Tag Archives: PRIZKER

Connected to Chicago (03-01-2020) Special Guest- Robert Leo Murphy, MD Northwestern Medicine

Feb 28, 2020 | mattmellin

Robert Leo Murphy, MD Northwestern Medicine joins Connected to Chicago. Dr. Murphy discusses in detail the Coronavirus, The local and global effects it is having on the world and the economy, and ways to prevent this disease from spreading.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The conversation opens up with coverage of the Coronavirus scare, and then it’s off to the upcoming Super Tuesday. Could Biden take South Carolina? Or is it up to Bernie? The Chicago Board of Education voted this week to not celebrate Columbus Day anymore, and now call it Indigenous Peoples Day.

This week’s Connected to Chicago feature segment is with Nick Gale. It focuses on a new collaborative initiative to help communities on the West Side of Chicago.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined leaders from the American Medical Association and West Side United to announce $6 million in private sector investments for community improvements on the West Side.

West Side United will allocate the funds as low-interest loans to local businesses for economic development projects, health care initiatives and quality-of-life improvements.

The West Side United collaborative is comprised of six Chicago hospitals, including Rush University Medical Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, AMITA Health, Cook County Health, Sinai Health System, and University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System.

The mayor has said she is committed to redeveloping the South and West sides and pointed to the millions of dollars that have already been pledged by private businesses, in addition to the new investment announced Wednesday, as an example of how success breeds success.

Connected to Chicago (02-23-2020) Special Guest- Christopher E.K. Pfannkuche

Feb 21, 2020 | mattmellin

John Dempsey fills in for Bill Cameron this week, and welcomes to the show Christopher E.K. Pfannkuche. Pfannkuche is running for Cook County State’s Attorney. Pfannkuche gives us insight into new developments in the Jussie Smollet case, His thoughts on Kimm Foxx, and insight into the State’s Attorney’s office role.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. The Round Table opens up with news this week of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich receiving a Presidential pardon, which freed him from prison early this week…

This weeks Connected to Chicago segment is with Nick Gale. Nick gives us insight into Rod Blagojevich’s release from prison after having his prison sentence commuted by President Trump. Blagojevich was freed after serving eight years of a 14 year sentence.

We look back at how the journey began for Blagojevich and the renewed scrutiny surrounding wire taps that caught Blagojevich talking with current Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron (02-02-2020) Special Guest-John Cullerton

Jan 31, 2020 | mattmellin

Bill Cameron is back this week, and talks with recently retired Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. Cullerton served in the Illinois Senate, and the Illinois House for 40 years. John talks about his achievements in office throughout his career including getting the “seatbelt law” passed, how politics has changed, and the challenges that lie ahead.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long and John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with news this week of former Illinois Senator Martin Sandoval pleading guilty to taking bribes, Former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel gets a new job at The Atlantic…then loses it amid an internal protest, and would it have been more affective for the Democrats to bring up the emoluments clause in the impeachment trial of President Trump? The CPD gets reorganized to “better fight crime” and Mayor Lightfoot will attend the State of The Union address

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with John Dempsey. The NBA All-Star game will take place in Chicago, and with that comes a risk for prostitution and human trafficking. John takes on these subjects with comments from Governor Pritzker annd Mayor Lightfoot.

Connected to Chicago (01-26-2020) Special Guest- Illinois Senate President Don Harmon

Jan 24, 2020 | mattmellin

John Dempsey fills in for Bill Cameron, and joining the show this week is Senator Don Harmon. Harmon is the Illinois Senate President. Issues include Tax Reform, Reducing high property taxes, The reason behind Illinois’ declining population, and the reason for leaving his job at his own Law firm.

In this week’s round table segment, John Dempsey is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with an update from Lynn out in Washington D.C. in the Impeachment trial of President Trump. Will potential witness’s be called to testify? Greg and Ray analyze why Illinois Senate President Don Harmon stepped away from his Law Firm. Heather expects an intense new session as things get underway in Springfield.

