Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Congressman Bob Dold as he continues his campaign to remain congressman for the 10th district. Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times and Ray Long & John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune. State Senator, Matt Murphy announced his departure from General Assembly and an update on the Mark Kirk versus Tammy Duckworth in their race for Senator. Could Donald Trump's incendiary comments might be creating a boost for his campaign? Closing out this weeks show... Former Governor, Rod Blagojevich appeared before Judge James Zagel appealing his 14 year sentence this week. The appeal was denied, Patti Blagojevich and attorneys spoke to the media after the hearing.

Rod Blagojevich, Former Governor of Illinois, will be back in court. Bill Cameron takes this opportunity to listen back at the audio he captured during his career reporting on the politician.

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times and Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune. They discuss the possibility of Donald Trump dropping out of the presidential race. And if he did who would be the replacement? Lynn gives her impressions on Hillary Clinton after covering her on Friday. They also look at the Kirk v Duckworth senate race, and the re-sentencing of Blago.

"Nick Gale with Secretary of State Jesse White who joined dozens of volunteers to mark National Minority Donor

Awareness Week, August 1-7. The “Wave Away the Waiting” event, which was held on the plaza of the James R. Thompson Center, served to encourage organ and tissue donation in multicultural communities. Nationally, minorities comprise 57 percent of the waiting list for organ transplants; however, they accounted for only 36 percent of

those who donated organs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Illinois, 6 million people are registered as organ/tissue donors, yet there are approximately 5,000 people waiting for transplants. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), in Illinois last year, there were 1,187 African-Americans on the waiting list, but only 138 African-Americans became donors. Minorities are disproportionately affected by illnesses such as

hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant, increasing the number of patients on the organ transplant waiting list, according to UNOS. Illinoisans can register with the Secretary of State’s Organ/Tissue Donor Registry online at LifeGoesOn.com, by calling 1-800-210-2106 or by visiting their local Driver Services facility."

Bill speaks with President and CEO of the Better Government Association, Andy Shaw. They discuss the Democratic National Convention happenings this past week and the presidential campaigns. They also take a look at local and state elections, and the general health of our state.

Bill Cameron is joined by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Hal Dardick of the Chicago Tribune. They discuss the happenings at this past week's Democratic National Convention. They also think about the idea of Dick Durbin as governor of Illinois.

Then John Dempsey looks at the Obama Presidential Library.

Bill speaks with Chicago Alderman John Arena. Arena is attending the Democratic National Convention this coming week as a delegate for Bernie Sanders. He speaks about Donald Trump's acceptance speech and comments he made saying he's got the votes of Sanders supporters. Also looking back at the Republican National Convention, he shares what he expects from the Democrat's convention. We also get to hear from Senator Dick Durbin, who is going to the DNC as a super-delegate for Hillary Clinton. Then Mayor Rahm Emanual gave a heartfelt speech this week on street violence in Chicago.

Bill Cameron is joined by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the happenings at this past week's Republican National Convention and preview the Democratic convention.

Jennifer Keiper looks at a new exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame called “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power, and Politics.” WLS-AM covered the Republican National Convention in the museum’s host city; Cleveland. The exhibit looks at the roll that music has played in politics and vice versa since Presidencies stretching back to Eisenhower. We discuss the role of music in segregation and how it broke barriers, how music spread awareness about politics and war.   Also discussed is the power of rock and roll to change attitudes about patriotism, equality and freedom.

Bill Cameron's News maker guest this week is Tim Schneider

Chairman, of the Illinois Republican Party. The Republican National Convention is about to start and Tim is leading the Illinois delegation. Will Donald Trump receive enough support to become the GOP's candidate? Is Pence the right Vice President Choice. Also, Tim comments about the Senate race between Senator Mark Kirk and Tammy Duckworth.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. Leading the conversation is the RNC and Illinois' place in the vote. Is Mike Pence a good choice for Vice President? Will he be able to encourage some undecided voters to vote for Trump? Can Trump "stick to the script" or will he choose to avoid using a teleprompter for his speech? How will the Trump nomination effect the Senate campaign for Mark Kirk? He says he isn't supporting Trump, but will that decision change?

