Tag Archives: Connected To Chicago

Connected to Chicago (10-05-2019) Special Guest MarySue Barrett

MarySue Barrett, President of Metropolitan Planning Council (www.metroplanning.org). Excessive state taxes, spending by schools in Illinois and finding ways to make them balance buy creating better budget & spending plans while improving the services offered.

Cook County has a new Assessor who is working towards improvements in the office while maintaining the operation of the office and its responsibility to accurately and fairly asses property values and their associated tax responsibility. With a Chicago budget deficit hole projected to be over $838 million, Mayor Lori Lightfoot might be forced to increase taxes to help close the gap.

This Week the ‘Most Experienced Round Table in Chicago Media’ gathers to discuss news of the week. The budget hole leads the discussion as the media team offers a historic review of the situation and the possible solutions that might upset residents as services are reduced while taxes are increased. Public school teachers in Chicago have authorized a strike and while we’ve seen it before; Mayor Lightfoot needs to find a solution before the picket lines are setup at CPS locations. Nationally, the move to impeach President Trump seems to be licking up speed and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi feels that the whole thing can be wrapped up by Thanksgiving.

John Dempsey checks out Chicago Mayor Lightfoot’s announcement of elimination of late fines and clearing debts of patrons for previous occurrences. With the announcement, Chicago becomes the largest city, and largest public library system in the U.S., to join the growing movement of eliminating overdue fines. Such fines have increasingly been found to be an ineffective tool in encouraging the return of library materials. Library patrons will still be responsible for returning books, and those who that do not return their books will still need to either replace, or pay for the value of, any materials not returned.

Lori Lightfoot Leads Labor Law Legislation Leaf Turning – Connected to Chicago (07/28/19)

Bill Cameron sits down with President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Jack Lavin. They discuss the fair work week ordinance, and the importance of its implementation. Lavin shares what is next on the Chamber’s agenda, with issues including infrastructure, transportation, and pensions. He presents a new asset transfer idea, which could help fund pensions, and explains his position on the new $15 minimum wage. Bill also talks with Chicago Congressman, Dan Lipinski. Bill asks about Lipinski’s position on the two year budget bill, and the raising of the national debt.

On this week’s roundtable, Bill Cameron is joined by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Fran Spielman of The Chicago Sun Times, and Heather Cherone, of The Daily Line. They discuss Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her role in the fair work week ordinance, as well as her “live mic” comments, and a verbal altercation she was involved in this week. They also discuss Alderman Ed Burke and the new issues he faces due to the Ethics Reform in Chicago.

This week’s Community Spotlight segment with John Dempsey is on Mayor Lightfoot’s plan to reform the way the city hands out fines for not paying parking tickets, or not having a city sticker.

Bill Cameron: “How much courage does it take to come out against a Nazi?”

Big John, Ramblin’ Ray, and Connected to Chicago’s Bill Cameron, cover J.B Pritzker’s lawsuit, Susan Mendoza’s run for comptroller, and how Dave McSweeney and Ed Burkes are both endorsing Dan Lipinski who is running against neo-nazi Arthur Jones

 

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm. This weeks guest on Connected to Chicago is Senator Dick Durbin.

Bill Cameron: ‘Can’t we get someone who’s not a billionaire to run for these offices?’

 

Big John and Bill Cameron, from Connected to Chicago, discuss the political theatre that’s shown during debates, specifically the one between Rauner and Pritzker, and how you will only hear what they truly stand for in a personal interview. Going into Bill’s thoughts on Peter Roskam, Bill Daley, Toni Preckwinkle, and other mayoral candidates.

 

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm. This weeks guest, Gery Chico.

Bill Cameron: “I’ve seen a lot of debates, this one is the nastiest one I’ve ever seen”

Big John & Ramblin’ Ray are joined by Bill Cameron, host of Connected to Chicago to talk about the child-like nature of the first televised debate of this year’s race for Governor. After finding out what Rauner and Pritzker pay at the debate, John and Ray make sure to ask Bill what he pays for a loaf of bread and for his haircut.

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm.

Bill Cameron: “Nothing like being down 17 points in the latest poll to make you humble”

 

Big John and Ramblin’ Ray are joined by Bill Cameron, from Connected to Chicago, where they talk about Governor Bruce Rauner and his speech where he pleads for a second term. Plus how people are calling for Jesús G. “Chuy” García to seek office and more on Chicago’s mayoral candidates. This weeks guest on Connected to Chicago will be mayoral candidate Garry McCarthy.

 

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm. 

Bill Cameron: “I think the big donors, that paid for this research, came to the same conclusion.”

 

Big John and Ramblin’ Ray are joined by Bill Cameron, from Connected to Chicago, where they talk about this weeks guest Mayor Rahm Emanual. Where they comment on how they don’t think it was the ’empty nest’ that got him to not run again but his low polling numbers.

You can hear part of the interview on wlsam.com, then tune in Sunday night at 7 pm for Connected to Chicago to hear the full interview with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

 

Bill Cameron: “I wouldn’t count Bruce Rauner out”

 

Ramblin’ Ray is in for Big John and Lauren Cohn is in for Ramblin’ Ray, are joined by Bill Cameron, from Connected to Chicago, where they talk about Chicago politics. From Illinois’ Governor’s race and poll numbers, the new ideas on how to handle Chicago’s pension, and Chicago’s criminal justice system. Asking about the Pendleton case that has finally come to a close after 5 years.

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm.

Bill Cameron: “People with sexual misconducts in their backgrounds still run for office.”

Big John and Ramblin’ Ray are joined by Bill Cameron, from Connected to Chicago, where they talk about the latest on mayoral candidate Willie Wilson and his latest hand out of money. Then they dive into the Representative who recently resigned after sexual misconduct issues came to light after he created a fake Instagram with his ex’s photos. Plus Bill gives us a look at who he’ll have on for this weeks Connect to Chicago.

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm.

Bill Cameron: ‘I don’t think Willie Wilson is a crook’

 

Big John and Ramblin’ Ray talk to Bill Cameron about this weeks guest on Connected to Chicago. Also talking about Willie Wilson, and Gov. Rahm Emanuel’s thoughts about this weekends protest on lake shore drive.

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago, Sunday nights at 7 pm.

Bill Cameron:”One of the few things that the Rauner’s have achieved that’s positive for Illinois”

Big John and Ramblin’ Ray are joined with Bill Cameron from Connected to Chicago where he gives an insight of what’s going on in politics in Chicago. As well as who his guest is for this weeks Connected to Chicago.

 

Listen to Bill Cameron Sundays at 7 pm on Connected to Chicago.

Bill Cameron: [IL Gov. Race]”We might make it through a dozen candidates before it’s all over.”

Big John and Ramblin’ Ray are joined by Bill Cameron, from Connected to Chicago, where he talks about this weeks guest Pat Quin, and what he shall be talking about with him, primarily the Illinois Governors race.

 

Listen to Bill Cameron on Connected to Chicago Sunday’s at 7 pm on WLS-AM 890.

Connected to Chicago (05-13-2018)

Bill sits down with Peter Nolan. Peter is the author of “News Stories”. Bill and Peter discuss the book, Current Chicago politics and events, and also remember some of the most historically important news stories that have happened, which they both have covered in the news throughout the past.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times, and Fran Speilman of the Chicago Sun Times. Topic’s include Lori Lightfoot announcing she’s running for mayor, The Mayoral Campaign overall, and How Historical Lincoln relics could be going to auction due to lack of financing for the presidential museum.

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment features Nick Gale and is with the Better Business Bureau about moving scams. The segment is with Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Common complaints included damaged or missing items, bills that were higher than estimates, late deliveries and in some cases, goods held hostage for additional payments.

More than 35 million Americans move each year and movers are one of the top categories of companies searched on the Better Business Bureau website, bbb.org.

Connected to Chicago (04-22-2018)

Former Mayor of Chicago Richard M Daley is celebrating his 76th birthday on April 24th. Bill pays tribute with a retrospective of Daley’s most memorable moments.

In this week’s round table segment, we continue with part two of former Mayor Richard M Daley’s greatest hits. Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun Times. Topic’s of discussion include Dorthy Brown’s decision to run for mayor,the possibility of a runoff vote between the candidates for mayor, and how downstate republican senator Sam McCann could challenge Bruce Rauner in the upcoming governor’s race.

This week’s community spotlight segment with John Dempsey is about Mayor Emanuel’s plan to acquire more land for parks in the city and to expand access to the Chicago Riverfront.

Connected to Chicago (04-08-2018)

Congressman Brad Schneider joins the show to discuss a variety of topics. Bill and Congressman Schneider discuss how President Trump’s tariffs affect the 10th district, and a possible solution to DACA. Deerfield recently passed an assault weapons ban, and Congressman Schneider inquires into the topic on Gun Laws and reform.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun- Times. Topics include Illinois Tax reform, How President Trump’s Tariffs are affecting the relationship between the United States and China, and if President Trump’s recent comments on Amazon will negatively affect Chicago’s chance of getting an Amazon Headquarters.

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment highlights April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In Illinois each year, some 125,000 children are abused, according to the latest state statistics. DCFS’s Cathy Smith says many are not old enough to speak up for themselves. Prevent Child Abuse Illinois executive director Denise McCaffrey says she is inspired by the “Me Too” movement and says with that momentum, it is time to work together to stop the abuse. The public is asked to call the DCFS hotline if they suspect a child is at risk.

Connected to Chicago (04-01-2018)

Former Independent alderman and author of the new book “The Good Fight: Life Lessons from a Chicago progressive” Dick Simpson joins the show to discuss the primary elections. Bill and Dick inquire into the discussion which include the effects of Joe Berrios being defeated, Chuy Garcia’s campaign and victory, the alderman elections, and Dick’s new book “The Good Fight: Life Lessons from a Chicago Progressive”.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times, and Franz Spielman of the Chicago Sun Times. Topics include the race for mayor, expansion at o’hare airport, and the citizenship question on the next census.

In this week’s Community Spotlight Jennifer Keiper talks with Kathy Welch. Discussed is Kathy Welch’s decision, after 20 years of raising kids at home, to re-enter the workforce. The Michigan resident took on-line courses at DePaul University in Chicago to see if IT security was really what she wanted to do and when she confirmed that it was, she took advantage of a career re-entry program being offered by Ford Motor company. After six months of training, an internship, and work with mentors, she is now involved in the security program, at Ford, making sure that company secrets are not compromised. I also discuss the career re-entry programs available in Illinois and the Chicago area as well as where to find more information on them.

Connected to Chicago (03-25-2018)

Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron guest former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department Garry McCarthy joins the show to discuss the upcoming mayoral election, and how he could defeat Rahm Emanuel. McCarthy discusses topics including ways to cut down on crime, Improving CPS, and Pension Reform.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. Topics of discussion include this weeks primary election results, Fritz Kaegi’s win over Joe Berrios, the upcoming Mayoral race, and the recent visit from Amazon Executives to Chicago to see if the city could potentially be the new home for Amazon’s new warehouse.

This week’s community spotlight segment with Joseph L Schofer, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University. He discusses how the City of Chicago is accepting two private companies as finalists to bid on the city’s plan to build an express train between downtown and O’Hare. One of those companies is led by billionaire developer Elon Musk, who uses hi-tech tools to build underground tunnels. His plan could have what he calls hyperloop technology, which reportedly involves propelling people in pods via an underground vacuum-type tube.

 

Connected to Chicago (03-18-2018)

Host Bill Cameron sits down with Democratic candidate for Governor Chris Kennedy. Kennedy explains how too many young people are leaving Illinois, ethical and tax reform, and his his plans to fix Illinois finances if elected.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. Topics include the upcoming election, overall voter turnout, Campaign Ad’s, and who will win in local district elections.

This week’s community spotlight segment with John Challenger, CEO of the Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray, and Christmas. He breaks down the unemployment numbers and explains what contributed to one of the stronger reports we’ve seen lately. Challenger talks about what sectors have been strongest and what we should look for in the next report, coming out in April. He also offers tips for college students who are now trying to get into the job market.

Connected to Chicago (03-11-2018)

Bill Cameron sits down with State Senator Daniel Biss, who is running for Governor of Illinois. They discuss the Gubernatorial race, and other candidates, Biss’ progressive values, and working with both Democrats and Republicans. Biss also talks about school shootings, as well as gun violence. They discuss property taxes, pensions, sexual harassment, and the legalization of recreational marijuana.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. Topics include Daniel Biss’ comments in the first segment of the show, the Michael Madigan stigma among candidates, and Bernie Sanders supporting Marie Newman, over Dan Lipinski.

This week’s community spotlight segment with Nick Gale focuses on Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s recent announcement of her office’s list of Top 10 consumer complaints for 2017. Since taking office in 2003, Madigan’s office has mediated nearly 400,000 formal complaints from consumers across Illinois, fielded hundreds of thousands of phone calls and inquiries every year and recovered billions in direct relief to Illinois consumers through litigation and mediation. Last year, Madigan’s office received 24,669 complaints, and identity theft ranked No. 1 for the first time since 2007, with 2,511 complaints. The jump, in part, is due to the massive data breach sustained by Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies that compromised information for nearly 148 million Americans. In addition, education-related complaints made another big increase, jumping to No. 2 on the list with 2,399 complaints, further reflecting the country’s persistent student loan debt crisis. Joining Madigan today to discuss this year’s Top 10 list were Todd Kossow, Director of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Midwest Region, Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Chicago and Northern Illinois and Bill Hedrick, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago. “Every year, my Top 10 list shows that scam artists, predatory companies and cyber criminals devise schemes to steal peoples’ money,” Madigan said. “This year’s Top 10 list confirms that contending with financial challenges such as identity theft, student loans and other personal debt are the major issues confronting Illinois residents. My office will continue to aggressively pursue consumer fraud and provide people with the help they need.” Attorney General Madigan has fought aggressively to protect consumers from identity theft amid a series of unprecedented data breaches at some of the country’s largest companies and retailers. Madigan’s Identity Theft Unit at 1-866-999-5630 (TTY: 1-877-844-5461) provides one-on-one assistance to victims of identity theft and data breaches and has helped over 44,000 people remove over $29 million worth of fraudulent charges from their credit. Madigan’s annual Top 10 list of consumer complaints ranks every complaint her office receives on a range of topics. Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau returned more than $46 million in savings through litigation and mediation to Illinois consumers in 2017. In addition to identity theft and education-related complaints, Madigan noted other categories that topped her list of complaints involved consumer debt and home repair.

Connected to Chicago (03-04-2018)

Bill Cameron sits down this week with Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Eddie Johnson. They discuss the Criminal Justice System, including specific crimes in Chicago, and what is being done to help stop them. Johnson also talks about gun control, including gun sale restrictions, the NRA, bump stock issues, and surveillance systems. Johnson talks about accountability within the CPD, ending the “cone of silence,” and sexual harassment. He also touches on the new movie set in Chicago “Death Wish.”

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun Times and Hal Dardick of the Chicago Tribune. They discuss the O’Hare expansion, the March primaries, property tax, and the Gubernatorial race.

This week’s community spotlight segment with John Dempsey focuses on Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. They recently announced the new Safe and Secure program, a multi-faceted effort to increase safety across the CTA system and provide a more secure, comfortable traveling experience. “In Chicago we are investing in a world-class public transportation system that provides a comfortable, safe and secure experience for transit riders,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Chicago is the first city in the nation to create a ride-hailing fee dedicated to transit, making it possible to continue to invest in the latest technology and improvements that enhance commuting and improve the quality of life in our city.” Beginning later this year CTA will add 1,000 new cameras and upgrade more than 3,800 older-model cameras throughout the system. Additionally, new lighting, repairs and other improvements will enhance safety at all 146 CTA rail stations. New cameras will also be installed at more than 100 CTA bus turnaround locations and video monitors will be added to all CTA rail stations to aid personnel in monitoring station and customer activity. CTA’s security camera network has doubled in size since 2011. The cameras, found at every rail station and on every bus and train, have been an important tool to help Chicago Police identify crime suspects and detect crime patterns. All of CTA’s buses and trains have multiple cameras. The newest buses have 10-14 cameras per vehicle depending on size. Additionally, CTA has worked closely with the Chicago Police Department’s Public Transportation Unit to strengthen and deploy strategies to fight crime that include expanded police patrols, rail saturation missions and undercover operations. Since June 2011, CTA cameras have aided Police in the investigation, arrest and charging of more than 1,300 individuals.

