Former Police Chief Bill Kushner joins The Ray Stevens Show to talk about Chicago's rising crime rates in 2026. They talk about some of the factors contributing to these issues, such as the shortage of police officers, a decrease in proactive policing, and the effects of recent legislative changes like the Safety Act. They also touch on concerns regarding public safety, the influence of immigration on crime rates, and the importance of a justice system that effectively deters criminal behavior through the threat of punishment.

Former Police Chief Bill Kushner joins The Ray Stevens Show to talk about Chicago's rising crime rates in 2026. They talk about some of the factors contributing to these issues, such as the shortage of police officers, a decrease in proactive policing, and the effects of recent legislative changes like the Safety Act. They also touch on concerns regarding public safety, the influence of immigration on crime rates, and the importance of a justice system that effectively deters criminal behavior through the threat of punishment.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

The Ray Stevens Show

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk. 

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.&nbsp;

Addressing Rising Crime and Policing Challenges in Chicago

Jonathan Hoenig joins The Ray Stevens Show to analyze the latest financial news and its impact on consumers. The conversation covers a broad range of economic topics, from market volatility to the specific ways inflation is affecting everyday purchases.

Ray and Jonathan talk about the market's 1,000-point bounce following news of a ceasefire, while also defining what constitutes a technical market "correction". Jonathan notes that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is running at 3.3%, well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, leading to a discussion on potential interest rate hikes.

They highlight significant price increases across various sectors, including an 11% jump in candy prices, record-high car prices (averaging over $50,000 for new vehicles), and a 20-25% increase in the cost of a general basket of goods over the last few years. They discuss the impact of doubling jet fuel and gas prices, noting that airlines like United are increasing checked bag fees to offset these costs.

The conversation also explores high property taxes in states like Illinois—which Hoenig notes are 68% higher than the national average—and the resulting "exodus" of businesses and individuals to lower-tax states.

Jonathan Hoenig joins The Ray Stevens Show to analyze the latest financial news and its impact on consumers. The conversation covers a broad range of economic topics, from market volatility to the specific ways inflation is affecting everyday purchases.
Ray and Jonathan talk about the market's 1,000-point bounce following news of a ceasefire, while also defining what constitutes a technical market "correction". Jonathan notes that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is running at 3.3%, well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, leading to a discussion on potential interest rate hikes.
They highlight significant price increases across various sectors, including an 11% jump in candy prices, record-high car prices (averaging over $50,000 for new vehicles), and a 20-25% increase in the cost of a general basket of goods over the last few years. They discuss the impact of doubling jet fuel and gas prices, noting that airlines like United are increasing checked bag fees to offset these costs.
The conversation also explores high property taxes in states like Illinois&mdash;which Hoenig notes are 68% higher than the national average&mdash;and the resulting "exodus" of businesses and individuals to lower-tax states.

Markets, Inflation, and the Rising Cost of Living with The Capitalist Pig Jonathan Hoenig

Mark Lukas joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the ongoing work of PAWS Chicago in transforming animal welfare. They highlight the organization's growth and its role in significantly reducing the euthanasia rate of homeless pets in Chicago through large-scale programs and community engagement.

Mark outlines the core mission of PAWS Chicago and the progress made in making Chicago a no-kill city since the organization's founding. The discussion emphasizes the impact of the Lurie Clinic and the PAWS Chicago Pet Health Center, which provide essential veterinary services and have performed over 300,000 spay/neuter surgeries.

Details are provided for the annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party, a signature summer event held at Castaways to raise funds for their rescue and adoption efforts. They also touch on various ways the community can support PAWS, including the "Angels with Tails" adoption events and opportunities for volunteering and fostering.

Mark Lukas joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the ongoing work of PAWS Chicago in transforming animal welfare. They highlight the organization's growth and its role in significantly reducing the euthanasia rate of homeless pets in Chicago through large-scale programs and community engagement.
Mark outlines the core mission of PAWS Chicago and the progress made in making Chicago a no-kill city since the organization's founding. The discussion emphasizes the impact of the Lurie Clinic and the PAWS Chicago Pet Health Center, which provide essential veterinary services and have performed over 300,000 spay/neuter surgeries.
Details are provided for the annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party, a signature summer event held at Castaways to raise funds for their rescue and adoption efforts. They also touch on various ways the community can support PAWS, including the "Angels with Tails" adoption events and opportunities for volunteering and fostering.

Leading the No-Kill Movement: An Interview with PAWS Chicago CFO Mark Lukas

State Representative Brad Stephens (20th District) joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss The Chicago Bears' Stadium Move, State Rep. Brad Stephens explains the legislative and financial implications of the Bears' potential relocation to Arlington Heights. He emphasizes the importance of a justice system that balances the needs of communities and the team's business interests.

He also discusses Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) legislation and its potential to manage real estate taxes for major developments, ensuring local taxing bodies like school districts are not negatively impacted. Stephens addresses concerns about state government overreach, particularly regarding local control over housing and transit-related issues.

They also touch on the historical and current state of communication between the Mayor of Chicago's office and the state legislature. They conclude with a brief mention of legislation affecting transit and parking requirements for new developments.

State Representative Brad Stephens (20th District) joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss The Chicago Bears' Stadium Move, State Rep. Brad Stephens explains the legislative and financial implications of the Bears' potential relocation to Arlington Heights. He emphasizes the importance of a justice system that balances the needs of communities and the team's business interests.
He also discusses Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) legislation and its potential to manage real estate taxes for major developments, ensuring local taxing bodies like school districts are not negatively impacted.&nbsp;Stephens addresses concerns about state government overreach, particularly regarding local control over housing and transit-related issues.
They also touch on the historical and current state of communication between the Mayor of Chicago's office and the state legislature.&nbsp;They conclude with a brief mention of legislation affecting transit and parking requirements for new developments.

Addressing Rising Crime and Policing Challenges in Chicago

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