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with Nick Gale. Mayor Lightfoot recently announced the city was going to spend seven and a half million dollars to fight violence in Chicago. One Chicago group that will be applying for a share of the grant money is the group: “Communities Partnering 4 Peace and Metropolitan Peace Initiatives” Nick speaks with the Group’s Executive Director Vaughn Bryant.

Connected to Chicago (01-19-2020) Special Guest- Governor J.B. Pritzker

Jan 17, 2020 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Governor J.B. Pritzker. Governor Pritzker looks back on his first year in office, and takes on the issues with Bill such as property taxes, Mayor Lightfoot looks to add a casino to fix the pension crisis, Political corruption in Springfield, and who he likes for President in 2020.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with an update on a state lawmaker involved in an alleged rape cover-up e-mail, Is Alderman Ed Burke working on a deal with the fed? Mayor Lightfoot approves a fund to study giving city business contracts to gay business owners. Lynn with an update from D.C. as the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump starts next week.

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with John Dempsey.

32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack’s has a proposal to get rid of plastic food packaging in local restaurants and reduce the use of plastic utensils, stirrers, straws and condiment containers in a bid to cut down on pollution. Starting in 2021, Waguespack’s ordinance would ban the use of plastic foam packaging in the city.

Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron (01-12-2020)

Jan 10, 2020 | mattmellin

This week we turn back the clock, and replay former U.S. House of Representatives Henry Hyde summation prosecuting former President Clinton in which Hyde argued that it was the House’s constitutional duty to impeach Bill Clinton on perjury.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with a recap of Henry Hyde’s summation, and if he were alive today would be prosecuting President Trump as well. Michael Madigan’s close associate, and a lobbyist Mike McClain is under controversy over an e-mail. Lynn with an update from Washington D.C. on the upcoming Impeachment trial of President Trump. How will the death of Qasem Soleimani affect U.S. International relations?

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with John Dempsey, and highlights the recent controversies surrounding Red Light cameras being used to catch speeders and traffic violators in the Chicago area.

Connected to Chicago (01-05-2020) Special Guest-State Rep. Ann Williams

Jan 3, 2020 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is State Rep Ann Williams. Bill and Ann discuss journalism, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Comed lobbying scandal, and corruption in Springfield. Is there a way to legislate honesty?

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with coverage of the U.S. Airstrike that took out a top command leader in Iran, What will happen next from this? Jailed former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich wrote an op-ed piece in which he proclaimed house democrats would’ve impeached Abraham Lincoln in an attempt to receive a Presidential commutation. Legal Weed has rolled out? how’d the first week go?

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with Nick Gale, and focuses on the next round of recreational marijuana dispensaries licenses and the state’s pledge to get the African American community involved.

A day after recreational pot became legal in Illinois, many would-be pot entrepreneurs lined up at the Thompson Center to apply for a shot at a license in the next round of dispensary openings. The state will issue 75 “conditional adult use” dispensary licenses beginning in May.

Former State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, Illinois’ Cannabis Czar, is hopeful that minorities will be in the mix. She says Illinois has done what other states haven’t in ensuring equitable opportunity by cutting in half the application fee and giving additional consideration to those with a pot related arrest on their record.

The 75 licenses to be distributed in May would bring the total number of dispensaries in the state to 112. Hutchinson says the law allows for up to 300 licenses, but that they will be moving slowly and evaluating statewide demand sometime after May to determine if more licensees are needed.

Connected to Chicago (04-14-2019) Mayor Emanuel Retrospective

Apr 12, 2019 | mattmellin

Mayor Rahm Emanuel reflects on his time in office. Bill includes comments from Alderman Ed Burke and Alderman Walter Burnett. What will be Rahm’s legacy as mayor?

