Ray Long

Tag Archives: Ray Long

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 (12-22-2019) Mayor Richard J. Daley Retrospective

Dec 20, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago Bill pays tribute to the late great former mayor of Chicago Richard J. Daley. Daley was the mayor from 1955 until his death 43 years ago on December 20th 1976.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times. The conversation opens up with the news this week of the Impeachment of President Trump and how it will take affect locally here. Who will be more vulnerable Rep. Lauren Underwood or Rep. Sean Casten? Legal weed will go on sale 1/1/2020, but Mayor Lightfoot did just barely get it thru.

This week Lauren Cohn talks with Cook County Hospital Emergency Department Physician and Toxicologist, Dr. Jenny Lu. Dr. Lu explains how the number of vaping related illnesses and deaths keep rising across the country and here in Illinois.

Connected to Chicago (12-15-2019) Special Guest- Mayor Lightfoot

Dec 13, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago Mayor Lori lightfoot joins the show .The Mayor tells Bill she has a plan to crack down on “runaway” city overtime, and absenteeism which would include terminating the employee, She vows to lean on Comed and People’s Gas to not turn off the utilities to those who miss payments, and looking to cut down on police Chases due to innocent bystanders getting injured.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. The conversation opens up with the news this week of President Trump being impeached this week, will it backfire on Democrats? Fran asks Mayor Lightfoot the tough questions about a recent aldermanic vote.
Nick Gale. This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with Nick Gale, and highlights Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s move to vacate more than 1,000 low-level cannabis convictions. Foxx took the action in advance of the January 1 legalization of recreational pot in Illinois. The new law requires the expungement of minor marijuana offenses.

Connected to Chicago (12-08-2019) Special Guest- Donna More

Dec 6, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago Donna More joins the show. More is running for Cook County State’s Attorney. She explains her qualifications, The downside of “Catch and Release”, Bail reform, and the Jussie Smollett fiasco. Is Political Correctness getting in the way of getting the bad guys off the streets?

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. The conversation opens up with the news this week of Alderman Matt O’Shea declaring it’s time to end the “BS” of lobbying by elected officials, Jay Doherty resigns from the City Club of Chicago amid a growing investigation involving Mike Madigan, Lynn reports from Washington D.C. with an update on the Impeachment inquiry of President Trump, and Police Chief Eddie Johnson gets fired by the Mayor just a month short of Retirement.

This weeks Connected to Chicago segment is with John Dempsey. this week John covers the 1969 Chicago Police raid that killed Chicago Black Panther leaders Fred Hampton and Mark Clark.

While police had initially said the Black Panthers fired at them as they were trying to execute a search warrant, a subsequent federal grand jury investigation found that nearly all of the bullets were fired by the police. Then Cook County States Attorney Edward Hanrahan and 13 others were eventually charged with obstruction of justice, and cleared in a bench trial.

Black voters responded by voting overwhelmingly for Republican Bernard Carey instead of Democrat Hanrahan, in the 1972 State’s Attorney’s race, which Carey won, the beginning of a period of black independence from the Democratic Machine which eventually resulted in the 1983 election of Chicago’s first black Mayor Harold Washington.

In 1982, the Justice Department, the city and Cook County settled the $47 million civil suit filed by survivors and the families of Clark and Hampton for $1.82 million.

Connected to Chicago (12-1-2019) Tribute to Mayor Harold Washington

Nov 27, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago we pay tribute to the late great Mayor Harold Washington as Bill plays some of Mayor Washington’s Greatest Hits! His most memorable moments in office.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. The conversation opens up with the news this week of Mayor Lightfoot getting her first budget passed, what are the optics? Lynn previews the impending impeachment as the actual articles come together. An interesting note here is there is no illinois reps on the judiciary committee. Alderman Ed Burke who is under indictment has filed for a new term in office.

This weeks Connected to Chicago segment is with Nick Gale, and highlights a $50 million investment by the State of Illinois in Chicago State University.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the funding is part of the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

Chicago State University will begin work on a multi-phase $25.8 million project at Douglas Hall, including a new Nursing Simulation Laboratory.

State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) represents the area and says he is happy to see the investment at Chicago State, a university that once was struggling with reductions in enrollment, financial problems caused by a budget impasse in 2016 and mismanagement under past university leadership .

Besides the new Nursing Simulation Laboratory, the campus will also see an additional $26.3 million in state-funded critical maintenance.

Connected to Chicago (11-24-2019) Special Guest-Marlon Chamberlain, Greater Englewood Community Project Manager.

