Chicago's Afternoon News with Steve Bertrand

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The Chicago's Afternoon News Podcast from 720 WGN

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    • Aug 12, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 6,103 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Chicago's Afternoon News with Steve Bertrand

    New ‘stick library' for dogs thanks to Batavia woman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Recreation Supervisor at the Batavia Park District, and long-time dog owner, Kathy Freedlund joins the Lisa Dent Show to chat about how she added a new ‘stick library’ to her neighborhood. She highlights the excitement that both pets and pet owners feel upon finding it on their walks.

    Susana Mendoza discusses her mayoral campaign and a funeral home horror story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Illinois Comptroller, Susana Mendoza joins the Lisa Dent Show to talk about her run for Chicago Mayor where she highlights her six terms as State Representative as well as how she stepped in to the position of Comptroller during the worst fiscal crisis in Illinois’ history. She also addresses how a Mayor could aid in […]

    Animal advocacy group exposes abuse in backyard rodeos

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Steve Hindi, President of SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness), joins Lisa Dent to discuss what backyard rodeos are and how animals are being abused at these events. SHARK is a Geneva-based investigative group that uses drones obtain video and expose different rings committing animal abuse. They then take the evidence to the authorities for […]

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/12/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including how watermelon might be good for reducing blood pressure, Travis Kelce’s thoughts on his and Taylor Swift’s wedding, and the complaints about the new Buffalo Bills stadium.

    Willie Nelson's harmonica player joins to talk about the legendary country artist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Mickey Raphael, harmonica player for Willie Nelson since 1973, joins Lisa Dent to highlight their appearance at the Outlaw Music Festival at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Tuesday, August 25th. He explains the band’s start in Nashville, how Willie maintained his kind personality throughout their entire career, and how the environment of the […]

    Tom Skilling: Are storms supposed to be this severe?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist emeritus, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the severity of the damage caused by the previous days’ storms. His sentiments echo those of both Demetrius Ivory and Bill Snyder as he mentions the over 193 tornado touchdowns, the 80-100 mph wind gusts, and the extremely limited visibility due to the rain. […]

    The Brink of War: Not all battles are fought with bullets

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    During the height of the Cold War, an unlikely meeting between President Ronald Reagan and President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavík, Iceland, resulted in the two forging a unique trust that eventually led to the end of the Cold War. Director of The Brink of War, Michael Gunn, joins Lisa Dent to […]

    Pat Brady: Reviewing the Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Pat Brady, SVP of Mercury Public Affairs, former chairman for the Illinois Republican Party, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the results of the Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota primaries and what it means for politics in the area. He later shares his thoughts on the recent candidates who lean further left than traditional Democrats.

    Mural in Fulton Market depicting Caleb Williams has now been completed

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Chicago muralist Asend joins Lisa Dent to talk about the completion of his mural featuring Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, located in Fulton Market. Given the multiple storms that have hit the area, he addresses how he and other artists manage to avoid having the rain ruin their progress. Later, Asend discusses how the Bears have […]

    Suburban Cook County is looking for nearly 7,000 election judges

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Monica Gordon, Cook County Clerk and Chief Election Administrator for Suburban Cook County, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the need for more election judges on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. She addresses the training procedure as well as how payment works for those looking to become a judge. Later, both Monica and Lisa stress […]

    Mayor Brandon Johnson looks to place a moratorium on AI data centers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Mayor Brandon Johnson joins the Lisa Dent Show to discuss his signing of an executive order establishing a series of enhanced regulations on AI data centers to ensure that they will not disrupt neighborhoods, city infrastructure, and its natural resources. His executive order also creates a task force designed to be a multi-tiered board reviewing […]

    Conversations with The Forecasters: Tornadoes and wind gusts cause widespread damage

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026


    Chief Meteorologist at WGN-TV Demetrius Ivory and WGN-TV weather producer Bill Snyder join Lisa Dent to talk about the weather. Together, The Forecasters discuss the wreckage Demetrius saw as he chased a tornado that went through Tinley Park, Country Club Hills, and Homewood Flossmoor. They add that these tornadoes went unseen due the rain creating an area […]

    Sister Mary Jo will be throwing the first pitch at Rate Field yet again

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    Sister Mary Jo Sobieck joins the Lisa Dent to talk about Tuesday night’s White Sox “Pope Night” at Rate Field where she will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch. She shares her history as a 3-sport athlete and how her God-given talent, as she would put, has led her to be chosen to throw the […]

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/11/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including a potential sequel to the John Hughes film, The Breakfast Club, a new memoir regarding the members of Tears for Fears, and the four things to avoid in the evening to lower the risk of a stroke.

