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The Ray Stevens Show

Ray Stevens | CMLS Chicago

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

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  • 72 episodes
  • Avg 44 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • September 4 · 13 min

    Illinois Farmers Are Facing a Crisis Reminiscent of the 1980s

    State Rep. Charlie Meier joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the growing financial pressure on Illinois farmers and his call for the IDHS secretary’s resignation. Meier, who is also a farmer, says the current farm crisis is reminiscent of the 1980s, when massive numbers of farms went under. Illinois farm bankruptcies rose 55% in 2025, while farmers continue to face falling crop prices, unstable export markets, rising land costs and mounting debt. Meier also discusses why he believes Illinois needs greater accountability in state government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • September 3 · 1 hr 30 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Sept. 3, 2026) | Iran War Updates, Downers Grove North Football & Cops and Hot Rods

    Fox News Radio’s Eben Brown provides an update as U.S. and Iranian strikes renew hostilities. Coach Joe Horeni and student broadcaster Zach Gowen of Downers Grove North preview their upcoming football action. David Hochberg joins the show with the latest on the mortgage market, while Stephen Moore, co-founder of Unleash Prosperity, discusses the economy. Ronnie Harding of Prison City Kruisers previews Cops and Hot Rodders, bringing law enforcement and classic cars together. Key Segments: U.S.-Iran strikes renew hostilities Downers Grove North football preview Mortgage market update Stephen Moore on the economy Cops and Hot Rodders See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • September 3 · 10 min

    Downers Grove North Football: Coach Joe Horeni and Zach Gowen Preview Tomorrow Night’s Game

    Downers Grove North head coach Joe Horeni and student broadcaster Zach Gowen join The Ray Stevens Show to preview the upcoming season and discuss the latest around Downers Grove North football. WLS-AM 890 will carry Downers Grove North vs. Hinsdale Central tomorrow night, bringing the big high school football matchup to listeners across Chicagoland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • September 2 · 1 hr 41 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Sept. 2, 2026) | 9/11 at Ground Zero, Lindsay Clancy Trial & Gerry Beckley

    The Ray Stevens Show covers 9/11, a high-profile murder trial and music. Former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy joins the show to share his personal experiences from Ground Zero following the Sept. 11 attacks. The segment will go in-depth on his memories and perspective 25 years later. Cully Stimson, acting director of the Legal Policy Center and senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, discusses the Lindsay Clancy trial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict and what happens next. Gerry Beckley, singer-songwriter and founding member of America, joins the show to discuss his new solo album, Merciful, available now. Key Segments: Garry McCarthy: 25 years after 9/11 and his experiences at Ground Zero Lindsay Clancy trial: What happens after a hung jury? Gerry Beckley on his new solo album, Merciful John Fogerty and Steve Winwood giveaway Garth Brooks giveaway See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • September 2 · 22 min

    Garry McCarthy: Remembering 9/11 From Ground Zero

    Former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy joins The Ray Stevens Show to reflect on his experiences at Ground Zero following the Sept. 11 attacks. McCarthy shares his firsthand perspective on one of the most consequential moments in American history and looks back 25 years later on the events, the response and the lasting impact of 9/11. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • September 2 · 7 min

    Gerry Beckley of the band America Talks New Solo Album, "Merciful"

    Gerry Beckley, singer-songwriter and founding member of America, joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss his new solo album, Merciful, which is available now. Beckley talks about his latest musical project and his work following decades as a founding member of one of the 70s most beloved bands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • September 1 · 1 hr 33 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Sept. 1, 2026) | Energy Markets, ICE Enforcement & Global Security Threats

    Phil Flynn, energy analyst at Price Futures Group and contributor to Fox Business, joins Ray Stevens to discuss how a Venezuelan oil deal and the ongoing trade dispute with Canada could affect energy prices and markets. Later, Chris Clem, former chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, Arizona, discusses the federal decision not to pursue charges against ICE agent Christian Castro and an ICE operation in Memphis that detains more than 100 people. Jeff Monnosso reports on a federal crackdown targeting fraud in the trucking industry, while Charles Lipson, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, analyzes prospects for peace involving Iran and growing concerns about Russia's posture toward NATO. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 31 · 7 min

    Military Monday: Heroes on the Water invites Veterans and their families to fish on!

    Jeremy Eaton, representing Heroes on the Water Chicago Chapter, joins Ray Stevens to discuss the organization's efforts to provide free fishing experiences for veterans, first responders and their families. Eaton explains how outdoor recreation helps participants build connections, reduce stress and strengthen community ties. Military Monday is proudly sponsored by Ricky Rockets Fuel Centers: Fueling Your Drive. Powering Your Day. Supporting Communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 31 · 1 hr 20 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Aug. 31, 2026) | Chicago Mass Shooting, Mail-In Ballot Rules & Heroes on the Water

    Chief Tom Weitzel, retired police chief of Riverside, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a recent mass shooting in Chicago and address what he describes as misinformation surrounding the use of license plate readers in law enforcement investigations. Don Palmer, senior legal fellow for election integrity at The Heritage Foundation, discusses a judge's decision to block Trump administration changes to mail-in ballot rules. Later, Jeremy Eaton highlights the work of Heroes on the Water Chicago Chapter, which provides free fishing opportunities for veterans, first responders and their families. Jeff Monosso rounds out the show with a report on a federal investigation involving more than 1 million vehicles and potential braking system concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 31 · 9 min

