This week's newsmaker is the Republican leader in the Illinois Senate, Christine Radogno. She and host Bill Cameron discuss the state budget battle, including a tied-in property tax freeze. Also new bumps in city pension reform, Mitsubishi Motors closing a plant in Normal, Mark Kirk's frequent tongue slips, and her opinion of presidential hopeful Donald Trump. In the roundtable, Bill is joined this week by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Fran Spielman of The Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the unconstitutional ruling of Rahm Emanuel's city pension bill, the lack of a state budget, and what Donald Trump is doing to this presidential campaign. Then Nick Gale looks at the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Chicago's efforts. Kathleen Yosko is CEO of Marianjoy and sits on the ADA 25 Chicago committee. She says Chicago leads the nation in ADA efforts, but says there is still more to do. She says it's not so much physical accessibility that's an issue; it's connecting the disabled with jobs.

This week's newsmaker is the Republican leader in the Illinois Senate, Christine Radogno. She and host Bill Cameron discuss the state budget battle, including a tied-in property tax freeze. Also new bumps in city pension reform, Mitsubishi Motors closing a plant in Normal, Mark Kirk's frequent tongue slips, and her opinion of presidential hopeful Donald Trump. In the roundtable, Bill is joined this week by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Fran Spielman of The Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the unconstitutional ruling of Rahm Emanuel's city pension bill, the lack of a state budget, and what Donald Trump is doing to this presidential campaign. Then Nick Gale looks at the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Chicago's efforts. Kathleen Yosko is CEO of Marianjoy and sits on the ADA 25 Chicago committee. She says Chicago leads the nation in ADA efforts, but says there is still more to do. She says it's not so much physical accessibility that's an issue; it's connecting the disabled with jobs.

Connected To Chicago - 07-19-15 - This week's newsmaker is Mayor Rahm Emanuel.He makes his month visit with Bill Cameron discussing the issues surrounding the city. In the roundtable Bill is joined by Hal Dardick and Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the Toni Tax, and how if affects consumers, the latest on the standoff in Springfield in regards to agreeing on a budget, Chicago TIFs, or tax increment financing, and Mark Kirk's statements making headlines again, is he costing himself reelection? Then Nick Gale focuses on the escape of "El Chapo" and the Chicago Crime Commission re-naming him "Public Enemy Number One." The only other person to earn that dubious title was Al Capone. Crime Commission executive vice president Art Belik says there is no immediate threat to Chicago and adds that the U.S. Attorney General should demand his extradition should he be apprehended.

Connected To Chicago - 07-19-15 - This week's newsmaker is Mayor Rahm Emanuel.He makes his month visit with Bill Cameron discussing the issues surrounding the city. In the roundtable Bill is joined by Hal Dardick and Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business. They discuss the Toni Tax, and how if affects consumers, the latest on the standoff in Springfield in regards to agreeing on a budget, Chicago TIFs, or tax increment financing, and Mark Kirk's statements making headlines again, is he costing himself reelection? Then Nick Gale focuses on the escape of "El Chapo" and the Chicago Crime Commission re-naming him "Public Enemy Number One." The only other person to earn that dubious title was Al Capone. Crime Commission executive vice president Art Belik says there is no immediate threat to Chicago and adds that the U.S. Attorney General should demand his extradition should he be apprehended.

Connected To Chicago - 07-12-15 - This week's newsmaker is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She and Bill Cameron discuss issues involving her office including an increase to the sales tax, which she says she has the votes for. In the roundtable Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of The Sun-Times, and Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune discuss Preckwinkle's tax hike, Tammy Duckworth's senate campaign, and Donald Trump is number 1 among the Republicans. Then John Dempsey speaks with Chicago Tribune Entertainment reporter Nina Metz on the end of the filming of Chiraq on the south side.

Connected To Chicago - 07-12-15 - This week's newsmaker is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She and Bill Cameron discuss issues involving her office including an increase to the sales tax, which she says she has the votes for. In the roundtable Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of The Sun-Times, and Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune discuss Preckwinkle's tax hike, Tammy Duckworth's senate campaign, and Donald Trump is number 1 among the Republicans. Then John Dempsey speaks with Chicago Tribune Entertainment reporter Nina Metz on the end of the filming of Chiraq on the south side.

Connected To Chicago - 07-05-15 - This week's newsmaker is Mike Quigley, the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 5th congressional district. He and Bill discuss the trade debate and his recent accompaniment of President Obama to the G& meeting. Then Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business in the roundtable. They discuss the placement options of the Obama Library, the school pension crisis, Bernie Sanders a threat to Hillary's campaign, Donald Trump's visit to Chicago, and the city to put online streaming services under the amusement tax. Finally Nick Gale looks at summer safety - especially with this being the Independence Day Holiday Weekend. Dr. Jared Novack, an emergency physician at North Shore University Health System, talks about fireworks safety and what to do in the event of a burn. He talks about the most common injury during the warmer months; injuries sustained from riding bicycles. Even though our temperatures have been below normal - there is still the potential to get sunburned and dehydrated. He also addresses food safety for those planning to attend a BBQ.

Connected To Chicago - 07-05-15 - This week's newsmaker is Mike Quigley, the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 5th congressional district. He and Bill discuss the trade debate and his recent accompaniment of President Obama to the G& meeting. Then Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business in the roundtable. They discuss the placement options of the Obama Library, the school pension crisis, Bernie Sanders a threat to Hillary's campaign, Donald Trump's visit to Chicago, and the city to put online streaming services under the amusement tax. Finally Nick Gale looks at summer safety - especially with this being the Independence Day Holiday Weekend. Dr. Jared Novack, an emergency physician at North Shore University Health System, talks about fireworks safety and what to do in the event of a burn. He talks about the most common injury during the warmer months; injuries sustained from riding bicycles. Even though our temperatures have been below normal - there is still the potential to get sunburned and dehydrated. He also addresses food safety for those planning to attend a BBQ.

Connected To Chicago - 06-28-15 - This week's newsmaker is Andy Shaw, President and CEO of the Better Government Association. They discuss issues surrounding the state such as: is Governor Rauner playing to hard with the state budget? Will we see an expanded sales tax? And will the passed school aid bill allow schools to open on time? Then Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business in the roundtable. They discuss the Supreme Court rulings on both marriage equality and the healthcare act. And how will these rulings influence the 2016 elections? "Mel" Reynolds is being indicted once more. And is banning the confederate flag distracting us from a broader race issue? Then Jennifer Keiper talks about the test-run of Ford's car-sharing program in 6 U.S. cities and London. Chicago is one of the test cities. Dave McClelland, VP of ford credit, tells us about the program; how it came about, what they're hoping to learn from it, possible benefits, and why Chicago is one of the cities chosen for the pilot program.

Connected To Chicago - 06-28-15 - This week's newsmaker is Andy Shaw, President and CEO of the Better Government Association. They discuss issues surrounding the state such as: is Governor Rauner playing to hard with the state budget? Will we see an expanded sales tax? And will the passed school aid bill allow schools to open on time? Then Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business in the roundtable. They discuss the Supreme Court rulings on both marriage equality and the healthcare act. And how will these rulings influence the 2016 elections? "Mel" Reynolds is being indicted once more. And is banning the confederate flag distracting us from a broader race issue? Then Jennifer Keiper talks about the test-run of Ford's car-sharing program in 6 U.S. cities and London. Chicago is one of the test cities. Dave McClelland, VP of ford credit, tells us about the program; how it came about, what they're hoping to learn from it, possible benefits, and why Chicago is one of the cities chosen for the pilot program.