Nov 22, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago Marlon Chamberlain, Greater Englewood Community Project Manager of READI Chicago joins the show. READI Chicago’s goal is to decrease shootings and killings in the most violent neighborhoods. They also work to reform individuals on a violent path, and ways to improve the community.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times. The conversation opens up with the news this week of the impeachment inquiry, and the coverage of President Trump’s reaction to it, Greg and Lynn debate if the inquiry is really bringing serious enough charges for impeachment, The recent Democratic Debate took place this past week, and who came out on top? Speaker Mike Madigan comes back into the spotlight as the feds probe into a close associate.
This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with Lauren Cohn. Todd Connor C.E.O of Bunker Labs talks about what challenges returning veterans face for re-entering the workforce after their military service.

Connected to Chicago (11-17-2019) Special Guest-Sen. Tammy Duckworth & Neil Steinberg

Nov 15, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago Senator Tammy Duckworth joins the show. Bill and Tammy discuss her recent trip to Tijuana Mexico to visit with deported combat veterans, The ongoing impeachment inquiry, and Department of Defense spending/Budget issues. Earlier this week, John Dempsey talked with Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Neil Steinberg about the Northwestern school newspaper flap.

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, and Cheryl Raye-Stout. The conversation opens up with the news this week of an F.B.I wiretap of one of Speaker Madigan’s associates, Mayor Lightfoot wasn’t able to get the casino bill process or the graduated real estate transfer tax going in Springfield, and is Springfield really ready for reform?
Mayor Lightfoot claims Uber paid off black ministers, but wouldn’t provide specific details…

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

John tells us about a symposium held this past week in Chicago on ways to reduce our city’s violence rate.
The symposium was sponsored by a group called CRED, Create Real Economic Destiny. Invitees included violence reduction experts from New York and Los Angeles. Last year, Chicago created an Office of Violence Prevention and Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proposed about $11 million for violence prevention in her 2020 budget.

Connected to Chicago (11-10-2019) Special Guest- Rep. Greg Harris

Nov 8, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected to Chicago Rep. Greg Harris joins the show. Harris is the Illinois House Majority Leader. Bill and Greg discuss Mayor Lightfoot’s performance from a Springfield perspective, Graduated Real Estate transfer tax, Will the latest political scandals hurt Chicago’s chances at getting a casino? Will anything be done on Pension reform?

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times. The conversation opens up with the news this week of Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson announcing his retirement, and Mayor Lightfoot announcing that Interim Police chief will be Charlie Beck from the L.A.P.D, who is Charlie Beck? How will the culture of the CPD change? Things will get underway in Springfield when the Veto session opens up. Trump Tower is losing money, and would that lead to a potential sale?

This week’s Connected to Chicago segment is with Nick Gale, and highlights the opening of Google’s second office in Chicago.

As Google unveiled its second office in Chicago, it also announced its new partnership with Mayor Lori Lightfoot to help grow digital skills, careers and small businesses in neighborhoods across the city. Google will collaborate with Chicago’s Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) to support digital skills training and increase access to free tools and resources as part of the company’s national Grow with Google initiative. Google will also be leading a series of events in different communities to help Chicago neighborhood businesses learn how to grow using digital marketing tools, analytics and other resources.

Connected to Chicago (11-03-2019) Special Guest- Pat O’Brien

Nov 1, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago John Dempsey is in for Bill Cameron, and talks with Pat O’Brien who is running for Cook County State’s Attorney. O’Brien gives us some brief background about himself, Why he is running for Cook County State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx, and ways to improve the State’s Attorney office.

In this week’s round table segment, John is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, and Greg Hinz of Crain’s. We open the conversation with breaking news that Rep. Luis Arroyo resigns from office amid bribery charges, Can a Chicago casino work, despite the high taxes? How will Mayor Lightfoot adress the budget issue? Uber is suing Skokie over the new transportation tax. The Chicago Teacher Union strike is finally over, and who is the winner? The Union or the Mayor?

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Lauren Cohn. The college admission scandal has opened our eyes to re-examine the approach to higher education. Joining Lauren Cohn this week is LINK Unlimited Scholars CEO Jonathan Swain.

Connected to Chicago (10-27-2019) Special Guest- Kim Foxx

Oct 25, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago Bill talks with Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Fox. The conversation opens up with what she expects to achieve if elected to a 2nd term as State’s Attorney, Reducing violent crime, moving to vacate convictions of marijuana offenders, and The Jussie Smollett case.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, and Lynn Sweet of The Chicago Sun-Times. We find out why the City Club of Chicago is getting frozen out by Governor Pritzker, How is he getting things done with Mayor Lightfoot? Republicans march into an impeachment hearing that was suppose to be private, and Police Chief Eddie Johnson says he will not attend President Trump’s upcoming speech in Chicago.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with John Dempsey.

Mayor Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West plan, which seeks to revitalize impoverished portions of the South and West sides. The program will have various City departments working with corporate partners and philanthropic groups to try and improve living conditions in neighborhoods which Lightfoot says have historically suffered from disinvestment.