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long and John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crains, Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times. Will City Hall get a makeover when Lori Lightfoot takes office in May? Jussie Smollett is getting sued by the City of Chicago for the cost of overtime brought about from the investigation, and is a property tax increase inevitable?

This weeks Connected to Chicago segment is with Steve Bernas of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. We talk about how last minute tax filers need to be aware of a new email phishing scam as well as the usual robo calls this time of year.

With the tax filing deadline Monday, consumers can expect a surge in scam calls. It’s prime time for robo calls especially imposters claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security or the Treasury Department. Last minute filers under pressure can be especially susceptible.

The Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois is also warning of a new email phishing scam. BBB CEO Steve Bernas says the new sophisticated tax phishing scam has been spotted by IBM’s X-Force. What’s scary is, it’s deploying a banking Trojan to steal banking credentials and misdirect victims into visiting malicious websites.

Connected to Chicago (04-07-2019) Special Guest-Lori Lightfoot

Apr 5, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Lori Lightfoot. Lightfoot describes the feelings of winning the Mayoral election, What executive orders she has in mind when she starts on day one, and has the time finally come for political reform?

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crains, Lynn Sweet and Fran of the Chicago Sun-Times. The round table opens up with a recap of this week’s Mayoral election as Lori Lightfoot defeats Toni Preckwinkle in a landslide victory. Will changes be made at City Hall?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale, and
highlights Child Abuse Prevention Month and the state’s efforts to raise awareness and also bring changes to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Denise Mc Caffrey , executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, says it is society’s role to ensure children aren’t falling victim to child abuse.

Gov. JB Pritzker underscores his commitment to improve the Department of Children and Family Services. Last week Pritzker nominated Marc Smith to lead DCFS and launched a review of the agency which will produce initial actionable recommendations.

Other advocates say the public can help as well by reporting suspected abuse. The state’s child abuse hotline is 800-25-ABUSE.

Connected to Chicago (03-31-2019) Special Guest-Laurence Msall

Mar 29, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Laurence Msall. Msall is the President of the Civic Federation. Bill and Laurence discuss the issues that will be facing the new Mayor of Chicago, and Governor Pritzker. Msall explains how government and City Hall can be modernized.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crains, Lynn Sweet and Fran of the Chicago Sun-Times. The round table opens up with a great clip from this past Mayoral debate. The election is this upcoming Tuesday. Who will become the next mayor? Will Kim Foxx get re-elected as the Cook County State’s Attorney?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with John Dempsey.

John explains how there is a growing problem of Illinois State Troopers being struck while conducting traffic stops and assisting drivers.

Trooper Brooke Jones-Story, 34, was outside inspecting a semitrailer on Route 20 just west of Route 75 at 11:25 a.m. in Stephenson County, Illinois State Police said.

About an hour later, a combination semitrailer veered off the roadway and struck Jones-Story’s squad car, the semitrailer she was inspecting and Jones-Story herself, police said. Jones-Story, a 12-year veteran of District 16 in Pecatonica, died from the crash.

Connected to Chicago (03-24-2019) Special Guest-Alderman Pat O’Connor

Mar 22, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Alderman Pat O’Connor. O’Connor is the chairman of the City Hall Finance Committee. He is running for Alderman to represent the 40th ward. Pat and Bill discuss issues affecting the 40th ward, the upcoming election, and what his hopes are for the newly elected mayor.
In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crains, Lynn Sweet and Fran of the Chicago Sun-Times. The round table opens up the discussion with a preview of the upcoming Mayoral election. Does Lightfoot still have the advantage over Preckwinkle? Lynn reports from Washington D.C with an update. Can President Trump win re-election?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale. Nick describes the recent flooding that has hit parts of the state. It also features Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Emergency Management Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.

High river levels along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers has impacted residents and is also responsible for the closure of several ferry services that shave dozens of miles off of car and truck trips in the southern part of the state.

Closer to home, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has toured flooded northern Illinois neighborhoods and asked the state’s emergency operations center to expedite help to the area.

