-safety-plan-lightfoot-onesti-arrigo.
Andras Toth-Czifra at Flashpoint details the impact that social media is having in Russia’s war on Ukraine. 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez shares why he is attempting to prevent politicians from spending campaign funds on their legal defense. ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson describes the fallout from Will Smith's slapping of Chris Rock. Alexander Bolton of The Hill tells John about a line of questions that was missing from the questioning of Ketanji Brown Jackson *Plus, Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times walks back some of his thoughts on Tony La Russa after watching the tape.
Will Smith smacked Chris Rock across the face last night at the Oscars over a joke Rock made about Smith's wife. ABC's News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson joins John to discuss
Willie Wilson is pumping $50 worth of gas into cars at 48 different stations in Chicago and nearby suburbs. He joins Ramblin' Ray to explain why he is giving away gas for free and how you can get some. List of locations at https://www.facebook.com/DrWillieWilson
Help Heroes Of Ukraine is a charity organization, founded in 2022 by leaders of major Ukrainian logistics and transportation companies in the USA. Its objectives include providing a wide range of medical, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. More information at https://helpheroesofukraine.com.
Ohio Senate candidate Josh Mandel said, "We should be instilling faith in the classroom, in the workplace, and every where in society." Joe Walsh asks callers "Does America needs more Judeo-Christian values and should Christianity be its national religion?"
Reports are saying Vladimir Putin wanted this invasion to be over in just a few days. We are nearing week 3 of the invasion. DePaul University Professor Tom Mockaitis joins Wendy Snyder to discuss.
Brad Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a reality check on the feasibility of 'No Fly Zones' City Hall Reporter Mallory Vor Broker tells John why the second special City Council meeting never really got started. GOP Consultant John Feehery discusses why Joe Biden is a traitor to his class. Mike Emanuel remembers his time reporting in Iraq and Afghanistan as he describes the difficulty facing journalists currently in and around Ukraine. *Plus, author Ryan North talks his new book designed for Supervillains, and college basketball analyst Deon Thomas previews the NCAA tournament.
President Biden has a reputation of "going after" the upper class citizens of American, such as FDR did in the past. GOP Consultant John Patrick Feehery, Partner at EFB Advocacy, explains to John Howell why he believes President Biden is a traitor to his class.
Foundation for Defense of Democracies Senior Director Bradley Bowman gives a reality check on no-fly zones and explains how intelligence sharing is the key to helping Ukraine.
David Daley tells John how state supreme courts have started to curb gerrymandering. Benjamin Jensen of the Center for Strategic and International Studies details how we can get ahead of escalation in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Steve Bernas, CEO of the BBB of Chicago & Northern IL shares how scam risks are at their highest with online shopping. Steven Moore stops by to discuss the future of the energy industry, and the strong dichotomy between Yoko Ono and Dolly Parton. *Plus, Alex Istenstadt of Politico breaks down the GOP Presidential hopefuls that have started taking jabs at Donald Trump.
Gerrymandering has been a major issue in America for years. State Supreme Courts are finally attempting to do something about it. Author David Daley joins John Howell to discuss. Link to his book "Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count" https://www.amazon.com/Ratf-ked-Your-Doesnt-Count-ebook/dp/B016APOCRU
Gregory Pratt of The Chicago Tribune details Mayor Lightfoot's ultimatum regarding unvaccinated city employees. Dan Balz of The Washington Post tells John how Democrats are taking aim at Iowa in an attempt to change their nominating system. Jim Dey at the News-Gazette shares how Reps. Rodney Davis and Mary Miller have started trading jabs. VP of the Northwest Chicago Historical Society Daniel Pogorzelski talks about the efforts to establish a "Polish Heritage Corridor." *Plus, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus breaks down day one of NFL free agency and discusses what led Tom Brady to unretire.
Tom Brady announced he is coming out of retirement soon! Pro Football Focus Salary Cap Analyst Brad Spielberger joins John Howell to share his thoughts.
The Democrats have focused in on Iowa in an attempt to change their current nominating system. Washington Post Chief Correspondent Dan Balz joins John to discuss.
The Chicago Bears have traded Khalil Mack to the Chargers. The Chargers are supposed to send a 2022 second-round draft pick and a 2023 sixth-rounder to the Bears in return for Mack.
Join your favorite Chicagoland chefs for a delicious and one of a kind evening dedicated to raising funds for World Central Kitchen's work benefiting Ukrainian refugee families in need of a nutritious meal. Organizer Darren Gest and Chef Lee Wolen join Wendy Snyder to discuss the event. More information at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-chefs-cook-for-ukraine-by-lifeway-foods-tickets-291544065147?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
The invasion of Ukraine began over 2 weeks ago and the situation has only gotten worse. Reports are suggesting Putin is becoming "unhinged" as the war goes on. DePaul University History Professor Tom Mockaitis joins Wendy Snyder to discuss.
Ines de La Cuetara of ABC News reports from Poland on the estimated two million people who have fled Ukraine in the past two weeks. Ted McClelland of Chicago Mag praises Jesse White for holding to his pledge to not run for higher office. IL GOP Leader Jim Durkin discusses his newly introduced bills that would force IL to divest from Russia. Dana Milbank of The Washington Post provides an update on the trucker convoy that has been driving around D.C. *Plus, Salena Zito shares why Americans feel a kinship with the Ukrainian people.
IL GOP Leader Jim Durkin introduced two new bills that would ban the state treasurer from investing any money into any type of instrument tied to Russia and also will ban any type of Russian interest in our state pension fund. There is also another bill being introduced to welcome Ukrainians into the state. He joins John Howell to discuss.
Most of the time, politicians use the Secretary of State positions as a stepping stone to higher office. Retiring Secretary of State Jesse White was different. When he first ran for office he pledged to not run for higher office and he never did. Now, over 20 years later, he is retiring from the same position he began in. Chicago Mag Contributor Ted McClelland and John Howell discuss White's career.
ABC News' Jordana Miller reports from Jerusalem after US and Israeli reps met in Latvia about Ukraine. Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin discusses the state of the city's finances and previews her State of the Treasurer's Office Address. Chicago Sun-Times investigative reporter Tim Novak details how Mike Madigan's Chinatown scheme is a big piece of his indictment. Former CIA operative Douglas London tells John how he analyzes Putin's decision making from an international intelligence perspective. *Plus John Ramey, founder of The Prepared describes how recent events have led more people to join the prepper community.
Former House Speaker Madigan's charges involving ComEd have gotten the most attention but he allegedly had plans for Chinatown also. Chicago Sun-Times Investigative Reporter Tim Novak dives deep into the details with John Howell.
Has Vladimir Putin gone mad or is he being fed the wrong information? Former CIA Operative and Author Douglas London joins John Howell to discuss. Get his book here: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/douglas-london/the-recruiter/9780306847325/
Tom Nichols of The Atlantic advises rooting against an escalation of hostilities with Russia, even if things get worse. Josh Siegel, energy reporter for Politico tries to determine why the Biden administration is going easy on Russia's energy industry. Mark Konkol calls out J.B. Pritzker for his $7million connection to Mike Madigan, calling it the 'elephant in the room.' Georgia State Law Professor Eric Segall discusses whether or not it was time for Neil Gorsuch to leave the Supreme Court. *Plus, Josh Nelson of Sox Machine brings John up to date on the state of the MLB lockout, and the serial stowaway pleads guilty.
With Former House Speaker Mike Madigan finally charged, people are beginning to look into his remaining constituents and others that were close to him. Governor Pritzker donated $7M to Madigan's "Democratic Majority" campaign fund back in 2018 but has not been charged or incriminated in any way. Patch Writer Mark Konkol joins John to discuss.
As tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine, many people are asking for other countries to intervene for the atrocities already committed by Putin. As of now, the US has not announced any intention of intervening. The Atlantic Writer Tom Nichols joins John Howell to discuss.
Former House Speaker Madigan was indicted Wednesday on federal racketeering charges alleging his elected office and political operation were a criminal enterprise that provided financial rewards for him and his associates. Madigan has denied all allegations. Chicago Tribune Investigative Reporter Ray Long joins John with an update. Get Rays new book here: https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=68qcg2pd9780252044472
Richard Boykin announced he will run against Toni Preckwinkle for president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Boykin is a former Cook County Board Commissioner so critics expect a close race. He joins The John Howell Show to discuss why he's running and and what he aims to accomplish in office.
Better Government Association enterprise reporter Rachel Hinton shares her thoughts on the indictment of Michael Madigan Bradly Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies breaks down how the West could help the people of Ukraine on the battlefield. Former U.S. Secretary of State Arne Duncan tells John why he feels his best chance to stop violence in Chicago is to stay away from a mayoral run. Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by for his weekly hit to react to President Biden's State of the Union. *Plus, Steve Dolinsky gives John the details for his upcoming "Pizza City Fest", featuring 39 of the region's best pizza-makers.
"I am following my heart and there are pros and cons to that but I couldn't stomach walking away from this work right now when it's so critically important for the city." explains Former US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. He joins John Howell to share why he will not be running for Mayor.
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is charged with 22 counts in a racketeering conspiracy. They believe he was the leader of the group known as the “Madigan Enterprise.” Better Government Association Enterprise Reporter Rachel Hinton joins John Howell to give her analysis.
Adam Carolla is an American radio personality, comedian, actor and podcaster. He hosts The Adam Carolla Show, which set the record as the "most downloaded podcast" by Guinness World Records in 2011. He joins John Howell to discuss President Biden's upcoming SOTU address. Find tickets for his show at https://www.geneseetheatre.com/events/detail/adam-carolla-1.
Gregory Pratt of The Chicago Tribune details why Mayor Lightfoot has lost the support of Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza. Bill Scher of Politico Magazine discusses his piece on why partisan politics should stop at the water's edge. Steve Bernas of the BBB of Chicago & Northern IL tells you how you can safely donate to the Ukraine relief effort. Chris Ivy at Heritage Auctions describes how an old ticket to a Bulls game netted nearly a half million dollars. *Plus, Adam Carolla stops by and John gives his annual advice to the President ahead of the State of the Union
President Biden is gearing up for his State of the Union address. John Howell gives the President a few pointers for his upcoming State of the Union address.
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza has had enough of being ignored by Mayor Lightfoot. In a recent interview, Ald. Garza explained why she is so fed up with Mayor Lightfoot and why she won't support her reelection. Chicago Tribune City Hall Reporter Gregory Pratt discusses her comments with John Howell.
Professor Tom Mockaitis of DePaul University details how a possible Ukrainian insurgence could be costly to Russia. Craig Shirley, a longtime Republican political consultant attempts to discern why the GOP seems to be split on Putin. Steven Lubet talks about his book "The Trials of Ras-me-a O-deh: How a Palestinian Guerrilla Gained and Lost U.S. Citizenship” 25th District Rep. Curtis Tarver II discusses his bill that targets elected officials that have been convicted of federal crimes. *Plus, Cold War expert Michael Kimmage shares with John why this will not be another Cold War.
Currently anyone is allowed to run for office in Illinois. The only people who can't are people who are convicted of election fraud. Rep. Curtis Travers aims to change that his new bill that explicitly bans any person convicted of a felony while holding office from running for office at any level. He joins John Howell to discuss.
The Russians believed this invasion would be quick and easy but the Ukrainians are not going down with out a fight. Some experts believe a Ukrainian insurgency could be quite troublesome to Russia once they gain more control. DePaul University History Professor and Author Tom Mockaitus shares his thoughts with John Howell.
David Jackson of the Better Government Association details how Governor Pritzker blind trust benefitting from some of his policies. Ally Marotti at Crain's Chicago Business tells John how some Chicago companies are being impacted by the invasion of Ukraine. Pavlo Bandriwsky of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America in Illinois discusses how we can help those being affected in Ukraine. Northwestern Professor Sandeep Baliga breaks down how sanctions targeting Russia's upper class would have more effect on Putin. *Plus, Royal Oakes shares his thoughts on Biden's Supreme Court nominee, and John and Rob Martier debunk a Canadian conspiracy theory.
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America in Illinois Vice President Pavlo Bandriwsky joins John to discuss what Ukrainian Chicagoans are doing to support their country over seas.
Governor Pritzker was elected to office in 2020. That same year, his blind trust that manages his wealth bought stock in a medical company that ultimately benefitted from several of the governor policies. Which in turn, made himself more money. BGA Senior Investigative Reporter David Jackson breaks down the full story.
UCLA Political Science Professor Daniel Treisman tells John that Putin probably isn't stopping after his invasion of Ukraine. Jon Seidel of the Chicago Sun-Times details what led to the resignation of State Senator Thomas Cullerton. David Andelman, Executive director of The Red Lines Project says that Putin is in need of a history lesson. Dr. Michael Phillips at Collin College in Texas discusses how he became the latest professor to come under attack for free speech. *Plus, listener voicemails on Biden's speech and why Putin cannot be allowed to occupy Ukraine.
State Senator Tom Cullerton resigned this week due to the fact he is indicted in a federal embezzlement case. He is currently facing 39 counts of embezzlement and is expected to plead guilty in the case. Chicago Sun-Times Federal Courts Reporter Jon Seidel joins John Howell with the full details.
