Podcasts about Newsmakers

This week on Newsmakers: highlights and analysis from this week's 12 News Democratic primary debate for attorney general between Kim Ahern, Keith Hoffmann, Jason Knight and Joe Solomon Jr.; plus, a look ahead to Tuesday's prime-time 12 News gubernatorial primary debate between incumbent Dan McKee and challenger Helena Foulkes.

Congressman Ro Khanna says America needs an “economic realignment.”Fresh off a tour through his birthplace of Pennsylvania, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he is “thinking seriously” about running for president in 2028 — a race he called a “breaking point in America” that could lead to a destructive revolution or a new economic order. “If we don't do something dramatically different, we may break,” Khanna tells NPR's Steve Inskeep in this episode of Newsmakers.  “Have you met these folks in their 30s? They want pitchforks and torches. They want your scalps … politically.” The California lawmaker — who acknowledged he sits around 2% in the Democratic presidential polls — does not have the name recognition of some other contenders, including his fellow Californians: former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. He has, however, steadily raised his profile through years of action on issues ranging from the Epstein files to a wealth tax. And his possible bid for president comes as the Democratic Party's center and left-wing candidates battle over ideological differences within the party.Khanna said Democrats need to nominate a progressive who will usher in “America's next New Deal” and shouldn't fear being labeled “communists” by Republican opponents, including President Trump. “We've been calling the guy a fascist for 10 years and he's won two terms,” Khanna said. “Labels usually don't matter in American politics.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Guests: Kelly Gaines, President/CEO Nevada Subcontractors Association

Guests: Kelly Gaines, President/CEO Nevada Subcontractors Association

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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, 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. […]

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, 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.

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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.

Guests: Terry Lane, Lane Bros Boxing, Let

Guests: Terry Lane, Lane Bros Boxing, Let

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 […]

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 […]

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

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.

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 […]

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.

Guests: Dave Gibbs, Repair the Vote

Guests: Dave Gibbs, Repair the Vote

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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, 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.

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 […]

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.

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.

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.

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 […]

Guests: Jack Finn, Spokesman, Turning Point Action Nevada

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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. […]

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.

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.

Hunter Biden says he has nothing left to hide. He's been all over the internet in recent months, including appearances with some of his harshest critics, such as ultra-conservative podcasters Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes. In May, he reactivated his long-dormant X account, writing, “You've never actually heard from me.” Since then, he's posted an average of 23 times per day — weighing in on politics, news and culture. After his private life and struggle with addiction was made public through leaks in the media, congressional investigations and federal prosecutions, Biden now says being ‘stripped naked in the public square' was, in a way, a gift. In this episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Scott Simon sat down with Biden, who opened up about that public shaming, why President Joe Biden decided to pardon him after tax and gun convictions and why he didn't want his father to run for reelection in 2024 – but didn't tell him at the time.Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. New episodes drop as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. To stay caught up, follow the show on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, or find Newsmakers on the NPR app.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy