In the Spotlight

In an exclusive podcast, we welcome two members of the  @illinoisfreedomcaucus  to discuss the misuse of taxpayer money in Illinois. Illinois State Representatives Dan Caulkins and Brad Halbrook; reveal the alarming mismanagement and diversion of funds, as well as the fraud that has plagued Illinois' unemployment system. #fraud #corruption #budget #pritzker #gasprices #taxes #illinois #twill #beinformed #freedom

One year after the ending of Roe v Wade, we revisit this major change in US policy and its impact on the Midwest states. Our Guest Mary Kate Knorr Zander, the Executive Director for Illinois Right to Life, discussed the changes in the abortion debate, post Dobbs, in Illinois and across the nation. We look at the reasons behind Illinois' significant growth as a hub for abortions and the legal developments that have facilitated this expansion. #prolife #abortion #illinois #roevwade #scotus #supremecourt #illinois #twill #beinformed

Embarking on an epic adventure to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, our guest Anil has been to one of the highest points on Earth.  Reaching 19,341 ft He stood on top of the world, but the journey there was not easy as he recaps some of the more harrowing moments of his climb.    #kilimanjaro #india #topoftheworld #inspiration #motivation #determination #illinois #twill #beinformed

Preparing for India's Prime Minister Modi's trip to the US, we discuss India's influence on both American culture and business. Our Guest Anil emphasizes the importance of collaboration and peaceful resolution to conflict. Our conversation highlights the Indian culture's emphasis on education, productivity, and respect, which has helped Indian-Americans succeed in the United States. #india #modi #culture #buisness #podcast #illinois #beinformed #twill

Jeanne Ives interviews Martin Preib, a retired Chicago police officer and writer for the Chicago Contrarian. They will discuss his new article titled "New Chicago Mayor Proves the Windy City is Ground Zero for the Revolution," which focuses on Mayor Brandon Johnson's decision to sit down for an interview with Angela Davis, a feminist, Marxist, and radical activist with a controversial past.   #Chicago #police #crime #brandonjohnson #illinois #writer #media #beinformed #twill

Jeanne Gives a rundown on three things you probably did not know went on in Illinois. #twill #illinois #payraise #tolls #energy #greenenergy #coal #power #beinformed

Jeanne Ives invites Congressman Darin LaHood onto the Real Story to talk about the Debt Ceiling vote. #debtceiling #usdebt #debt #ceiling #congress #default #beinformed #debtlimit

Jeanne Ives engages in a conversation with Dr. John Prunskis,  honorary consul of Lithuania in the United States, regarding the Ukraine war and its implications for the Baltic states. How does Reagan's steadfast conviction that "we win, they lose" during the Cold War era bear relevance in today's conflict? Why has Europe had such a limited response to the invasion of Ukraine? Is there a potential for Putin to strike a NATO country? #Ukraine #Putin #Russia #Reagan #nato #lithuania #beinformed #twill #Illinois

In this episode of "The Real Story with Jeanne Ives," Jeanne interviews Robert Bevis a gun shop owner from Naperville and Hannah Hill, the director for research and policy at the National Gun Rights AssociationThey discuss their ongoing legal battle against Illinois' gun ban legislation at the Supreme Court level. The lawsuit initially began in Naperville, where the City Council passed an AR-15 sale ban. Robert Bevis and his legal team expanded the lawsuit to include the statewide ban as well. They requested a temporary restraining order to block the bans from going into effect, but the district court and the seventh circuit court both denied their requests. As a result, they appealed to the Supreme Court for emergency relief. The discussion covers the impact of the bans on Bob's business, the constitutional rights protected by the Second Amendment, and the public safety arguments put forth by the opposing side. They also touch on the discriminatory nature of the bans and the damages they are seeking. The Supreme Court's decision on whether to grant the emergency relief is considered a long shot, but they discuss the surprising response from Naperville and their arguments against the injunction. The episode sheds light on the complexities of the case and the potential implications for gun rights in Illinois. #2ndamendment #2A #illinois #gunlaws #twill #scotus #beinformed #naperville