Vladimir Putin order an invasion into Ukraine this week. Critics believe he is determined to get himself into history books and leave a legacy before he leaves office. Author David A. Andelman joins John Howell to discuss the current situation in Russia.
Mask Mayhem moved into day five in the Illinois House. Brenden Morre of Lee Enterprises brings John up to date. Dr. John Kenneth White at Catholic University shares the messaging that Joe Biden should use in his State of the Union. David Siders of POLITICO details the turmoil taking place within the Wisconsin GOP. Mike Emanuel stops by to discuss the new trucker convoy that is heading to D.C. *Plus, Colby Hall of Mediaite and John try to determine who the polarized media is actually rooting for.
Americans have drawn inspiration from Canada's recent trucker convoy protests and began their own. Officials in Washington are preparing for the convoy to go to DC during President Biden's State of the Union address. Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins John Howell with the full story.
President Biden is set to give his State of the Union address on March 1st. Catholic University Professor of Politics Dr. John Kenneth White shares his thoughts with John Howell.
Josh Kraushaar of National Journal Daily discusses how the situation in Ukraine could affect Biden's presidency. Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison tells John about is conversation with Kim Foxx and Chief Judge Evans on being too soft on crime. The ongoing mask debate at the Illinois Capitol took another turn as a Republican lawmaker is suing Speaker Welch. Kelly Weill of The Daily Beast joins to discuss her new book that explores the mentality of flat-earthers and conspiracy theorists. *Plus, John falls down the Reddit rabbit-hole surrounding 'Twos-Day'
There were 21 people shot and 5 killed over this Presidents Day weekend. Critics are blaming Kim Foxx and her lax approach to criminals and prosecution. 17th District Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison joins The John Howell Show to weigh in.
After weeks of speculation, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Russian forces into two Russia-backed separatist territories in Ukraine. National Journal Daily Senior National Political Columnist Josh Kraushaar discusses the move with John Howell.
UIC Law Professor Jason Kilborn shares how a test question regarding a hypothetical situation has put his professional reputation in shambles. Historian and former tech CEO Ron Gruner discusses his book that analyzes Presidents of the last century based on economic and policy accomplishments. Alderman Ray Lopez tells John why the $1.67 million Brickyard settlement is a bad precedent for the city to set. Andrea Darlas of the Museum of Broadcast Communications details their upcoming event with the stars of "Abbott Elementary" *Plus, Dr. Danton Kostandarithes looks at the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the crew talk about their favorite presidential portrayals in TV and movies.
After a long and intense debate, a city council committee authorized a $1.67 million dollar settlement to 5 people who were allegedly mistakenly taken from their car and roughed up by officers. This occurred at the Brickyard Mall in 2020 during the rampant rioting and looting. Alderman Ray Lopez joins John to share his thoughts.
University of Illinois at Chicago law professor Jason Kilborn has been put on leave for over a year because of a censored question on his final exam regarding a racial insult to an imaginary woman of color in a pretend civil case. Students became outraged at the redacted language alluded to in the question and notified the administration which resulted in the firestorm he's in now. Jason joins John to explain his side of the story.
Grace Kinnicutt of Capitol News recaps a hectic day for the Illinois House as the mask mandate raged on for a second day. Journalist and historian Garrett M. Graff discusses some lesser-known Richard Nixon facts in his new book, "Watergate: A New History." NYU Constitutional Law Professor Richard Pildes shares how ranked-choice voting resulted in a big win for Alaska. Author David O. Stewart tells how George Washington became the dominant force in the creation of the United States of America. *Plus, John details the escapades of another airline passenger that would never be allowed on Howell Air.
Alderman Matt O'Shea is hosting his 8th Annual Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast to support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. It will be held at Saint John Fisher Kane Hall from 9-11am. The Alderman joins John with the details. For more information, please contact Alderman O'Shea at mattoshea@the19thward.com or (773) 238 - 8766.
Illinois House Republicans and Democrats got into a heated argument this week over COVID-19 restrictions and masks. It resulted in several Republicans being escorted out of the chambers. The Center Square Associate Editor Greg Bishop was in Springfield and joins John Howell with the full story.
A bipartisan panel of lawmakers met to discuss Governor Pritzker's school mask mandate extension. They decided it was unlawful and unneeded. Pritzker doubled down on his executive order in a press conference after the decision was made. WCIA Springfield Bureau Chief Mark Maxwell joins John Howell to discuss.
Proxy voting is becoming a problem. Several politicians have been criticized for over using the option. Nancy Pelosi extended the option through March. EFB Advocacy Partner John Feehery joins John Howell to share his thoughts.
Mark Brown of the Chicago Sun-Times tells John that Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson should know better than to play in a dirty sandbox. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller shares why she fought to get February recognized as American Heart Month in the county. Steve Bernas of the BBB of Chicago & Northern IL helps you avoid scams surrounding tax season. Senior legal affairs reporter Joshua Gerstein tries to break down why Sarah Palin's libel case against the New York Times was thrown out of court. *Plus, John presents a moral conundrum surrounding a family and their babysitter.
Sarah Palin filed a libel case against the New York Times over a 2017 editorial. The court threw out the case because her lawyers failed to produce enough evidence that the newspaper knew what it wrote about her was false. Politico Senior Legal Affairs Reporter Josh Gerstein breaks down the details of the case with John Howell.
Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson has been found guilty of tax fraud. As Mark Brown of the Sun Times put it, "He should have known he shouldn't be playing in certain sandboxes." Mark joins John Howell to discuss the case.
Ed Yohnka of the ACLU of Illinois joins John to discuss the revised foot pursuit policy for Chicago police officers. Jeff Agrest of the Chicago Sun-Times tries to determine why NBC seems to be pushing Al Michaels off the network. Professor Steven Lubet at Northwestern University shares why the Supreme Court needs to adopt a code of ethics. ABC 7 Consumer Investigator Jason Knowles previews his report on a massive rise in online shopping scams on Facebook marketplace. *Plus, Rick Pearson describes the thin line that GOP candidates for governor are having to walk
Last year, CPD received criticism on their foot pursuit policy after officers shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez. Critics said it was too vague and gave officers too much discretion to chase suspects. CPD recently announced they will revise the rules. ACLU of Illinois Director of Public Policy Ed Yohnka discusses with John Howell.
Every court in the US has adopted some sort of code of ethics except the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts explained, “the Court has had no reason to adopt the Code of Conduct as its definitive source of ethical guidance” because “every Justice seeks to follow high ethical standards." Northwestern University Law Professor Steven Lubert shares his thoughts with John Howell.
Jason Meisner of the Chicago Tribune recaps the Patrick Daley Thompson trial ahead of Monday's closing arguments. President of Americans for Tax Reform Grover Norquist discusses how inflation continues to surge. Michael O'Hanion of the Brookings Institution shares how the Cuban Missile Crisis could provide a roadmap to solving crisis in Ukraine. Mark Konkol of Patch does a deep dive to show what neighborhoods are home to the most dibs complaints. *Plus, Rob Martier previews the Chicago Auto Show and John finds another win for Darwinism
Inflation increased by 7.5% on an annual basis, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many criticize the Biden Administration for the increase. Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist breaks down the numbers and discusses with John Howell.
Alderman Daley Thompson allegedly lied on his tax returns and about the mortgage deductions he received from the now shut down Federal Bank for Savings. The defense rested it's case after calling 6 witnesses to the stand. Chicago Tribune Federal Courts Reporter Jason Meisner discusses the case with John Howell.
A lack of a murder charge in the killing of Melinda Crump has brought the SAFE-T Act into the public view. Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel jumps on with John Howell to discuss what the SAFE-T Act is and the problems it presents.
Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel presents the problems present in the SAFE-T Act. 10th District Senator Rob Martwick tells John how he is attempting to have Illiniois' pension costs calculated more honestly. Noah Breslau of the MacArthur Justice Center details what life will be like for Jason Van Dyke on mandatory supervised release. John and Kim discuss how things got even more out of hand than usual at the Weiner Circle. *Plus, Mike Toomey of WGN Morning News talks about his upcoming performance at the H Foundation cancer benefit.
After 81 months in prison, Jason Van Dyke is being released under mandatory supervision. The decision has received major backlash from protesters. Attorney and Fellow at the MacArthur Justice Center Noah Breslau join John with the full story.
Illinoisans rejoice! There is finally some good news surrounding pensions. First, unfunded liability is at it's highest level since 2008. Also, lawmakers want to allow state retiree's to cash out early. This would mean the retiree's get a lump sum of money all at once instead of annually. It comes out to about 70 cents to the dollar. Senator Rob Martwick joins John Howell to discuss.
John kicks off the show by sharing the details of how he eventually made his way through heart surgery Dave Byrnes of Courthouse News takes a look at the larger political implications of Patrick Daley Thompson's federal corruption trial. Rick Telender of the Sun-Times can't help but think of past doping accusations as he watches the events in Beijing. Professor Charles Lipson tells John that Biden missed his "Sister Souljah" moment. *Plus, Alex Nitkin makes sense of the pre-trial hearing for Ed Burke, and Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by for his weekly hit.
The Canadian Trucker's Freedom Convoy is still trucking along. Also, Angelina Jolie went to Capitol Hill today to urge lawmakers to pass the Violence Against Women Act. Fox News Chief DC Correspondent Mike Emanuel discusses with John Howell.
Patrick Daley Thompson is accused of filing fraud tax returns and lying about how much money he owed to a bank. Courthouse News Service Reporter Dave Byrnes joins John to discuss the trial and what this means for the family.
Steen Metz, an 86 year old Holocaust survivor from Barrington, is using Zoom to educate others on the Holocaust. Steen shares his story with Wendy Snyder and discusses how going virtual has helped his program reach an estimated 94,000 people. To learn more about Steen and his program, go to www.steenmetzneverforget.com
"As We See It" is a Netflix show about three roommates on the autism spectrum that navigate the strange world of adulthood world. Actor Rick Glassman joins Wendy Snyder to talk about the show.
Chicago officially announced the spring and summer festival schedule for 2022. Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Deputy Commissioner for Programming Nancy Villafranca-Guzman joins Wendy Snyder to go through the full schedule.
Sherman "Dilla" Thomas is a break out Tiktok creator known for his videos showcasing black history in Chicago. He will be co-hosting “Black History Verified,” a half-hour special on CW26 and The U, showcasing the contributions Black residents have made to enrich the city’s culture, food, sports, and music scenes. He joins Wendy Snyder.
Jason Van Dyke is being released after serving a little over 3 years in prison. Several activists and political leaders are calling for federal charges to be presented but nothing has happened so far. Chicago Tribune Federal Courts Reporter Jason Meisner joins Rob Johnson with the details.
Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz went after reporters yesterday after they asked questions about the Kyle Beach controversy. Rob Johnson and News Anchor Rob Martier share their thoughts.
Professor Kevin R. Johnson at the University of California, Davis, School of Law tells John that Congress bears the blame for the lack of immigration reform. Anthony Freud of the Lyric Opera of Chicago classes up the show by presenting the lineup for their 2022/2023 season. John gets into an argument with Producers Bret and Tyler over the show's new voicemail call-in number. Robert Moore at Defense Priorities shares how the crisis in Ukraine is partially the result of three decades of virtue signaling. *Plus, Josh Noel at the Chicago Tribune discusses how doing 'Dry January' affected him and gives out a few of his favorite non-alcoholic beers that he tried.
Non-alcoholic beer is making waves at several micro breweries across the nation. Josh Noel, covers restaurants, bars, and beer for the Chicago Tribune & Author of “Barrel-Aged Stout and Selling Out”, discusses his experience from dry January and what non-alcoholic beers he will continue to drink.
America's relationship with Ukraine goes back almost 3 decades. Defense Priorities Public Policy Adviser Robert Moore breaks down the history between the US and Ukraine and discusses the tension building on the border with John Howell.
Meteorologist Rick DiMaio tells you everything you need to know about the upcoming winter storm. Steve Bernas of the Illinois Better Business Bureau shares why you should be wary of those 'fun' little Facebook quizzes. Curtis Linder, Director of Americana at Heritage details where you can see some historic Civil War memorabilia in Chicago this week. Jackson Richman at Mediaite explains how Whoopi Goldberg and The View got the Holocaust so wrong. *Plus, Ted McClelland of Chicago Mag and A.D. Quiz of Crain's Chicago break down how billionaires are taking over politics and spreading their influence across the nation.
The rich have always had a big influence in American politics. For example, billionaire Ken Griffin is boasting about funding the next GOP candidate running for Governor. Chicago Mag Contributor Ted McClelland shares his thoughts on billionaires and money in government.
President Biden's approval rating is dropping significantly. Critics believe if he doesn't change things soon he may not be re-elected in 2024. President and Founder of the Progressive Policy Institute Will Marshall joins John Howell to discuss.
Judge Charles Burns oversees the Rehabilitative Alternate Program drug court, and is motivated by the participants' successes. Judge Burns tells John Howell why he's willing to share his cellphone number with people convicted of felony drug charges, so long as they've completed the program.
