Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Newsmaker Guest: Zachary T. Fardon – Former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois about fixing the ongoing issues at the Chicago police department. What is a decent decree? Bill says it sounds expensive, and questions who will pay for it.

We also get Fardon’s thoughts on President Donald Trump's threat to fire FBI director Muller and Denny Hastert’s recent release from jail after a little over a year. Bill questions if he served enough time behind bars. Looking back on the case, Fardon has a few thoughts about the way his team prosecuted Hastert.

In this week’s round table discussion, 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 discussed include: Senator McCain returns to the Capitol to take lead in defeating the ‘Repeal & Replace’ of Obamacare but to also work towards mutually agreeable legislation to make changes that will benefit the majority of Americans.

Springfield and SB1 - Monday is the deadline to make it work, but will someone buckle so make sure a gubernatorial veto by Bruce Rauner doesn't prevent schools from starting this fall. Rhetorical Question: who wants to go on record as wanting to remove the portions of the bill which would fund public schools?

Jennifer Keiper covers the effort in Washington, D.C. to privatize air traffic control, moving it from the Federal Aviation Administration to a non-profit corporation. We hear from both sides of this debate along with the latest action on Capitol Hill.

Bill Cameron Sits down with Cook Country Board President Toni Preckwinkle. When discussing Rauner’s promise to veto pension money for Chicago Public Schools because he thinks it’s a Chicago bailout, Preckwinkle dispensed with attempt at diplomacy saying “A profoundly inept and mean-spirited governor. I’ve lived in Chicago for 50 years. In that time Jim Thompson was governor, Jim Edgar, George Ryan. I disagreed with them sometimes, but I never thought they were unfit for their jobs or evil people. That’s where I am with this governor and it’s profoundly disturbing.”

When presses if she really meant to characterize the governor as “evil”, Preckwinkle responded, “Yes, this is a person who cut funding for autism programs on National Austism Day.”

For his part, Rauner is promising to veto the money for Chicago in order to “provide adequate and equitable funding for students in Illinois no matter their zip code.

Tempers are flaring because of the big layoffs caused by the new sweetened beverage tax being put on hold in court. Sheriff Dart has been saying Preckwinkle’s staff is crazy to peddle the notion his senior staff is bloated. “That’s insane. That’s the talk of crazy people. I would suggest to them I have plenty of doctors in my mental health unit that would be happy to talk to them.” The only good news at the county is the survival of Obamacare in Washington, which is very good news for county hospital.

In this week's round table discussion, 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 Sean Spicer’s resignation, and what this means for the for the Trump cabinet. They discuss the GOP Healthcare bill and if it might see a revival. The round table reacts to Toni Preckwinkle calling Governor Rauner “evil.” They continue the discussion of the state of Illinois schools as well as the state’s debt.

In this week’s community spotlight, Nick Gale talks with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and his announcing that another victim of John Wayne Gacy has been identified. This is the second of eight unidentified victims that has been identified through DNA. Dart is encouraging anyone who had a family member go missing in the fall of 1976 to reach out to his office so they may follow up and collect DNA samples to try and ID the remaining six victims.

Bob Daiber, a Democratic candidate for Governor, joins Bill Cameron to tell us about his campaign for Governor. Daiber is the only candidate from southern Illinois and resides in Marine, Illinois with his wife Karen and their two sons. What can he do that the other candidates can’t? Is Mike Madigan had too much influence in state issues and problems? Who is to blame for the state’s financial situation. Daiber doesn’t think there needs to be a separation of the state at I-80 as each region plays an important role in the state’s economic success. Working outside of the big city democrats, he thinks he has an ‘identifiable relationship’ makes people comfortable and creates relationships built on trust.

In this week's round table discussion, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. President Trump addresses the story involving his son and a Russian lawyer to get information that might have been influential in the 2016 campaign. Following up on Governor Rauner, after the “Evil Mike Madigan” successfully passed a budget. Rauner made a few changes in his staff, including appointing

John Dempsey continues his interview with Mark Rolfing, the NBC golf announcer who is pushing the idea to combine two south side golf courses.