Your Pension, Your Job, or Your Home. Pick One. Bryce Hill, the  @illinoispolicy  Director of Fiscal and Economic Research joins us to discuss the looming pension crisis in Illinois and what the Illinois Policy Institute has been working on since Jeanne left the State Legislature. What can be done to avert this crisis and ensure you do not lose your pension?  If you like our podcast please hit the like and follow button and be sure to share it with your friends. Illinois Policy Institute - https://www.illinoispolicy.org Breakthrough Ideas - https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com #pensions #Illinois #beinformed #podcast #twill #Illinoispolicy

The Supreme Court gave Naperville a hard deadline, other suits around Illinois are being ruled on at the federal level. Lockdown at Highland Park High School, and the school board ignoring pleas from parents to install metal detectors. Susie Wahl joins Jeanne Ives to discuss these and other topics #twill #beinformed #illinois #scotus #2ndamendment

Jeanne hits multiple topics on our Live stream (recorded April 25, 2023). Watch to see exactly what has caught Jeanne's attention this week.  @EgardWatches  Green Energy ComEd Trial Risky home loans Fentanyl  

Steve Goreham joins Jeanne Ives to talk about his new book as well as the move to turn everything electric.   #twill #beinformed #illinois #greenenergy

As the season turns to spring we expect the fighting to pick up in Ukraine as both Russian and Ukraine forces continue to engage each other in this bloody war. Retired Colonel Roman Golash returns to the show to give us commentary and insight into this conflict from his family and sources within Ukraine. In what appears to be an absolute failure of national security, the US Government has been running damage control over leaked intelligence documents that were distributed over a discord channel by a junior enlisted national guardsman. We look into how damaging this could be to not only the war in Ukraine but the potential rifts between the United States and her allies, as well as the risk to our human intelligence on the ground. #twill #beinformed #ukraine #nationalnews #putin #biden

The Com Ed corruption trial is in full swing as more allies of former Speaker Madigan are called to the stand.  While much of the corruption was known while I served as a legislator in Springfield, even I am finding out new things as this trial unfolds. Will Governor JB Pritzker defy President Biden as Illinois enters its 42nd month of emergency orders due to the pandemic? And three major public universities in Illinois are now on strike. We take a look at the status of higher education in our state. #beinformed #twill #illinois #chicago #Biden

With large sums of money flowing into the Kane County Election department, we look into who is behind this, what is this money being used for, and is this legal? Debbie Kanarowski from Three Headed Eagle joins us to discuss what is going on in Kane County, IL.  #illinois #twill #elections #beinformed

New standards for grading in our schools has spurred a bit of a controversy in Illinois.  Should you get a 50% grade if you do not turn in any work instead of a Zero? Is it unfair if you miss one assignment and it's weighted score makes it more difficult to pull your grades back up? These are the questions being asked in our schools right now. Dr. Jessica Hockett, from the National Opportunity Project, returns to the podcast to give her perspective on this topic.  National Opportunity Project - https://www.nationalopportunity.org/ #Illinois #Twill #schools #DuPage #CUSD200 #beinformed

From Springfield Illinois to Vermillion South Dakota we hit the road and get the real story of the looming energy crisis that could hit Illinois. Why does Illinois have an entry problem and what are the democrats in Springfield doing to make the problem worse?   Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins joins us to talk about his pending lawsuit against Governor Pritzker's 2nd amendment ban. We talk about this and more on the Real Story with Jeanne Ives.   #twill #illinois #2ndamendment #pritzker #energycrisis

Congratulations to  @IllinoisChannelTV  and its 20th year of covering news from Illinois to DC. Jeanne Ives joins Terry Martin to discuss things National, Illinois, and Chicago. Governor Pritzker's State of the Budget, as well as the defeat of Mayor Lightfoot, and how this will alter the dynamics of Illinois politics. It is now Paul Vallas versus Brandon Johnson for control of Chicago. Technology has influenced the change in culture and consumption of news and media, we discuss how things have changed and how we both have adapted to new emerging technologies.  #twill #illinoischannel #terrymartin #illinois #vallas #pritzker #JeanneIves

With the Illinois Legislature taking a hard left turn in policy, is this just a ploy to make Governor Pritzker look to be the most progressive governor in the United States? While pundits and commentators now speculate his potential attempt to upgrade his address to 1600 Pennsylvania, we look at these policies that are being pushed and championed by a new wave of far-left progressives and try to make sense of them as they pertain to the whole of Illinois. Illinois State Representative John Cabello, one of the few active law enforcement officers to serve in The Illinois legislature, joins us today to talk about these bills and the overall atmosphere in Springfield. #Illinois #twill #beinformed #lawenforcement

Matt Crouch of Heritage Action for America joins us from Missouri where he gives us an update on his fight for parental rights and protecting children in Missouri and Arkansas.   Arkansas' new Governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is moving ahead with a full revamp of the Arkansas school system, what parts of this revamp can help transform Missouri's school system.