36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas tells John why a compromise seems unlikely in the ward map debates after Sunday's closed-door meeting. Colby Hall of Mediaite asks if anyone can blame Brian Williams for not wanting to anchor a network news show. State Rep. Mark Batinick of the 97th District details how Illinois Democrats are gaming the vote in their favor. Dionne Miller of ABC7 recaps a wild NFL Championship weekend and shares why she was unimpressed with the Bears' introductory press conference. *Plus Judge Charles Burns discusses why he shares his cellphone number with convicts who complete his drug rehabilitation program.
"I think in Illinois you can make a case for voter suppression of Republican voters," says State Rep. Mark Batnick. He discusses how Democrats game the vote in Illinois.
On Sunday, the Chicago City Council met to negotiate new ward maps and possibly come to an agreement. Unfortunately, they were unable to and the meeting was left in a stalemate. Alderman Gilbert Villegas joins John to discuss how the meeting went and where they will go from here.
Dan Mihalopolous of WBEZ discusses the new watchdog report that reveals an alleged assault by a Chicago Park District supervisor. Cybersecurity reporter Maggie Miller details how a Russian invasion of Ukraine could redefine cyber warfare. Black Caucus Chairman Ald. Richard Ervin tells John whether Sunday's closed-door meeting with the Latino could lead to a compromise in the ward map debate. Chris Miller of the American Enterprise Institute shares the sanctions that could actually stop Putin. *Plus, Vinnie Iyer of TSN previews the NFL Championship games and Thom Serrafin remembers Richard ‘Dick’ Duchossois
Arlington Park Race Track Owner Dick Duchossois passed away at 100 years old. Old friend and Communicator in Chief of Serafin & Associates, Inc. Thom Serafin reminisces about his favorite memories with Dick Duchossois.
In an effort to end the ward map stalemate, the Black and Latino caucuses are meeting behind closed doors to discuss on Sunday to try and reach a compromise. Alderman Jason Ervin, Chairman of the Black Caucus shares his thoughts on the upcoming ward map meeting.
Mitchell Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times takes a look at the list of big donors backing Richard Irvin Zack Pearson of Bear Report shares his thoughts on the hiring of Matt Eberflus. Pamela Althoff at the Cannabis Business Association tells John what politicians should be focused on to help keep legal cannabis safe. Elizabeth Slattery of the Pacific Legal Foundation discusses how Biden should learn his Truman history. *Plus, Judy Pielach discusses chili and recovering from Covid, and John has some fun at the expense of Denmark.
Since Illinois has legalized pot, critics have been concerned with the available amount of THC in marijuana products. State Rep. Mark Batinick introduced a bill to limit the amount of THC in pot sold at dispensaries. Cannabis Business Association of Illinois Executive Director Pamela Althoff shares her thoughts with John Howell.
The Chicago Bears have chosen Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus as their new head coach. BearReport.com Writer Zack Pearson joins John Howell with the news.
Dr. Edward Ward at Rush University Medical Center answers some commonly asked questions about dealing with extremely cold weather. Walter Shapiro at Roll Call explains the dangers of inbred optimism that face political candidates Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel stops by to discuss a potential formal response to Putin. Derricke Dennis of ABC News takes a look at the legal history of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer after news of his retirement broke. *Plus, John has some questions about legal marijuana that his callers were more than happy to answer.
President Biden has had nothing but good things to say since being in office but the reality of his presidency is quite different. Roll Call Writer and Brennan Center fellow Walter Shapiro examines President Biden's first year in office, discusses why being overly optimistic can hurt a president, and what he should do going forward.
Several accusations have surfaced surrounding Chicago Public Schools undercounting COVID cases in school. Alderpeople have called for an investigation into the matter. CPS Parent Jakob Ondrey joins The John Howell Show to express his concerns.
Cancel culture has always clashed with members of the comedy community. Now they are trying to cancel Abbot and Costello. Dr. Joshua Estrin discuses why he believes this is absurd. Check out his new audio book on cancel culture here: https://shutupandlistentoyourself.com/
Madeleine Doubek of CHANGE Illinois tells John how holding candidates accountable is becoming more difficult as politicians are learning how to dodge reporters. 26th District Senator Dan McConchie describes how his Voter Empowerment Project would allow Illinois voters a more active role in the democratic process. Caleb Silver, Editor in Chief at Investopedia takes a look at the markets as DOW dropped over 1,000 points today. Salena Zito details how a high school football coach's decision to take a stand is headed to the Supreme Court. *Plus, John and Rick Wojcik of Dusty Groove record store remember jazz legend Ezell Cooper.
Seven years ago, a Seattle-area assistant football coach was suspended for praying before and after his high school football games. Praying was not an uncommon practice in the area and nothing ever happened until someone claimed to be offended. Now, that coach is taking his case to the Supreme Court. The Washington Examiner National Political Reporter Salena Zito explains the full story on the John Howell Show.
Back in the day, candidates would announce their run for office with a catchy campaign slogan and announcement speech. Now, videos and social media are the name of the game. Instead of going through reporters and the media, candidates can go straight to their people. Making it harder to keep them accountable and honest. CHANGE Illinois Executive Director Madeleine Doubek discusses with John Howell.
Grammy winning singer Meat Loaf and Emmy winning comedian Louie Anderson both died in the past 24 hours. ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson remembers these two legends with John Howell.
Mayor Richard Irvin is joining the race for Governor as a republican candidate. However, this may be an up hill battle for Irvin because several GOP members have denounced the mayor for not being republican enough. Aurora Beacon News Columnist Denise Crosby discusses Irvin's chances with John Howell.
A listener from Michigan emailed John Howell to share how her visit to Dr. Amar Pattani at Main Street Smiles in Barrington was well worth the drive. Long-plagued by oral health issues, the listener describes how Dr. Pattani was able to help her, where FIFTEEN other dentists had failed. Dr. Pattani shares with John why being truthful and honest is something he both preaches and practices. For more information, check out www.mainstreet312.com.
Cook County Sheriff joins John to discuss the serious flaws that exist in the electronic monitoring system. Marc Smith of the National Wildlife Federation discusses the money provided by the US Army Corp of Engineers to combat Asian Carp in Lake Michigan. Steve Bernas of the Better Business Bureau tells you how to avoid being scammed while signing up for the free at-home Covid tests. Alisa Kaplan of Reform for Illinois breaks down the complicated question of whether politicians should be allowed to use campaign funds for their legal defense. *Plus, Attorney Nick Akerman draws a parallel between the SCOTUS decision against Trump and the one made against Richard Nixon.
There are about 100 people charged with murder in Cook County on home electronic monitoring awaiting their trial date. This is just one of the many issues surrounding the Electronic Monitoring System. Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart voices his concerns on The John Howell Show.
There are about 100 people charged with murder in Cook County on home electronic monitoring awaiting their trial date. This is just one of the many issues surrounding the Electronic Monitoring System. Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart voices his concerns on The John Howell Show.
Mark Konkol of Patch fact-checks Governor Pritzker's claim on the use of federal relief dollars. Derrick Blakley at The Center for Illinois Politics takes a deep dive into the two billionaires who are bankrolling the Illinois GOP. 50th District Representative Keith Wheeler talks about his effort to reach across the aisle for the promotion of small business. Tom Schuba of The Chicago Sun-Times reports that CPD leaders have said that they've lost faith in Superintendent David Brown. *Plus, Mike Emanuel of Fox News breaks down President Biden's press conference and Evan Bleier of Inside Hook tries to explain how bad Mike McCarthy is at his job.
After a brutal and violent year in Chicago, several CPD leaders have voiced their concerns with the CPD Superintendent in interviews. One claimed they can't find one person in the command staff to support him. Chicago Sun-Times Reporter Tom Schuba brings the full scoop to The John Howell Show.
Governor Pritzker stated: "We receive a certain amount of money for the state, and the city of Chicago receives a certain amount of money for the city. You're not allowed to intermingle the federal funds for testing from the state with the funding that was received at the city." Pulitzer Prize winning writer for Patch Mark Konkol fact-checks the Governor's claims.
Donald Lassere, President of the Chicago History Museum details the complicated relationship that existed between MLK and Muhammad Ali. John Keilman of the Chicago Tribune dives into the numbers to show how the Bears end up winners at the bank while losing on the field. Chicago Sun-Times Chief Washington Correspondent Lynn Sweet shares why the IL GOP didn't bother recruiting an opponent for Tammy Duckworth. Gonzalo Schwarz of the Archbridge Institute says that in a world of culture wars, there's only one that really matters. *Plus, Rick Telender and John reminisce about the life of Les Grobstein. As a bonus, John plays the entirety of the famed Lee Elia rant.
"I truly believe in the power of the American Dream to serve as a unifying vision for the United States" says Gonzalo Schwarz regarding culture wars. Schwarz is the President and CEO of Archbridge Institute and joins John Howell to discuss culture wars.
The Illinois GOP has popular candidates ready for every race except against Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Chicago Sun-Times Washington Bureau Chief Lynn Sweet explains why.
Peter Funt, Columnist and Host of TV's "Candid Camera" recalls his interview with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967. Garry Meier jumps on the show to remember long-time Chicago sportscaster Les Grobstein. Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune details the mixed history that the city of Chicago has with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. James Carvelle scolds Democrats, telling them to "quit being a whiny party." *Plus, a brewery hotel owner shares how the establishment is honoring Betty White on what would have been her 100th birthday.
The Chicago sports broadcasting legend died Sunday at his home. He was 69. Friend and former coworker Garry Meier joins John Howell to remember the life and legacy of Les Grobstein.
Columnist, Author and Host of "Candid Camera" Peter Funt was able to get an interview with Dr. King before his tragic passing. He joins John to reminisce about his interview and discuss the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Diane Lauderdale, epidemiologist at the University of Chicago says that while she understands the thought process, catching Covid intentionally is a bad idea. John F. Harris of POLITICO takes a look at how Rahm Emanuel survived the attacks of the far-left. Rob Karr, President & CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association details the latest supply chain issues facing local retailers. Judy Pielach jumps on the show to revive her 'Good Buy Girl' persona and share her safe shopping tips. *Plus, Don Larisey of the South Side Irish Parade announces the event's return and shares some details about what you can expect this year.
The supply chain issues strike again. Many consumers are reporting items missing from stores, likely due to late or slow deliveries. Rob Karr details the issues retailers are facing due to the supply chain problems.
Rahm Emanuel served as Chicago's Mayor from 2011 to 2019. Even though he was criticized constantly through out his political career, he recently accepted a position as President Joe Biden’s new U.S. ambassador to Japan. Politico Founding Editor John F. Harris thinks politicians can learn a thing or two from Rahm. He joins John Howell to explain his thoughts.
Professor Jeffrey McCall at DePauw University shares his concern that too many Americans fail to understand the importance of the 1st Amendment. One of Professor McCall's former students calls into the show and John reads some listener text messages. Data and Economic Reporter Andrew Van Dam takes a dive into the inflation numbers that were released this morning. Heather Cherone of WTTW details the tensions that still remain between the city and CTU. *Mike Emanuel of Fox News breaks down the back-and-forth between Joe Biden and Mitch McConnell after the president's voting rights speech.
Students are back in class but tensions are still high between Mayor Lightfoot and the CTU over testing protocols. WTTW Chicago Politics Reporter Heather Cherone discusses with John Howell.
The Knight Foundation conducted a study asking 4,000 American adults across the nation about the First Amendment. The results were disappointing. DePauw University Communication Professor Jeffrey McCall and John Howell examine the numbers and discuss what this means for America.
Chicago Sun-Times Education Reporter Nader Issa breaks down the deal that was struck between Mayor Lightfoot and the CTU. Joel Mathis of The Week makes the argument that politicizing more things could actually be beneficial. Retired WLS City Hall Reporter Bill Cameron remembers longtime Chicago newsman Richard 'Dick' Stone. Federal Courts reporter Jon Seidel details a piece of evidence that seems to be causing memory problems for Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson. *Plus, Representative Adam Kinzinger shares what he is attempting to accomplish before leaving office.
Drivers should prepare for higher prices at the gas pump. Canary CEO Dan Eberhart joins John Howell to discuss how high the prices may get.
Representative Adam Kinzinger joins John Howell to discuss what meaningful election reform would look like. Kinzinger also breaks down how fear has become an all too common tool for elected officials, and talks about the future of his 'Country First' movement. Check out www.country1st.com for more on what Rep. Kinzinger has planned.
ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson takes a look at the legacy of Bob Saget after his sudden death on Sunday night. Ted McClelland of Chicago Mag wonders if Chicago's black political power is waning. Dean Olsen of The State Journal-Register claims that Rodney Davis has an advantage over Mary Miller. ABC 7 Sports anchor and reporter Dionne Miller tries to break down George McCaskey's clunky press conference after the Bears fired Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. *Plus, National Political Reporter Salena shares the highlights of her exclusive interview with Mike Pompeo on his rapid weight loss.
Bears Chairman George McCaskey announced today the team has officially fired GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy. ABC 7 Sports Reporter Dionne Miller joins John Howell with the details.
Actor and comedian Bob Saget was found dead in his Orlando hotel room Sunday. He was 65. ABC News Correspondent Jason Nathanson joins John Howell to remember his work and legacy.