Connected to Chicago (02-25-2018)

Bill Cameron talks with Representative Daniel Lipinski. They discuss jobs, and the middle class, as well as what Lipinski wants to accomplish in office. They also discuss pro-life/pro-choice issues, gay rights, gas taxes and gun control issues.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. They discuss issues with gun control, amidst the aftermath of the school shooting in Florida.

This week’s community spotlight segment with Jennifer Keiper focuses on the increase in romance scams, how they are carried out, who is often targeted, and what is being done to crack down on the perpetrators.

Connected to Chicago (02-18-2018)

John Dempsey fills in for Bill Cameron during this week’s Connected to Chicago. John Dempsey sits down with Cardinal Blase Cupich. They discuss the tragic death of Commander Paul Bauer, and Chicago crime in general as well as the recent school shooting in Florida. Cardinal Cupich also discusses Lent, and the mission of the Catholic Church.

In this week’s round table segment, John Dempsey is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. They discuss gun control, amidst the recent school shooting in Florida, as well as the shooting death of Commander Paul Bauer. They also discuss the recent allegations of sexual harassment in the office of Mike Madigan, and the recent property tax study.

This week’s community spotlight segment with Jennifer Keiper, discusses the shooting death of Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer, in downtown Chicago, on Tuesday. Superintendent Eddie Johnson talks about Bauer’s on-the-job performance. Detective Commander Brendan Deenihan discusses what happened near the State of Illinois building on Tuesday and the suspect who is now in custody. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx talks about the charges. Alderman Matt O’Shea talks about the Paul Bauer he knew and Mayor Emanuel extends condolences to the commander’s wife and 13-year old daughter.

Connected to Chicago (02-11-2018)

John Dempsey sits down with former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Paul Vallas, who is considering running for Mayor of Chicago. They discuss what Vallas has done in his career, as well as why he is considering running for Mayor. They discuss the state of the state of Illinois, unions, and Chicago Public Schools.

In this week’s round table segment, John Dempsey is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times, and Mary Ann Ahern, of NBC 5. Topics include the recent release of conversations between J.B. Pritzker, and Rod Blagojevich, during the FBI wire tapping of Blagojevich. They also discuss the current Gubernatorial race, as well as the controversial commercial released by Jeanne Ives.

This week’s community spotlight segment with Jennifer Keiper is about the Chicago Auto Show and what attendees can look forward to this year. Show organizer, Mark Bilek, also talks about industry trends, safety technology, and sales. We also take a look at how the industry has changed since the Great Recession.

Connected to Chicago (2-4-2018)

Bill Cameron sits down with former Governor, and current candidate for Attorney General, Pat Quinn. They discuss the current situations with “the dreamers,” and why Quinn wants to be Attorney General. Quinn shares his thoughts on Donald Trump, and Bruce Rauner thus far. He also talks about health care, recreational marijuana use, criminal justice reform, sexual harassment in Springfield, and the current Gubernatorial race.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. The round table reacts, and shares their thoughts on the current Gubernatorial race. Other topics include DACA, and “the dreamers,” and the round table’s reaction to Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address.

This week’s community spotlight segment with John Dempsey is on the extension of the CTA Red line south to 130th street.

Connected to Chicago (01-28-2018)

Bill Cameron sits down with Scott Drury, a Democratic candidate for Attorney General. They discuss who Scott is, and why he wants to be the next Attorney General. They also discuss what Drury has accomplished in his career thus far. Drury discusses gun violence, corruption, DACA, and medicinal marijuana. Drury also shares his thoughts on Donald Trump.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. The panel reacts to Chris Kennedy refusing to compliment J.B. Pritzker. Topics also include the current Gubernatorial race, DACA, Bruce Rauner, and Donald Trump and sexual harassment.

This week’s community spotlight segment with Nick Gale is about pending legislation that would ban youth tackle football for those under the age of 12. Amid growing concern of long-term brain problems from repeated head injuries in football, State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) will introduce the bill in the 2018 legislative session. Its called the Dave Duerson Act to Prevent CTE. Dave Duerson was the starting safety on the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team and captain at Notre Dame who took his own life at age 50, and was found to have CTE that has been linked to head impacts received playing football. Supporters say there is overwhelming public support from former and current football players and coaches and the general public to end tackle football for pre-teens, and to encourage them instead to play flag and other non-contact versions of football.