    Chief Tom Weitzel Discusses Chicago Mass Shooting and License Plate Reader Debate

    Chief Tom Weitzel, retired Riverside police chief, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a recent mass shooting in Chicago and the role technology plays in modern policing. Weitzel addresses concerns surrounding automated license plate readers and explains how law enforcement agencies use the tools during criminal investigations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 28 · 9 min

    Tom Weber on Illinois Midterms, Fox Lake Safety and Springfield

    State Rep. Tom Weber joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the upcoming Illinois midterms, public safety in Fox Lake and his efforts to get things done in Springfield. Weber talks about the issues facing his district and his focus on delivering results for residents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 27 · 1 hr 35 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Aug. 27, 2026) | Dolly Parton Corn Maze, Nazareth vs. York & Louisiana’s SpaceX Boom

    Nazareth Academy varsity football coach Tim Racki and student broadcaster Donato Andersen preview the Big Game of the Week as Nazareth takes on York Friday night at 7 p.m. Fox News Radio’s Eben Brown examines Elon Musk’s plans for a massive SpaceX launch site in Louisiana and what it could mean for the Deep South economy. David Hochberg provides the latest on mortgages and the housing market, while Stephen Moore breaks down the latest economic news. Annette Jenkins of All Seasons Orchard discusses a massive Dolly Parton-themed corn maze honoring her Imagination Library. Fox News Radio’s Jeff Monosso reports on a judge siding with Texas in an ICE officer extradition case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 27 · 9 min

    WLS 890 Big Game of the Week: Nazareth vs. York

    BIG GAME OF THE WEEK: NAZARETH VS. YORK! Nazareth Academy varsity football coach Tim Racki and student broadcaster Donato Andersen join The Ray Stevens Show to preview Friday night's Big Game of the Week! Nazareth takes on York with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Get ready for another huge night of high school football and find out what to watch for when these two teams take the field. 🎙️ Hear the full preview on The Ray Stevens Show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 26 · 1 hr 31 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Aug. 26, 2026) | Dolly Parton's Legacy, Canadian Tariffs & Cook County Taxes

    Dr. Chris Colbert of the Cook County Health system joins Ray Stevens to discuss common back-to-school illnesses and what parents should know as students return to the classroom. Later, E.J. Antoni, chief economist at The Heritage Foundation, explains how Canadian tariffs could affect American businesses and consumers. Bryce Hill of the Illinois Policy Institute discusses a new tax burden facing Cook County taxpayers, while Max Armstrong weighs in on President Trump's proposal to increase beef imports in an effort to lower prices. Dale Turner, a former RCA Records representative, reflects on the life and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton following news of her death at age 80. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 26 · 9 min

    Max Armstrong Discusses Plan to Increase Beef Imports

    Max Armstrong, known as the "King of Agri-Biz," joins Ray Stevens to discuss President Trump's proposal to increase beef imports as a way to ease rising prices. Armstrong examines how the plan could affect consumers, farmers and the broader agricultural industry See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 26 · 8 min

    Remembering Dolly Parton's Legacy

    Dale Turner, a former RCA Records representative, joins Ray Stevens to reflect on the life and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton. Turner shares insights from her remarkable career, discusses her impact on country music and popular culture, and explains why generations of fans continue to connect with her music and philanthropy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 25 · 1 hr 40 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Aug. 25, 2026) | School Privacy Debate, Iran Sanctions & Immigration Loopholes

    Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois, joins Ray Stevens to discuss student privacy concerns in schools and how parents can advocate for their rights during the new school year. Later, Jeff Monosso reports on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's latest actions targeting Iran and the potential economic and geopolitical implications. Simon Hankinson, senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, discusses fraudulent marriage schemes and what he describes as vulnerabilities in the U.S. immigration system.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 24 · 1 hr 36 min

    The Ray Stevens Show (Aug. 24, 2026) | Illinois Politics, Veterans Health Care & South Carolina's GOP Runoff

    Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for Illinois governor, outlines his plans to eliminate tolls and responds to recent political clashes involving Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., discusses the Department of Veterans Affairs' new federal electronic health record system and its deployment at medical centers in Indiana. Mark Hutson explains how McHenry County Gold Star Legacies preserves the memory of veterans dating back to World War I, while Eben Brown previews South Carolina's upcoming GOP runoff election and the race's potential impact on the Republican Party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 24 · 9 min

    VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence Discusses New Electronic Health Record Rollout

    Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., joins Ray Stevens to discuss the Department of Veterans Affairs' rollout of a new federal electronic health record system at medical centers in Indiana. Lawrence explains how the technology aims to improve care coordination, streamline access to patient information and enhance health care services for veterans across the VA system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • August 24 · 11 min

    Darren Bailey Calls for Illinois Tolls to be Abolished

    Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for Illinois governor, joins Ray Stevens to discuss his proposal to eliminate tolls and weighs in on the latest political sparring with Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Bailey outlines his vision for Illinois and the issues shaping the race for governor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showing 21–40 of 72 episodes