    Terry Savage: Homeowners insurance following the storms

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    Terry Savage, nationally-syndicated money columnist, joins Lisa Dent to share her advice on homeowners insurance following the storm damage. Later, Terry takes financial questions from listeners.

    Howard Tullman: How Kindred is letting community play cupid

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


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

    Funeral home directors exposed for mishandling bodies again

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    General counsel for the Illinois Funeral Director Association Michael Sharkey joins Lisa Dent to discuss how over 50 unrefrigerated, decomposing bodies were found in South Side Chapel funeral home owned by Clark and Johanna Morgan. This follows last year’s discovery of 100 mishandled bodies in their Chicago Heights crematorium. Michael insists that even though the […]

    Brian Entin: ‘Jury duty' scam causes Florida woman to lose $25,000

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    Senior National Correspondent for NewsNation Brian Entin joins Lisa Dent to discuss how a woman in Florida was scammed out of $25,000. The scam involved her being called by people claiming that she had skipped out on jury duty and needed to pay a bond or face being arrested. To further intimidate her, they revealed […]

    Bill Snyder: Multiple rounds of storms to be expected this week

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026


    Weather producer for WGN-TV Bill Snyder joins Lisa Dent to discuss Sunday’s thunderstorms and tornado touchdowns. He reveals that last night, three tornadoes made touchdown: one in Lee County and the other two in LaSalle County. Amongst the three, the wind speeds ranged from 90 mph to 100 mph. Bill highlights that while normally, the […]

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/10/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including new sewing classes for teenagers, a bag of urine being passed around during Lollapalooza, and the unfortunate closing of Hackney’s on Lake in Glenview after more than 70 years.

    Perseid meteor shower expected on Wednesday the 12th

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026


    Hunter Miller, Astronomy Educator at the Adler Planetarium, joins Lisa Dent to highlight the Perseid meteor shower occurring over the next couple of weeks. He stresses that the best viewing time will be on the evening of Wednesday, August 12th. Not only will there be peak meteor activity at that time, but there will also […]

    Marmion Academy will open to female students starting this semester

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026


    As of this coming school semester, Marmion Academy in Aurora will officially be open to female students. Abbot Joel Rippinger joins Lisa Dent to discuss how the school is helping accommodate and integrate the incoming female freshman and sophomores as they adjust to this new format. He later addresses the history of Marmion Academy and […]

    Paulie Gee's Logan Square celebrates ten years with ‘The Sheet Show,' a pizza the size of Sabrina Carpenter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026


    Derrick Tung, owner and operator of Paulie Gee's Logan Square, joins Lisa Dent to discuss “The Sheet Show,” the restaurant's massive 5-foot-2-inch pizza designed to feed a party of 20-to-30 people. Derrick challenges Chicagoans to come and try this culinary behemoth and explains the inspiration behind the spectacle by detailing how it’s actually prepared. To […]

    Ilyce Glink: Weak jobs report raises questions about AI-fueled economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026


    Ilyce Glink, of ThinkGlink.com and the Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter, joins Lisa Dent to break down July's unexpectedly weak jobs report and discusses how AI data-center construction is helping prop up the economy.

    The 12th annual Taste of Evanston food festival

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026


    Stuart Cleland, co-chair of Taste of Evanston, joins Lisa Dent to preview the 12th annual food festival, featuring bites and drinks from more than 40 local restaurants, breweries and wine shops. Stuart also highlights how their event at the Charles Gates Dawes House supports organizations addressing homelessness and housing affordability in Evanston. To learn more, […]

    Beep Baseball's 50th World Series brings an inspiring game and big crowds to Aurora

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026


    Beth Marchetti, executive director of Discover DuPage and the DuPage Sports Commission, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the 50th Beep Baseball World Series, taking place this weekend at the Stuart Sports Complex in Aurora. Marchetti explains how in Beep Baseball, blind and visually impaired athletes compete using baseballs and bases that emit sound, why every […]

    Fourth time's the charm? Dr. Willie Wilson makes his case for Chicago Mayor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026


    Dr. Willie Wilson, Chicago businessman and entrepreneur, joins Lisa Dent to discuss running for Mayor of Chicago for a fourth time and why this time is different.

