PM Chicago (3/18) – Previewing Tomorrow’s Ballot

On today’s episode of PM Chicago: Bret Gogoel touches base with Ret. Chief Tom Weitzel from Riverside on the latest in law enforcement, including how to respond in officer related shootings. After that, Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter Rick Pearson joins the program to preview the focuses of tomorrow’s Democratic ballot. Plus, Kim Gordon sits down with Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director for the Illinois Office of Tourism, to discuss the upcoming solar eclipse that will be visible in Southern Illinois.

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The Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel (3/18) – EV Euphoria May Be No More

On this edition of The Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel: ABC’s Andy Field joins the show from Washington to discuss the SCOTUS hearing on social media misinformation. The euphoria around electric vehicles seems to be dead. Plus, car insurance rates are spiking. How can you save yourself a few dollars?

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Chicago based United Airlines will review safety training after several recent incidents

The CEO of United Airlines says that a slew of recent incidents ranging from a piece of aluminum skin falling off a plane to another jet losing a wheel on takeoff will cause the airline to review its safety training for employees.
CEO Scott Kirby said the airline was already planning an extra day of training for pilots starting in May and changes in training curriculum for newly hired mechanics.
In a memo to customers on Monday, Kirby tried to reassure travelers that safety is the airline’s top priority.
“Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety,” he said. “While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus.”
Kirby said the airline is reviewing each recent incident and will use what it learns to “inform” safety training and procedures. He did not give any details beyond measures that he said were already being planned, such as the extra day of training for pilots.
Some of the recent incidents — such as cracks in multi-layer windshields — don’t normally attract much attention but have gained news coverage and clicks on social media because of the sheer number of events affecting one airline in a short period of time.
To a degree, United may be a victim of heightened concern about air safety since January when a panel blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max at 16,000 feet above Oregon; investigators say bolts securing the panel were missing.
“I don’t see a major safety issue at United,” said John Cox, former airline pilot and now a safety consultant. “The media is enhancing the events with extra scrutiny. Anything right now that happens to a United airplane makes the news.”
Cox said the incidents “are unfortunate, and they are getting a lot of attention, but I don’t see that they are showing an erosion in the safety of the commercial aviation system.”
In the most recent incident at United, on Friday a chunk of the outer aluminum skin fell off the belly of a Boeing 737-800 that was built in 1998.
Also last week, a United flight from Dallas to San Francisco suffered a hydraulic leak, and another flight bound for San Francisco returned to Australia two hours after takeoff because of an undescribed “maintenance issue.”
Earlier this month, a United flight returned to Houston after an engine caught fire, and a tire fell off a United Boeing 777 during takeoff in San Francisco.
United planes have even had mishaps while on the ground. Last month, pilots on one plane reported that rudder pedals used to steer on the runway briefly failed after touchdown in Newark, New Jersey.
This month, a jet landing in Houston rolled off an airport taxiway in Houston and got stuck in grass. Workers had to haul out moveable stairs to help passengers exit the plane.
There were no injuries in any of the incidents, several of which are under investigation by federal officials.

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What to Know About Tuesday’s Primary Before Heading to the Voting Booth

Mary Ann Ahern joins the Steve Cochran Show to discuss celebrating 35 years with NBC 5 and why voting in the upcoming primaries is vital. To stay informed about the latest election updates, listen to the Steve Cochran Show from 11 AM to 1 PM. Afterward, you can catch Mary Ann in the “Decision 2024” Illinois Primary Election special on the “NBC Chicago News” 24/7 live streaming channel.

GOP candidate Dr. Kent Mercado is running for Illinois’ 11th District

GOP candidate for Illinois’ 11th District Dr. Kent Mercado joins the Steve Cochran Show to how his wife encouraged him to run for the 11th District, his vision for addressing the pressing mental health crisis facing Illinois, and why creating bipartisan collaboration is essential.

For more information about Dr. Kent Mercado and his campaign, visit https://drkentmercadoforcongress.com/.

PM Chicago (3/15) – Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in the City & Beyond

On today’s episode of PM Chicago: Bret Gogoel catches up with Andrea Darlas, Morning Show Co-host and Host of Show & Tell, as she recounts the morning show’s interview with Sammy Sosa and also previews this weekend’s podcast. Then, Liz Owens, VP of Vacations by Rail, shares some of the exciting trips you can take around the world via train. Plus, it’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend! Bret has a tip on how to best enjoy your Guinness.

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The Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel (3/15) – Changes to Target’s Self-Checkout Lane

On this edition of The Closing Bell: Bret Gogoel speaks with CEO Joe Cecala about the Dream Exchange, the first ever minority-owned stock exchange. Then, Patrick De Haan joins the show to discuss the state of gas prices. Plus, Target is making some changes to self-checkout, and the Home Depot is getting a big jump on holiday decor. 