The National Weather Service says the Rock and Pecatonica rivers have been at flood stage since last week. About 200 residents were evacuated and the American Red Cross was operating shelters and serving meals.

Winnebago and Stephenson counties were hit particularly hard.

In freeport Wednesday, Pritzker said the conditions are “some of the highest river levels this area has seen in more than three decades.”

So far the state has provided more than 234,000 sandbags, 125 rolls of plastic, 16 pumps and Illinois Department of Corrections crews to fill sandbags.

Connected to Chicago (03-17-2019) Special Guest-Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Mar 15, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Congresswoman Robin Kelly. Kelly represents the 2nd district of Illinois. Bill and Robin discuss the mass shooting in New Zealand, State and Local Issues, and the possibility of an airport being built in Peotone. The Mayor’s race is coming up, and is Chicago ready for reform?

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Tribune, Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The round table opens up the discussion a preview of the upcoming Mayoral election in April. Does Lori Lightfoot have the advantage? Or Toni Preckwinkle?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with John Dempsey.

John discusses how legislation in Springfield has passed mandating that Illinois nursing homes have adequate staffing to take care of their patients, and improve their overall quality of life.

Connected to Chicago (03-10-2019) Special Guest-Toni Preckwinkle

Mar 8, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Toni Preckwinkle. Bill and Toni discuss the upcoming runoff Mayoral election, and who has better experience for the job. Toni discusses with Bill ways she would try to solve certain issues with the City, such as fixing the pension problem, TIF Reform, and if there would be changes to the City Council after the election.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Tribune, Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with this week’s news of Lori Lightfoot getting the endorsement of Willie Wilson, and what that means for the runoff election. Also, discussed is the NBC mayoral debate. How did Lightfoot and Preckwinkle do? Lynn provides an update from Washington D.C, Governor Pritzker has unveiled his graduated income tax, and the round table gives their analysis.

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale. Nick explains a new report by the Illinois Technology Association that looks at 300 tech companies in Chicago to illustrate where gender gaps exist. ITA CEO Julia Kanouse says Chicago companies are doing well, but can do better in terms of putting women in VP/SVP levels and C-Suite positions. Just 26% of women hold one of the 1100 vice president or senior vice president positions at the 300 companies evaluated. Of the current 922 C-suite positions, women held 13.6 % of them.

ITA also sponsored a”Shadow Day” Friday, International Women’s Day, giving a group of female Chicago public school students exposure to what it’s really like to work in the tech-sector. Kanouse says that 100 students were hosted by 20 companies.

Connected to Chicago (03-03-2019) Special Guest-Lori Lightfoot

Mar 1, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Lori Lightfoot. Lightfoot will face Toni Preckwinkle in the Chicago Mayoral runoff election on April 2nd. Bill and Lori discuss key issues that are facing the city, and the work needed to make a change. Lightfoot discusses Police reform and the consent decree. Will the business community endorse Lightfoot for Mayor? Bill and Lori discuss the possibility of reforming city council if elected mayor, and discuss recent comments made against her by Toni Preckwinkle.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long and John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune, Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with expert analysis and a complete rundown on this week’s mayoral election, and a preview of the April runoff between Toni Preckwinkle and Lori Lightfoot.

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Jennifer Keiper.

Jennifer Discusses a new technical report published by the American Society of Safety Professionals offering advice on how employers can create a safe work environment. Brian Hammer with the ASSP, who is also a retired police lieutenant, explains how an employer can develop a safety plan: Assessing the risk, determining vulnerabilities, looking at “target hardening” adding more cameras and locks, etc. Hammer also talks about soft controls, which involves the implementation of policies and procedures. He also discusses the benefits of inviting local law enforcement officers into the workplace so that they know the layout, in the event of a shooting.