Finally, Adam Chappelle updates us on the biggest sporting events of the summer in the city of Chicago... soccer. A record 55,000 people attended the Copa American Centenario game held in June, and the US Woman's National Team drew 30,000 attendees last week. Another competition between teams from Milan, Italy and Munich Germany is scheduled for next weekend.

Pat Brady former chairman for the Illinois Republican Party tries to answer the question, “What the hell has happened to your party?" Brady will be a delegate for John Kasich at this year's GOP convention. No member of the Illinois congressional delegation is planning to attend the convention, what message are they trying to say? There probably won't be much fun at this convention, so why should anyone go or watch? Is it possible that Trump won't win the nomination because some of his supporters might not show up? So what about the Hillary factor... If she wins, can the GOP put up with her for the next 4 years?

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. The shooting of 5 police officers in Dallas during what was supposed top be a peaceful protest leads the headlines this weekend. Is "Social Media" to blame for the hostile change in how society reacts to problems? Is social media actually helpful to the coverage of these events which are being protested? Are these violent incidents (police brutality, unjust shootings, etc) increasing or are we now more aware because of the ease in which they can be documented?

Nick Gale covers the announcement of the 2nd annual Chicago Youth Baseball Tournament. Chicago Park District Superintendent and/CEO, Michael Kelly along with representatives from the Cubs & Sox join Mayor Rahm Emanuel to explain why the event is beneficial to Chicago's youth.

Bill Cameron interviews Madeleine Doubek, author at RebootIllinois.com. They break down talks in the state about the budget being worked on. They also discuss all of the new taxes that could affect residents as a result of this new budget.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the new budget and how it impacts us in the state as well as nationally. They also look at the rumor that dick Durbin might take on Bruce Rauner in the next election, and how does the settling of the workplace retaliation case affect the senate race?

Adam Chappelle looks at the 75th anniversary of the first-ever airing of a television commercial. Chicago's ad agencies have created some of the most popular characters in the history of advertising- from Tony the Tiger to the Rice Krispies kids. Walter Podrazik, the television curator at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, says throughout the 7-plus decades of TV advertisements, Chicago has shaped how Americans view TV. Whether it be through memorable characters, songs, or celebrity endorsements, the city has always been on the cutting edge of the ad game.

Bill Cameron interviews former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. They discuss Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and if he should run again in 2019, or even if her should be allowed to run again in 2019. Quinn also says if he is planning on running against the mayor next term. They then talk about Quinn's successor, Bruce Rauner, and what kind of job he thinks the new governor is doing.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss George Lucas' decision to not leave Chicago in the running for the location of his museum. Also the latest in the race for senate in Illinois. and how US politics could be affected by Brexit.

Nick Gale with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and CEO of Cook County Hospitals Dr. Jay Shannon talking about the AMA's push to study gun violence much like a disease is studied. The AMA is going to push Congress to authorize funds for the CDC to study gun violence. Last year Stroger Hospital treated some 900 gunshot wounds.

Bill Cameron interviews Chicago Fraternal Order of Police president Dean Angelo. They discuss the difference in moral within the police department after all of the recent scrutiny. They also discuss the investigative practices of the officers including one of the incident that surfaced this past week, and what will be the demands in the upcoming contract negotiations.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the latest news in the presidential campaign. Will Washington pass any legislation for stricter gun control. President Obama made a speech on the threat of "lone wolf" terrorists, what ways are there to protect us from future attacks?

John Dempsey looks at preparations for the Gay Pride Parade on June 26th.

Bill Cameron interviews Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. They discuss the growing problems cause by no state budget, including the chances of schools not opening in September. They also talk about worker's comp. reform, and the Lucas Museum and how it may be coming to Chicago after all.

Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss Senator Mark Kirk retreating from his support of Donald Trump. They also discuss Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton's support across the state and the scandals surrounding them, Governor Bruce Rauner's comments about Chicago schools and comparing them to crumbling prisons, and another statement made by Diana Rauner on early childhood education.

Jennifer Keiper speaks with Jolanta Coffey, Ford's Instrument Panel and Console Manager about a survey done on something you wouldn't think about - cup holders in cars. She talks about the science behind the study and how it plays a roll in car design. For example, it has prompted the moving of traditional shifters in some Ford models. She explains an area in a car that they refer to as ""Manhattan real estate."" Coffey also addresses students who may be interested in engineering and design saying creating 'functional art' can be quite challenging.