 And what did the congressman say? While he maybe a scientist he certainly needs a refresher course on political science and the basics of the Constitution.  Can you guess the Congressman? Heritage Action for America

Join us on the Real Story with Jeanne Ives as we delve into the impact and significance of the Yellow Movement in Iran. This wave of protests and demonstrations, driven by the country's youth, has sparked a nationwide discussion on issues ranging from economic hardship to political oppression. 

 We will be speaking with Farid Kossari who is an Iranian-born American who lived the first half of his life in Iran before moving to France and eventually the United States. He will help get us a better understanding of the rights women are being denied in Iran. And the new calls for freedom in response to the deaths of young women.

    There will be a Standing Protest in Chicago on February 11th, 2023 in Chicago at the corner of Congress and Michigan Ave supporting the Women Life Freedom Movement. #Iran #iranprotests #freedom #twill #chicago

From the State of South Dakota, Jeanne talks South Dakota politics with Epoch Times writer Stu Cvrk. A Senator Stripped of her committees, Democrats running as Republicans, and questionable redistricting, No we are not talking about Illinois. https://www.theepochtimes.com/author-stu-cvrk https://stuinsd.substack.com/publish https://afnn.us/author/stucvrk/ https://redstate.com/author/stu-in-sd

Why are so many people against school choice? How do we fix our current schools from within? With Illinois' school board elections right around the corner, we talk about the problems and hurdles that stop well-intending citizens from being able to help change the course of our school as they continue to fail our children.  It is an implosion of the education system that our guests will discuss.    We are excited to have former teachers from the Chicago Suburbs, Matthew Janecek and Bob Dobosz join us on The Real Story with Jeanne Ives. Matthew Janecek - http://www.mrj-usa.com

As our guest said, “Pensions are the 800 pound gorilla we've stopped talking about”.  Mark Glennon, the founder and CEO of wirepoints.org joins Jeanne Ives today to talk about the financial disaster Illinois and Chicago are in. As Mayor Lightfoot sells special municipal bonds, who exactly is affected by the mismanagement of Chicago's taxable entities, will this really help the people of Chicago? #twill #illinois #chicago #bankrupt #pensions

Dan Eldridge of www.maxonshooters.com and the President of the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois explains the Illinois gun ban. With 80 to 90 Sheriffs out of 102 refusing to enforce this law, we look at the deep impact this law has not just on local politics but on the national stage as this law looks to be on course to end up in the Supreme Court. How many lawsuits will Illinois have to defend against as multiple gun rights advocates begin to file lawsuits? Do Illinois lawmakers have short memories and have forgotten the chaos that ensued during the passage of the concealed carry legislation. Which Democrat in Springfield does Jeanne give credit to for their debate on the gun ban? #twill #Illinois #chicago #scotus

Representative Brad Halbrook gives us an update from Springfield about the laws that the lame-duck Illinois legislature passed in the middle of the night with little time to debate the laws that will affect everyone in Illinois and those visiting our state. And who is surprised that the democrat lead state legislature just gave themselves and all the state elected officials a massive pay raise. 