Ben Weingarten of Real Clear Investigations does a deep dive comparison between Jan. 6th vs. the 2020 summer riots. Mark Konkol at Patch asks where the outrage from top Democrats is over the Chicago Teacher's Union vote? Zack Pearson, reporter for Bear Report discusses the rumor that Ryan Pace could be promoted after the season. John and Canada's own Rob Martier recap a vacation-gone-wrong that has left several Canadien social media influencers stranded. *Plus, the Lyric Opera has been cancelled, so John presents the 'Lyric Oprah' to help fill the void
The Chicago Bears may change their head coach in the near future. Reporter for BearReport.com Zack Person discusses with John Howell.
The Chicago Bears may pick up Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach. Reporter for BearsReport.com Zack Pearson discusses what this could mean for the Bears.
Real Clear Investigations updated their analysis of the BLM riots and Jan. 6th riots from last year. Real Clear Investigations Editor Ben Weingarten breaks it all down with John Howell.
One year ago today, American citizens stormed the US Capitol. Representative Sean Casten remembers that fateful day with John Howell and discusses how we can prevent it from happening again in the future.
The Illinois State Museum is looking for historic object in advance of their upcoming exhibit regarding the 100th anniversary of Route 66. They are creating an exhibit set to open in 2026 for the centennial anniversary. Illinois State Museum History Curator Erika Holst joins John Howell.
Bill Schneider, Emeritus Professor at George Mason University shares why the country has seen a rise in 'militant ignorance.' Director James Flemming talks with John about The Wellesley Girl, Compass Theatre's return to stage coming to the Theater Wit. Chicago Tribune federal courts reporter Jason Meisner provides an update on Mike Madigan and the ComEd bribery probe. Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools claims that Mayor Lightfoot is unprepared to deal with another altercation with the CTU. *Plus, Mike Emanuel stops by for his weekly hit with John, and a cable news viewer shares her fear of dumpling soup.
Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas takes Mayor Lightfoot and the CTU to task. He believes the CTU cares more about themselves than the students and that Lightfoot is woefully unprepared for this entire situation.
Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas takes Mayor Lightfoot and the CTU to task. He believes the CTU cares more about themselves than the students and that Lightfoot is woefully unprepared for this entire situation.
The GOP is calling for action against Russia over they're recent actions near the border of Ukraine. Senior fellow at the Cato Institute Doug Bandow discusses with John Howell.
Public bathrooms have been an issue for residents and tourists alike. Nineteen Alderman signed a resolution focused on providing more public facilities. Alderman Daniel La Spata explains why Chicago needs more public restrooms.
Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel shares why Kim Foxx policies are law enforcement's worst enemy. ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone details how the recent severe weather is compounding the Covid flight cancellation problems. Roger Romanelli of the Fulton Market Association takes Illinois politicians to task on the new vaccine mandates and their effect on restaurants. Stephen Moore and John discuss how they feel that politicians are seemingly making up the Covid rules as they go along. *Plus, Rob Martier breaks down the bizarre events surrounding Antonio Brown's departure from Tampa Bay's game yesterday.
Mayor Lightfoot's proof of vaccination mandate for all bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues where food is served begins today. "The people who should be inconvenienced are the people who haven't gotten vaccines." says Fulton Market Association Executive Director Roger Romanelli. He joins John Howell to discuss.
"It's becoming a circus," says Retired Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel regarding the State's Attorney's new law enforcement policies. He shares his thoughts on the John Howell Show.
The dynamic duo is back! Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies will help host NBC 5's New Years Eve Show. Giangreco joins Wendy Snyder to tease this years celebration extravaganza!
Mark Maxwell, Capitol Bureau Chief for WCIA in Springfield discusses the reports swirling around Ken Griffin and Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. Mitchell Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times details the casino proposals presented to the city. Senior Curator Michael Wood of the Chicago Architectural Center shares his thoughts on the sale of the Thompson Center. WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey joins John to preview the return of Tiger Woods at the PNC Championship this weekend. *Plus, an airline passenger is removed for wearing a thong as a mask and Producer Tyler reveals the famous basketball team his father played for.
Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods, are back together again to play in the 2021 PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes in Orlando. WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey joins John Howell to discuss.
Critics believe Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin may get some much needed support from Entrepreneur Ken Griffin to go up against JB Pritzker in the upcoming Governor's race. Pritzker predicts "cult of personality" will spark contest to see which GOP candidate is the most "Trumpy". WCIA Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Maxwell dives deep into the situation with John Howell.
Alejandra Cancino of the BGA looks at the history of broken promises surrounding the former site of the Cabrini-Green public house complex. Editor and Writer Jake Malooley takes a deep dive into the Starved Rock Murders. Dan Petrella of the Chicago Tribune shares the details of the sale of the Thompson Center. David Frum of The Atlantic defends his tweets claiming that hospitals should quietly treat unvaccinated patients last. *Plus, Ramblin' Ray calls into the show to reminisce with John about one of their trips up North.
David Frum, writer for the Atlantic, tweeted that hospitals should “quietly” begin a process to “serve the unvaccinated last” in an effort to get society back to normal. He explains his thought process here.
Governor JB Pritzker made it official this week. The Thompson Center has official sold to a developer for $70 million dollars. The developer plans to transform the center into offices and auditoriums, along with retail space and booming entertainment options. Chicago Tribune State Government Reporter Dan Petrella breaks down the details with John Howell.
Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter Rick Pearson details the racial tensions that are starting to bubble up within the Cook Co. Democratic Party. IL House Leader Jim Durkin outlines his new bill designed to combat the rise of smash-and-grab retail thefts. Mike Emanuel of Fox News discusses the DOJ's pursuit of Mark Meadows and the potential strategy behind Republicans agreeing to raise the debt limit. John hands out state-by-state pandemic scorecards and discusses the new laws coming your way in 2022 with Rob Martier. *Plus, Officer Darrell Shaffer of St. John, IN recounts his rescue of two children from a pond after their mother crashed into a pond.
St. John Officer Darrell Shaffer sprung into action this weekend when he pulled over a car for a traffic violation. The car took off in the middle of the stop and Shaffer chased them for miles. Then the driver crashed into a retention pond when they tried to exit the highway. Shaffer dove in and saved both the mother and her children from the car. Officer Shaffer explains how everything went down with John Howell.
President Biden's approval ratings have been slipping since he got into office. Critics are blaming mnay different things such as his response to the coronavirus, his build back better plan, and his policies on social issues. But is this decline really all his fault? Roll Call Columnist Walter Shapiro discusses with John Howell.
Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune details the OSHA investigation into the Edwardsville Amazon warehouse. Betting Analyst Chris Altruda looks at the debate surrounding the ordinance allowing sportsbooks at Chicago sporting venues. Joe Perillo of Gold Coast Exotic Motor Cars describes the smash-and-grab robbery that took place at his dealership over the weekend. Chicago Sun-Times Chief Political Reporter Rachel Hinton tells John why Pritzker isn't eyeing a White House bit... yet. *Plus, the Air Force has dismissed 27 service members over vaccine refusal. Alex Horton of The Washington Post shares the details.
A smash-and-grab style robbery occurred this weekend at Gold Coast Exotic Motor Cars. The suspects came into the store during the day, smashed a case containing luxury watches, and got out as fast as they could. The watches total around $1 million dollars. Gold Coast Exotic Motor Cars Owner Joe Perillo explains how the robbery occurred and what him and his team will do next.
Governor Pritzker visited the Edwardville facility this week to asses the damage caused by the tragic tornado that tore through the area. Chicago Tribune Reporter Jeremy Gorner joins John Howell with the latest. Donations can be sent to the Salvation Army, American Red Cross or Edwardsville Community Foundation Relief Fund by calling 855-464-3223.
Rob Karr, President & CEO of the Illinois Retails Merchants Associations shares why Kim Foxx needs to reexamine her retail theft policy. John voices his displeasure with CTA drivers who blocked traffic as a form of protest. Dionne Miller breaks down another disappointing Bears loss to the Packers and John asks who a good fit for a future head coach may be. Salena Zito of the Washington Examiner talks about how the rift between the public and the C-Suites may be permanent. *Plus, Chris Wallace surprisingly signs off Fox News for the final time and details of the controversy hovering over the Hollywood Foreign Press.
The Agent is the remarkable true story of Jack Barsky, the longest-surviving known member of the KGB illegals program operated during the height of the Cold War. Jack joins John Howell to discuss what to expect in his new podcast. Listen to it where ever you get your podcasts.
The devastating tornado that occurred Friday crossed at least six states; Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee. Over 50 people have died and over 100 people are still missing across the 6 states. CNN Contributor Scott Jennings breaks down the current situation in Kentucky. Donate to victims at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief
Wendy Snyder is joined by Attorney Rich Lenkov right as we received the verdict in the Smollett case. Smollett was found guilty on 5 out of 6 charges. The two discuss what happens from here, possible sentencing options, and potential additional charges.
Chicago defense attorney Terry Ekl shares his thoughts on the Jussie Smollett Trial. Real Clear Politics Associate Editor and Columnist A.B. Stoddard looks into why lawmakers are leaving Congress. Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Institute for Economic Freedom Stephen Moore remembers Senator Bob Dole. Politico White House Reporter Meridith McGraw explains why one Ex-D.C. Guard says generals lied to Congress about Jan. 6th ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone discusses the new Omicron variant. Fox News Chief D.C. Correspondent Mike Emanuel breaks down the floor debt ceiling deal and the $768 Billion Defense Bill.
AB Stoddard, Real Clear Politics associate editor and columnist, joins John Howell to chat about congress. Lawmakers are leaving at a high rate, and she attributes this to the strife and conflict within congress. Stoddard states that it's hard for the lawmakers to win or function, and this is taking a toll.
Terry Ekl, Chicago defense attorney, joins John Howell to discuss the latest on the Smollett trial. Smollett taking the stand was a double-edged sword that cut both ways - it would have been as bad for him to stay off the stand as it would be for him to take the stand.
ABC News Correspondent Andy Field recaps President Biden's video call with Putin. Better Collective Analyst Chris Altruda explains the new proposed tax on sportsbooks. Chicago Defense Attorney Joe Lopez weighs in on the Jussie Smollett trial. Five-time Emmy-winning network television analyst and Author Jeff Green Field remembers Senator Bob Dole. *Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, shares his thoughts on the President's call with Putin.
Joe Lopez, Chicago-based defense attorney, joins John Howell to discuss Jussie Smollett's developing trial. Lopez says he, too, would have put Smollett on the stand in a case like this with a celebrity witness, an implausible story, and a huge emotional impact.
John Howell talks two of the biggest topics today: Biden and Putin's video call about Ukraine, and a Chicago looter's prison sentence after his actions during May 2020.
Frank Main, reporter for the Chicago Sun Times, joined John Howell to discuss a recent study by the Sun Times into the cost of low-level drug arrests and the efficacy of alternative plans (such as treatment programs.) What does this look like in the city of Chicago? Main and Howell discuss.
Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D., is currently camping out atop eight shipping containers on the South Side and will continue for a total of 100 days. This tent-a-thon's goal is to raise awareness surrounding the extreme violence in the area, as well as raising money to build a Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center. The center will serve as a safe space for kids and provide them with mentorship that will combat violence from the source. For more information, you can visit projecthood.org.
Jim Nowlan, former state legislator and aide to three unindicted Illinois governors, joins John Howell to talk about the future GOP ticket in Illinois He discusses how the gubernatorial and senate races intertwine and why the GOP ticket may be in trouble.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced today that she is charging the parents of the alleged MI school shooter with several counts of manslaughter. The parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are currently considered missing persons. John Howell discusses the most current developments.
15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez expresses his approval for The Coalition Map as the ward map debate moves toward referendum. Former White Sox Ron Kittle fondly remembers his time with Lamarr Hoyt and clarifies the circumstances around his 'naked Harley ride.' Josh Kraushaar of National Journal Daily discusses the inadvertent problem that Pete Buttigieg poses to the Democratic Party. Captain Dan Bracken of the Flossmoor Fired Department shares the details of the 1st Annual Lights & Ladders Bridage *Plus, John provides another 'Special People' update.
Josh Kraushaar, Senior National Political Columnist for National Journal Daily, joins John Howell to talk about the Democrat's "Mayor Pete Problem." With the 2024 elections looming, the democratic party is trying to figure out who is next in line - and Kraushaar thinks Mayor Pete is moving quickly out of the running.
Ron Kittle joins John Howell to reminisce on his former teammate LaMarr Hoyt. Hoyt passed away at 66 following a lengthy illness.
John congratulates Block Club Chicago's Kelly Bauer on being named "Chicago Journalist of the Year" and asks her for an update on the ward remap fight. Daniel Cox of the American Enterprise shares the surprising reason why crime won't be a major factor in the Midterms. National Opinion Writer Leonard Pitts discusses the societal reason why flash mobs are committing smash-and-grab robberies. Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel covers the status of BBB and the in-fighting taking place in the GOP. *Plus, is it ok to feel sorry for George Ryan?
CNBC's Host of Mad Money Jim Cramer shared his feelings on COVID-19 this week. He brought up conscientious objectors, how the government needs to make vaccines mandatory, and why we need to go to war against COVID"
Flash mob style looting is becoming more and more of an issue in several cities. Many Chicago stores have been hit by groups of individuals storming in and grabbing as much merchandise as possible. Miami Herald Columnist Leonard Pitts dives deep into this growing issue with John Howell.
