On today's show
– Ed Bannon, 2026 candidate for Chicago School Board 1A
– Melissa Villanueva, candidate for DuPage County District 1
– Dave Glatt, long-time restaurateur (Dave's Italian Kitchen in Evanston, Illinois) and the subject of an upcoming documentary
– Singer Caroline Freer

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

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On today's show &ndash; <a href="https://edbannon.com/">Ed Bannon</a>, 2026 candidate for Chicago School Board 1A &ndash; <a href="https://www.melissafordupage.com/">Melissa Villanueva</a>, candidate for DuPage County District 1 &ndash;&nbsp;Dave Glatt, long-time restaurateur (<a href="https://www.davesnewkitchen.com/">Dave's Italian Kitchen</a> in Evanston, Illinois) and the subject of an upcoming documentary &ndash; Singer Caroline Freer
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
&nbsp;
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.

For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.
For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | November 2, 2026

Broadcasting from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Patti Vasquez is joined by Mary Cay Marubio, judge for the 10th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois; Perla Tirado, judge for the 14th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois; and Nichole Patton, judge for the 15th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois. All three are on the November ballot for retention.

The judges explained how voters can evaluate Cook County judicial retention candidates and discussed the work judges do. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: 
- The judges said bar associations assess judges’ temperament, legal knowledge, diligence, and integrity through applications, interviews, records, and courtroom observation.
- They recommended reviewing bar association ratings and candidate information; retention requires 60 percent yes votes.
- Marubio described first-appearance court procedures, including legal representation, health screening, risk assessment, and hearings on possible pretrial detention.
- Tirado highlighted legal aid resources for self-represented litigants and described how her experience across public defense, private practice, and legal aid informs her approach.
- Patton discussed making jury proceedings humane and explained emergency civil mental-health hearings.
- The judges characterized AI as a useful tool that requires verification and responsible use; humans remain accountable for submitted legal materials and judicial decisions.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820

Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal

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Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal

Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal

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Broadcasting from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Patti Vasquez is joined by Mary Cay Marubio, judge for the 10th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois; Perla Tirado, judge for the 14th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois; and Nichole Patton,&nbsp;judge for the 15th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois. All three are on the November ballot for retention.
The judges explained how voters can evaluate Cook County judicial retention candidates and discussed the work judges do. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:&nbsp; - The judges said bar associations assess judges&rsquo; temperament, legal knowledge, diligence, and integrity through applications, interviews, records, and courtroom observation. - They recommended reviewing bar association ratings and candidate information; retention requires 60 percent yes votes. - Marubio described first-appearance court procedures, including legal representation, health screening, risk assessment, and hearings on possible pretrial detention. - Tirado highlighted legal aid resources for self-represented litigants and described how her experience across public defense, private practice, and legal aid informs her approach. - Patton discussed making jury proceedings humane and explained emergency civil mental-health hearings. - The judges characterized AI as a useful tool that requires verification and responsible use; humans remain accountable for submitted legal materials and judicial decisions.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
&nbsp;
Follow us:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
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Cook County Judges Mary Cay Marubio, Perla Tirado and Nichole Patton: WCPT 820 Candidate

Broadcasting from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Patti Vasquez is joined by Tom Perez, former United States Secretary of Labor and former chair of the Democratic National Committee.

The interview focused on the Wisconsin election, the importance of legislative control, and ways supporters can participate. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Campaigning in Wisconsin, Perez argued that electing Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley (D) and the state flipping both legislative chambers could enable policies such as Medicaid expansion and stronger community protections around data centers.
- He cited tariffs, the Iran war, and perceived self-dealing as reasons many voters may be dissatisfied with Donald Trump.
- Perez urged voters and supporters to knock on doors, contact friends, donate if able, and check state registration rules.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

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Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal

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Broadcasting from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Patti Vasquez is joined by Tom Perez, former United States Secretary of Labor and former chair of the Democratic National Committee.
The interview focused on the Wisconsin election, the importance of legislative control, and ways supporters can participate. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Campaigning in Wisconsin, Perez argued that electing Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley (D) and the state flipping both legislative chambers could enable policies such as Medicaid expansion and stronger community protections around data centers. - He cited tariffs, the Iran war, and perceived self-dealing as reasons many voters may be dissatisfied with Donald Trump. - Perez urged voters and supporters to knock on doors, contact friends, donate if able, and check state registration rules.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
&nbsp;
Follow us:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
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Tom Perez: WCPT 820 Interview

Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Adam Selzer are joined by Tracy Rangel, chair of Boone County Dems.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

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Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Adam Selzer are joined by Tracy Rangel, chair of&nbsp;<a href="https://boonecountydems.com/index.html">Boone County Dems</a>.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
&nbsp;
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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | November 2, 2026

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Full Episodes)

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