We welcome Roman Golash back to the studio to have an in-depth discussion on the nearly year-long war in Ukraine. How has this conflict changed over the year, and where does the conflict go from here? Is this a proxy war or a full-scale war between the US and Russia? Roman Golash is a retired Colonel in the US Army and has extensive knowledge of Ukraine and conflicts in post-Soviet controlled regions.   #ukraine #russia #putin #nato

Todd Vandermyde joins us to talk about 2nd Amendment issues here in Illinois. He is a former NRA lobbyist. Todd later represented firearm dealers, and he just recently testified in a hearing in Springfield about this latest gun grab legislation brought forward by State Representative Bob Morgan, who represents Highland Park. We look at the news laws on the books in Naperville, and how they relate to the Supreme Court ruling of District of Columbia v. Heller. What else is going on in Illinois and what exactly is SB 5855. How bad is this bill and how certain is it that we will see it taken to court. #twill #Illinois #2ndamendment #scotus Freedom's Steel - https://www.youtube.com/@freedomssteel3746 Breakthrough Ideas - https://www.Breakthrough-ideas.com  

He Left Illinois for Arizona - Allen Skillicorn in the Hot Seat at Turning Point USA America Fest. We visited former Illinois State Representative Allen Skillicorn in his new State and get an update on what is going on in Arizona. We talk about elections, redistricting, as well as the Arizona congressional delegation.

It was the Army v. Navy weekend and Jeanne went toe to toe with fellow Officer and 27-year Navy Veteran Eric Wentz in a fascinating interview that stretches from Arthurian legend to the history behind the Russian/Ukrainian War. Eric Wentz is an author of multiple books including 'Zero Two Hundred Hours' and 'Piercing the Veil'. His expertise in subject matter and subsequent writing skill have been awarded by multiple government agencies as well as nationally and world renown publications. We get a look at his writing inspirations, childhood memories, and amazingly humorous stories from World War II about his father. And finally we ask the question "Who is Vladimir Putin, why is he so popular in Russia?" Was the trade of a WNBA Star for the "Merchant of Death" good for America. And what drives Putin to behave as he does. Find Eric Wentz's books at https://www.jgalt.info/books/

Shelia Weinberg, Founder and CEO of Truth in Accounting, joins Jeanne today to talk about Illinois' financial situation. Truth in Accounting - www.truthinaccounting.org #twill #illinois #budget

With school board elections just around the corner, Parents of Glendbard Township High School District in #Illinois stand up to the school board and demand accountability for explicit material being placed in the schools. Jeanne welcomes Linda Samuta and Cedra Crenshaw as they both talk about what is going on and their interaction with the D 89 school board. Cedra and Linda explain some of the more graphic imagery that is included in these books. #twill #Illinois #chicago #schoolboard #censored

#Illinois State Representative Chris Miller joins the show and tells us of all the important updates from the Illinois legislative Veto Session as well as the second round of Veto session. What the left side of the aisle does not understand about business in Illinois, #Caterpillar moving, and looking across the Wabash River into Indiana and wondering how can things be so different.  #Amendment1 looks to have passed in Illinois, what will happen to business in Illinois once this takes effect? #twill 

With the 2022 general election over, Jeanne will look back and give her recap of what happened and what didn't happen.

Jeanne is joined by Mike Flynn to talk about small business and manufacturing here in Illinois. What problems are happening for manufacturing here in Illinois and how is the labor market affecting his company. We also talk a bit about the US Navy Submarine force and the work Jeanne has done in support of the USS Illinois since the commissioning of that boat. For a bit of international discussion, we briefly look at China as a rising threat as a military power.  What exactly happens when you are an election judge? We get to hear a bit of the real story behind being an election judge.

We are excited to have Ted Dabrowski on the show today. Ted is the President of Wirepoints and an expert in finance, policy, government, and Illinois and Chicago school assessments. He is here to discuss the Illinois student scores that were just released. We'll be analyzing what these scores mean for our children. How do these scores compare to pre-pandemic levels, and are our political leaders giving you the real story behind these numbers?

What exactly is Amendment 1 on your Illinois ballot this November?  Jeanne and Ted Dabrowski of Wirepoints talk in-depth about the misleading worker's rights talking points, how this amendment will eradicate the right to work in Illinois, and the power given to public sector unions like the Chicago Teachers Union.