WLS City Hall Reporter Mallory Vor Broker details the fight taking place over the city's ward map battle. Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief at Investopedia shares how the administration's reaction to the Omicron variant may have affected the markets today. Former News Director and WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey shares his expertise with the show to discuss Tiger Wood's future. Geoffrey Baer of WTTW previews his upcoming special "BEYOND CHICAGO FROM THE AIR." *Plus, John and Producer Bret provide a double-dose of idiot salad about people misusing 9-1-1.
Professional Golfer Tiger Woods was in a car accident month ago. Now after several surgeries and hours of physical therapy the golfer announced he is unsure that he will ever be able to play at the level he did before the incident. WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey shares his thoughts with John Howell.
President Biden has touted his Build Back Better agenda for months now. Many experts are concerned with the plan due to the rising inflation costs. The Institute for Economic Freedom Distinguished Visiting Fellow Stephen Moore discusses how the bill will effect inflation.
Joe Concha of The Hill and Fox News details how Joe Biden and his administration have a bad messaging problem. Marc Caputo at POLITICO looks at a short-list of potential VP candidates for Donald Trump in 2024. Chicago Theatre Critic Chris Jones shares his appreciation for the late Stephen Soundheim. Salena Zito of the Washington Examiner shares the impact of 'bear grease' on our culture. *Plus, Derricke Dennis covers the first day of the Jussie Smollett trial, and Mayor Michael Morrow of Grafton is giving away plots of land in the riverside town.
Jussie Smollett is on trial for allegedly staging a hate crime on himself. He claims the attackers beat him, tried to tie a noose on his neck, used racial and homophobic slurs, and poured bleach on him. The trial began today with jury selection. ABC News Correspondent Derricke Dennis joins the John Howell Show to summarize the events of day one.
No president has lost this much support in his first year since World War II. Critics say he hasn't kept his word on several campaign promises. The Hill Political Columnist Joe Concha discusses President Biden's first year in office, his messaging issues, and why his support dipped so drastically.
Head Coach Matt Nagy could be on his way out after Thanksgiving. Mark Konkol, writer for Patch, was the first to break the news and stated "I stand by what my source told me." He joins Wendy Snyder to explain.
Attorney Dan Herbert shares why the jury made the right decision in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Dr. David Bernstein discusses why price transparency in healthcare could be the catalyst for outcomes transparency in healthcare. 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea discusses the hurdles ahead of passing a new aldermanic map and promotes his Turkey Trot 5k taking place next weekend. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza jumps on to talk about upholding the promise she made to Cairo, IL. *Plus, Rikki Lee Travolta makes your mouth water while discussing "The Polish Cooking Show" that airs tomorrow on WTTW.
John Howell invites nationally recognized attorney Dan Herbert from Herbert Law to share his thoughts on the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict.
In 2019, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services created a rule requiring hospitals to make prices available for patients to see what they may pay for common health care services and items. Since then less than 1 out of 5 hospitals have yet to comply. Dr. David Bernstein discusses how price transparency would help both the industry and patients.
Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium details what you can see during Friday morning's lunar eclipse. John shares what Bill Maher has been saying that has conservatives smiling. David Hochberg shares how the work-at-home movement is affecting commercial and residential real estate. Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune covers how Warren Buffett's son was given a false law enforcement certification. *Plus, Alex Stone of ABC News tells you what to expect for Thanksgiving travel while Kim Gordon learns that you can carry a fully cooked turkey through TSA.
Bill Maher appeared on sat down with CNN's Chris Cuomo this week. They discussed the hypocrisy of the media concerning the Hunter Biden controversy, critical race theory, and cancel culture. Surprisingly, Maher's answers were more right-wing than usually expected and several conservatives have had a positive response to the interview. John Howell breaks it down in this segment.
People have put the health of their mouth on the backburner over the course of the pandemic. Dr. Amar Pattani of Main Street Smiles in Barrington and John Howell discuss why now is the time to get your oral health back on track. If your flex spending account doesn't roll over, you could take advantage of their $79 new patient special. Go to www.mainstreet312.com for more info!
Beginning in the early morning, you will be able to see a partial lunar eclipse for almost 3 hours! Adler Planetarium Director of Public Observing Michelle Nichols explains when and how we can see the eclipse.
Professor of Medical Education at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern Dr. June McKoy joins the John Howell Show to discuss how we can turn this pandemic into an endemic and gives a outlook on this upcoming winter.
WLS City Hall Reporter Mallory Vor Broker details the newly passed legislation that will allow dogs into Chicago taverns. Dr. June McKoy of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwesters describes how Covid could eventually become endemic. Patrick DeHaan of Gas Buddy shares his projected timeline for when gas prices should return to normal. Sports Marketing Expert Marc Ganis calls the proposal for the city to investigate purchasing the Chicago Bears a "ludicrous idea." *Plus, Mike Emanuel talks about the rising friction/controversy surrounding Vice President Harris.
"It is just a bone-headed bad, impossible to get done idea. The NFL rules absolutely don't allow anything even close to this." says Marc Ganis, Chicago-based Sports Marketing Expert. He joins John Howell to discuss Chicago's new proposal to buy the Bears.
President Biden wrote a letter to the FTC requesting they investigate possible anti-consumer behavior by oil and gas companies. Critics are calling out the President and blaming the high prices on supply and demand, among other reasons. Gas Buddy's Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan shares his thoughts on the issue with John Howell.
Mariah Woelfel of WBEZ breaks down where things stand on the passage of a new Chicago ward map. Quinn Myers of Block Club Chicago takes a look at the allegations being forged against a popular pizza chain. Dennis Rodkin at Crain's Chicago Business discusses the report that shows that Chicago is still the 'rat capital' of the U.S. Catherine Rampell of the Washington Post describes how both Biden and Republicans are suffering from the same delusion about inflation. *Plus, Biden and China's President Xi met virtually on Monday. Andy Field of ABC News shares if anything consequential took place.
A five year study found Chicago calls in significantly more rat complaints than New York, making it one of the rattiest cities in the United States. Crain's Chicago Business Residential Real Estate Reporter Dennis Rodkin breaks down the studies results with John Howell.
Chicago Alderman have until December 1st to pass a map that represents the new census data. The most recent data suggests the city is 31% White, 29% Latino, 28% Black, and 7% Asian. Mariah Woelfel, covers city government for WBEZ, discusses with John Howell. Chicago alderman need to pass new ward maps by Dec. 1st.
John and ABC's Jim Ryan break down the latest from the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Author Gordon Chang describes his belief that Joe Biden needs to wake up to the very real threat of China. Mark Konkol of Patch claims that Ken Griffin has exposed the crack in Pritzker's campaign. Plus, Kim Gordon shares how her family had a brush with Chicago violence.
The battle of the billionaires rages on! Ken Griffin is butting heads with Governor Pritzker again. He says he will support Pritzker's opponent in the next election. Mark Konkol thinks Griffin should back another Democrat in the primary. He joins John to discuss.
"Well, they are certainly the biggest threat we face world wide," says Author Gordon Chang referring to China. He joins John Howell to discuss how much of a threat China is, Biden's handling of China, and how concerned America should be.
53rd Senator Jason Barickman details the new legislative maps submitted by the Illinois Republican Party, the NAACP, and MALDEF. Keith Naughton, Co-founder of Silent Majority Strategies shares why he believes Mitch McConnell has won over Biden and Trump. Better Government Association President & CEO David Greising describes why fighting billionaires makes IL politics better. Jason Nathanson of ABC News breaks down the decision made today on the conservatorship of Britney Spears. *Plus, David Winston discusses the dirty details of the VA election and William Lee of the Chicago Tribune shares his review for season two of "South Side."
Silent Majority Strategies Co-Founder Keith Naughton believes Senator McConnell may come out of 2021 looking better than President Biden and former President Trump. He joins John Howell to discuss.
In response to the Democrat legislative maps approved in September, the Illinois Republican Party, the NAACP And MALDEF proposed their own legislative maps. The groups say their maps do a better job of representing underrepresented communities in Illinois. Senator Jason Barickman explains how these maps better represent Illinois.
ABC Legal Analyst Royal Oakes tells you where you can put your money on the Rittenhouse trial outcome. Lauren Cohn talks about her role on the new season of South Side that dropped today on HBO Max. Critically acclaimed military historian Patrick O'Donnell takes a look back at some lesser-known heroes from the Revolutionary War. Greg Hinz of Chicago Business attempts to handicap where billionaire Ken Griffen will throw his money to combat J.B. Pritzker in the next election. Jeff Gottesfeld, the National Archive Centennial Speaker at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier shares how to properly teach kids about the importance of Veteran's Day. Plus, Grammy winner Warren Haynes discusses the forthcoming Gov't Mule release, "Heavy Load Blues."
In honor of Veterans Day and Military Families Month, John Howell invited Jeff Gottesfeld to the show to speak about Veterans Day, the importance of appreciating our soldiers, and the military families that support them. Jeff is the National Archive Centennial Speaker at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
During a New York Times event this week, Ken Griffin attacked Governor Pritzker stating, “I’m going to make sure that if he runs again, that I am all in to support the candidate who will beat him. He doesn’t deserve to be the governor of our state.” Crain's Chicago Business Columnist Greg Hinz discusses who that opponent will be and if Griffin can make a difference for them.
Kristen Barbaresi of CBS58 in Milwaukee recaps Kyle Rittenhouse's testimony and details why the defense is asking for a mistrial. Professor Dorian Abbott at the University of Chicago shares why him and his colleagues are starting a no cancel-culture college. Andy Field of ABC News shares what attempts are being made to fight the massive rise in inflation. Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel sees that some Democrats seem to be distancing themselves from President Biden. *Plus, John goes nautical while talking to Stockton Rush, CEO of Oceangate Expeditions about their upcoming Titanic Experience in Lake Forest.
Veteran teachers are advising a Texas University to create the country's very first "cancel culture free university." University of Chicago Associate Professor Dorian Abbot joins John Howell to discuss.
The defense team has filed for a miss trial with prejudice today. The trial is still ongoing. CBS58 Milwaukee Investigative Reporter Kristen Barbaresi joins the John Howell show with an update.
Mark Maxwell, Capitol Bureau Chief for WCIA in Springfield covers the blowback that J.B. Priztker is facing from his trip to Scotland. Linda Chavez of the Center for Equal Opportunity discusses how she believes threats to Democracy come from both the left and the right. ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone shares the projections for Thanksgiving travel and breaks down the lesser-known reason for recent flight cancellations. Chris Placek of the Daily Herald takes a look at the massive planning process that Arlington Heights is set to launch in preparation of a new Bears stadium. *Plus, John and Kim give the latest details from the Kyle Rittenhouse trial now that the prosecution has rested its case.
Arlington Heights officials are gearing up for the new Chicago Bears stadium. The city is set for the immense planning process needed for the new stadium and move. Daily Herald Staff Writer Chris Placek discusses the details with John Howell.
Governor Pritzker to a trip to Scotland this week for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. He spoke to a side group about the strides Illinois is taking to be one of the top green states in America. Illinois GOP criticized the Governor for his remarks. WCIA Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Maxwell explains the key points of Pritzker's address.
Peter Hancock of Capitol Hill News Illinois discusses how a lawsuit will send the new IL legislative maps to court. Faith Abubey at ABC News breaks down where the majority of the money is going from the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill. POLITICO's David Siders wonders why Democrats don't seem ready to change after getting their clocks cleaned in recent elections. Jeff Arnold, National Roving Editor for Patch Salena Zito of the Washington Examiner looks at how voters are once again voting against our cultural curators. Plus, Jason Nathanson talks about the fallout from the deadly stampede at Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival performance.
The White Sox just announced they will be keeping on Tony La Russa as manager for the 2022 season. Patch National Roving Editor Jeff Arnold and John Howell share their thoughts on the decision.
Eight people died and several others were injured during Travis Scott's performance at the Astroworld Festival this weekend. The rapper has since apologized but is still receiving heavy criticism for the incident, his handling of it, and his response to the entire tragedy. ABC News Correspondent Jason Nathanson discusses with John Howell.
Kristen Barbaresi of CBS58 in Milwaukee breaks down the most important aspects of today's witnesses in the Kyle Rittenhouse case. LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune discusses how the MLB could be heading towards another work stoppage. Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison shares his opposition to the proposed amendment to the guns and ammo tax. Joe Buonavolento III of Buona Beef details how you can help them contribute to Meals on Wheels by buying a beef next week. *Plus, Representative Michael Zalewski talks about his attempt to rid Illinois of Daylight Saving Time, which allows John to vent about his deep-seeded hatred of the time change.
Today concludes the fourth day in the Rittenhouse trial. CBS 58 Milwaukee Investigative Reporter Kristen Barbaresi has been monitoring the trial all week and joins the show with an update.
