The Ray Stevens Show

The Ray Stevens Show wraps up the week with conversations on Chicago politics, local controversy, and economic trends. Former gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski discusses Mayor Brandon Johnson’s visit to the Vatican and his criticism of social media companies amid concerns over Chicago’s growing teen takeover problem. Joe Shrader, owner of Shrader’s Goods, joins the show to talk about community support for his Mount Greenwood business after the city claimed the store’s firefighter-themed merchandise violated copyright rules. Later, Mark Lukas shares updates from PAWS Chicago, while financial analyst Jonathan Hoenig of The Capitalist Pig breaks down the latest market trends and economic headlines. The show concludes with “Tom on the Town,” featuring stories and happenings from around Chicagoland.
Key Segments:
Mayor Johnson’s Vatican visit and teen takeover response

Mount Greenwood rallies behind local firefighter-themed business

PAWS Chicago community update

Economic and market analysis

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David Hochberg from Team Hochberg joins Ray to talk about Rep. Nancy Mace's suggestion that senior citizens should be exempt from property tax and what effect it would have on local municipalities.
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The Ray Stevens Show covers major issues impacting Illinois taxpayers, Chicago communities, and the future of technology regulation. Chris Plante joins the show, while LyLena Estabine of the Illinois Policy Institute discusses new concerns over schools allegedly “double-dipping” taxpayer dollars for teacher pension costs. Former gubernatorial candidate Rick Heidner reacts to BP removing its chairman despite posting record profits, raising broader questions about corporate leadership and the energy industry. Later, Pastor Corey Brooks of Project HOOD talks about mentoring Chicago youth and combating violence as summer “teen takeovers” begin across the city. The show also features tech attorney Nelson Rosario discussing Illinois’ growing debate over AI regulation and whether lawmakers risk driving innovation and startups out of the state with burdensome policies.
Key Segments:
Teacher pension funding controversy

BP leadership shakeup amid record profits

Chicago youth mentoring and teen takeovers

Illinois AI regulation debate

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Nelson Rosario, founder of Rosario Tech Law and former executive director of the Illinois Blockchain Association, joins the show to discuss the growing fight over AI regulation in Springfield and what’s at stake for Illinois businesses, startups, and consumers. Rosario argues the real question is not whether artificial intelligence should be regulated, but whether lawmakers can do it without crushing innovation and driving tech companies out of the state. He warns overly broad regulations could create massive compliance costs that only Big Tech companies can afford, leaving smaller startups and entrepreneurs behind. The conversation focuses on Illinois’ economic future, how other states are approaching AI policy, and why lawmakers face increasing pressure to balance consumer protections with innovation and job growth.
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The Ray Stevens Show covers major political and national security headlines as lawmakers face mounting pressure in Washington and Illinois. Fox News Radio’s Eben Brown discusses President Trump signaling progress in Iran negotiations while nuclear material concerns remain unresolved. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie joins the show to talk about stalled negotiations surrounding the proposed Bears stadium deal as lawmakers approach a critical deadline in Springfield. Later, Congressman Jim Jordan explains why he is sending letters to Chicago and Illinois officials over sanctuary city policies and immigration enforcement concerns. Fox News Radio reporter Jeff Monosso also provides the latest details on the White House gunman who was shot and killed by Secret Service agents.
Key Segments:
Trump and Iran nuclear negotiations
Bears stadium deal deadline in Illinois
Jim Jordan targets sanctuary city policies
White House security shooting investigation
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