Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Connected To Chicago - 06-07-14 - This week's newsmaker is Zach Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. Issues discussed include: Addressing the segmented violence the plagues some Chicago communities. Does chopping the heads off of gangs create its own problems? Can we prevent factions of gangs? Stopping those paroled from returning to crime. Does the family life of young children turn them to gang life and do the children see the gangs as families? And what can the business communities do to help with the violent situation? Also discussed is what the office is doing to combat political corruption, how many cases they see involving terrorism, and how concerned about it we should be in Chicago. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune discuss Hillary deciding if she is running in 2016. Will Michelle Obama be running against Mark Kirk in 2016? And Bruce Rauner is getting cornered by pay-to-play politics? Finally John Dempsey speaks with NorthShore University Health System's Carrie Jaworski, M.D. about coping with injuries while getting in shape. They discuss indentifying why you feel pain also ways of training around these pains. What are some effective ways to prepare for the upcoming Chicago Marathon as well as other local races?

Connected To Chicago - 06-07-14 - This week's newsmaker is Zach Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. Issues discussed include: Addressing the segmented violence the plagues some Chicago communities. Does chopping the heads off of gangs create its own problems? Can we prevent factions of gangs? Stopping those paroled from returning to crime. Does the family life of young children turn them to gang life and do the children see the gangs as families? And what can the business communities do to help with the violent situation? Also discussed is what the office is doing to combat political corruption, how many cases they see involving terrorism, and how concerned about it we should be in Chicago. In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune discuss Hillary deciding if she is running in 2016. Will Michelle Obama be running against Mark Kirk in 2016? And Bruce Rauner is getting cornered by pay-to-play politics? Finally John Dempsey speaks with NorthShore University Health System's Carrie Jaworski, M.D. about coping with injuries while getting in shape. They discuss indentifying why you feel pain also ways of training around these pains. What are some effective ways to prepare for the upcoming Chicago Marathon as well as other local races?

Connected to Chicago - 05-31-14 -- This week's newsmaker is president of the Chicago Teachers Union; Karen Lewis. -- Issues discussed include: The upcoming elections and what the union is doing in preparation.

What ever happened to teaching civics in the CPS. It's there, kind of, but not in the way it was when Lewis was a student.

The nature of public schools seems to be highly political, but beyond the constitution test, kids really do not learn about the election process.

Lewis explains goal achievement using backwards mapping... It's something the CTU is using to plan for the 2019 elections and master plan of the CPS.

We are not working for the re-election of Rahm Emanuel. The front leader for his replacement is Toni Preckwinkle. Bob Fioretti is on the list of possible candidates. What makes Toni Preckwinkle the superior candidate to replace Rahm.

Lewis claims that she is not a politician and rules herself out of the running to replace Rahm. The CTU could push their agenda if they had a friend on the 5th floor of City Hall.

Speculating on what might push Preckwinkle, Bill asks for Karen's perspective, which remains positive for Preckwinkle should she toss her name into the race.

Can 'Harold Fever' referring to the Harold Washington campaign of 1983, be found again in the black community going into the upcoming mayoral race?

The Neo-liberal movement of Rahm has caused die-hard liberals to reconsider his place in the mayor's office. Lewis claims that many residents feel neglected by the mayor who seems to 'lack a plan and a vision for the entire city'.

Closing traditional schools and promoting charter schools is something that Lewis claims hasn't worked to improve the neighborhoods and lifestyle.

'He needs to move on to something he is comfortable with.' says Karen Lewis

When asked if Rahm's combative nature actually hurts him.... Lewis says they have not spoken since he 'cussed me out' back in 2011. Lewis concludes, 'It would be so much fun to work towards fixing the problems, but that isn't on the agenda.'

In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune discuss the resignation of Eric Shinseki, the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Down in Springfield, the action is hot and fast as work progresses on passing a budget as well as changes in the management structure of the Lincoln Library. The White House released a statement about changes in the policy towards deporting undocumented immigrants. Has President Obama weakened in his second term, and is Pat Quinn going to be able to extend the temporary tax rate in the state.

Finally, Nick Gale focuses on this weekend's "Stand Down" event which helps connect homeless veterans to services including government benefits for healthcare, housing, clothing and food. Many groups and organizations are participating and they expect to help some 700 - 800 veteran's in some way. This is a semi-annual event put on by the Chicago Veterans Economic Development Council.

Connected to Chicago - 05-31-14 -- This week's newsmaker is president of the Chicago Teachers Union; Karen Lewis. -- Issues discussed include: The upcoming elections and what the union is doing in preparation.

What ever happened to teaching civics in the CPS. It's there, kind of, but not in the way it was when Lewis was a student.