A guns and ammunition tax was repealed for being unconstitutional. But now the Illinois Supreme Court reinstated the amendment, for now. The amendment states all revenue from the firearm and ammunition tax must go toward gun violence prevention programs. It was decided with a 12-2 vote. Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison disagrees with the amendment and joins John to explain his thoughts
WTTW Chicago Politics Reporter Heather Cherone details the fight still ahead of Rahm Emanuel despite his confirmation passing the Senate committee. Mark DeBofsky, an attorney who represents workers in benefit disputes discusses the MTA denying death benefits to the unvaccinated. Dave Packer of ABC News talks about how one of the contributors to the Steele Dossier was taken into custody. Attorney Dan Herberts discusses whether or not it was appropriate to remove one of the jurors in the Kyle Rittenhouse case. Joe Cahill of Crain's Chicago Business shares why he believes that public officials should be banned from owning stock. Plus, Rex Huppke on the McDonald's CEO text trouble and Ken Churilla gives out the holiday deals for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.
Several conflicts of interest have occurred over the past few months regarding public officials and the companies they own stocks in. It's leads many to ask the question, "Should public officials be able to own stock?" Crain's Chicago Assistant Managing Editor Joe Cahill takes a deep dive into the topic with John Howell.
A juror was dismissed from the Rittenhouse trial today due to an inappropriate joke he made yesterday after the hearing. The joke was in reference to a police shooting involving Jacob Blake. Herbert Law Attorney Dan Herbert observed the entire case today and joins John to discuss the key points.
Mark Konkol of Patch.com claims that Pritzker's violence executive order smells a lot like a campaign promise. John R. Lott of the Crime Prevention Resource Center gives his takeaways from today's Supreme Court arguments on their 2nd amendment case. The Daily Herald's Marni Pyke describes the power shifts that are taking place at the Illinois Tollway. Dan Mihalopoulos shares the latest report coming out from the Chicago Park District lifeguard scandal. Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel tries to discern what happens to the Biden agenda after the Virginia election. Plus, the latest from the Kyle Rittenhouse case and has Chuy Garcia taken down the Irish Machine?
A new report from a former federal prosecutor condemned Chicago Park District leaders for their response to complaints of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. WBEZ Investigative Reporter Dan Mihalopoulos breaks down the current situation with John Howell.
Gun control is up for debate in the Supreme Court this week. A group of New York gun owners are going to the Supreme Court in hopes they will establish a fundamental right to carry a handgun for self defense outside of the home. Crime Prevention Research Center President John Lott Jr. watched the oral arguments today and join John to discuss.
47th District State Senator Jil Tracy shares her disappointment that a new IL legislative inspector general was not appointed. Gregory Zuckerman details the effort made to create a vaccine in his new book, “A SHOT TO SAVE THE WORLD: The Inside Story of the Life-or-Death Race for a Covid-19 Vaccine.” Robert Channick of the Chicago Tribune looks at what will happen to the thousands of personal seat license holders purchased at Soldier Field if the Bears move. Tom Schuba of the Chicago Sun-Times takes a deep dive into his report on how shootings are up 220% in downtown Chicago. POLITICO's Senior Legal Affairs Reporter Josh Gerstein gives his takeaways from the SCOTUS arguments on the Texas abortion ban. Plus, Mike McMains talks about his 'Ugly Buildings Tour' that highlights the less than visually appealing architecture in the city.
Chicago's downtown area is experiencing a major surge in shootings. It is almost 220% more than this time last year. It is the largest spike the city's history. Chicago Sun-Times Staff Reporter Tom Schuba breaks down the numbers and explores why shootings have spiked with John Howell.
The Bears sold about 26,000 permanent seat license to help fund the 2003 renovation of Soldier Field. Each seat costed anywhere from $750 and $10,000. Those seat owners are now in danger of loosing their investment if the Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights. Chicago Tribune Business Reporter Robert Channick joins John to discuss.
Mark Brown of the Chicago Sun-Times says that something has got to give in the ward remap fight. The Chicago Tribune's Lisa Donovan details how spending surged around the Chicago area in the first half of 2021. ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone shares how American is the latest airline to deal with delays and cancellations. Stephen Moore of the Institute for Economic Freedom joins to discuss rising prices and Joe Manchin. Zack Pearson of BearReport.com approves of the growth that Justin Fields showed in the Bears' loss to the 49ers. Plus, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction recap with Matt Wolfe.
The Chicago Bears expierenced a tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers this week. The final score was 22-33. Zack Pearson from BearReport.com joins John Howell to discuss.
"It could get bad here in the next few weeks." says ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone. He and John Howell discuss the fiasco plaguing American Airlines.
Dr. Amar Pattani of Main Street Smiles in Barrington details to John Howell how their advanced dental technology can help you straighten your teeth as comfortably as possible. Plus, Dr. Pattani shares how his previous career has helped him create his state-of-the-art dentistry. Check out www.mainstreet312.com to see details of their new-patient special or to book an appointment!
Chicago Tribune Chief Political Analyst Rick Pearson details how the new legislative maps led to Adam Kinzinger announcing he won't run for reelection. Tucker Martin, a Republican consultant tries to figure out what the endgame is for Donald Trump in Virginia. Mitchell Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times shares how the new sports betting bill will allow you to bet on colleges in Illinois. WLS Sports guru Rob Martier shares why Joel Quenneville is out the door with the Florida Panthers while Kevin Cheveldayoff is safe in Winnipeg. *Plus, WGN's Ben Bradley and DePaul University Professor Kelly Richmond Pope recap the scandal surrounding former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell and try to discern why she was released early from prison.
Illinois Democrats approved the 4th draft of the congressional maps and sent it off to be reviewed and signed by Governor Pritzker. Chicago Tribune Chief Political Analyst Rick Pearson breaks down the new maps with John Howell.
Lawmakers passed a measure Thursday that would allow Illinoisans to bet on their Illinois college sports teams. The bill is awaiting Pritzker's approval. Chicago Sun-Times Staff Reporter Mitchell Armentrout discusses with John Howell.
Robb Karr, President & CEO of the Illinois Retail Association shares how the string of robberies on the Mag Mile is scaring off potential tenants. ABC News Legal Analyst Royal Oakes details the legal challenges that lay ahead for the producers and crew of "Rust." Ariel Parrella-Aureli of Block Club Chicago recaps how Ald. Jim Gardner's Ward Superintendent was caught with an illegal machine gun. Sara Shepard, the star of "BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROL KING MUSICAL" jumps on with John to preview the show. Charles Lipson, Political Science Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago tells John that Joe Biden's approval numbers may never recover. Plus, Kane and Toews speak up, and someone seems to be targeting The Hideout.
We are only 9 months into Joe Biden's Presidency and many critics are beginning to wonder how America got to this point in such short time. Charles Lipson, Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago, joins John Howell to share his thoughts on Joe Biden's Presidency so far.
Robberies are becoming more common on and around the Magnificent Mile. What was once a crown jewel of retail is now becoming a hotspot for crime. Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr joins John to discuss the situation.
On this episode of Essential Cuts, John and Kim dig into the details of Lori Lightfoot's budget so that you don't have too:
Professor Justin Marlowe at the University of Chicago details why the city's revenue and spending will never be the same. Greg Bishop of The Center Square shares how some lawmakers are moving to bar moral exemptions for refusing the COVID vaccine. Mike Emanuel stops by for his weekly hit to talk about the latest news out of Washington. Alex Stone of ABC News discusses how In-N-Out Burger has become the center of the vaccine mandate fight. *Plus, Laurence Msall of the Civic Federation claims that Lightfoot should pull out all the stops to keep the Bears in Chicago.
City Council just passed the Chicago budget for 2022. University of Chicago Research Professor Justin Marlowe joins John Howell to break it all down.
Some politicians are moving to ban moral exemptions for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The Center Square Staff Reporter Greg Bishop joins John Howell with the scoop.
Stacy St. Clair of the Chicago Tribune shares the latest on the terminology that will be allowed in the Kyle Rittenhouse case. Senior Politico Writer Marc Caputo tries to discern why the JFK assassination records were not released today. Mark Konkol of Patch shares how the FOP may be getting help from the Madigan Machine. Matt Rosenberg discusses his new book, "What's Next Chicago?: Notes of a Pissed-Off Native Son." The Chicago Tribune's Blackhawks writer Phil Thompson details the fallout from the organization's independent sexual assault investigation. Plus, Doug Bandow tells John why no one can afford a fight over Taiwan.
Author Matt Rosenberg moved back to the city in 2020. He wanted to get a deeper look at what was going on in the city. Matt interviewed several Chicago natives and compiled their answers into his new book "What's Next, Chicago? Notes of a Pissed-Off Native Son" Link to book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-next-chicago-matt-rosenberg/1140181434
An investigation into the Blackhawks organization uncovered General Manager Stan Bowman and other top officials helped cover up sexual assault allegations about coach Brad Aldrich during the 2010 Stanley Cup run. Chicago Tribune's Blackhawks Beat Writer Phil Thompson joins John Howell to discuss the fallout.
Political Analyst Andrew Ellison takes a deep dive into the new Democrat-proposed Congressional map. A.B. Stoddard, associate editor for RealClearPolitics takes a look at the big bet that the GOP is making with swing voters. ABC News Entertainment Correspondent Jason Nathanson shares the latest details emerging from the deadly on-set shooting involving Alec Baldwin. Professor Kevin Mattson of Ohio University asks if Joe Biden is becoming the next Jimmy Carter. Thom Serafin, Founder and CEO of Serafin & Associates details their latest poll on whether a Bears move would have their reputation. Plus, Rob Martier eats crow and Salena Zito of the Washington Examiner shares how the Virginia delegate races could reflect a national anti-Democratic mood
A poll done by Serafin & Associates Inc. found 60% of people said a Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights would not damage the reputation of the team but don't want any tax dollars going towards the move. Founder and CEO of Serafin Thom Serafin discusses the results with John Howell.
Illinois Democrats revealed their first congressional redistricting draft this week. Political Analyst Andrew Ellison breaks it all down and shares his thoughts with John Howell.
John Howell presents another edition of Essential Cuts to lead you into the weekend: Jason Nathanson of ABC News breaks down the details surrounding the Alec Baldwin on-set shooting. Technology Reporter Drew Harwell shares how a group of hackers defaced Donald Trump's new social media website. James Golden aka Bo Snerdley talks about his 30+ years with Rush Limbaugh as he previews his upcoming book "Rush on the Radio." Alderman Gilbert Villegas details the newly unveiled Aldermanic map proposed by the Chicago Latino Caucus. *Plus, Dr. Jessica Myrick discusses coping with memes and Stephanie Esposito is welcomed as the winner of the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Stand Challenge.
Former President Trump annouced his new social media network, TRUTH, is set to launch in 2022. Hackers caught wind of a beta test of the site and took the account names of Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Drew Harwell, Washington Post Technology Reporter, shares the full story with John Howell.
A terrible accident occurred this week on the set of Alec Baldwin's upcoming movie Rust. Alec Baldwin mistakenly fired a bullet into Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins who later died from injuries. Jason Nathanson, ABC News Entertainment Correspondent, breaks down the accident with John Howell.
Illinois lawmakers cancelled their Thursday session, but the John Howell Show takes no days off: John Keilman of the Chicago Tribune details how the expanded good Samaritan law is being tested in a drug-induced homicide. Ben Schreckinger of Politico's new book, "The Biden's" asks whether the First Family is corrupt, or merely crazy? Patch's Mark Konkol shows that Rahm Emanuel was no ambassador of truth at his Senate confirmation hearing. Jerry Nowicki at Capitol News-Illinois breaks down the busy docket for Illinois lawmakers after cancelling their Thursday session. *Plus, Ted McClelland at Chicago Mag describes how Illinois came to be a one-party state.
Dr. Amar Pattani of Main Street Smiles in Barrington joins John Howell to share how they are keeping their clients safe with their aerosol extraction system. For more information and to see their new patient special, go to www.mainstreet312.com
Over the years Illinois has become known as a Democrat state. But how did it get there? 312 Editor for Chicago Mag Ted McClelland dives deep into the history of Illinois politics to explain.
Author Ben Schreckinger joins John to discuss Hunter Biden's laptop, the family's rise to power, and all the controversy surrounding the first family. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Bidens-Familys-Tragedy-Scandal-Triumph/dp/1538738007
On another Wednesday edition of Essential Cuts:
Dupage County sheriff James Mendrick shares why he is not sending his deputies into the city. Lorrane Hariton, President and CEO of Catalyst, details why 50% of Americans want to leave their jobs. Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute tells John what comes next for the Illinois redistricting map. Marcco della Cava of USA Today talks about the continued backlash from the dave chappelle special. *Plus, Mike Emanuel and John Howell discuss the big news out of Washington.
Recent surveys suggest about 50% of Americans want new jobs. Lorraine Hariton, President & CEO of Catalyst, explains why 50% of Americans want to change jobs.
Governor Pritzker recently asked suburban police departments if they are willing to send officers to the city in order to help with the officer shortage. Many departments have declined the request. DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick joins John Howell to explain.
John battled his way through the Chicago Sky parade to bring you another episode of Essential Cuts - Eric Boehm from Reason details how the new congressional map proposed by IL Democrats is a perfect example America's political dysfunction. Writer Caleb Michel shares how a Ukrainian Oligarch managed to scam the city of Harvard. John plays Joe Ferguson's comments blasting the Lightfoot Administration on his way out as Inspector General. Attorney Dan Herbert previews the "Bank the Blue" gala designed to raise funds for mental health assistance for Chicago area police officers. *Plus, questions still remain ahead of Rahm Emanuel's confirmation hearing, and it may be time to start senility testing for politicians.
