Recently On WLS-AM

Metra Debuts Veterans Locomotive

Nov 11, 2024 | schilders

Metra has unveiled a specially painted train engine for Veterans Day that’s set to enter service later this month, the transit agency said. The locomotive features a bald eagle on the front, with American flags and blue camouflage silhouetted with military figures saluting on the sides. It is set to start service on the Rock…

Veterans Day Events

Nov 11, 2024 | schilders

It’s Veterans Day and today, Chicago has been officially named a Purple Heart City, joining cities across the nation that honor the sacrifices who servicemembers who have been wounded or killed. A ceremony took place this morning inside the United Club at Soldier Field, honoring veterans who fought for our country in World War II,…

‘They are a broken team.’ – NBC Sports’ Mike Berman on the Ray Stevens Show

Nov 11, 2024 | mirandaellis

NBC Sports’ Mike Berman joins Ray Stevens and Nick Gale on the Big 89 to delve into the Bears’ lifeless loss to the Patriots, who is responsible for Caleb Williams being sacked an absurd 9 times, and how a change has to be made to get the offense going.

Operation Connect-A-Vet: Helping Families and Friends Support Veterans with Ease

Nov 11, 2024 | mirandaellis

Erica Borggren, Chairwoman of Illinois Joining Forces, joins the Ray Stevens Show to explore how veterans can turn their military experience into meaningful careers. She also shares tips on supporting veterans who may be struggling and highlights Operation Connect-A-Vet, a vital program running through December to help veterans overcome isolation and find community during the…

Operation Purple Heart: Reuniting Heroes with Their Purple Heart Medals

Nov 11, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Ray Stevens Show, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs discusses Operation Purple Heart, a project dedicated to returning unclaimed Purple Heart medals to veterans. He also highlights some of the emotional reunification stories that have made this initiative so meaningful.

Gun Barrel Coffee: Where Great Coffee Meets a Cause for Veterans

Nov 11, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Big 89, Sal Dazzo, Army veteran and founder of Gun Barrel Coffee, joins Ray Stevens and Nick Gale to talk about the inspiration behind his journey into the coffee world and to shed light on the biggest challenge veterans are dealing with today.

Salvation Army Kicks Off 2024 Kettle Campaign

Nov 8, 2024 | schilders

Bells will be ringing this holiday season as the Salvation Army kicks off its annual Red Kettle campaign with 400 donation buckets set up across the Chicago area. The Salvation Army debuted the kettles Friday with hopes to raise $21 million this year in the Chicago area, most of which would come through this holiday…

Pumpkin Smashes Happening Across Chicago Area on Saturday

Nov 8, 2024 | schilders

Unsure what to do with your leftover pumpkins from the Halloween season? Several pumpkin smashes are happening across the Chicago area on Saturday. Participants smash pumpkins and throw them into a compost container. It’s a fun activity for families, organizers say, but it’s also a way to learn about composting and sustainability. At this point…

Making a Difference, One Heart at a Time: Silver Linings and Hearts of Gold Gala Tickets Drop November 12th!

Nov 8, 2024 | mirandaellis

Kurt DeGroot from Project Fire Buddies joins Ray Stevens and Nick Gale on the Big 89 to preview the Silver Linings and Hearts of Gold Gala, with tickets going on sale November 12th at 7 PM. He shares the exciting details of this year’s event and explains how it supports Project Fire Buddies’ mission to…

Trump’s Election Victory Already Sparking Economic Change: Can He Fully Revive the Economy?

Nov 8, 2024 | mirandaellis

Jonathan Hoenig, the Capitalist Pig, joins the Ray Stevens Show to discuss the historic shifts in the market after the election, whether Trump’s policies benefit the stock market, and how his potential tariffs could impact your finances.

‘Illinois has always been a very blue state, but we turned a little purple this election.’ – Palatine Township Republican Chairman Aaron Del Mar on the Ray Stevens Show

Nov 8, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Ray Stevens Show, Palatine Township Republican Chairman Aaron Del Mar shares his insights on how Democrats are shifting the story behind their election defeat, why Trump saw a surge in minority support, and his message for those who voted for Kamala Harris in this election.

Are Higher Taxes for Illinois’ Middle Class on the Horizon?

Nov 8, 2024 | mirandaellis

Bryce Hill, Director of Fiscal Analysis at Illinois Policy, joins the Ray Stevens Show to explain the millionaire tax ballot initiative and its potential impact on middle-class families in Illinois. He also tackles the big question: will property taxes ever go down in the state?