Illinois State Representative, Scott Drury (D) 58th district which includes portions of Bannockburn, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highwood, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Northbrook and North Chicago.

The state finally has a budget and Rep. Drury voted in favor for the plan which includes an income tax increase for Illinois residents. Funding vital public services, paying it’s employees, and vendors.

Drury is hoping that he can be elected Governor, and believes he can accomplish something nobody else has been able to do, eliminating the $250 Billion liability for pension benefits for state employees.

Chris Kennedy & J.B. Pritzker (two other candidates running in the primary) have large amounts of financing to back their campaign, Drury thinks his message and experience can carry him to victory over the others.

In this week's round table discussion, 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 topic at hand: Illinois finally has a budget and spending plan… how will it change the relationships between Governor Rauner, Speaker Madigan, and President Trump.

John Dempsey updates us on the proposed Cook County Identification card, specifically designed to offer ID's to residents who might not be eligible to get a State or Federally issued document.

Gubernatorial Candidate, Chris Kennedy tells Host Bill Cameron why he is running for the state's top office and why he is the best option to replace Bruce Rauner. Kennedy also gives insight on several issues including: Chicago's need for a casino, the possibility of legalizing marijuana in the state, and signs of hope for state pension reform and being able to fund future pensions?

In this week's round table discussion, 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 topics include: The Trump Twitter tirade that takes top TV talents to task. Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno announcing her departure and her successor Senator Bill Brady's ability influence the ongoing budget negotiations.

Jennifer Keiper talks with 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack, Aisha Meadows (mother, college student and McDonalds employee), Danny Rodriguez, (a wheelchair and security officer attendant at O’Hare Airport), and 47th Ward Alderman, Ameya Pawar. Discussed is a proposed Chicago ordinance supported by some Chicago alderman, along with advocates and workers. They say the proposed "Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance" would make needed reforms to employer scheduling practices for Chicago workers. Also discussed is the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce opposition to the proposed ordinance. The group says says, if the ordinance passed, employers wouldn't be allowed to run their business.

Bill Cameron sits down with Voices for Illinois Children president Tasha Green Cruzat. They discuss early childhood education, and the quality of education children are getting. Other topics include child neglect, and the DCFS. They also discuss the Illinois debt, and Cruzat urges people to reach out to their elected officials. Tasha also states we should stop the finger pointing, and try to work together for a better outcome.

In this week's round table discussion, 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 topics include healthcare, and Medicaid, as well as continuing to discuss the Illinois budget. The roundtable discusses Rahm Emanuel, as well as the State of Illinois, and the Thompson Center.

In this week’s Community Spotlight, John Dempsey focuses on the plan to combine the South Shore and Jackson Park Golf courses into a championship level course.

Bill Cameron sits down with Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Jim Durkin. They discuss the Illinois budget, pension reforms, debt, and unemployment rates in Illinois. Durkin shares his thoughts on the Middle Class in Illinois, as well as property taxes, and businesses in Illinois. They discuss the Illinois Bond Rating, and a possible Chicago Public School Budget. Durkin states he has not had much, if any communication from Speaker Madigan, and the Democratic side, and says that he is open and willing to work with Democrats to help the State.

In this week's round table discussion, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. They discuss the recent Alexandria shooting, and what might come from it. They talk about firearm regulations, and discuss civility between Democrats and Republicans, from the top, to the bottom.

This week’s community spotlight segment is about a new campaign to highlight the importance of proper disposal of expired - unused and unwanted prescription and over the counter medications. The Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative is a collaboration among many health care stakeholders. Carlos Gutierrez is with the consumer healthcare products association. He says the new website, www.cookcountymeds.org will allow Cook County residents to access a database of locations where they can drop off those medications. If the MEDS Disposal Initiative is successful, the program could be expanded.

