The Ray Stevens Show

Jonathan Hoenig joins The Ray Stevens Show to analyze the latest financial news and its impact on consumers. The conversation covers a broad range of economic topics, from market volatility to the specific ways inflation is affecting everyday purchases. Ray and Jonathan talk about the market's 1,000-point bounce following news of a ceasefire, while also defining what constitutes a technical market "correction". Jonathan notes that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is running at 3.3%, well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, leading to a discussion on potential interest rate hikes. They highlight significant price increases across various sectors, including an 11% jump in candy prices, record-high car prices (averaging over $50,000 for new vehicles), and a 20-25% increase in the cost of a general basket of goods over the last few years. They discuss the impact of doubling jet fuel and gas prices, noting that airlines like United are increasing checked bag fees to offset these costs. The conversation also explores high property taxes in states like Illinois—which Hoenig notes are 68% higher than the national average—and the resulting "exodus" of businesses and individuals to lower-tax states.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Lukas joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the ongoing work of PAWS Chicago in transforming animal welfare. They highlight the organization's growth and its role in significantly reducing the euthanasia rate of homeless pets in Chicago through large-scale programs and community engagement. Mark outlines the core mission of PAWS Chicago and the progress made in making Chicago a no-kill city since the organization's founding. The discussion emphasizes the impact of the Lurie Clinic and the PAWS Chicago Pet Health Center, which provide essential veterinary services and have performed over 300,000 spay/neuter surgeries. Details are provided for the annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party, a signature summer event held at Castaways to raise funds for their rescue and adoption efforts. They also touch on various ways the community can support PAWS, including the "Angels with Tails" adoption events and opportunities for volunteering and fostering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Representative Brad Stephens (20th District) joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss The Chicago Bears' Stadium Move, State Rep. Brad Stephens explains the legislative and financial implications of the Bears' potential relocation to Arlington Heights. He emphasizes the importance of a justice system that balances the needs of communities and the team's business interests. He also discusses Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) legislation and its potential to manage real estate taxes for major developments, ensuring local taxing bodies like school districts are not negatively impacted. Stephens addresses concerns about state government overreach, particularly regarding local control over housing and transit-related issues. They also touch on the historical and current state of communication between the Mayor of Chicago's office and the state legislature. They conclude with a brief mention of legislation affecting transit and parking requirements for new developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Police Chief Bill Kushner joins The Ray Stevens Show to talk about Chicago's rising crime rates in 2026. They talk about some of the factors contributing to these issues, such as the shortage of police officers, a decrease in proactive policing, and the effects of recent legislative changes like the Safety Act. They also touch on concerns regarding public safety, the influence of immigration on crime rates, and the importance of a justice system that effectively deters criminal behavior through the threat of punishment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cody Nance and Matt Palmer, professional bull riders, join The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the upcoming Border Battle at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. They share insights into the physical and mental demands of the sport, their personal backgrounds in bull riding, and the evolution of the sport over the years. They also touch on the unique culture of bull riding, the camaraderie among riders, and the excitement surrounding the event as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Ryan, Executive Director of Shore Community Services, Joins The Ray Stevens Show to discusses the organization's 75-year history of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She explains how Shore was founded in 1949 by parents who resisted the then-common practice of institutionalization, starting a school in their basement to provide their daughter and others with a community-based life. They highlight Shore's growth into a comprehensive service provider that now offers vocational training, employment placement, and residential programs for individuals throughout their lifespan, including aging seniors. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of community inclusion and invites interested employers and volunteers to connect with their mission through their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Moore Co-Founder, Unleash Prosperity joins The Ray Stevens Show to discusses the high cost of living in major "blue" cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, attributing it to restrictive fiscal policies and high taxes. He contrasts these challenges with the economic growth and affordability found in Southern states like Tennessee, Texas, and Florida, and mentions the fiscal health of Wisconsin.  They also talk about broader social issues, including declining birth rates and the impact of education systems, specifically comparing the performance and funding of private and Catholic schools versus public schools in Chicago. Additionally, Moore touches on political topics such as the Chicago Teachers Union's protests and the benefits of school choice programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun joins The Ray Stevens Show to discusses his decision to suspend the state's gas tax for 30 days to provide financial relief to residents amidst rising inflation and global economic instability. He contrasts Indiana's "lean" and fiscally responsible governance with the challenges facing neighboring Illinois, specifically highlighting differences in debt management, budget prioritization, and the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Indiana. The conversation also touches on national issues, including federal inflation and the broader geopolitical context affecting energy prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mailee Smith from the Illinois Policy Institute joins The Ray Stevens Show to discusses a resolution from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board against a federal program to grant up to $1 billion in donor funds to CPS students for educational needs. She additionally details the opposition's arguments, citing political motivations, and the potential impact of these funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago-area rheumatologist, Dr. Erin Arnold, joins the Ray Stevens Show to raise concerns about the federal 340B drug pricing program and how it’s playing out here in Illinois. Her argument—based on what she’s seeing in her own practice—is that the program is being misused in ways that are driving up costs, favoring large health systems, and making care less accessible for patients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Schlenker has been detained since December of 2025 after being contracted to fly a family of five to Dubai with a fuel stop in the African nation of Guinea. Brad joins Ray Stevens to explain how events unfolded in what should have been a routine job and share his frustration with American officials as he remains under house arrest in a Guinean hotel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fox News Radio's Jeff Monosso joins Ray and Nick to discuss a new House Bill in the Illinois legislature that would ban the use of facial recognition technology despite the fact that it recently help identify Sheridan Gorman's alleged killer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

General Richard Newton rejoins the Ray Stevens Show to talk about the rescue mission launched to save the lives of two F-15 crew members stuck in Iran after their plane was downed last week and discuss how close the U.S. and Iran may be to a deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ret. Police Chief Tom Weitzel joins The Ray Stevens Show to talk about the ridiculous criticism hurled toward Police Superintendent Larry Snelling over claims CPD officers worked with ICE agents during the agency's crackdown on the city and why Weitzel feels there's no reason officers shouldn't be collaborating with federal law enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marine Corps veteran Larysa Murray has completed 17 deployments with Team Rubicon, most recently in Alaska following Typhoon Halong. In addition to serving as a volunteer Greyshirt, she works full time to support the mission as Deputy Director of Volunteer Management. She joins Ray and Nick to talk about the origins of Team Rubicon and how they work together to train and deploy volunteers to disaster areas in need of immediate support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun returns to the Ray Stevens Show to talk about the latest in negotiations with the Chicago Bears and why Indiana remains a growing state for doing business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois Policy's Austin Berg joins Nick and Ray to talk about the latest exit from Mayor Johnson's City Hall and why the three major exits are different but all signal chaos within the administrationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.