The Chicago's Afternoon News Podcast from 720 WGN

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories.

Professor James Tabery, Bioethicist at The University of Utah, joins Lisa Dent to discuss polygenic embryo screening that companies are using to test embryos for genetic diseases, cancers, diabetes and more. The concern, however, is that potential parents will use the screening for aesthetic reasons.

Burt Odelson, Village Attorney of Dolton, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the status of the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV in Dolton, including the process to make it a state and national historic site. Odelson also discusses the condition of the building that was once Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Chicago’s Riverdale […]

Dr. Michael Angarone, infectious diseases specialist at Northwestern Medicine, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the dangers of hantavirus. A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, leaving 3 dead, has caused misinformation to spread online. Dr. Angarone shares the dangers of the disease and if people should be worried about public health scare.

Ron Brown, news anchor for WGN Radio, joins Lisa Dent to dish out some Brownie Points. This week he reviews The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Hokum.

Jim Chilsen, Communications Director of the Citizens Utility Board, joins Lisa Dent to discuss expert testimony filed on Tuesday with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) urging regulators to cut the controversial rate hike by at least $137 million. Chilsen calls the rate-hike proposal “excessive,” sharing that Peoples Gas has made record profits in 7 of […]

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories.

Lou Manfredini joins Lisa Dent in his weekly segment, Lou's To Do List. Lou answers any questions you have about projects on your to-do lists.

Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd joins Lisa Dent to discuss the Department Of Justice probing Illinois schools over LGBTQ+ policies. The Department of Justice is investigating whether 36 Illinois schools, including one Chicago charter network, have sexual, gender identity in their curriculums. Shepherd reports the details of the legality of having LGBTQ+ content in schools.

Producers Collin and Drew turn on their mics and answer questions relating to their generation, Generation Z. This week they answer questions about social media, housing, and more.

John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the agreement made between Brookfield Zoo Chicago management and their workers.

Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, joins Lisa Dent to discuss a recent claim that by 2027, every new vehicle in the U.S. is expected to come with built-in cameras and sensors that monitor your alertness, and in some cases, can stop you from driving if the system thinks you're impaired. He shares that […]

Jennifer Schroeder, social media workplace advocate, joins Lisa Dent to discuss how employees over 45 who work corporations can protect themselves.

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including an explanation of “blue dot fever.”

Pat Brady, SVP of Mercury Public Affairs, Former Chairman for the Illinois Republican Party, joins Lisa Dent to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson going to Springfield to make a final push to keep the Bears in Chicago. Brady believes it’s unlikely the Bears stay in Chicago, but insists the Bears will likely remain in Illinois.

Teresa Murray, a consumer watchdog with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), joins Lisa Dent to discuss the Salmonella outbreak leading to potato chips and frozen pizzas being pulled from stores.

Jen Hanley, Head of North American Safety, Meta, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the steps Meta is taking to better protect children on social media sites.

Demetrius Ivory, Chief Meteorologist at WGN-TV, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the weather. He shares some stories from his earliest days in TV; details the wild weather over the last month; supports Elgin’s proposed changes to tornado sirens. Then, he gives the upcoming weather forecast.

Dr. Alan Micco, Neurotology at Northwestern Medicine, joins Lisa Dent to talk about Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). He details how people get it, who’s at risk, and what people can expect.

Howard Tullman, American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, educator, writer, lecturer, and art collector, joins Lisa Dent to discuss his latest article.

Jahmal Cole, founder and CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City, joins Lisa Dent to talk about his mission to live in all 77 of Chicago's neighborhoods. This month, he's in Hermosa, and he updates listeners on his upcoming plans and shares how you can support his journey.

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are each scheduled to appear on individual upcoming episodes of “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” to promote the new Rolling Stones album, “Foreign Tongues.”

Carolina Gonzalez, Beverage Director and Bar Manager, and Josean Irizarry, co-owner of Caña, join Lisa Dent to talk about the coffee and cocktail lounge coming to West Town.

David Stone, President of Stone Real Estate, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the $170 million makeover of Water Tower Place. Stone shares his vision and hope for the once must-visit vertical mall.

Dr. Sterling Elliott, clinical pharmacist at Northwestern Medicine and assistant professor of orthopaedics at Feinberg School of Medicine, joins Lisa Dent to discuss her experience with and diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). And, as always, he answers health questions from listeners.

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including a big opening weekend at the box office for “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and a health update from Dolly Parton.

Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis, GasBuddy, joins Lisa Dent to talk about gas prices spiking in a number of states. Five states, including Illinois, have seen their prices at the pump spike over a number of days. De Heen shares why, and why it may be here to stay. Price Trends for Chicago

Terry Savage, nationally-syndicated money columnist, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the financial pressure that is weighing on middle class Americans.

Celene Mielcarek, Chief Program Officer, jons Lisa Dent to discuss the more than two dozen of beagles arriving at PAWS Chicago that were rescued from a research facility in Wisconsin.

Dr. Murad Alam, Vice-Chair of Dermatology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine; Professor of Dermatology, Otolaryngology, and Surgery and president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), joins Lisa Dent to talk about Melanoma. Dr. Alam shares how people can self-check for any suspicious skin markings and take preventative measures to protect themselves.

Lourdes Duarte, anchor/investigative reporter at WGN-TV, joins Lisa Dent to discuss a court case verdict awarding the Adams family 12.5 million dollars. The family alleged that the nursing home that held Shirley Adams “failed to protect Shirley from neglect.” Shirley Adams died less than two years after her admittance. The verdict exposes legal loopholes that […]

Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, author of The Crucial Years, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss her lecture for the Glenbard Parent Series. Dr. Ziegler shares how parents can help their kids navigate their worlds with social media and school.

Jon Hansen, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories.

Sandra Wortham, Executive Board President of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the CPMF’s 22nd annual 5K run this weekend (May 2nd).

Kurt Rohlwing, Kaneland CUSD #302 Superintendent, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the end of the school year. He shares his experience being the superintendent of the smallest school district in Kane County. Despite that, Rohlwing explains, the community around the schools makes it special. More than having great sports programs, they have one of […]

Chris Ranney, Elburn Village Administrator, joins Lisa Dent to talk about Elburn. He shares what he does as the Village Administrator, what brought him to Elburn, and everything that Elburn offers from safety, food, and a great small town vibe.

Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including the return of Pizza Hut's ‘BOOK IT!' summer reading program.

David Hochberg, Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the Federal Reserve not changing interest rates, higher mortgage rates, and how it affects listeners.

Lou Manfredini joins Lisa Dent in his weekly segment, Lou's To Do List. Lou answers any questions you have about projects on your to-do lists.

Ron Brown, news anchor for WGN Radio, joins Lisa Dent to dish out some Brownie Points. This week he reviews Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic.

Stew Ream, Ream's Meat Market, joins Lisa Dent to talk about Elburn and his family’s business. One of Lisa’s favorites, Ream’s Meat Market is a staple in Elburn. The award-winning market has been open since 1954 and is a multi-generational family business.

Jennifer Lamplough, Chief Impact Officer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements that take effect May 1st and how it will affect the people who lose their benefits due to the changes.