Ted Dabrowski of Wirepoints.org joins Nick and Ray to talk about the poor economic growth of Illinois and why dismal economic policies are causing areas around the state that should be booming to stagnate.

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1. IF YOU'RE FEELING HANGRY: Check out brunch at the Bellevue! Their Chef's name is Russell KOOK (pronounced cook) and unlike me, he CAN cook #IAMNOTACOOKER! Also-you have to try the key lime pie! For more information: https://thebellevuechicago.com/
2. IF YOU WANNA GET WET: Check out Raging Waves Water Park- this is their opening weekend! It's in Yorkville and they have this  massive new AquaVision video wall at the wave pool- it's brand new! For more information: go to @ragingwaves 
3. IF YOU WANT TO HONOR THE FALLEN: Check out the Chicago Memorial Day Parade- Chicago's Memorial Day Parade honors all men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Street) on Saturday, May 24th. The Parade will step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. For more information: https://www.chicago.gov/
4. IF YOU WANT MAKE A NEW FURRY FRIEND, DOWNWARD DOG STYLE: CHECK OUT POSES WITH POSSUMS Unwind, learn, and connect with nature at Poses with ‘Possums on May 23, 2025, from 5–7 PM at the Humane Indiana Wildlife (570 N 450 E Valparaiso IN)! This exclusive two-hour event features an hour of rejuvenating yoga for all levels and a unique opportunity to meet Twig, our possum ambassador, alongside other special animal guests. This event is for adults 18+ only.For more information: https://www.humaneindiana.org/

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Justin McIntyre of London, Kentucky joins Ray and Nick to share the harrowing story of how he and his mother survived a direct hit to their home from an EF-4 tornado by quick thinking and unshakeable religious faith.

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Ret. Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel joins Ray and Nick to discuss the so called "teen takeovers" that resulted in only minor punishments and the pros and cons of instituting harsher curfews to curb anti-social behavior.

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Ret. Gen. Richard Y. Newton, Senior National Security Contributor to NewsNation, joins Ray and Nick to talk about the feasibility of a missile defense system for the U.S. in the vein of Israel's "Iron Dome", and how talks to end the Russia-Ukraine War are progressing.

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Matt Straley, board member of Ignite the Spirit fund, joins Ray and Nick to talk about the new calendar featuring Chicago firefighters for every month and how Ignite the Spirit has been helping Chicago Fire Department families for over 20 years.

Order your calendar now at ignitethespirit.org and help a firefighting family in need today!

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FOX 32 sportscaster Lou Canellis joins Ray Stevens to talk about the latest in the Chicago Bears' search for a new stadium and why Arlington Heights, much to Lou's dismay, is the best move for the team.

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Paul Vallas joins Ray and Nick to discuss the reelection of Stacy Davis Gates as president of the Chicago Teachers Union and the massive deficit facing the Chicago Public School budget.

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1. IF YOU ARE FEELING OUTDOORSY- Check out the new Vivid Creatures Exhibit at the Morton Arboretum that opens May 17th!

1. For more information: https://mortonarb.org/
2. Guests of all ages can delight in an oversized deer, snail, squirrel, dragonfly, and sandhill crane—all animals native to northern Illinois—depicted in brightly decorated larger-than-life artworks up to 24 feet tall.
3. Vivid Creatures is free and is included with general admission to the Arboretum.

2. IF YOU WANT TO CHECK OUT SOME CHICAGO HISTORY: Check out Pullman Railroad Days, Chicago's biggest rail-themed event! Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18Chicago’s biggest rail-themed event is like nothing you’ve ever experienced!Children under 12 years are FREEBring the kids to Pullman Railroad Days for free! Ticketed adults can add-on free child tickets at check-out.For tickets and more information: https://www.pullmanil.org/

3. IF YOU'RE FEELING FESTIVE- CHECK OUT SANTA'S VILLAGE ASOOZEMENT PARK- it opens TODAY! https://santasvillagedundee.com/

4. IF YOU'RE FEELING FESTIVE- KICK OFF CHICAGO FESTIVAL SZN AT LINCOLN PARK MAYFEST! 
Friday, May 16, 2025 | 4pm to 10pmSaturday, May 17, 2025 | 12pm to 10pmSunday, May 18, 2025 | 12pm to 9pm
Say a hearty hello to summer at Mayfest, the annual street party in Lincoln Park that's outfitted with the usual selection of local vendors, tasty food, cover bands and ice-cold beverages. Taking place from May 16 through 18, this year's event will feature the new Spring Fine Art Mart, featuring local and national fine artists.
For more information: https://chicagoevents.com/

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Attorney Dan Backer, a staunch defender and advocate at the forefront of free speech and associational rights, joins Ray Stevens to discuss today's oral arguments involving the application of the 14th Amendment and whether or not it grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.

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