Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy discusses his advocacy for better mental health care with Bill Cameron. Then Bill asks Ken Dunkin why he is sticking up for Gov. Rauner in the budget struggle. And Scott Drury scolds his colleagues for playing politics.

Bill 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 need for better mental health and the ties Jesse Jackson Jr. has to the campaign. They also recap this week's GOP debate and the campaign for senate - Duckworth vs. Zopp.

Finally Nick Gale covers the start of medical marijuana in Illinois.

Jennifer Keiper discusses heart failure, which is one of the most common heart diseases in the U.S., with more than 870,000 new cases reported annually. We also discuss the American Heart Association's "Rise Above Heart Failure" campaign and how listeners can get involved with it. Chicago resident Mark Cecola was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), resulting in 2 surgeries within the first week of his life to repair the hole in his heart, and 2 more surgeries around age twelve. In his early 30's, Mark developed a viral infection that attacked his already weakened heart, and he now lives with congestive heart failure, which requires a pacemaker and an implantable cardiovascular defibrillator (ICD). Mark discusses what it is like to live with heart failure, what the symptoms are, how to catch it early, and what to ask your doctor.

Bill Cameron interviews Senator Dick Durbin about the Obama administrations ruling on the Keystone Pipeline. He gives his election predictions as to whether or not the results of the last cycle indicate a sure Republican victory. They also discuss the gun violence problem in Chicago and proposals to control the currently background check free gun shows in Indiana from flooding the city with illegal weapons. The senator comments on the Fox Lake police officer that he honored on the senate floor. He comments on the new house speaker, controlling the way for profit colleges run, and should Pat Quinn consider a rematch in 2018?

Bill Cameron is joined by Lynn Sweet. They discuss the news events of the week including the Keystone ruling, new speaker Paul Ryan, a funding bill that could bring money to Chicago transportation infrastructure, the problems with for-profit higher education institutions, passing stricter gun control, and a public appearance by Senator Mark Kirk.

Jennifer Keiper discusses heart failure, which is one of the most common heart diseases in the U.S., with more than 870,000 new cases reported annually. We also discuss the American Heart Association's "Rise Above Heart Failure" campaign and how listeners can get involved with it. Chicago resident Mark Cecola was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), resulting in 2 surgeries within the first week of his life to repair the hole in his heart, and 2 more surgeries around age twelve. In his early 30's, Mark developed a viral infection that attacked his already weakened heart, and he now lives with congestive heart failure, which requires a pacemaker and an implantable cardiovascular defibrillator (ICD). Mark discusses what it is like to live with heart failure, what the symptoms are, how to catch it early, and what to ask your doctor.

Madeline Doubek of Reboot Illinois talks about a possible end to the lack of state budget. Then President Obama was in Chicago this week. During his visit he addressed the issue of a lack of gun control and the risk it poses to police officers.

Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of The Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business discuss the state and city budgets, the fate of Dennis Hastert, Obama's calling for gun control, and this week's CNBC GOP debate.

John Dempsey reports on the new state legislation designed to regulate fantasy sports websites.

Bill Cameron interviews Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.

In the round table Bill is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business.

Nick Gale talks about "Cooking Up Change," a health cooking competition sponsored by Chicago based Healthy Schools Campaign.

VP Sara Porter says 16 campuses from Chicago Public Schools will be participating.

Emily Miller of Voices for Illinois Children speaks with Bill Cameron about state services not being funded due to lack of a budget. What are the effects on children and seniors? What's happening to MAP Grants for Illinois college students? And what is a solution that could be reached?

Lynn Sweet of The Chicago Sun-Times and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago business join Bill Cameron to discuss what lessons could politicians learn from the Chicago Cubs, the guilty pleas of Dennis Hastert and Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Andrea Zopp's political ad, and the first Democratic debate for 2016.

The leading cause of death among teens is vehicle crashes.  During "National Teen Safe Driving Week" Jennifer Keiper talks with Jim Grahmam, Manager and Director of Ford's Driving Skills for Life Program.  He discusses mistakes teens make behind the wheel, how parents can influence their children and alternate ways to reach teens through coaches, teachers, and doctors.  Graham also talks about the recent survey they did with the Governor's Highway Safety Association.

The Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Andrea Zopp joins the program. She tells host, Bill Cameron why she wants to be a senator and why she is a better decision than Tammy Duckworth. She also talks about her past role in Chicago Public Schools and her feelings on this week's indictment of former CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. She also talks about Crain's making an issue of her 6 figure income from her stock options, and if she thinks Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy should be removed from his position.

Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago business join Bill Cameron to discuss Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Governor Rauner publicly saying that Greg has the solution, and Tribune Tower is on the real estate market.

John Dempsey speaks with Chicago's Black Star Project leader Philip Jackson, talking about ways to end black on black crime.

Wicker Park Alderman Scott Waguespack talks about Rahm's budget proposal including the details of a possible property tax hike. Also should ride share drivers have to pay more of the fees and get more of the licences that cab drivers are required? Are garbage pickup fees realistic for the city? What an amusement tax on streaming services could result in? And does he think the Cubs are going to win the World Series?

Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago business join Bill Cameron to discuss issues like Edge Tax Credits, Gov. Rauner using rule making powers to deny social services, and the Quote of the Week.

Then Jennifer Keiper previews the October 11th Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Wicker Park Alderman Scott Waguespack talks about Rahm's budget proposal including the details of a possible property tax hike. Also should ride share drivers have to pay more of the fees and get more of the licences that cab drivers are required? Are garbage pickup fees realistic for the city? What an amusement tax on streaming services could result in? And does he think the Cubs are going to win the World Series?

Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago business join Bill Cameron to discuss issues like Edge Tax Credits, Gov. Rauner using rule making powers to deny social servies, and the Quote of the Week.

Then Jennifer Keiper previews the October 11th Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Executive Director Carey Pinkwoski.

Wicker Park Alderman Scott Waguespack talks about Rahm's budget proposal including the details of a possible property tax hike. Also should ride share drivers have to pay more of the fees and get more of the licences that cab drivers are required? Are garbage pickup fees realistic for the city? What an amusement tax on streaming services could result in? And does he think the Cubs are going to win the World Series?

Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago business join Bill Cameron to discuss issues like Edge Tax Credits, Gov. Rauner using rule making powers to deny social servies, and the Quote of the Week.

Then Jennifer Keiper previews the October 11th Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Executive Director Carey Pinkwoski.