WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own

Mayor Lightfoot: 'I'm not going to apologize for being tough, you have to be tough to be able to do this job'

Posted: 08 Jun 2022 02:41 PM PDT

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot joins Lisa Dent on Chicago's Afternoon News to discuss why she running for re-election, how she would address the city's crime issues, and how she would relieve the financial burden on working families.

Follow Your Favorite Chicago's Afternoon News Personalities on Twitter:

The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum comes to WGN Radio

Posted: 08 Jun 2022 08:00 PM PDT

Ron Romero the Executive Director of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum of Route 66 in Joliet, and Jim Murphy, a board member at the museum, come into the studio to talk about the induction ceremony, the classes and services they offer, and most importantly, and give John Records Landecker his award! Listen to the whole segment below!

Dean Richards' Entertainment Report: Taylor Hawkins, Lil Nas X, and Dwayne Johnson

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:55 AM PDT

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joined Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Dean and Bob talked about Taylor Hawkins' widow and a tribute concert, Lil Nas X's accusation of a TV network, R. Kelly's recommended sentence, and the Backstreet Boys' kids. They also shared details about the new 'A League of Our Own' series, Dwayne Johnson's new superhero movie, another celebrity condo for sale, and Dean's interview with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Apple unveils their plans and products for the next year

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:57 AM PDT

Technology journalist Andy Ihnatko, a former Chicago Sun-Times columnist, joined Bob Sirott to share details about what Apple revealed at their Worldwide Developers' Conference. He mentioned Apple's new operating system update, features of the new iPad, and when they might announce the production of augmented reality goggles. He also talked about Apple's new 'Safety Check' feature and a status board feature.

Will the Celtics pull off the upset?

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 09:01 AM PDT

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Festivals are back, and so are the scams

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 08:56 AM PDT

Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau, joined Bob Sirott to talk about the latest scams, like fake festival events and tickets. He also discussed some tips on contacting customer support and how new homeowners can get the best deals.

From the archives: An interview with Cardinal Francis George

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 09:40 AM PDT

Francis George was installed as the eighth archbishop of Chicago on May 7, 1997. In 2007, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of that event, Cardinal George sat down with WGN Radio anchor and reporter Jim Gudas at the Cardinal's residence for an interview.

World premiere of new musical “Skates” stars American Idol stars Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young now playing at the Studebaker Theatre

Posted: 09 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT

This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the stars of "Skates" a new musical enjoying it's world premiere at the historic Studebaker Theatre on South Michigan Avenue.  Written by Chicago native Christine Rea, the show recounts her early days growing up in Chicago and the fun times young people had at the local roller rink. Diana plays the fictionalized role of Jackie Miller who realizes her dream of recording a hit song in the 1990's. The show shares Chicago life and a multitude of references in the 1970s and the 1990s and presents a nostalgic journey for anyone who was around at that time.

Little doubt that Diana DeGarmo and her real-life husband and fellow American Idol alum Ace Young bring powerhouse performances to the music and the production. Accompanied by a very familiar Chicago-based cast, the 2 and ½ hour production is filled with original music and a multitude of characters (Ace himself plays 4 different roles).

The show is currently in an open run and tickets can be purchased at www.Skatesthemusical.com

You can watch the video of this interview at the top of the podcast page, or listen to the audio on the lower part of the page, or wherever you get your podcasts, including asking Alexa to "play Paul Lisnek behind the Curtain." Enjoy!

One woman's argument about marriage has the internet riled up

Posted: 08 Jun 2022 04:05 PM PDT

Aliya Rao, Assistant Professor in Qualitative Research Methodology at the London School of Economics, joins Lisa Dent on Chicago's Afternoon News to discuss why a TikTok video titled "How to marry a high value man and become a housewife," which suggests that women should work for the men they want, is touching a nerve with people across the country.

Follow Your Favorite Chicago's Afternoon News Personalities on Twitter:

Chicago man who braved electrified train tracks to save stranger surprised with car

Posted: 08 Jun 2022 07:17 PM PDT

CHICAGO (WGN) — A 20-year-old man who braved live, electrified train tracks in Chicago to save a stranger's life was surprised with the gift of a car on Wednesday.

On Monday, Anthony Perry had just exited the Red Line CTA train at 59th Street when he saw an unconscious man bent over backward on the live rail track, according to a press release from I'm Telling, Don't Shoot, a Chicago non-profit.

"I don't think I was thinking about what could happen to me at the moment. It was more of what do I have to do to make the situation peaceful," Perry said. "I felt a little shock. I felt it all over my body actually, and then I just didn't let that stop me."

In the video, the victim appeared to be twitching from electricity coursing through his body which seemed to jump to Perry each time he touched the man. Once freed from the tracks, Perry administered CPR to the victim, who eventually regained consciousness. Shortly after, paramedics arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was expected to live.

Perry's heroic act was captured on camera and posted on Facebook, which quickly went viral.

For his life-saving act, Early Walker, founder of I'm Telling, Don't Shoot, purchased a 2009 Audi A8 and surprised Perry with the vehicle on Wednesday. Perry commutes more than two hours daily via two CTA buses and a train to get to and from his job.

"We need more Anthonys in the world," Walker said. "We need more people like this."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now