Connected to Chicago (02-24-2019) Special Guest-Bill Daley

Feb 22, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Bill Daley. The Mayoral election will take place this Tuesday, Cameron and Daley discuss issues affecting the City of Chicago. Bill Daley describes his way to reduce crime, freeze property taxes, and ways to keep people from moving out of city. Jussie Smollett is also discussed. Should Smollett apologize to the city of Chicago for his actions?

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with expert analysis and a preview of what to expect in the upcoming mayoral election. Has the media circus surrounding the Jussie Smollett story over shadowed the upcoming election? Governor Pritzker delivers his budget address. What can we expect to see in the future?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with John Dempsey. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas new study says there are more workers drawing government pensions in Cook County than there are workers in the County paying into those pensions.

Connected to Chicago (02-17-2019)

Feb 15, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week are the three candidates for city treasurer. They are Accountant Peter Gariepy, Alderman Ameya Pawar, and State Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin. The three discuss why they’re running for City Treasurer, and provide a brief biographical background. How would the treasurer shape city investments? Should Amazon move to Chicago, after their HQ2 deal with New York City fell through?

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. A new Telemundo/NBC 5 poll has come out. What’s to make of the poll results? And how are the Mayoral candidates shaping up? President Trump declares a national emergency over securing the funds to build the southern border wall. Ray and Greg decode Governor Pritzker’s upcoming budget proposal.

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has taken legal action against online retailers who sell e-cigarettes and vaping liquids that he says are selling products to minors.

This suit follows actions taken in November, in which a lawsuit was filed against eight online retailers and 15 brick-and-mortar retailers were cited. Corporation Counsel Ed Siskel says the latest lawsuit is against 27 online retailers and four retail stores in Chicago.

Connected to Chicago (02-10-2019) Special Guest-Paul Vallas

Feb 8, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Paul Vallas. Paul is running for Mayor of Chicago. Bill and Paul discuss financial reform, ways to balance the budget, and pension reform. Will city corruption affect voter turnout?

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. Should there be a statute of limitations on a 44 year old story involving Bill Daley? In the Mayoral campaign, Are voters more interested in city corruption, or traditional issues? Could it affect voter turnout?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with John Dempsey.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Library today joined city and state officials on the south and west sides to announce continued investments to transform the Henry E. Legler Branch Library into a regional library, and to renovate and modernize South Shore Branch Library. More than $14 million will be invested as part of the Library’s “Branching Out: Building Libraries, Building Communities” campaign.

In partnership with Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, the Henry E. Legler Branch Library will be transformed into a regional library for the west side. The transformation of Legler Library, located at 115 S. Pulaski, into a state-of-the-art regional library branch will be fully funded with a $4 million investment from the Illinois State Library to support technology infrastructure and a $7.5 million investment from the City of Chicago to support building upgrades and the expansion of hours and services for the west side community.

Connected to Chicago (02-03-2019) Special Guest-Patrick Cotter

Feb 1, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Attorney Patrick Cotter of the Chicago law firm Greensfelder. John and Patrick discuss city and government corruption. Could Alderman Solis be charged for wearing a wire? Patrick and John also discuss Alderman Ed Burke, Mike Madigan, and the Mueller investigation.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table discuss Alderman Daniel Solis, Mike Madigan, and Chicago machine politics.

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale.

Nick talks with Weather Channel meteorologist Ray Stagich who explains what a Polar Vortex is and where we were compared to other states that also saw their temperatures drop. As for the chance of this happening again this winter, Ray is doubtful another Polar Vortex will strike anytime soon.

Connected to Chicago (01-27-2019) Special Guest-LaShawn Ford

Jan 25, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is LaShawn Ford. Ford is a candidate for Mayor of Chicago. Ford is also a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. John and LaShawn discuss the latest news how Alderman Solis reportedly wore a wire while having conversations with Alderman Ed Burke, What’s the latest with Tax Increment Financing, Downtown and Neighborhood development issues, and solving the pension problem.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. The Round Table opens up with coverage of a deal to temporarily end the partial government shut down, Roger Stone gets indicted, and the big local issue this week with breaking news of Alderman Solis reportedly wearing a wire while having conversations with Alderman Ed Burke. How will this news affect the upcoming Mayoral election.
This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale.