Bank the Blue is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting law enforcement officers in Chicago and Cook County. They will host their first gala on Oct. 21st at 6pm. Founder Dan Herbert joins John. Get your tickets here: https://banktheblue.com/
Gerrymandering has taken over the new proposed Illinois congressional maps. But it shows a deeper issue effecting American politics as a whole. Reason Reporter Eric Bame joins John to discuss.
John was a big fan of Colin Powell and made sure to honor the former Secretary of State today: Jim Kenney, former Ambassador to Ireland shares some of his fondest memories of Powell. Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times can't deny that Aaron Rodgers does in fact own the Bears. Alderman Chris Taliaferro shares the steps he and his fellow city council members are taking to curb Chicago's violence. Chicago Tribune Theater Critic Chris Jones reviews "As You Like It," a cross between Shakespeare and The Beatles. *Plus, the wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do in fact turn.
The Bears came up short this weekend against the Packers, losing the game 24-14. During a touchdown celebration, QB Aaron Rodgers started yelling "I own you!" towards Chicago fans. Chicago Sun-Times Sports Columnist Rick Morrissey discusses with John Howell.
Colin Powell was America's first black Secretary of State and served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. Jim Kenney, former Ambassador to Ireland, worked closely under Powell and the two became close friends over the years. Jim joins John to remember the life Colin Powell.
John Howell is here to recap a busy day in Chicago where Lori Lightfoot and John Catanzara are taking each other to court: Stephanie Murray of Politico shares the numbers that show suburban democrats are fleeing from the 'defund the police' idea. The Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson looks at the Democrat-proposed Congressional maps (hint: they're not good). An alderman is proposing a noise ordinance that takes aim at the boats in the Chicago River. NBC 5 Chicago's Food Guy Steve Dolinsky gives John advice on the best pizza places in Chicago from his new book "The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide." *Plus, WLS Golf Commissioner Emeritus John Dempsey jumps on the show to discuss the enigma that is John Daly.
Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune reviews the Democrat proposed congressional maps and it could spell bad news for Congressman Adam Kinzinger.
Chicago's Legendary Food Reporter Steve Dolinsky just released his "Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide" A full length guide to the best pizza in the city. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Chicago-Pizza-Guide-History/dp/081014428X
The City Council is looking at bringing e-scooters to the city by next summer. Chicago Tribune Humor Columnist Rex Huppke joins Rob Johnson with the details.
With mandates being put in place, vaccination rates are on the rise but reports of side effects are also increasing. Attorney Jon Groth joins Rob Johnson to discuss the rise in side effects and also provides solutions for anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation. Contact the Groth Law Firm at https://grothlawfirm.com/
Former CPD Superintendent Garry McCarthy reacts to John Catanzara urging officers to not report their vaccination status. Mike Emanuel of Fox News ponders how badly Joe Biden's approval numbers could be hit by supply chain issue affecting Christmas. Sean Trende at RealClearPolitics tackles the limited history of the Supreme Court rulings on vaccine mandates. Author William Hazelgrove shares the basis of his new book "One Hundred and Sixty Minutes: The Race to Save the RMS Titanic." Director Rebecca Halpern talks about her new documentary on legendary Chicago chef Charlie Trotter. Plus, the real estate market is obviously booming, but even more so for those living in golf course communities.
"God forbid an officer go to the scene of a crime and bring COVID home to their family." says Former CPD Superintendent Garry McCarthy on the FOP President urging police to ignore the city mandate to report vaccination status. Garry McCarthy weighs in on the topic with John Howell.
John Howell is here to lift your spirits if you're down about the White Sox postseason elimination: Joe Concha of the Hill ponders whether Donald Trump should move out of the way for Ron DeSantis. The Al Capone auction shatters records with a gun sale topping $1 million. ABC 7 Political Reporter Craig Wall details a vaccine mandate loophole that Governor Pritzker is trying to close. Former Governor Pat Quinn joins John while exiting the White Sox loss to the Astros. *Plus, a Wisconsin brewery has formed a SuperPAC and is planning on suing every school board in the state that doesn't follow CDC guidelines.
The Health Care Right of Conscience Act bans discrimination by all institutions "because of such persons conscientious refusal to receive...or participate in any way in any particular form of healthcare services contrary to his or her conscience." ABC 7 Political Reporter Craig Wall breaks down the situation with John Howell.
John Howell chats with Dr Lucy McBride, a practicing internist in Washington, D.C. who shares the COVID serenity prayer she wrote for The Atlantic. Read Lucy's piece here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/10/covid-serenity-prayer/620343/
It's been well over a year with COVID-19 restrictions of some kind in place. During the beginning of the pandemic, there were usually plans in place tied to metrics with a clear plan of when the restrictions will go away. Now, many are wondering why there are no more properly defined metrics. Journalist and author Ross Barkan joins John Howell to discuss.
John is finally back in studio for the first time in 577 days and kicked things off with a big show: Josh Nelson of Sox Machine details a big White Sox win. Ron Onesti breaks the news that a Christopher Columbus statue could be on its way back. Alex Stone of ABC News deciphers 100's of more Southwest flights being cancelled. Dr. Lucy McBride shares a COVID serenity prayer. *Plus Salena Zito on how a Pennsylvania High School Booster Club beat the mob.
The Logan Center Blues Fest is taking place October 15th - 17th. World Renowned Chicago Photographer Paul Natkin will be featured at the Festival and has photographed John Howell throughout the years. He joins John to discuss how his work will be included into the festival.
Last year, Mayor Lightfoot ordered the removal of several Christopher Columbus statues, due to public outcry. Now almost a year later, the city is in discussion to possibly bring one of the statues back. Onesti Entertainment Founder and President Ron Onesti joins John Howell to discuss Columbus day and the possibility of a Columbus statue returning.
John Howell has a fresh episode of Essential Cuts to add to your weekend programming: Julius L. Jones describes the new City on Fire: Chicago 1871 exhibit opening at the Chicago History Museum. Ryan Tolley, Policy Director at CHANGE Illinois talks about his lone testimony at the Illinois House Redistricting meeting. Daniella Pereira with Openlands shares why Chicago's ash trees are worth saving despite the high cost. The Chicago Tribune's Josh Noel details the circumstances that led to a failed unionization of the employees at Goose Island. Professor Dorian Abbot at the University of Chicago recounts how the college cancel culture hit him personally. Plus, the carjacking problem in Chicago is somehow even worse than you thought.
The idea to unionize Goose Island goes back to 2019. By 2020 they had almost 75% of employees expressing support of the union. But then the pandemic hit and management caught wind of the plan. They had to lay off employees due to covid laid off several employees vocal about unionization. Chicago Tribune Reporter Josh Noel discusses with John Howell.
The Chicago History Museum is opening a new exhibit about The Great Chicago Fire. City on Fire: Chicago 1871 brings a new way to experience this time in Chicago history. Lead Curator Julius Jones joins John Howell to explain the new exhibit and discuss The Great Chicago Fire.
If you're a fan of the history of Chicago politics, this is the episode John Howell: Essential Cuts for you: Chicago Radio Veteran Justin Kaufmann previews his new podcast "The Madigan Rule." Professor Jason D. Hill at DePaul discusses the harm being caused by the cancel culture wars. Former Alderman and State Senator Jeremiah Joyce reminisces about his time in politics while talking about his new memoir, "STILL BURNING." Dan Mihalopoulous of WBEZ shares how the Chicago Parks Department is hiring high-priced consultants to tackle their lifeguard abuse scandal. *Plus, Dr. Kiril Avramov from the University of Texas shares how ransomware attacks have become another tool in political warfare.
Jason Hill, Professor of philosophy at DePaul University, joins John Howell to discuss the cancel culture wars and if they will ever end.
“The Madigan Rule” is a Better Government Association podcast that takes listeners inside the story of how Speaker Mike Madigan ran Illinois. Chicago Radio Veteran and host of the new podcast Justin Kaufmann joins John Howell. Listen to the new podcast at https://madiganrule.bettergov.org/
On top of tackling some of the biggest political conspiracy theories out there, John Howell also welcomed a full-slate of guests: Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun-Times shares how the Facebook outing reminded him of how we really don't need it. John Feehery, partner at EFB Advocacy and thefeeherytheory.com discusses why a GOP Congress is desperately needed. Mike Emanuel of Fox News takes on the debt ceiling debate and the battle between Bernie and Manchin. Bill Scher of Politico Magazine wonders if the Progressives actually won anything last week. *Plus, Sun-Times sports columnist Steve Greenberg previews the White Sox upcoming playoff series against the Astros.
The Chicago White Sox play the Houston Astros in their first game of the ALDS. Chicago Sun-Times Sports Columnist Steve Greenberg discusses their chances with John Howell.
Another day, another jam-packed episode of Essential Cuts - John broke down the throw down between Lori Lightfoot and Kim Foxx. Dan Abrams talks about his new show on NewsNation and how he's fighting media bias. Professor Allen Sanderson at the University of Chicago says the city should just let the Bears go. Ziva Branstetter at the Washington Post detailed the fallout beginning from their work on the Pandora Papers. *Plus, the Facebook Whistleblower's testimony and the Jan. 6th committee is set to take on Donald Trump.
A Senate sub committee heard from the whistleblower today. She claims Facebook manipulated its content and knew it was harmful to young users. ABC News Correspondent Andy Field discusses how the hearing went.
Millions of files regarding secret assets and behind the scenes deals of some of the worlds most powerful people have been revealed after a years long investigation into the largest cache of leaked offshore data in history. Washington Post Editor Ziva Branstetter joins John to breakdown the investigation and it's findings.
On a day where Facebook went down, John Howell stepped it up: 23rd District Rep Michael Zalewski wants no taxpayer money going towards a new Bears stadium. Professor Eric Segall of Georgia State University details a busy schedule for the Supreme Court as they begin a new term. Jim Dey at the News-Gazette discusses whether Mike Madigan may have to start using his own money on his defense. Plus, Caitlyn Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club of Illinois on how to support our first responders.
The next Supreme Court term is set to begin after an 18 month hiatus due to the pandemic. Abortion, gun, and religious cases are all up on the docket. Professor of Law at Georgia State University Eric Segall joins John Howell to discuss.
State Representative Michael Zalewski, along with other lawmakers, filed legislation to reject any plans to have any type of public funds go towards the new stadium in Arlington Heights. He joins John to discuss.
Today on a loaded episode of Essential Cuts: John covers what you can do to help your local police in the wake of the death of State Trooper Gerald Mason. Dr. David Hyman at the Cato Institute takes on the medical bills of the unvaccinated. 38th Ward Alderman Nick Sposato on his opposition to Mayor Lightfoot's vaccine mandate for city employees Kwame Amoaku, Director of the Chicago Film Office at DCASE discusses the surge of filming in the city. *Plus a few segments that are guaranteed to make you laugh.
Open House Chicago is a free public festival that offers self-guided history and architecture trails throughout Chicago and behind-the-scenes access to architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across the city. Chicago Architectural Center Director of Communications Sinhue Mendoza joins John to explain the different sites to see and discuss their new app!
Alderman Nick Sposato along with five other alderman opposed the city employee vaccine mandates. All city employees must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. Alderman Sposato shares his thoughts on the mandates and explains why he is against them.
On today's episode of Essential Cuts: Bill Ruthhart, Chicago Tribune Political Reporter on the cost to the Bears and taxpayers if the team heads to Arlington Heights. David Graham with The Atlantic figures out why violence is on the rise despite overall crime declining in recent years. A Georgia man finds out that aiming your bow at police is not a great idea. Why the media ignored the R. Kelly story for 20+ years *And more!
R. Kelly is found guilty on all counts. But he has been accused of sexual abuse and other things several times over the years. Director of Communication for IL Comptroller Mendoza Abdon Pallasch joins John Howell to discuss why the media ignored these allegations for so long
The Chicago Bears have reached a purchasing agreement for the Arlington Heights racetrack land. But how much will this cost everyone, including the taxpayer? Chicago Tribune Political Reporter Bill Ruthhart examines the finacial implications of the move with John Howell.
Introducing John Howell: Essential Cuts, a new daily podcast featuring the best of the best from that day's show. John hand-picks the 5-6 segments he thinks you need to hear and puts them together in uninterrupted fashion.
Today's episode features: Alex Stone of ABC News on the nearly 600 unvaccinated employees let go by United, The Chicago Tribune's Gregory Pratt on the precarious situation Mayor Lightfoot finds herself in with the potential Bears move, and Fox News' Mike Emanuel discussing the battle in D.C. surrounding the infrastructure bill vote. Plus, Kristen McQueary has a new role, Iowan parents take drastic steps, and it's a dubious day in the history of Tylenol.
The Chicago Bears have been playing with the idea of moving to Arlington Heights Racecourse for months. A purchasing agreement was recently signed signed and Mayor Lightfoot was not pleased. Chicago Tribune's City Hall Reporter Gregory Pratt joins John to discuss the possible move and Lightfoot's response to the news.
United Airlines fired nearly 600 employees for being unvaccinated. ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone drops by the John Howell show with the details.