Dr. Jessica Hockett (aka Emma Woodhouse), joins Jeanne to discuss the next battle in the school district; The CDC advises COVID vaccines for children; JB and his emergency rules that are still in effect; What is being pushed in our schools and promoted by our school board members, rather than what is the function of the school board.   We discuss the tragic death of Congressman Sean Casten's daughter. Many people requested by FOIA the results of her autopsy. We look at the Coroner's results.  Breakthrough Ideas - https://www.Breakthrough-ideas.com Emma Woodhouse - https://woodhouse.substack.com

With the harvest complete we are happy to welcome Chris Miller; Grandpa, Farmer, and State Legislator, to the show today to talk about farming, nitrogen prices, cattle, and food prices. As well as his annual Father/Son camp that he holds on his farm. www.breakthrough-ideas.com

In this special episode of The Real Story, Jeanne travels to Dolton, Illinois, to hear from 3  women brave enough to stand up and discuss their first-hand experiences with corruption in the village. Kiana Belcher, Cheryl Collins, and Samysha Williams give their perspectives on how the current Mayor of Dolton has treated them and the rampant corruption they have experienced. And in Studio we welcome the Edgar County Watchdogs, Kirk Allen, and John Kraft. They are here to break down exactly what is happening in Dolton and some other shocking things they have uncovered in their years of being watchdogs here in Illinois.  

An Exclusive interview with Jeanne Ives.   James DiNaso, a gym owner from Coles County Illinois, Joins us for a special interview. At a recent campaign stop for Governor JB Pritzker, Mr. DiNaso voiced his opinion over the forced shutdown of his gym while the Governor kept the gyms open in his hotels. We discuss the incident that happened after Mr. DiNaso exercised his right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Joining us also is his Attorney, Todd Reardon.

Taking a page, or more specifically the second page, out of the book from our next guest we take on the fourth estate.  Jeanne Ives welcomes long-time Chicago columnist John Kass to the show. We take a quick look at the downfall of “Journalism”, the most egregious failings of our politicians, and what happened to our schools. John Kass - www.JohnKassNews.com

Dennis Byrne, who has written for The Chicago. Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Daily News;  joins us today to discuss His book;  The Governor You Do Not Know What Every Illinoisan Should Know. Everything you should know about Governor JB Pritzker. As an opinion writer and editorial board member, he began to be unable to defend the positions of the democrat party and his eventual agreement with more conservative viewpoints. The state of politics in Illinois and the country as a whole; what matters to voters; And our political characters that lack character.

Kevin Coyne, from Safe Suburbs USA PAC, joins us today to discuss the Safe-T Act from the point of a former City councilman and now head of the Safe Suburbs USA PAC.

Illinois State Representative Tom Morrison and former State Representative John Cabello join Jeanne Ives to discuss how the Safe-T Act was passed in Illinois; As well as some of the details inside this law, and what will become law on January 1st, 2023 here in Illinois.

Robert Bevis of Law Weapons & Supply joins Jeanne to talk about the lawsuit that was just filed against the City of Naperville in Illinois.   On August 12th, 2022 the City of Naperville enacted a ban on the sale of firearms within city limits, harming the family-owned firearm store. The question we ask in this episode is; can this law pass the Constitutional test, or has Naperville overstepped its authority?

Jeanne reflect on the life of her uncle Joe; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Remmes who served in Vietnam, was awarded the Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star with Valor. Are electric vehicle charging stations more important than replacing lead pipes? Jeanne looks at JB Pritzker's views on infrastructure.  A look at Jackson Mississippi and the calamity of their water troubles.   Schools are back and reading and math scores are way down due to the lockdowns; you will be shocked at the scores.  Why do our school districts not focus on the students?

Illinois Lt. Governor candidate Stephanie Trussell is in the hot seat with Jeanne today and you will not believe the story that Stephanie has for us about her time on the campaign trail.   Taxes, Unions, Safe-T act, The Illinois Black Caucus, and the wasted potential of Illinois; Just some of the topics we talk about. Laurie Higgins article - https://illinoisfamily.org/media/hate-hoaxes-have-a-home-here/

Illinois CUSD 200 parents take a stand against the school board and call them out on last months vote to keep a book in the school library and available to minors.  Jeanne is joined by Alicia O'Connell to comment on the parents that spoke out. *Warning - Passages in a book that is available to minors in our public school are read and explained during the public discussion portion of the school board meeting.

Joining us today is one of the foremost experts on the current Opioid and Fentanyl crisis; DuPage County Coroner, Dr. Richard Jorgensen talks with Jeanne on the effect it is having on our local community, and the laws that have helped fuel the crisis.