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Episode 96: A Spotlight on Four Female PR Powerhouses

On this week’s very special edition of Show & Tell, we are featuring four female PR Powerhouses (say that four times fast!) These women work so hard behind the scenes to lift up, promote, and present others to the world, but they deserve recognition for all that they do, too. First up, Noreen Heron, President of Heron Agency. For the past 24 years, the award-winning Heron Agency has stayed on the cutting-edge of the media industry and its trends. After that, Beth Silverman, Founder and President of The Silverman Group, tells us all about the group’s 25 years in business. The Chicago-centric public relations boutique represents a large array of arts and civic clientele. Julia Shell has spent the past 24 years concentrating on lifestyle publicity of all shapes and sizes. She shares her story and the story of Julia Shell PR. Finally,  Carol Fox of Carol Fox & Associates discusses her 30 years in the industry, as well as CF&A’s Women’s History Month Initiative, which spotlights today’s leading ladies in Chicago’s arts and entertainment scenes. 

Noreen Heron, President of Heron Agency, tells us how she built one of the leading lifestyle communications agencies. For more on Heron Agency, visit www.heronagency.com

Beth Silverman, Founder and President of The Silverman Group, shares how she hit her milestone 25th year as a highly respected, Chicago-Centric PR boutique. For more on The Silverman Group, visit www.silvermangroupchicago.com.  

Julia Shell from Julia Shell PR shares stories from her 24 years in lifestyle publicity. For more details, visit www.juliashellPR.com.

Carol Fox of Carol Fox & Associates shines a spotlight on the leading ladies of Chicago’s arts and entertainment scenes during their Women’s History Month Initiative. For more on that and Carol Fox & Associates, visit www.carolfoxassociates.com/.

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PM Chicago (3/14) – Chicago’s Four St. Patrick’s Day Parades

On today’s episode of PM Chicago: Bret Gogoel speaks with Chloe Hilles from the Lake County News-Sun and Pioneer Press about a battle over liquor licenses in Highland Park. Then, Linze Rice from Block Club Chicago explains why Chicago has four St. Patrick’s Day parades. Plus, Jonathan Bregman sits down with Block Club’s Quinn Myers to discuss what Ward Committee people do and why they are on the ballot this election.

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The Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel (3/14) – Illinois’ Fight Against Junk Fees

On this edition of The Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel: Dru Wischover with Inspired Title Group talks about property tax sales and more. Tori Meglio, VP of Donors, shares effective ways to secure scholarships for the upcoming school year, as well as the mission of Bold.org. Plus, Nick Gale brings us a piece with IL Representative Bob Morgan on Junk Fees. 

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More problems for Lurie Children’s hospital following a cyber attack in January

The ransomware group known as Rhysida says it sold data that was taken from the hospital. The hospital says law enforcement including the FBI and experts are investigating the claim. The attack disrupted the hospitals phones, electronic health records and My Chart systems. My Chart still remains down. Since 2020, at least 125 healthcare organizations in Illinois have reported a cyber breach.

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Sammy’s Law: Leading the Charge to Shield Our Youth in the Digital Era

Tune in as Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, joins the Steve Cochran Show to delve into the origins of the fight for Sammy’s Law, how this legislation will empower parents to monitor their children’s social media activity, and the reasons why social media companies might oppose such a law.

For more information visit: https://www.socialmediasafety.org/sammys-law/

Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball Team Ready to Conquer the Big 10 Tournament!

Join the Steve Cochran Show for an exclusive interview with Illini Men’s Basketball Head Coach Brad Underwood as he discusses the team’s preparations for the Big 10 Tournament, scheduled for Friday at 5:30 PM. They also delve into the players’ training regimen and strategies for the upcoming game and Coach Underwood shares some of the superstitions he has relied on in the past.

IL House Representative Bob Morgan attacks ‘junk fees’: The extra fees you pay to enjoy life’s pleasures

The Steve Cochran Show welcomes Illinois House Representative Bob Morgan from the 58th district to discuss “junk fees”, the legislation they are trying to pass that is aimed at requiring upfront disclosures of total prices for various goods and services across industries, and obstacles hindering the passage of this vital bill.

PM Chicago (3/13) – New Bills Challenging the CPS Board

On today’s episode of PM Chicago: Chalkbeat reporter Reema Amin joins Bret Gogoel to discuss the new bills challenging recent choices from the Chicago school board. Veteran Chicago journalist Abdon Pallasch previews the first episode of his investigative podcast about the IRA, “The Rebel Kind.” Plus, Kim Gordon sits down with Ryan Wagner from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery to chat about all of their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

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The Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel (3/13) – The House vs TikTok

On this edition of the Closing Bell with Bret Gogoel: Mike Dobuski, ABC News Technology Reporter, discusses the details of the House legislation that targets the parent company of TikTok. Owner of the iconic Carnivale Restaurant and former Senator Billy Marovitz joins Bret to chat about their new speakeasy and upcoming events. Plus, most teens feel happier without their phones, and why you should blur your phone on Google Maps.

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The number of measles cases continues to grow in Chicago

The number of measles cases in the city now stands at 8 at the Pilsen migrant shelter. Three more cases have been confirmed at the center. One of the confirmed cases is not connected to new arrivals. Since the weekend about 900 vaccinations have been administered at the Pilsen shelter. A team from the CDC arrived in the city on Tuesday to help the Chicago Department of Public Health manage the outbreak. Exposed families are being moved to unnamed hotels including pregnant women and babies who cannot be vaccinated

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