Nick discusses Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker taking executive action in joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, becoming the 18th governor to do so.

The U.S. Climate Alliance commits the state to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Executive Order 2019-06 also directs the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the Trump Administration’s environmental proposals and “identify opportunities to protect Illinoisans from environmental harm.” The executive order took effect immediately.

Connected to Chicago (01-20-2019) Special Guest- Lori Lightfoot

Jan 18, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Lori Lightfoot. Lightfoot is a candidate for Mayor for Chicago. Bill and Lori discuss key issues such as Police accountability, reform, and the Consent decree. Lori gives her viewpoints on Alderman Ed Burke, Elon Musk’s plan to build a hyperloop train to O’Hare airport, and ways to fix city budget issues.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone editor of The Daily Line. Governor Pritzker signs a new law requiring state licensing for gun dealers, Lynn has an update from Washington D.C on the partial Government shutdown, and what are the ramifications for the next Mayor of Chicago after three police officers were acquitted in the code of silence trial.

This week’s community spotlight segment is with John Dempsey. John discusses the unveiling of the five architectural firms as finalists for the city’s $8.5 billion project to expand terminals at O’Hare airport.

Connected to Chicago (01-13-2019) Special Guest- Jim Durkin

Jan 11, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Jim Durkin. Durkin is the Illinois House Republican Leader. Bill and Jim discuss what to expect with the new Illinois Governor administration starting 1/14. Topics include a proposed graduated income tax hike, recreational marijuana, and the possibility of a Chicago casino.

In this week’s round table segment Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune,Greg Hinz of Crains, Heather Cherone of The Daily Line, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times. The round table begins with an update on the Mayoral race. Toni Preckwinkle gets criticism for a new campaign ad, J.B Pritzker takes the oath of office and becomes the new Governor of Illinois on Monday 1/14, and how has the partial Government shut down affected us here locally in Chicago.

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Nick Gale.

The American Society of Civil Engineers has given Illinois a “C-” on their Infrastructure Report Card. Kristina Swallow, the society’s past-president, says there are problems with bridges and roads and there is a need for funding for future aviation growth.

Recent polling from POLITICO and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health said that increasing infrastructure spending is one of the top priorities for Americans for the new Congress. 79% of people polled said it is “extremely important.” Infrastructure spending ranks high for both parties, with 88 percent of Democrats and 81 percent of Republicans surveyed calling it “extremely important.”
President Trump and Speaker Pelosi have both signaled they want to work on infrastructure together – a rare opportunity for bipartisanship. With a new Congress coming in January, infrastructure investment must come first.

Connected to Chicago (01-06-2019) Special Guest-Mark Rolfing

Jan 4, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week is Mark Rolfing. Mark is an on-course golf reporter for NBC. John and Mark discuss the plan that may combine the Jackson Park and South Shore golf course into a Championship level course on the south side next to the Obama Presidential library. Tiger Woods will be help with the design of the new course.

In this week’s round table segment, John Dempsey is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune,Greg Hinz of Crains, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. The group discuss the latest developments on Alderman Ed Burke. How might this affect the Mayoral race?

This week’s community spotlight segment is with Jennifer Keiper. Jennifer discusses how there are misleading celebrity endorsements and trial offers that lead to, what the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission says are subscription traps. Steve Bernas, CEO of the BBB in Chicago says there are a growing number of complaints and he describes them. Jason Adler of the FTC explains how consumers can be mislead to sign up for, what they think, is just a free trial offer but can lead to a costly subscription service. Debbie Wagner is a Chicago area resident who explains how she was led to believe that she was only signing up for a free trial but later learned that she was being charged over $100.00 monthly, when she checked her credit statement.

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