The nature of public schools seems to be highly political, but beyond the constitution test, kids really do not learn about the election process.

Lewis explains goal achievement using backwards mapping... It's something the CTU is using to plan for the 2019 elections and master plan of the CPS.

We are not working for the re-election of Rahm Emanuel. The front leader for his replacement is Toni Preckwinkle. Bob Fioretti is on the list of possible candidates. What makes Toni Preckwinkle the superior candidate to replace Rahm.

Lewis claims that she is not a politician and rules herself out of the running to replace Rahm. The CTU could push their agenda if they had a friend on the 5th floor of City Hall.

Speculating on what might push Preckwinkle, Bill asks for Karen's perspective, which remains positive for Preckwinkle should she toss her name into the race.

Can 'Harold Fever' referring to the Harold Washington campaign of 1983, be found again in the black community going into the upcoming mayoral race?

The Neo-liberal movement of Rahm has caused die-hard liberals to reconsider his place in the mayor's office. Lewis claims that many residents feel neglected by the mayor who seems to 'lack a plan and a vision for the entire city'.

Closing traditional schools and promoting charter schools is something that Lewis claims hasn't worked to improve the neighborhoods and lifestyle.

'He needs to move on to something he is comfortable with.' says Karen Lewis

When asked if Rahm's combative nature actually hurts him.... Lewis says they have not spoken since he 'cussed me out' back in 2011. Lewis concludes, 'It would be so much fun to work towards fixing the problems, but that isn't on the agenda.'

In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune discuss the resignation of Eric Shinseki, the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Down in Springfield, the action is hot and fast as work progresses on passing a budget as well as changes in the management structure of the Lincoln Library. The White House released a statement about changes in the policy towards deporting undocumented immigrants. Has President Obama weakened in his second term, and is Pat Quinn going to be able to extend the temporary tax rate in the state.

Finally, Nick Gale focuses on this weekend's "Stand Down" event which helps connect homeless veterans to services including government benefits for healthcare, housing, clothing and food. Many groups and organizations are participating and they expect to help some 700 - 800 veteran's in some way. This is a semi-annual event put on by the Chicago Veterans Economic Development Council.

Connected To Chicago - 05-24-14

This week's newsmaker guest is Christine Radogno, Senate Republican Leader, in the Illinois General Assembly, 41st District in Cook, DuPage and Will counties.

State Tax Increase - as the deadline nears, are there enough votes in the state house to extend the tax?

If the tax rate extension does not happen, how will that change state spending and budgets? Is there a "Doomsday" budget that can be adhered to if the tax revenue is not available?

What spending would be eliminated, and could any programs suffer from the loss of tax revenue?

What reforms are the republicans proposing and what kind of pushback are the Democrats creating?

If there is a spending bill passed, will pork projects like the proposed Obama library see any funding?

Bruce Rauner is still ducking reporters' questions about how he would budget the state should the tax extension end? Are the Democrats trying to portray Rauner as another "Mitt Romney"?

The Equal Rights Amendment is back for a vote, but will it actually see the light of day? Are there any other s this another Democratic stunt to cover for Governor Pat Quinn's failures?

This Round Table Panel includes: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune. Will the state tax increase be extended, or will the 17% tax rate automatically be reduced when the law ends.

Mike Madigan and others want to add a "Millionaire's Tax" of 3% to anyone earning more than a million dollars... it failed as a referendum, but can it be added if the tax rate drops?

There are 2 Illinois names on the congressional Benghazi panel. The previously named Peter Roskam and now Tammy Duckworth, who was just named by Nancy to one of 5 democrat seats on the panel.

This week's community segment focuses on two veterans charities. This first, called Salute, Inc is based in the Northwest suburbs. They provide financial help to military families. It was started by a woman from Arlington Heights whose husband was deployed after 9/11. They have a 5K/10K this weekend in Arlington Heights which will be attended by Gov. Quinn. The second is a charity called Veterans Matters which helps veterans get down payments for housing. The group operates in several states, including Indiana (with the help of John Mellencamp), and are seeking help to branch into the Chicago area.

Connected To Chicago - 05-24-14

This week's newsmaker guest is Christine Radogno, Senate Republican Leader, in the Illinois General Assembly, 41st District in Cook, DuPage and Will counties.

State Tax Increase - as the deadline nears, are there enough votes in the state house to extend the tax?

If the tax rate extension does not happen, how will that change state spending and budgets? Is there a "Doomsday" budget that can be adhered to if the tax revenue is not available?

What spending would be eliminated, and could any programs suffer from the loss of tax revenue?

What reforms are the republicans proposing and what kind of pushback are the Democrats creating?