A key part of the plan is a $10 million commitment from Chicago’s BMO Harris Bank to support community revitalization.

Connected to Chicago (10-20-2019) Special Guest- Stacy Davis Gates CTU Vice President

Oct 18, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago Bill talks with CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates. Bill and Stacy break down all aspects of the ongoing teacher’s stike, What the teacher’s are working for in the contract, Working towards a deal with Mayor Lightfoot and how to end the strike with a settlement.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, and Lynn Sweet of The Chicago Sun-Times. We find out who Steve Patton is, and what his connections to Mayor Pete Buttigieg are. Ray Long explains the resignation of CEO Anne Pramaggiore from Exelon as a Federal investigation begins. Uber and Lyft might be getting more expensive in Chicago if the congestion tax gets adopted.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Nick Gale, and focuses on the Illinois Commerce Commissions approval of Commonwealth Edison’s tariff for its Rate Residential Time of Use Pricing Pilot. The program is designed to incentivize residential ComEd customers who are participating in the pilot to shift their energy use away from peak periods to times when energy and capacity costs are lower.

Connected to Chicago (10-13-2019) Special Guest-Mayor Lightfoot

Oct 11, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot joins the show. Bill and Mayor Lightfoot discuss a multitude of topics from balancing the budget to the looming teacher’s strike. How are the Mayor’s ideas being perceived in Springfield? New ways to fix city violence, and make the streets safer. Pension reform comes up in the conversation, and we get the Mayor’s thoughts on that.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of The Chicago Sun-Times. The discussion opens up with the looming teacher’s strike next week, and how the teacher’s are working with the mayor on a deal. Governor Pritzker looks to consolidate downstate pension programs to fix the state pension crisis, Lynn with an update from D.C. on the impeachment inquiry of President Trump

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Lauren Cohn. Lauren talks with Amy Davis from The Museum of Science and Industry about a new program that helps women get into Science career fields.

Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron (09-29-2019) Special Guest- Toni Preckwinkle

Sep 27, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioner’s Toni Preckwinkle joins the show. Bill and Toni discuss her working relationship with Mayor Lightfoot, Thoughts on President Trump, and Criminal Justice reform.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of The Chicago Sun-Times. The discussion opens up with the recent office raids of Democratic Sen. Martin Sandoval, and the Mayor of McCook Jeff Tobolski. The Impeachment inquiry continues, and Lynn provides an update from Washington D.C. Are there any similarity to the Water Gate scandal? The Chicago Teachers Union has voted to authorize a strike. Will it happen or not?

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Nick Gale. Nick explains the details on the $3.6 million investment in the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund, which will give small businesses and entrepreneurs on the South and West Sides additional access to capital to create jobs.

Mayor Lightfoot along with Steve Hall, Vice President of Small Business Lending with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, both talk about the importance of small businesses in the community and the capitol they need to get started.

One small business owner who has gotten help is Jimmie Williams. He owns a small local landscaping company called Urban Roots, and was recently able to secure a loan through LISC for a new office building.

The new investments bring the total funding committed to the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund to over $9 million to support minority entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West Sides.

Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron (09-22-2019) Special Guest- CTU President Jesse Sharkey

Sep 20, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago The President of the Chicago teacher’s Union Jesse Sharkey joins the show. Bill and Jesse discuss the upcoming strike vote, How Mayor lightfoot can help in negotiations to prevent a strike, The specifics of what the teacher’s are demanding, and the differences in working with Mayor Lightfoot and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of The Chicago Sun-Times. The discussion opens up with looming teacher’s strike, and a recap of Bill’s interview with CTU President Jesse Sharkey, How is Mayor Lightfoot doing with negotiating with Springfield? Ray has an update on economic development for central Illinois, and Lynn with an update from Washington D.C. on Corey Lewandowski and changing standards in journalism.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Lauren Cohn. The Carol Stream Police Department is at the forefront of a saliva testing program to measure marijuana impairment in drivers. Sgt. Brian Cluever joins Lauren for a brief discussion.

Connected to Chicago (09-15-2019) Special Guest- Sen. Dick Durbin

Sep 13, 2019 | mattmellin

This week on Connected To Chicago Senator. Dick Durbin joins the show. Bill and Sen. Durbin discuss vaping, and the banning of flavored vape juice, His opinion on President Trump, Who he feels is the strongest candidate for the Democratic nominee for President, Winning back the Senate chamber, and Illinois politics including the looming CPS Teacher’s strike.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune,Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of The Chicago Sun-Times. The discussion opens up with news of Michael Shakman wanting a federal investigation of the Cook County Clerk’s office over “illegal patronage”, Alderman Ed Burke is back in the news, and a recap of last night’s Democratic Presidential nominee debate. Is it Biden’s race to lose?