Bill Cameron talks with US Senator Tammy Duckworth. The White House wants to privatize the air traffic control system, however Tammy thinks it's a terrible idea. The system can be improved by spending money to modernize not privatize the skies. Passenger rights are a growing concern, especially after the United Airlines passenger eviction. Senator Duckworth wants to require airlines to disclose every time damage to equipment used by handicapped passengers occurs. One estimate indicates that Illinois is 42nd in the nation in receiving federal funds for local projects like road improvement contracts, however the state is one of the highest contributors to the federal funding pool. Police misconduct in Chicago has hit a roadblock with Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel trying to change an agreement that would require enforceable reforms for police problems, Senator Duckworth has proposed a law that would require special training for all law enforcement members to learn how to recognize issues like deafness and other situations that might be misunderstood as resisting arrest. The bill would also require independent investigations for every incident where shootings or use of deadly force have occurred. On a national level, Bill asks Tammy why Hillary Clinton didn't win the election and who might be the next Democratic candidate to run against Donald Trump.

In this week's round table discussion, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times. They discuss the recent testimony of former FBI Director James Comey, as well as touching on the possibility of President Trump obstructing justice. The round table continues to discuss the possibility of Trump being impeached, regarding the most recent controversies. They discuss a potential independent commission to investigate potential Russian meddling. The round table also continues their discussion on health care.

In this week’s Community Spotlight Nick Gale focuses on Chicago’s iconic “L” train. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson and CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. Tuesday marked the 125th anniversary of Chicago’s historic ‘L’ train system—known around the world as one of the city’s most iconic symbols. To celebrate the 125th anniversary, the CTA will offer rides on trains featuring vintage railcars from CTA’s Heritage Fleet: the 4000-series, built in 1923, and the 2400-series, built in 1976-78. The rides will take place on the historic Loop ‘L’ tracks in downtown Chicago. Throughout 2017, the CTA has planned a series of events and activities, including tours, ridership promotions, contests and giveaways, to celebrate its anniversary. CTA’s Heritage Fleet—consisting of vintage trains and buses—will make a number of public appearances as part of the celebration. The CTA earlier this year launched a new Instagram account --@ChicagoCTA--to showcase rarely seen historical photos, which has attracted nearly 3,000 followers.

Bill Cameron sits down with Michael Reever of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. They discuss minimum wage in Illinois, as well as taxes. Reever also discusses balancing the budget in Illinois, the bond rating for Illinois, the economic climate as well as Chicago Public School funding. Reever talks about small businesses and he shares some of his thoughts on President Donald Trump. Bill Cameron also talks with State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

In this week's round table discussion, 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 discusses many topics, including taxes in Illinois, Rahm Emanuel and the CPS, the Illinois budget, Illinois bond rating, and the Paris Climate Accord.

Susan Whiteside with the National Confectioners Association says the candy industry, in the U.S., does about $35 billion a year in retail sales and directly employs 55,000 people. She also discusses the industry's commitment to reduce sugar intake. It's a move you might not think would come from an industry that promotes sugar. Whiteside says companies including Mars, Wrigley, and Ferrara have agreed to take part in the new initiative. We also speak to entrepreneur Ryan Farr. The 39-year old chef and butcher created a chicharrones (pork rind) that he says, is made with ingredients you'll find in your kitchen, not a lab.

Bill Cameron sits down with the President and CEO of the Better Government Association, Andy Shaw. They discuss the Illinois budget, as well as other issues in Illinois. Issues include the decreasing population, tax issues, and the ongoing “head-butting” between Democrats and Republicans in Illinois. Shaw also shares his thoughts on Governor Bruce Rauner and if he will or will not get re-elected. Shaw touches on Illinois’ debt as well as the state’s credit rating. He also explains his thoughts on the possibility of President Trump being impeached.

In this week's round table discussion, 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 discusses Greg Gianforte’s alleged body-slam of a reporter, the House’s Health Care bill, as well as if the Senate will do anything with the House version. Other topics include the census, tourism in Illinois, and living stability in Illinois. The group also shares their thoughts on Chris Kennedy.

AAA Magazine says Memorial Day marks the start of the 100 deadliest days when the average number of teens dying from car crashes is 16% higher than the rest of the year. Jim Graham with Ford tells us what their teen driving program is about and the work they do in Cook County and across Illinois. He also tells us about the most common mistakes teenagers make when getting behind the wheel.