The Ray Stevens Show

First Responder Fridays is brought to you by Jeff Buys Your House. Sell your house to the trusted source at JeffBuysYourHouse.com After dedicating a career to helping others, Jennifer Karaboyas, a Chicago firefighter and paramedic, now faces the fight of her life. Karaboyas joins Ray Stevens to share her journey following a Stage IV cancer diagnosis and discuss the overwhelming support she's receiving from fellow first responders, family, friends and the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Karaboyas, a Chicago firefighter and paramedic, joins Ray Stevens to share her story and discuss the support she's seeking following a Stage IV cancer diagnosis. Her appearance shines a spotlight on the strength of Chicago's first responder community and the efforts underway to help her through this challenging journey. Rick Heidner of Heidner Properties discusses the annual tree lighting celebration at the South Barrington Arboretum. Listeners also hear the latest from Mark Lukas of PAWS Chicago, get market insights from Jonathan Hoenig of The Capitalist Pig, and wrap up the morning with local events and entertainment from Tom on the TownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Patton, filmmaker and founder of the Patton Veterans Project, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a special film screening at the College of DuPage. Patton explains how the organization empowers veterans to tell their stories through filmmaking, creating meaningful connections and helping veterans process and share their experiences with broader audiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Monosso of Fox News Radio joins Ray Stevens to discuss how ranchers are responding to proposed changes to ranching regulations and what those changes could mean for farmers, producers and consumers. Later, David Hochberg shares insights on the latest developments in housing and mortgage lending, while Steve Moore, co-founder of Unleash Prosperity, offers his perspective on the economic issues shaping the national conversation. Benjamin Patton, filmmaker and founder of the Patton Veterans Project, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a special film screening at the College of DuPage and how filmmaking helps veterans share their experiences, connect with others and preserve their stories for future generationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Democrats in control, what comes next for America’s southern border? Former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem joins Ray to examine the challenges ahead for border security. Chris Plante, host of The Chris Plante Show, discusses the legality of animal sacrifice in Michigan. Maggie Corbett of TPUSA Lake Forest discusses a new student-led organization, Students for Illinois, and its mission to get young people more involved in civics. Plus, Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, sounds the alarm on holiday shopping scams that are already making the rounds. Key Segments Chris Plante: The legality of animal sacrifice in Michigan. Chris Clem: What happens to border security with Democrats in control? Maggie Corbett: Students for Illinois aims to get young people involved in civics. Steve Bernas: Holiday shopping scams are already afoot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain Toby Lindo, representing the Chicago Maritime Bicentennial, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a new initiative that introduces young people to the lake and river that helped build Chicago. Lindo explains how the program connects students with the city's maritime history while fostering a deeper appreciation for the waterways that continue to shape the region todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Chicago be getting a new destination for festivals and concerts? Dylan Sharkey of Illinois Policy joins Ray to discuss growing support for a new entertainment venue in the city. Shannon Adcock of Awake Illinois examines the Illinois Supreme Court’s appointment of Terra Costa Howard as a DuPage County circuit judge and why she believes the decision puts educational freedom in jeopardy. Key Segments Dylan Sharkey: Chicagoans favor a new venue for festivals and concerts. Shannon Adcock: The appointment of Terra Costa Howard as a DuPage County circuit judge and its implications for educational freedom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ullyot, former deputy assistant to President Trump, joins Ray Stevens to discuss what President Trump needs to do to advance his agenda over the next two years. Later, Mary Ann Ahern, political reporter for NBC 5 Chicago, breaks down the fallout from the midterms and explains why attention is already shifting to Chicago's next mayoral race. Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group, discusses the sharp decline in gas prices following the midterm elections and the factors driving the market. During Military Monday, Kevin Burke of Illinois Joining Forces highlights programs that connect veterans with housing, employment and other critical resources. Jeff Monosso rounds out the show with a look at what a Democratic-controlled Congress could mean for President Trump's electric vehicle policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Military Monday, Kevin Burke, education, outreach and community engagement manager for Illinois Joining Forces, joins Ray Stevens to discuss efforts to connect veterans and military families with housing assistance, employment opportunities and essential support services. Burke explains how Illinois Joining Forces helps veterans navigate available resources and build successful lives after military serviceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The midterms may be over, but Chicago politics is already entering a new chapter. Mary Ann Ahern, political reporter for NBC 5 Chicago, joins Ray Stevens to discuss how the election results could shape the race for mayor and the political battles that lie ahead. Ahern examines potential candidates, emerging issues and the challenges facing whoever hopes to lead City Hall next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.