This week’s Community Spotlight is with John Dempsey. John speaks with Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen and Attorney Michael Dorf, authors of the political biography “Clear It With Sid: Sidney R. Yates and Fifty Years of Presidents, Pragmatism, and Public Service”.

Yates was a Democratic Congressman from the North Side of Chicago from 1948 to 1998.He was known as a New Deal Liberal who would frequently work with his Republican colleagues to pass significant legislation.

Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron (09-08-2019) Mayor Lightfoot Townhall

Sep 6, 2019 | mattmellin

Bill Cameron celebrates 50 years in broadcasting!

This week on Connected To Chicago features real Chicago tax payers giving advice to Mayor Lightfoot in a Townhall style press conference. Lightfoot answers questions on a multitude of city issues.

In this week’s round table segment, John Dempsey is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune,Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of The Chicago Sun-Times. The discussion opens up with an analysis of Mayor Lightfoot’s budget shortfall. What are some of the ways to achieve a balanced budget?
The conversation shifts to national politics, and the 2020 election. Will Joe Biden get the nominee for president to run in 2020?
It’s been 50 years since Everett Dirksen passed away. His legacy and importance is remembered on this week’s show.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Nick Gale.

This week’s segment takes a look at the recent annual training summit that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency held in Springfield. The featured speaker was Aurora Deputy Chief Keefe Jackson who talked about the mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company and what the department learned from it.

Mike Chamness, chair of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, also talks about recent action Gov. J.B. Pritzker took with regards to two bills that focus on mental health and school safety.

Connected to Chicago (09/01/2019) Special Guest- Congressman Mike Quigley

Aug 30, 2019 | mattmellin

Bill Cameron is back, and joining the show this week is Congressman Mike Quigley. Conversation opens up with the possible impeachment of President Trump, The Mueller Report, Our changing relationships with foreign nations, and who might be the best Democratic candidate to select to run for President in 2020. Could we potentially see Russian meddling in the 2020 election?

In this week’s round table segment, John Dempsey is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line. The discussion opens up with a recap of Mayor Lightfoot’s state of the city address, and what did we learned from it. Should we allow the Illinois constitution to be changed to implement pension reform? Another Chicago Teacher’s Union strike looms as the teacher’s seem to not accept any offers. Greg offers up an idea of restoring the Thompson Center as Governor Pritzker wishes to sell it.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with John Dempsey. John talks with Craig Bowen, the President of the Black College Golf Coaches Association, and the Diversity and Inclusion Adviser to the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance.

The Chicago Parks Golf Alliance plans to combine the Jackson Park 18 hole and the South Shore 9 hole golf courses into a single, championship level course that would offer discounted tee times for city residents, but charge non-residents $200 to play. The course would also offer expanded youth programs, a caddie program designed to create jobs and yield college scholarships, and improvements to two courses that are in need of refurbishing. Tiger Woods design firm has signed on to design the new course. The project still needs the approval of the Chicago City Council, the Chicago Park District, and the Illinois Legislature.

Connected to Chicago (08-25-2019) Special Guest-Bill Conway

Aug 23, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week Bill Conway. Conway is running for Cook County State’s Attorney. John and Bill discuss Bill’s background, Criminal Justice, Bail Reform, The Jussie Smollett case, and the performance thus far of current Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.

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 and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line. The discussion opens up with the news of the special prosecutor Dan Webb being appointed by Judge Michael Toomin to look into the actions of Kim Foxx’s actions in the Jussie Smollett case, Mayor Lightfoot imposes a city hiring freeze, and Conservative Joe Walsh plans to run against President Trump in 2020.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Lauren Cohn. Lauren chats with liza Elizabeth Yntema. Liza is a Chicago Philanthropist who founded the Dance Data Project, which emphasis’s Female-Led roles in classical ballet.

Connected to Chicago (08-18-2019) Special Guest- Rep. David McSweeney

Aug 16, 2019 | mattmellin

Joining the show this week State Representative David McSweeney. David and John discuss pension reform, income taxes, The failure(s) of the Rauner administration, and the possibility of bringing back the death penalty.

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 Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line. The discussion opens up with President Trump making comments that he is again considering pardoning ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich, A study from Las Vegas has concluded that a Chicago casino wouldn’t be feasible due to the tax structure, and Dorothy Brown has announced she won’t seek re-election.

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Nick Gale. Nick explains the creation of the Elder Abuse Task Force. This week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the 22 members that will serve on the panel.

Reporting its findings and recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2021, the task force will analyze the effectiveness of elder protective services in Illinois and other states and develop a long-term plan to improve outcomes for older Illinoisans.