Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Bill Cameron sits down this week with Senator Dick Durbin. They discuss Durbin’s thoughts on President Trump so far, including the recent Comey firing, and his potential replacements. They also discuss potential upcoming FBI investigations. Senator Durbin also shares his thoughts on the Illinois budget. They discuss the possibility of Trump being removed from office, and what a “President Pence” might look like.

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 too discuss the possibility of seeing a President Pence, as well as the possibility of President Trump being removed from office, or removing himself. The round table also touches on the Census Director resigning, as well as Government funding to certain departments or programs being cut. They specifically mention the EPA, Medicaid, and the Great Lakes Initiative. They also discuss the possibility of the EPA Regional Office in Chicago being closed. The round table also discusses Governor Rauner being publicly silent about Medicaid changes.

John Dempsey’s Community Spotlight piece focuses on the opening of the downtown Riverwalk.

Bill Cameron talks with Congressman Dan Lipinski regarding the most recent Trump topics. Specifics include the James Comey firing, the "Russia investigations," Health Care, and the future of Obama-care. They also discuss Trumps recent tweets regarding Comey, as well as a possible Justice Department Counsel to assist with the current Russia investigations. Lipinski states that compromise between Democrats and Republicans can make things better for the American people.

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 also discuss President Trump's recent tweet directed at James Comey, as well as the Comey firing. They discuss if they believe Trump will serve his entire term, as well as the recent press briefing issues. The round table also discusses the budget, and debt in Illinois.

In this week's Community Spotlight, Nick Gale talks about the 10,000 Small Business Program. This week, Goldman Sachs committed an additional $10 million to the program. Participants in the 10KSB program complete more than 100 instructional hours with the curriculum that covers accounting, human resources, negotiation and marketing, among other

topics. The program also includes one-on-one business advising, accounting workshops and advice from Goldman Sachs professionals. The announcement was made at Herald Washington College where Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein took a few questions from participants.

Bill Cameron is joined this week by Republican Governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner. They discuss many issues regarding "Trumpcare" including Governor Rauner's thoughts on how far we are from seeing a new health care bill passed. Rauner also touches on how he and his staff plan on making health care in Illinois better, while keeping the quality of the health care high. Bill Cameron and Governor Rauner discuss the Affordable Care Act, as well as the Governor's recent interests in selling the Thompson Center. Cameron and Rauner discuss the issues Mayor Rahm Emanuel has with Rauner's plan and possible ways they can come to certain agreements.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times for this week's round table discussion. They bring up the topic of "Trumpcare," discussing issues such as what the senate will do with the proposed bill. What Democrats and Republicans think of "Trumpcare" as a whole, as well as specific aspects. They discuss specifics of health care coverage, hospital funding and more. The round table continues by discussing rebuilding projects, taxes, and other funding issues in Illinois. The panelists weigh in on if they think the proposed "Trumpcare" bill will pass through the senate.

In this week's Community spotlight, Jennifer Keiper focuses on Illinois tourism. The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off "National Travel and Tourism Week" by launching it's new "Faces of Travel" campaign. The State is going with an "Illinois Made theme by showcasing its very own artisans who are all small business owners which, Tourism Director Cory Jobe says helps drive tourism around the state. Jobe talks about some of the gems we may not know about and how tourism impacts the state and Chicago.

Alderman, Ameya Pawar answers the questions, 'Who is Ameya Pawar and why should he be the next Governor of Illinois?"

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times for the Round Table segment. Lynn leads the team's commentary about the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Greg gives us the details about Congressman, Adam Kinzinger who is one of 3 Republicans representing the Chicago suburbs and who might be holding off on supporting some portions of health care reform. Ray follows up on his story about a fired Illinois Tollway employ who was hired to run the security detail at O’hare airport... and is looking for a job once again.

Monday, May 1st has been dubbed "Melanoma Monday." The American Academy of Dermatology is encouraging people to look for any signs of the cancer on their body and promoting a "Check Your Partner. Check Yourself" campaign. Jennifer Keiper talks to Dr. Alix Charles, with the American Academy of Dermatology tells us about susceptibility to the deadliest form of skin cancer, how we can identify it, what other symptoms may accompany the condition, what the treatment is. More information is available at : spotskincancer.org and www.aad.org.

Celebrating Mayor Richard M. Daley's 75th birthday (Monday) with some of his "Greatest Hits". Then, Ray Long breaks a story about a fired Illinois Tollway employ who was hired to run the security detail at O’hare airport and follows up on the Chicago Tribune investigation of state pharmacies and law changes that need to be made to prevent errors in dosing and reactions. One law would regulate the number of hours worked and breaks that pharmacy employees need to take.

Lynn Sweet checks in from Washington D.C. with the latest on the Trump administration, and her thoughts about Barack Obama’s first trip back home to Chicago next week to speak about his experiences as a community organizer and it’s value.

Greg Hinz thinks Obama will be very careful in his topic choices for the speech, and that he will mostly focus on himself. Greg also notes that the state’s continued ratings drop by Moody’s might damage the future of state universities and their students. University of Illinois has appeared immune to the damage, but their ability to compete with Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern universities for the best teachers and students has been reduced due to what Greg termed, “a real tragedy” due to “political incompetence”.

