Dick Simpson, Political Science Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and former Chicago Alderman (1971-1979), joins Lisa Dent to discuss his time as an expert witness in the Michael Madigan trial. Simpson shares that his expertise was used to explain how “machine politics” works. He breaks down Michael Madigan’s influence on state politics and how Madigan’s corruption is not unique to Chicago or the State of Illinois.

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories.

Peter Greenberg, travel expert and host of Eye on Travel on WGN Radio, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss how the government shutdown is affecting airports, and air traffic controllers. Then, as always, he answers travel questions from listeners.

Dr. Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer for the North American Veterinary Community, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss various pet questions from listeners.

Ilyce Glink, ThinkGlink.com and the Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss the latest news around the stock market. The stock market tumbled in its worst day since April after President Trump announced new, increased tariffs on China. Glink explains why gold and silver are at all-time highs, and how the government shutdown is affecting consumers.

Dan Hampton, NFL Hall of Famer and host of the Hamp and O’B show, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to preview the Bears Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

While Chicagoans don’t necessarily need an excuse to enjoy pizza, we certainly don’t oppose having National Pizza Month and National Sausage Pizza Day on the calendar.

Our reigning Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament champion, Rosati’s, is celebrating National Sausage Pizza Day (October 11th) by offering free sausage toppings on any 16″ pizza with promo code ROSATISSAUSAGE (either in-store or online) to showcase why theirs stands apart from the rest. Director of Marketing Loredana Gianino joined Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, on WGN Radio to talk about their special promotion, how the team and customers of Rosati’s are like family to them, what makes their sausage pizza so unique, what they are doing for National Pizza Month in October, and more! Learn more at myrosatis.com.

Tom Mockaitis PhD., DePaul Professor and terrorism expert, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss Israel and Hamas reaching a ceasefire deal. Mockaitis is weary that once the hostages held by Hamas are turned over, there will be little to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from breaking the ceasefire. He emphasizes that the Palestinian citizens in Gaza are in dire need of aid.

Tanner Mitchel AKA Tanner the planter joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to talk about all things house plants.

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt. an icon of Loyola University as well as Chicago sports fans worldwide, has died at age 106. Over recent years, WGN Radio Lisa Dent was able to speak several times with the chaplain of the Loyola Ramblers men’s basketball team. Here are a number of those visits:

3/14/22 – Loyola playing Ohio State

12/12/22 – Memoir to be released

2/17/23 – Memoir released

8/21/23 – Turning 104 years old

11/15/23 – Receiving flowers from President Biden

8/28/24 – Turning 105 years old