Lisa Dent

Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union, joins Lisa Dent to discuss being elected to lead the union’s statewide parent organization, the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Davis Gates calls to continue fighting for better school funding and for parents, teachers, and citizens to unite for the state’s students and their futures. Davis Gates also addresses her salary not being disclosed, and how she’ll remain the head of the CTU.

Mills Hayes, National Correspondent for NewsNation, joins Lisa Dent with the latest from federal court in Chicago, where ICE and Border Patrol officials are testifying about the use of body cameras, force, and protest response under Operation Midway Blitz. Hayes reports that U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis questioned agency leaders about their use of tear gas and non-lethal ammunition during protests. Last week, Judge Ellis ordered ICE agents must wear badges, use body cams, and banned them from using certain riot control techniques on peaceful protesters and journalists. ICE officials have maintained that body cameras remain active and operational.

Mitzi Baum, CEO of Nourishing Hope food pantries, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the potential loss of SNAP funding if the government shutdown continues and the strain on food pantries across the state. The impact would affect nearly 2 million Illinois residents. Baum shares what this could mean for families who rely on food assistance, and how her organization is preparing to respond. Hear why Baum calls the situation “colossal and catastrophic” if funding isn’t restored.

State Representative Kam Buckner joins Lisa Dent to discuss his new Stadium Transparency and Responsible Spending (STARS) Act and what it means for future sports stadium deals in Illinois. Buckner tells Lisa why taxpayers deserve accountability before public money goes toward new stadiums. Buckner calls out the Bears’ recent history of flip-flopping between the city and suburbs for a new stadium and reminds listeners that Chicago taxpayers are continuing to pay off the last Soldier Field renovation over twenty years ago. Hear how Buckner plans to put the people of Illinois first in this developing story. 

Christine Flores, News Reporter at WGN-TV, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the ongoing story of a Hanover police officer being detained by ICE as they report that he is an illegal immigrant. The officer, Radule Bojovic, a Montenegro native, is accused of overstaying a B2 tourist visa. However, the Hanover Police Department argues that they went through the proper procedures to hire him.

Ilyce Glink, ThinkGlink.com and the Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter, joins Lisa Dent to review the stock market’s volatile movements throughout the week, Zillow incorporating credit reporting on rent payments, and how many people think they have lived in a haunted house.

Peter Greenberg, travel expert and host of Eye on Travel on WGN Radio, joins Lisa Dent from Los Angeles to discuss tourist taxes, how airports are managing with flight delays during the government shutdown, and the US passport losing its strength.

Pat Cleary, President of the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the City of Chicago borrowing 166 million dollars in order to back pay firefighters and paramedics. The Chicago Fire Department has gone without a contract for over four years. Cleary shares what the payment package will include.

Dan Hampton, NFL Hall of Famer and host of the Hamp and O’B show, joins Lisa Dent to preview the Bears Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Michael Muser, Executive Director of The Banchet Awards, joins Lisa Dent to preview the 2026 Banchet Awards. The award ceremony celebrates the finalists in 12 different categories including Best New Restaurant, Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and many more. The event takes place Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Venue SIX10. For more information, click here.