John Dempsey covers the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless which just released new figures showing that 82 percent of the homeless in Chicago are actually living with friends and relatives.

State Representative Will Guzzardi sits down with Bill Cameron to discuss the hot topics in politics this week. Guzzardi shares his thoughts about the recent United Airlines issues, including if there is anything to be done legally about these recent situations. He touches on the fact that this is a parallel to accountability issues in law enforcement. As a "Bernie Backer," Guzzardi shares his take on if the Bernie Sanders supporters helped Trump win the election. The State Representative also shares his thoughts on Donald Trump's presidency thus far. Guzzardi explains the graduated income tax as well as what he thinks the Democrats need to do to take back control of Congress.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times to discuss the recent United Airlines situations. They also share their thoughts of Sean Spicer's recent comments regarding Adolf Hitler. The round table discusses Donald Trumps recent "flip-flops" regarding NATO and imports/exports.

In this week's Community spotlight, Nick Gale focuses on Arbor day, which is Friday, April 28. The Morton Arboretum, whose founders - founded Arbor Day, have several events planned. Patti MacMillian, a spokeswoman for the Morton Arboretum, talks about the pop up plant clinic set to be held at Daley Plaza from 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Arbor Day. On display this year, a giant coloring display asking Chicagoans to "draw their attention to trees." Also on hand will be tree and plant experts to answer questions. Events are also planned at the Morton Arboretum including the annual plant sale and kids activities including a tree planting event. In addition to talking about these events, MacMillian talks about the history of Arbor Day and the importance of trees in urban communities.

Former Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Pat Brady talks with Bill Cameron to discuss leadership in the republican party, and other pressing issues such as the recent U.S. missile strike on Syria. Brady touches on the American people rallying around the flag in times like these. Brady also shares his thoughts of Donald Trump, specifically the quality of job he will do as President, and if he will serve a full term. Pat continues by stating he does not like the recent Supreme Court nomination, specifically how the situation has been handled.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times to discuss Neil Gorsuch's confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice. They also discuss the new Lifetime Budget which affects Chicago Public Schools and Senior Citizens. The round table also shares their takes on the recent U.S. missile strike on Syria.

World Water Day was marked in recent weeks and we talked to one of the automakers about their conservation efforts, especially here in Chicago. Andy Hobbs, Ford's Environmental Quality Office Director tells us how water is used in auto manufacturing and how the ford plant, on Chicago's South Side, has made moves to help reduce water usage. The Chicago Assembly Plant's side-stream electrolysis system was installed in early 2016 and is one of the largest cooling towers at the plant. Ford says the project has helped them save 3-million gallons of water in the last year and they are planning to take what they did in Chicago and use it at other plants, later this year.

Alderman, Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) talks to Bill Cameron about the continuing problems of gang crime, drugs, guns, & unemployment in his ward. Alderman Lopes says social media is fueling the violence. The Alderman says that the root of the crime problem comes from the staggering unemployment in his ward. Alderman Lopez says that unemployment has risen to 70 percent among young men ages 18-24 in his ward, and addressing that problem would help to keep kids from getting involved in gangs and drug dealing.

The alderman hopes that President Trump would be able to provide help to change what the President has previously called, “sad a situation”. When asked about his opinions about President Trump, the alderman questioned if President Trump has the “mental faculties to judge himself objectively, without feeling like everything is a personal attack on him’… continuing “and that does not make for a good leader.”

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times to discuss the budget in Illinois, Chicago Public Schools, and the continued claims of Russian meddling in our government. Downtown (42nd Ward) Alderman Brandon Riley shares his thoughts about the Presidency with Bill Cameron.

Catherine Catalane talks with two local chefs, Didier Durand and Michael Sheerin as well as local restaurateur Kathryn Sullivan Alvera about the late chef Charlie Trotter and the statue going up in his honor.

Cook County State's Attorney, Kim Foxx. The end of the Obamacare Recall Bill, and details about the School Meals Summit "Nourish to Flourish."

Bill Cameron talks to Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel and the mayor's thoughts on Governor Bruce Rauner’s destruction of the “grand bargain” budget plan, the continued gang and gun crimes in the city and even northwestern basketball’s historic season and first win. Earlier in the week, the city announced a new CTA rail car factory in the city, but says the state’s financial situation is not going to help recruit other businesses.

Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's, Lynn Sweet of the sun-times, and ray long of the Chicago tribune, review this week in the capitals.

Can the “draconian” trump budget that contains drastic cuts in the arts and sciences be “real”?? Will it be good for business in America? Is now the time that people will start to ignore what president trump has to say?

Will Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth be looking for excuses to vote ‘no’ on the appointment of president trump’s supreme court nominee, Neil Gorsuch? There might be another candidate for the governor’s race in Illinois. J.B. Pritzker announced an exploratory committee to see if he should jump into the race. Money isn’t an issue for Pritzker, so what is he exploring?

Jennifer Keiper covers the ways teens and young adults can now apply for positions with the city's "One Summer Chicago" youth jobs program. The city says there are some 30-thousand jobs up for grabs for those ages 14 to 24.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced this year's program opening at at the opportunity youth summit, where city leaders launched a 3-year campaign to engage more -of what they call- "opportunity youth."