The John Howell Show Podcast

Governor JB Pritzker made it official this week. The Thompson Center has official sold to a developer for $70 million dollars. The developer plans to transform the center into offices and auditoriums, along with retail space and booming entertainment options. Chicago Tribune State Government Reporter Dan Petrella breaks down the details with John Howell.

*Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter Rick Pearson details the racial tensions that are starting to bubble up within the Cook Co. Democratic Party.

*IL House Leader Jim Durkin outlines his new bill designed to combat the rise of smash-and-grab retail thefts.

*Mike Emanuel of Fox News discusses the DOJ's pursuit of Mark Meadows and the potential strategy behind Republicans agreeing to raise the debt limit.

*John hands out state-by-state pandemic scorecards and discusses the new laws coming your way in 2022 with Rob Martier.

*Plus, Officer Darrell Shaffer of St. John, IN recounts his rescue of two children from a pond after their mother crashed into a pond.

St. John Officer Darrell Shaffer sprung into action this weekend when he pulled over a car for a traffic violation. The car took off in the middle of the stop and Shaffer chased them for miles. Then the driver crashed into a retention pond when they tried to exit the highway. Shaffer dove in and saved both the mother and her children from the car. Officer Shaffer explains how everything went down with John Howell.

President Biden's approval ratings have been slipping since he got into office. Critics are blaming mnay different things such as his response to the coronavirus, his build back better plan, and his policies on social issues. But is this decline really all his fault? Roll Call Columnist Walter Shapiro discusses with John Howell.

*Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune details the OSHA investigation into the Edwardsville Amazon warehouse.

*Betting Analyst Chris Altruda looks at the debate surrounding the ordinance allowing sportsbooks at Chicago sporting venues.

*Joe Perillo of Gold Coast Exotic Motor Cars describes the smash-and-grab robbery that took place at his dealership over the weekend.

*Chicago Sun-Times Chief Political Reporter Rachel Hinton tells John why Pritzker isn't eyeing a White House bit... yet.

*Plus, the Air Force has dismissed 27 service members over vaccine refusal. Alex Horton of The Washington Post shares the details.

A smash-and-grab style robbery occurred this weekend at Gold Coast Exotic Motor Cars. The suspects came into the store during the day, smashed a case containing luxury watches, and got out as fast as they could. The watches total around $1 million dollars. Gold Coast Exotic Motor Cars Owner Joe Perillo explains how the robbery occurred and what him and his team will do next.

Governor Pritzker visited the Edwardville facility this week to asses the damage caused by the tragic tornado that tore through the area. Chicago Tribune Reporter Jeremy Gorner joins John Howell with the latest. Donations can be sent to the Salvation Army, American Red Cross or Edwardsville Community Foundation Relief Fund by calling 855-464-3223.

*Rob Karr, President & CEO of the Illinois Retails Merchants Associations shares why Kim Foxx needs to reexamine her retail theft policy.

*John voices his displeasure with CTA drivers who blocked traffic as a form of protest.

*Dionne Miller breaks down another disappointing Bears loss to the Packers and John asks who a good fit for a future head coach may be.

*Salena Zito of the Washington Examiner talks about how the rift between the public and the C-Suites may be permanent.

*Plus, Chris Wallace surprisingly signs off Fox News for the final time and details of the controversy hovering over the Hollywood Foreign Press.

The Agent is the remarkable true story of Jack Barsky, the longest-surviving known member of the KGB illegals program operated during the height of the Cold War. Jack joins John Howell to discuss what to expect in his new podcast. Listen to it where ever you get your podcasts.

The devastating tornado that occurred Friday crossed at least six states; Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee. Over 50 people have died and over 100 people are still missing across the 6 states. CNN Contributor Scott Jennings breaks down the current situation in Kentucky. Donate to victims at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief