Former Illinois State Representative Jeanne Ives joins Ray Stevens to talk about the $2 billion Gotion battery deal, the reveal that they use slave labor, and Gotion's ties to communism. 

Former Illinois State Representative Jeanne Ives joins Ray Stevens to talk about the $2 billion Gotion battery deal, the reveal that they use slave labor, and Gotion's ties to communism.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

PINCH HITTERS

Gotion uses slave labor. What happens to the deal Gov. Pritzker struck with the company?

IF YOU'RE FEELING OUTDOORSY- Hike with a  Hawk this Saturday at Gabis Arboretum! Have you dreamed of observing a hawk? Join Shellie Barron, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and her red-tailed hawk on a hike of the Arboretum. The hike will focus on spotting birds of prey along the trail. You will also look for songbirds, woodpeckers, and waterfowl that do not migrate. Don't forget your binoculars! For more information: go to @alongthesouthshore


IF YOU ARE FEELING SPORTY: Check out the Chicago Cubs Convention!  The Cubs Convention returns Friday through Saturday, Jan. 16-18, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The annual fan event features appearances by Cubs players, autograph sessions, panel discussions and exclusive merchandise. For more info: @cubs


IF YOU'RE FEELING HANGRY: CHECK OUT BIG SAMMY'S- THEY HAVE 2 LOCATIONS- IN ELGIN AND ELK GROVE VILLAGE- From Italian Beef Sandwiches to Chicken, Ribs, and Gyros, you just can’t beat the taste or the servings. Big Sammy proudly serves up great food in generous portions. Whether you want a Chicago style hot dog or slabs of spicy-sweet ribs that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth, Big Sammy’s Hot Dogs is the place to go. For more info: https://bigsammyshotdogs.com/

IF YOU'RE FEELING OUTDOORSY- Hike with a&nbsp; Hawk this Saturday at Gabis Arboretum!&nbsp;Have you dreamed of observing a hawk?&nbsp;Join Shellie Barron, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and her red-tailed hawk on a hike of the Arboretum. The hike will focus on spotting birds of prey along the trail. You will also look for songbirds, woodpeckers, and waterfowl that do not migrate. Don't forget your binoculars! For more information: go to&nbsp;<a>@alongthesouthshore</a> 
IF YOU ARE FEELING SPORTY: Check out the Chicago Cubs Convention!&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cubs Convention returns Friday through Saturday, Jan. 16-18, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The annual fan event features appearances by Cubs players, autograph sessions, panel discussions and exclusive merchandise. For more info: <a>@cubs</a> 
IF YOU'RE FEELING HANGRY: CHECK OUT BIG SAMMY'S- THEY HAVE 2 LOCATIONS- IN ELGIN AND ELK GROVE VILLAGE- From Italian Beef Sandwiches to Chicken, Ribs, and Gyros, you just can&rsquo;t beat the taste or the servings. Big Sammy proudly serves up great food in generous portions. Whether you want a Chicago style hot dog or slabs of spicy-sweet ribs that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth, Big Sammy&rsquo;s Hot Dogs is the place to go. For more info:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbigsammyshotdogs.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7Cb4682a299fb34d8206da08de52d2c334%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639039262352638883%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=nvYyJ5TNYvfk%2B%2FBPBAk0MQoOO3oV1%2Fqvd7PofBjemm4%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://bigsammyshotdogs.com/</a>

Social with Steph - 01/16/2026 - Feeling the January blues?  Lift your spirits with these activities this weekend!

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BEAR DOWN: Check out the Bears-Packer game this Saturday at Cody's Public House in Lakeview, Chicago. They've got a DJ, food, and they're always dog friendly inside and out- check them out at @codyspublichousechicago

IF YOU'RE FEELING THE BURN:  Check out the Christmas Tree Bonfire Celebration this weekend in Crown Point, IN. The City of Crown Point annual Christmas Tree Bonfire Celebration takes place on 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝗮𝗻. 𝟭𝟭 at 6pm at the Lake County Fairgrounds located at 889 S. Court St. Crown Point IN. Free hot chocolate and popcorn will be provided during this free, family friendly event.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out a Chicago Wolves game this Saturday night- it's superhero night and you can grab a Ryan Suzuki Bobblehead. For tix and more info: @chicagowolves.com

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BEAR DOWN: Check out the Bears-Packer game this Saturday at Cody's Public House in Lakeview, Chicago. They've got a DJ, food, and they're always dog friendly inside and out- check them out at @codyspublichousechicago IF YOU'RE FEELING THE BURN:&nbsp; Check out the Christmas Tree Bonfire Celebration this weekend in Crown Point, IN. The City of Crown Point annual Christmas Tree Bonfire Celebration takes place on 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝗮𝗻. 𝟭𝟭 at 6pm at the Lake County Fairgrounds located at 889 S. Court St. Crown Point IN. Free hot chocolate and popcorn will be provided during this free, family friendly event.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out a Chicago Wolves game this Saturday night- it's superhero night and you can grab a Ryan Suzuki Bobblehead. For tix and more info: @chicagowolves.com

Social with Steph - 01/06/2026 - New Year and New Suggestions for Weekend Fun!

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out Santa’s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum in Elgin. Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that’s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896—an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, the magic continues with a very special guest—Santa Claus himself—who will visit each family for merry chats, posing for cheerful selfies, and spreading holiday cheer that will delight both kids and grown-ups alike.
Before your ride begins, cozy up and sip a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate served from our historic 1924 train car, brimming with vintage holiday décor. The station is beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, holiday melodies, and timeless Christmas charm, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick off your festive adventure.

Each day has several rides from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more info: go to @exploreelgin
IF YOU'RE FEELING OUTDOORSY:  Check out the Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh Park in Chicago. Join Big Marsh staff for a journey through the beautiful landscape of Big Marsh Park followed by hot cocoa around an outdoor fire. You will walk 2-3 miles on mostly paved paths but will be ready to adapt the route and pace based on weather conditions and group needs. Come dressed in layers, ready to be outside for 2 hours. For more info: @chicagoparks

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FEEL-GOOD HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: Check out Operation North Pole Returning to DES Convention Center this Saturday! Founded in 2009, Operation North Pole is a volunteer-based public charity that provides a magical holiday experience for families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. This year’s event will once again transform 28,000 square feet of the Convention Center into a winter wonderland filled with joy, laughter and the true spirit of the season. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/ONPChicago/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out Santa&rsquo;s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum in Elgin. Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that&rsquo;s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896&mdash;an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, the magic continues with a very special guest&mdash;Santa Claus himself&mdash;who will visit each family for merry chats, posing for cheerful selfies, and spreading holiday cheer that will delight both kids and grown-ups alike. Before your ride begins, cozy up and sip a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate served from our historic 1924 train car, brimming with vintage holiday d&eacute;cor. The station is beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, holiday melodies, and timeless Christmas charm, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick off your festive adventure.
Each day has several rides from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more info: go to <a>@exploreelgin</a> IF YOU'RE FEELING OUTDOORSY:&nbsp; Check out the Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh Park in Chicago.&nbsp;Join Big Marsh staff for a journey through the beautiful landscape of Big Marsh Park followed by hot cocoa around an outdoor fire. You will walk 2-3 miles on mostly paved paths but will be ready to adapt the route and pace based on weather conditions and group needs. Come dressed in layers, ready to be outside for 2 hours. For more info:&nbsp;<a>@chicagoparks</a>
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FEEL-GOOD HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: Check out Operation North Pole Returning to DES Convention Center this Saturday! Founded in 2009, Operation North Pole is a volunteer-based public charity that provides a magical holiday experience for families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. This year&rsquo;s event will once again transform 28,000 square feet of the Convention Center into a winter wonderland filled with joy, laughter and the true spirit of the season. For more info: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FONPChicago%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7C494efc0d7d424f352bee08de3bfab47a%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639014145142405927%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=sFGgxcEnK6i2FTk8h2l%2B0K4KN5JWw2PrkhRBOXdEkWM%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://www.facebook.com/ONPChicago/</a>

Gotion uses slave labor. What happens to the deal Gov. Pritzker struck with the company?

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