Connected To Chicago - 02-07-15 -- This week's newsmaker is Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson. He shares his story of his life growing up and what lead him to running for mayor of Chicago. He also discusses his stance on issues such as red light cameras, the Obama presidential library, building a gambling casino in the city, the way the blizzard was handled, and his personal connection to the problem crime in the city. Then we hear from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune on the road from Springfield, and from the Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet in Washington and Fran Spielman at City Hall. They discuss the way Rahm Emanuel and the city handled the week's snow removal and the issues of the two mayoral debates including taxes, the "right to work zones," and whether or not the city should use red-light cameras. Finally Nick Gale speaks to Daniel Ash, chief marketing officer for Chicago Community Trust. Earlier this week, the Chicago Community Trust announced that it will launch its Centennial year with the return of On the Table on May 12th - the Trust's 100th anniversary.

On the Table brings together thousands of Chicago-area residents in small groups to share a meal and discuss ways they can work together to make communities stronger, safer, and more dynamic.

Connected To Chicago - 02-07-15 -- This week's newsmaker is Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson. He shares his story of his life growing up and what lead him to running for mayor of Chicago. He also discusses his stance on issues such as red light cameras, the Obama presidential library, building a gambling casino in the city, the way the blizzard was handled, and his personal connection to the problem crime in the city. Then we hear from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune on the road from Springfield, and from the Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet in Washington and Fran Spielman at City Hall. They discuss the way Rahm Emanuel and the city handled the week's snow removal and the issues of the two mayoral debates including taxes, the "right to work zones," and whether or not the city should use red-light cameras. Finally Nick Gale speaks to Daniel Ash, chief marketing officer for Chicago Community Trust. Earlier this week, the Chicago Community Trust announced that it will launch its Centennial year with the return of On the Table on May 12th - the Trust's 100th anniversary.

On the Table brings together thousands of Chicago-area residents in small groups to share a meal and discuss ways they can work together to make communities stronger, safer, and more dynamic.

Connected To Chicago - 01-31-15 -- This week's newsmaker is Chicago Mayoral Candidate Bob Fioretti. He discusses why he is running and his opinion on the latest polls in the race. He also voices his stance on key issues such as raising property taxes, a commuter tax proposal, hiring more police officers, the crime in the city, and the placement of the Obama library, the George Lucas museum, and a possible casino. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune. What does it mean that Mitt Romney announced his departure from presidential candidacy? Bruce Rauner is making the tour prior to his State of the State address. What will become of his "Right to Work Zones"? Also remembering "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, what can political figures learn from him? Then Jennifer Keiper is joined by Jim Chilsen of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of residential-utility customers of Illinois. He discusses how some power providers will try to use your bill to, without your permission, sign you up with their company. In the end, it can mean higher power rates. Also the installation of new digital meters across Commonweath Edison's territory and what it means for customers.

Connected To Chicago - 01-31-15 -- This week's newsmaker is Chicago Mayoral Candidate Bob Fioretti. He discusses why he is running and his opinion on the latest polls in the race. He also voices his stance on key issues such as raising property taxes, a commuter tax proposal, hiring more police officers, the crime in the city, and the placement of the Obama library, the George Lucas museum, and a possible casino. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune. What does it mean that Mitt Romney announced his departure from presidential candidacy? Bruce Rauner is making the tour prior to his State of the State address. What will become of his "Right to Work Zones"? Also remembering "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, what can political figures learn from him? Then Jennifer Keiper is joined by Jim Chilsen of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of residential-utility customers of Illinois. He discusses how some power providers will try to use your bill to, without your permission, sign you up with their company. In the end, it can mean higher power rates. Also the installation of new digital meters across Commonweath Edison's territory and what it means for customers.

Connected To Chicago - 01-24-15 - This week's newsmaker is Senator Mark Kirk. He and host Bill Cameron discuss his feelings on President Obama threatening to veto his Iran sanctions bill. In the Round Table, Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, from Springfield, Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, and from the Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet in Washington and Fran Spielman at City Hall. They discuss what Governor Rauner can accomplish in 6 months, the latest in the mayoral race as well as the fate of the Obama Library, and Lisa Madigan blocking a lottery deal passed in the final weeks of the Quinn administration. Finally, John Dempsey and new legislation that could end red-light cameras in the state.

Connected To Chicago - 01-24-15 - This week's newsmaker is Senator Mark Kirk. He and host Bill Cameron discuss his feelings on President Obama threatening to veto his Iran sanctions bill. In the Round Table, Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, from Springfield, Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, and from the Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet in Washington and Fran Spielman at City Hall. They discuss what Governor Rauner can accomplish in 6 months, the latest in the mayoral race as well as the fate of the Obama Library, and Lisa Madigan blocking a lottery deal passed in the final weeks of the Quinn administration. Finally, John Dempsey and new legislation that could end red-light cameras in the state.

Connected To Chicago - 01-17-15 - This week's newsmaker is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Host Bill Cameron discusses issues with Preckwinkle such as the Cook County jail system, and specifically the juvenile system, also her views on the mayoral race. Then we hear from political consultant Don Rose who is currently working on the mayoral campaign of Chuy Garcia. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, and Ray Long and John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune. They discuss the mayoral race, and also Bruce Rauner becoming Governor Rauner. Then Nick Gale interviews Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Dave Kolata. They talk about the current state of utility bills and the coming legislative session, which will see ComEd try to get additional revenue for its nuclear plants to prolong their lifespan. That would likely create rate hikes for consumers.

Connected To Chicago - 01-17-15 - This week's newsmaker is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Host Bill Cameron discusses issues with Preckwinkle such as the Cook County jail system, and specifically the juvenile system, also her views on the mayoral race. Then we hear from political consultant Don Rose who is currently working on the mayoral campaign of Chuy Garcia. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron is joined by Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, and Ray Long and John Byrne of the Chicago Tribune. They discuss the mayoral race, and also Bruce Rauner becoming Governor Rauner. Then Nick Gale interviews Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Dave Kolata. They talk about the current state of utility bills and the coming legislative session, which will see ComEd try to get additional revenue for its nuclear plants to prolong their lifespan. That would likely create rate hikes for consumers.

This week's newsmaker is State Representative, Jack Franks (R-63). Overshadowing the inaugural festivities is whether the new Governor can work with Speaker Madigan and the democrats. But, Representative, Franks says the real question is whether Bruce Rauner can work with his own republicans. The republicans concede they're going to be facing some very tough votes?

In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business and Ray Long of the Tribune discuss what they expect from Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner.Republican Bruce Rauner is set to take the reins of the Governor's office on Monday and Ray Long believes that his first major hurdle might be his own republican members of the General Assembly. House leader Mike Madigan has also thrown in last minute legislation that would force Rauner's appointee to the Treasurer's office, (Leslie Munger) to only two years before having to run for election. Greg Heinz has the latest poll data in the race for Mayor of Chicago and it appears that Rahm's approval rating was down to 50%. Greg outlines the demos and possible reasons Rahm's losing voter support.

Then Nick Gale focuses on a collaboration between the Chicago History Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield on a exhibit that looks at some of Lincoln's most influential writing or speeches. While the exhibit is in Springfield, the CHM helped put it together. The segment also looks at the 10th anniversary of the ALPLM which is this year - as is the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and Lincoln's assassination.

This week's newsmaker is State Representative, Jack Franks (R-63). Overshadowing the inaugural festivities is whether the new Governor can work with Speaker Madigan and the democrats. But, Representative, Franks says the real question is whether Bruce Rauner can work with his own republicans. The republicans concede they're going to be facing some very tough votes?

In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business and Ray Long of the Tribune discuss what they expect from Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner.Republican Bruce Rauner is set to take the reins of the Governor's office on Monday and Ray Long believes that his first major hurdle might be his own republican members of the General Assembly. House leader Mike Madigan has also thrown in last minute legislation that would force Rauner's appointee to the Treasurer's office, (Leslie Munger) to only two years before having to run for election. Greg Heinz has the latest poll data in the race for Mayor of Chicago and it appears that Rahm's approval rating was down to 50%. Greg outlines the demos and possible reasons Rahm's losing voter support.

Then Nick Gale focuses on a collaboration between the Chicago History Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield on a exhibit that looks at some of Lincoln's most influential writing or speeches. While the exhibit is in Springfield, the CHM helped put it together. The segment also looks at the 10th anniversary of the ALPLM which is this year - as is the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and Lincoln's assassination.