Tag Archives: auto show

Chicago Auto Show Final Weekend

Feb 17, 2017 | WLSAM Staff

By Jennifer Keiper, WLS-AM 890 News

(CHICAGO) Time is running out to get an up-close look at some of the latest models of cars and trucks being shown-off at McCormick Place.

You’ll find fancy sports cars, heavy duty trucks, plenty of test tracks, simulators, and more at the Chicago Auto Show this year.

Ford has redesigned the Expedition – their full-size large utility.  Ford Utility Manager, Craig Paterson, tells WLS that the look is completely different and on the top model – the Platinum, “You’ll see quilted leather seats, real wood on the console, and tasteful satin chrome accents throughout.”

Chevy Design Director, Humberto Ortiz, who started sketching cars when he was a child is responsible for the “Redline Special Edition” series.  The 9 Chevy cars, trucks, and crossovers feature red accents.
“We use it on the Grand Sport Corvette and on the Camaro.  So, we want to do this hash mark across the line.  It brings a little bit of the performance DNA  on the cars.  Then, we have the emblems with the red outline on the name.  The attention to detail is incredible.  It’s  very fresh.  It’s very modern,” said Ortiz.
The Chicago Auto Show is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  On Monday, February 20 the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How to Avoid the Stevenson and Lake Shore Drive Construction Getting to the Chicago Auto Show

Feb 13, 2017 | WLSAM Staff

Jen DeSalvo, WLS-AM Traffic & Transportation

(CHICAGO) Beginning in 2015, the I-55 (Stevenson) interchange at Lake Shore Drive has been undergoing a massive reconstruction which includes several ramps and bridges. Due to lane reductions, motorists have experienced increased travel times when accessing the Stevenson from Lake Shore Drive and vice versa.

With the Chicago Auto Show running from Feb. 11 through Feb. 20, the area will see additional congestion, however, it is recommended to use Lake Shore Drive southbound to the 31st Street exit to access McCormick Place from the south.

Parking is ample at McCormick Place in three parking lots. Lots A & C cost $23 and are indoors, while Lot B is open-air, costs $15 and is accessible from the 31st Street exit off Lake Shore Drive. Visitors after 6:00 p.m. are charged $10 for parking on the dates of the show only.

The Chicago Auto Show website states that, “there is extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place, and Weekend and Presidents Day shuttle service from the Millennium Park Garage. Weekend shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.” Parking at the Millennium garages vary, however on Presidents Day weekend, there will be a 12-hour rate of $18.

Big John Howell Show Notes 2-12-16

Feb 12, 2016 | WLSAM Staff

Chicago has a new hero: Chicago’s top cop was right on the front lines of fighting crime Thursday night. John Escalante was the first officer on the scene of an armed robbery. Escalante was just blocks away when the call of an armed robbery came in. He and his assistant were first on scene.

Republican and Democratic senators set aside their partisan differences Wednesday to unanimously pass more sanctions against North Korea. The Senate approved the sanctions bill 96-0 after lawmakers repeatedly denounced Pyongyang for flouting international law by pursuing nuclear weapons. Illinois Senator Mark Kirk joined John to talk about the newest sanctions against North Korea, and also responded to comments by Rep. Tammy Duckworth about radical Muslims. (Listen here)

Scientists are claiming a stunning discovery in their quest to fully understand gravity. They have observed the warping of space-time generated by the collision of two black holes more than a billion light-years from Earth. It is the culmination of decades of searching and could ultimately offer a window on the Big Bang. Dr. Shane Larson is an astronomer for Adler Planetarium, Northwestern University and he was a part of the team that made the discovery. He joined John to explain what it all means. (Listen here)

Parents of former Little Leaguers from Jackie Robinson West filed a lawsuit Thursday against Little League International, ESPN and officials from the local league. They are alleging, among other things, that they profited off the disgraced team while knowing of its ineligible players.

Nearly 1,000 vehicles will be on display at the 108th Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place this weekend. Running from Saturday, February 13th, 2016 to Sunday, February 21st, 2016, the Chicago Auto Show spans over one million square feet in the North and South Exhibit Halls of the McCormick Place complex. Paul Brian the host of Drive Chicago on 890 WLS joined John with a preview. (Listen here)

Jitters over the global economy and a steep drop in crude oil prices knocked U.S. stocks lower for the fourth day in a row Thursday. The Dow is at a 2-year low. The drop in the U.S. followed large losses all around the world, and left all three major U.S. indexes down at least 10% since the beginning of the year. Will stocks ever turn around? Jonathan Hoenig the President of Capitalist Pig Asset Management joined John to talk him off the ledge. (Listen here)

Gene & Georgetti’s offers a new prime time menu in its lounge area featuring filet Bearnaise, prime rib sandwich and many more things. Michelle Durpetti from Gene & Georgetti joined John with some tasty treats for the team to eat, and an excellent event you might want to consider for Valentine’s Day. (Listen here)

After 41 days, the armed occupation of a rural Oregon wildlife refuge finally ended peacefully. Thursday as the last four anti-government activists surrendered to FBI agents. That was following a dramatic and emotional hour-long negotiation with the final holdout broadcast live on YouTube.

The U.S. Secret Service added news signs outside the White House last month warning visitors that guns and other weapons are not permitted. The agency placed the signs to comply with a provision of the 1988 Anti-Drug Abuse Act that requires signage at the entrance of federal facilities to convict someone of illegally bringing weapons.

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