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/07/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including a new musical based on the works of rock group Heart, the IHSA expanding High School football playoffs by 50%, and Mary sounds her opinion on how schools invite students back from summer earlier and earlier each year.

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/05/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including the University of Akron’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” promo, a Florida steakhouse introduces a nude 5-course dinner every first Monday of the month, and Shania Twain’s pre- and post-show rituals.

    Road Trippin' with Lisa Dent: Clinton, Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026


    Vice President of Grow Clinton Matt Parbs joins Lisa Dent to discuss the activities that can be experienced in Clinton, Iowa, including the YWCA Half Marathon. He highlights how the half marathon is its own scenic tour of Clinton. Runners will get to see the Mississippi River, their downtown area, as well as Eagle Point […]

    Pet owners are afraid to bring their dogs to Hamlin Park following a renovation error

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026


    Reporter from Block Club Chicago Patrick Filbin joins Lisa Dent to talk about an oversight on the renovations of the Hamlin Park dog area in Roscoe Village. Due to the Park District replacing the original surface with one of asphalt and gravel, the combination would leave dogs that played there to go home with cut […]

    Special Olympics Ambassador excited to be a part of the 2026 Chicago Ducky Derby

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026


    President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, Pete Beale-DelVecchio, and Chicago Ducky Derby Athlete Ambassador, Becky Cavanagh join Lisa Dent to talk about the Chicago Ducky Derby happening on Thursday, August 6th. To help Team Lisa raise money before the Derby, click here.

    Chicago Do the Write Thing Ambassador shares her message of anti-violence in Washington D.C.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026


    Damiya Myers, Chicago’s 2026 Do the Write Thing Ambassador, and Robin Koelsch of Communities In Schools of Chicago, join Lisa Dent to talk about her visit to Washington D.C. for the Do the Write Thing National Recognition Summit. The soon-to-be 8th grader discusses what she learned from her fellow Ambassadors and shares her ideas on […]

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/04/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including the relaunch of the social media platform MySpace, Shania Twain discusses a potential biopic, and the birth of a new royal.

    Terry Savage: The Dow Jones closes over 54,000

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


    Terry Savage, nationally-syndicated money columnist, joins Lisa Dent to update the audience on stock market news and numbers. Later, Terry takes financial questions from listeners.

    Conversations with Demetrius: Reviewing the July storms

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


    Chief Meteorologist at WGN-TV Demetrius Ivory and WGN-TV weather producer Bill Snyder join Lisa Dent to talk about the weather. Together, The Forecasters review July’s weather and note any oddities. While the average temperature was relatively normal for this time, because of the constant storms, this has been the 2nd wettest July in Chicago history. […]

    Howard Tullman: Being angry shouldn't be a leadership quality

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


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

    The Shedd Aquarium introduces four new beluga whales to the aquatic family

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


    Charlie Jacobsma, Director of Animal Behavior and Training at Shedd Aquarium, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the four beluga whales rescued from Marineland in Canada. He explains the process it took to safely transport them to Chicago and then later highlights the personality of each one. While the whales are not ready to meet […]

    Could security drones equipped with pepper spray be coming to schools?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


    Senior Researcher at the Learning Policy Institute Jennifer DePaoli joins Lisa Dent to talk about the Campus Guardian Angel drones being supplied to at least nine schools across the United States. The drones equipped with pepper spray and strobe lights will be used to neutralize any active shooter on school grounds. Jennifer brings up the […]

    State Representative Barbara Hernandez explains Rosie's Law

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026


    State Representative of the 50th District Barbara Hernandez joins Lisa Dent to talk about Rosie’s Law and what it means for pet owners and victims of abusive relationships. The law allows for those who are non-married, but still are separating after some form of long-term relationship, to fight for the custody of a shared animal. […]

    Newsroom Sound Check: 08/03/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026


    Lisa Dent checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including the Jesse White Tumblers moving on in America’s Got Talent, Bob and Kevin rejoice over the next ‘Moment in Heat-story,” and Kevin asks, “what’s with” the placement of display toilets in hardware stores?

    Dr. Sterling Elliott: It's not unusual for your child to take more than one anxiety medication

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026


    Dr. Sterling Elliott, clinical pharmacist at Northwestern Medicine and assistant professor of orthopedics at Feinberg School of Medicine, joins Lisa Dent to discuss taking supplements in conjunction with medication, taking more than one anxiety medication, and if GLP-1’s are reshaping insurance costs for other people. Later, Dr. Elliott answers listeners’ medical questions.

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