Jason Meisner of the Chicago Tribune was the only local reporter in New York for the R Kelly trial. The music superstar was convicted yesterday and Jason joined Big John to talk about the verdict.
Andy Field joined Big John from Washington D.C. to talk about today's hearing with General Milley and General McKenzie. Republican Senators grilled them on what they were advising President Biden about withdrawing from Afghanistan.
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson shares that President Biden has cancelled his planned visit to Illinois tomorrow. Mayor Johnson says the Secret Service told his police chief, "Due to circumstances rising in Washington D.C. the President unfortunately cannot make a trip out to Elk Grove tomorrow."
The Chicago Project on Security & Threats, an international security affairs research institute based at the University of Chicago has found that 47 million Americans believe Joe Biden to be an illegitimate president. Professor Robert Pape, head of the project, details an even more startling statistic; 21 million of those people believe that violence is the answer to reinstalling Donald Trump as President.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of The Great Chicago Fire. Chicago journalist Robert Loerzel shares first hand eyewitness accounts of the incident with John Howell.
The Cleveland Browns came out on top on Sunday against the Chicago Bears with a 26-6 win. Windy City Gridiron Writer Jacob Infante joins John to discuss.
TheReload.com Founder Stephen Gutowski joins John Howell to shares his thoughts on gun control, the NRA's political influence, and why he thinks Democrats can't pass more gun control laws.
Illinois' new district maps are now official. Chicago Tribune's Chief Political Reporter Rick Pearson joins John to review the major changes.
Author of "Barrel-Aged Stout & Selling Out" and restaurant connoisseur for the "Chicago Tribune", Josh Noel informs us that Guinness is choosing Chicago as the location for their new tap room, this being the 2nd U.S. location for brewery/taproom.
If the GOP is going to win in 2022 would they have a better chance winning on the merits of policy or personality? What do you think? Which Should they be judged on?
In response to the flurry of executive orders from the past two presidents some members of congress are pushing the Protect Our Democracy Act to curb presidential powers. Cerin Lindgrensavage, counsel on the bill, shares the details.
R Kelly is he losing money or making money during his trial? Marc Hogan, senior staff writer for Pitchfork, tells John that being on trial may be making R Kelly more money on people streaming his songs than he is losing on attorneys. That and much more about the infamous R&B star.
Saturday could hold the last race ever at Arlington International Racecourse. Tony Petrillo, the venue's President shares how they are celebrating their final weekend and ponders what the Chicago Bears could do if they buy the racecourse.
What do you think? Will you miss horseracing? Do you want the Bears to move there?
The Broken Arrow Horseback Riding Club is teaching Chicago youth how to ride horses on the South Side. The Founder Murdock joins John Howell to share his organizations story and mission.
Two Illinoisans who took part in the Jan. 6th insurrection are now being charged by the FBI. ABC 7 Chicago Investigative Reporter Chuck Goudie shares his full report.
UFC Fighter Connor McGregor threw out the first pitch and sung "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" at a Chicago Cubs game. John Howell weighs in and remembers his past favorite 7th inning stretch singers.
The Illinois Restaurant Association is in talks with Sen. Duckworth and other officials about getting work visa's for hospitality workers to help fix the restaurant labor shortage. President and CEO of the IRA Sam Toia joins John Howell to discuss.
Mayor Lightfoot proposes expanding the area around the current stadium into a entertainment and dining district along with fulfilling the team's "wish list" in an effort to get the team to stay in Chicago. Greg Hinz from Crain's Chicago Business joins John to discuss.
Governor Pritzker set a state vaccine mandate for teachers, nurses, and other medical professionals in Illinois. WCIA's Mark Maxwell dives into the details with John Howell.
DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin won't run for a fourth term. He joins John Howell to discuss his next plans.
The House is scheduled to vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill (BIB) next week. Republicans could potentially make the vote work in their favor. Politico Contributing Editor Bill Scher tells John Howell how.
As southern Illinois continues it's battle with COVID-19, hospital staffs are becoming over worked, ICU beds are scarce, and hospital resources are almost nonexistent. The Hospital Coordinating Manager for Region V Arien Herrmann dives deep into the current situation in Southern Illinois.
41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano shares his thoughts on Mayor Lightfoot's budget address and explains why he's against the low income housing project near O'Hare.
A police officer filed a case alleging retaliation from his colleagues after reporting a superior for allegedly redirecting officers to his own street during last year's riots. Attorney Thomas Needham joins John Howell to discuss.
Lincoln Mitchell took a deep dive into the demographics of the California recall election and says IL should have a functional recall process if necessary. Mitchell is a Professor at Columbia University and a Contributor to CNN.
Radio Personality Adam Carolla and John Howell remember the life and legacy of Norm MacDonald.
Muhammad Ali is a new 4-part documentary that brings to life the iconic heavyweight boxing champion. Filmmaker Sarah Burn joins John.
Alderman Gardiner is being accused of discriminating against constituents who were critical of his administration, among other allegations. But an old ordinance may keep Alderman Gardiner in his position. Patch.com Writer Mark Konkol looked into the ordinance and joins John to share his findings.
Only 6 council members voted against the raise. Alderman Ray Lopez was among those who voted against the raise. He joins John Howell to share his thoughts on the raise and the current situation surrounding Alderman Gardiner.
Illinois State Senator Jason Barickman and State Rep. Mark Batinick are stating “a statewide grassroots campaign to give voters the power to recall their elected officials.” State Sen. Barickman joins John Howell to explain why this will help Illinois and it's voters.
Chicago Public Schools announced Pedro Martinez as their new CEO. Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas joins John Howell to share his thoughts.
Author Kyle Mills takes us on an exciting new journey with the CIA’s top operative, Mitch Rapp, as he searches for a high-level mole with the power to rewrite the world order. Book link: https://www.kylemills.com/books/enemy-at-the-gates/ Photo Courtesy of www.kylemills.com.
It's been over a year since the first case of COVID-19 surfaced. Since then millions have passed, multiple vaccines have been made, and we are still learning new things about this virus today. Megan Ranney MD MPH, a practicing emergency physician and researcher for Brown University, discusses the good, bad, and ugly parts of COVID-19.
President of the Small Business Advocacy Council Elliot Richardson joins John Howell to discuss how politicians can still help small businesses, how we can help incentivize workers, and more!
California is conducting a special election to decide whether or not to recall Governor Gavin Newsom from office and choose a replacement. Election Law Attorney Audrey Perry Martin joins John Howell to discuss. Audrey is also a the Communications Vice President for the Republican National Lawyers Association.
The town of Quincy is experiencing a labor shortage. In an effort to draw workers to the area they are giving $5,000 in property-tax rebates to any new residents after one year of residency and employment. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup breaks down the details.
President Biden issued an executive order mandating vaccines for all federal workers. The order has been met with mixed responses. Reason's Senior Editor Robby Soave joins John Howell to discuss.
Illinois Republicans have a chance to take away the Democrats super majority in the House. Former Government and Politics Editor Eric Krol explores the future of the Republican Party in Illinois.
Many films have tried to capture the events of September 11th but have yet to impress the public. John Howell and Bonnie Stiernberg, of InsideHook, share their thoughts on the subject.
"Why are gang members going to fold, when they get a court order, if they're not threatened with criminal prosecution." says John Mauck, Attorney at Mauck & Baker. Mayor Lightfoot announced a He joins John Howell to assess the situation.
Allyson Chiu, wellness reporter for the Washington Post, joined John to talk about the traditional uses of Ivermectic and why it is now being used to treat Covid.
Chicago Tribune Columnist Rex Huppke joined Big John to talk about the Bears and how they can become an NFL juggernaut. They may need some help from their real life nickname.
Gregory Pratt from the Chicago Tribune joined Big John to talk about Ald. Jim Gardiner on the northwest side who the mayor wants investigated. Greg also interviewed Mayor Lightfoot about Chicago violence.
State Rep. Tim Butler joins John Howell fresh off the House Floor to bring the latest news out of Springfield.
Former IL Governor Pat Quinn joins John Howell to remember the life and legacy of Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III.
According to a report, use of force reform has been progressing. This report is in response to a 2017 federal consent decree that required all departments to re work they use of force procedures and how they monitor officers when they do have to use force. Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform Executive Director Robert Boik breaks down the details.
A developer of the long-anticipated Navy Pier Marina project filed a four-count lawsuit in Cook County Wednesday alleging CDOT does not have the legal authority to block the Marina, which was approved unanimously by City Council. Randy Podolsky, Navy Pier Marina Developer, discusses with John Howell.
Fox News Chief Congressional Correspondent Mike Emanuel joins John Howell to discuss the debt limit fight this morning between Pelosi and other constituents, FEMA on the brink, and the recall vote in California possibly helping President Biden's popularity.
The 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire is coming up soon. Author Carl Smith joins John Howell to discuss his book on the tragic event. Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Chicagos-Great-Fire-Destruction-Resurrection/dp/0802148107
Senator Dick Durbin joins The John Howell Show to remember the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III.
Reason.com Reporter Eric Boehm joins John Howell to discuss President Biden’s infrastructure bill and why it is cutting against itself. The goal of the package is being missed and is not cost effective. Read it: https://reason.com/2021/09/05/everything-is-infrastructure-now/
Many of the Covid unemployment benifits are coming to an end. John Howell goes over the list and shares his thoughts on how this will effect us moving forward.
Former GOP Rep. Charlie Dent and current CNN contributor joins John Howell to discuss his perspective of the Texas abortion law and why it is an overreach by the GOP. Read his op/ed: https://tinyurl.com/p6k33rmy
Critics on both sides of the aisle continue to emerge. Politico's Natasha Korecki examines the backlash President Biden received and how he can move on.
For the first time in 18 months, the Lyric Opera of Chicago is putting on a live production of the opera classic Macbeth! President and CEO Anthony Freud joins John to share the good news.
The Pullman National Monument is opening Labor Day weekend in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood! Alderman Anthony Beale joins John Howell for a preview of the site and to discuss the significance of the monument.
The Biden Administration reaffirmed it will stick to the August 31st pullout date. The President stated they will continue to evacuate any US citizens and partners after Aug. 31st, “either through means that we provide or are provided through cooperation with the Taliban.” The Washington Post's Olivier Knox discusses the current situation in Afghanistan and Washington with John Howell.
"This is not an opinion piece, this is a curriculum." says Dr. Kathleen O’Toole. She discusses America's current history education practices and why the 'agendas' by authors, teachers, etc. are cheating our students out of "truly learning." She is the Assistant Provost for K-12 Education for Hillsdale College. Read it here: https://www.realclearpublicaffairs.com/articles/2021/08/19/the_history_education_our_children_deserve_790709.html
Several Americans and Afghans were killed in suicide terrorist attacks outside the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. President Biden addressed the nation and warned the attackers there will be retaliation. Crime and Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett discusses America's next move with John Howell.
Several Americans and Afghans have been killed in suicide terrorist attacks outside of Kabul's airport. DePaul University History Professor Tom Mockaitis discusses President Biden's address on the attacks in Afghanistan.
During a Texas School Board meeting, a parent took it upon himself to explain the hypocrisy of the school mask mandate. "I don't like my shirt," he said as he proceeded to take his clothes off. He was quickly escorted out. John takes us through the fiasco. Read here: https://www.mediaite.com/weird/watch-texas-parent-strips-to-his-undies-at-school-board-meeting-in-pro-mask-statement/
Legendary Illinois rocker Jim Peterik and WLS Radio will be inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame on August 31 at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. Jim and, Museum President, Ron Romero join John Howell to celebrate!
Student athletes will be prohibited from participating in playoff games this Fall unless their school board complies with Gov. Pritzker's school mask mandate. IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson weighs in.
The comedy TV show created by Diallo Riddle, starring our own Lauren Cohn, airs on HBO Max in November. Lauren Cohn shares stories from the set with John Howell.
Remembering drummer Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones with legend and drummer Mike Arturi.
Chicago Latino Caucus Chairman Gilbert Villegas joins John to share his thoughts on the Census data numbers ward by ward and comments on Ald. Carrie Austin’s resignation as chair of the Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity.
More companies are beginning to require employees to be vaccinated in order to stayed employed. Many are claiming religious, medical, and other exemptions. Will employers challenge these exemptions? University of Chicago’s MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics Director of Law and Ethics Valerie Gutmann Koch discusses with John Howell.
Mayor Lightfoot announced her plan to combat violence in the city using a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, much like they did to fight against COVID-19. BGA President David Greising explores the details with John Howell.
The US plans to withdraw from Afghanistan by August 31st but many are skeptical it will happen. ABC's Andy joins John with the latest.
City Hall Reporter Bill Cameron, or better known as the "Dean of City Hall," has covered Chicago politics for over 50 years. He recalls all his favorite stories, most memorable moments, and what's next for him on his journey.
The lead investigator into the alleged sexual harassment against Chicago lifeguards had been suspended without explanation from the Park District. WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos has the scoop. Read it: https://www.wbez.org/stories/lifeguard-abuse-investigator-blasts-chicago-parks-boss/8b0fe3bb-e4cd-491c-8683-1088273aae57
Cubs fans are feeling the purge hard these past few weeks. Chicago Mag's Ted McClelland shares his thoughts on the recent changes.