The murder trial of two Delphi Indiana teens coming to an end

Nov 7, 2024 | kgordon

A murder trial in the small Indiana town of Delphi was wrapping up Thursday after weeks of testimony and evidence surrounding the fate of two teenage girls who vanished during a winter hike in 2017. Their killings went unsolved for years before police arrested a man who lived and worked in the same town. Richard…

Rewriting the Story: How to Combat False Liberal Narratives in Schools

Nov 7, 2024 | mirandaellis

Dr. Wilfred Reilly, the author of “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me,” joins the Ray Stevens Show to examine what’s really being taught in schools today. He highlights and debunks common myths many of us learned in the past and dives into whether there’s a chance to correct the liberal biases in education moving forward.

Gliding into a Decade: Maggie Daley Park Celebrates 10 Years of Skating

Nov 7, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Big 89, Gage Wolt, Events and Marketing Manager at Maggie Daley Park, joins Ray Stevens and Nick Gale to mark 10 years of ice skating at the park. He talks about what the regular season entails and gives listeners the scoop on when the rink will open for the season.

Trump to the Rescue: The Next Steps for Securing the Border

Nov 7, 2024 | mirandaellis

Chris Clem, former Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, AZ, joins Ray Stevens and Nick Gale on the Big 89 to explain why Americans shouldn’t be overly concerned about the 3,000-strong migrant caravan heading north in Mexico. He also discusses the morale of border patrol agents after Trump’s 2024 victory and…

Trump’s Victory Signals a Promising Future for Auto Workers

Nov 7, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Ray Stevens Show, Brian Pannebecker from Auto Workers for Trump breaks down how broke through the ‘blue wall’, why the Harris-Walz campaign didn’t do enough to win over local voters, and why Trump’s victory will lead to a more prosperous future for auto workers across the country.

One of the men shot and killed at Navy Pier has been identified

Nov 6, 2024 | kgordon

A man who was recently fired from his job at Navy Pier returned to the Chicago tourist attraction and killed two workers before fleeing, police said. The attack happened Tuesday afternoon after the fired worker gained access to an office space near a loading dock at Navy Pier, police Chief of Patrol Jon Hein told…

Mayor Brandon Johnson and CTU Take a Hit in School Board Elections

Nov 6, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Ray Stevens Show, Paul Vallas breaks down the school board elections, highlighting the setbacks for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union in the latest results.

How Advanced Shot Detection Technology Might Have Saved Officer Martinez

Nov 6, 2024 | mirandaellis

15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez joins the Ray Stevens Show to react to Trump’s victory and discuss how shot detection technology could have made a difference in saving Officer Martinez. They also explore the chances of ShotSpotter making a return to Chicago under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration.

Donald Trump Wins the 2024 Presidential Election

Nov 6, 2024 | mirandaellis

Join the excitement as Chris Plante, the dynamic host of The Chris Plante Show, teams up with Ray Stevens and Nick Gale on the Big 89 to celebrate the monumental victory of President-elect Donald Trump! Tune in for an exhilarating discussion filled with insights and reactions from last night’s historic win!

Lots of Congressional races to watch in Illinois tonight

Nov 5, 2024 | kgordon

Illinois Democrats in congressional races across the state hope to fend off challenges from Republicans fighting to keep their party’s control of the U.S. House. The state’s most competitive races involve two first-term representatives seeking reelection. Rep. Eric Sorensen is facing Republican Joe McGraw in the 17th Congressional District, while Rep. Nikki Budzinski is being…

Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez Fatally Shot on South Side

Nov 5, 2024 | mirandaellis

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith joins the Ray Stevens Show from the Arizona polls on Election Day, motivating listeners to go vote. She also offers a compassionate look at what the family of fallen CPD Officer Enrique Martinez may be going through today after his tragic death in the line of duty on the city’s South…

Election Integrity: Your Vote Matters, But Is It Secure?

Nov 5, 2024 | mirandaellis

On the Ray Stevens Show, Cully Stimson, Manager of the National Security Law Program at the Heritage Foundation, explains whether the Colorado voting machine password leak could affect the upcoming elections. He also talks about how technical issues may extend voting time and what actions you should take if you see issues at the polling…

Shape Your Community: Make Your Voice Heard in Local Races This Election Day

Nov 5, 2024 | mirandaellis

Kane County GOP Chairman Andro Lerario joins the Ray Stevens Show to urge voters to head to the polls, stressing the importance of voting in both the presidential and local elections. He also shares his insights on how the House and Senate could shift after Election Day and addresses why some counties still aren’t able…

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