If there is a spending bill passed, will pork projects like the proposed Obama library see any funding?

Bruce Rauner is still ducking reporters' questions about how he would budget the state should the tax extension end? Are the Democrats trying to portray Rauner as another "Mitt Romney"?

The Equal Rights Amendment is back for a vote, but will it actually see the light of day? Are there any other s this another Democratic stunt to cover for Governor Pat Quinn's failures?

This Round Table Panel includes: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long of the Tribune. Will the state tax increase be extended, or will the 17% tax rate automatically be reduced when the law ends.

Mike Madigan and others want to add a "Millionaire's Tax" of 3% to anyone earning more than a million dollars... it failed as a referendum, but can it be added if the tax rate drops?

There are 2 Illinois names on the congressional Benghazi panel. The previously named Peter Roskam and now Tammy Duckworth, who was just named by Nancy to one of 5 democrat seats on the panel.

This week's community segment focuses on two veterans charities. This first, called Salute, Inc is based in the Northwest suburbs. They provide financial help to military families. It was started by a woman from Arlington Heights whose husband was deployed after 9/11. They have a 5K/10K this weekend in Arlington Heights which will be attended by Gov. Quinn. The second is a charity called Veterans Matters which helps veterans get down payments for housing. The group operates in several states, including Indiana (with the help of John Mellencamp), and are seeking help to branch into the Chicago area.

Connected to Chicago - 05-17-14 --- Bill Cameron asks CTA President Forrest Claypool about bicycle safety and the status of the Ventra system? Are there any fare increases in our future, or will they come after Mayor Rham's election?

There are millions of dollars in federal funds are coming in, but will they continue to be available for system upgrades? Chicago and State officials are offering capitol funding for CTA projects, but they're not enough to sustain operation and planned improvements.

Losing federal funding would increase fares through a reduction of passengers if people stopped using a dilapidated system. Can the "Propellerheads" proposal of yet another agency to oversee all forms of public transport in NE IL be helpful? The principal that is missed is the "accountability to the voters" which is currently in place, but would be removed if an agency of appointments was put in charge of the systems. Why is Rahm's poor polling? Forrest stands by his man as names of possible contenders for the 5th floor office at city hall start coming out of the woodwork.

In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune discuss Rahm Emanuel's recent rough patch. Is his re-election threatened? His aide tried to plant nasty stories about Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Was it a premature shot across the bow, or timely? It certainly shows that Team Emanuel is worried about a challenge. House Speaker Michael Madigan introduces an advisory referendum on the minimum wage for the November ballot. The panel sees this is an effort to juice Democratic turnout. Madigan also is working to pass a budget based on the current tax rates rather than the rolled-back tax rates set to take effect next January. The Veterans Administration health-care scandal seems to be national. Will it have political consequences in November? The Black Hawks continue their playoff run. Do they have some leverage now on demands to freeze the amusement tax that's taking a big bite out of ticket buyers. Will Mayor Emanuel get Gov. Pat Quinn's signature on the pension bill even though it might look as though he's abetting a property tax increase?

Then, John Dempsey reviews the Citizen's Utility Board (CUB) who is warning people about scam electric companies with super high rates. As ComEd prices are slated to rise, many customers will be looking for alternate suppliers... some of them are not all they claim to be.

Connected to Chicago - 05-17-14 --- Bill Cameron asks CTA President Forrest Claypool about bicycle safety and the status of the Ventra system? Are there any fare increases in our future, or will they come after Mayor Rham's election?

There are millions of dollars in federal funds are coming in, but will they continue to be available for system upgrades? Chicago and State officials are offering capitol funding for CTA projects, but they're not enough to sustain operation and planned improvements.

Losing federal funding would increase fares through a reduction of passengers if people stopped using a dilapidated system. Can the "Propellerheads" proposal of yet another agency to oversee all forms of public transport in NE IL be helpful? The principal that is missed is the "accountability to the voters" which is currently in place, but would be removed if an agency of appointments was put in charge of the systems. Why is Rahm's poor polling? Forrest stands by his man as names of possible contenders for the 5th floor office at city hall start coming out of the woodwork.

In the Round Table, host Bill Cameron along with Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune discuss Rahm Emanuel's recent rough patch. Is his re-election threatened? His aide tried to plant nasty stories about Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Was it a premature shot across the bow, or timely? It certainly shows that Team Emanuel is worried about a challenge. House Speaker Michael Madigan introduces an advisory referendum on the minimum wage for the November ballot. The panel sees this is an effort to juice Democratic turnout. Madigan also is working to pass a budget based on the current tax rates rather than the rolled-back tax rates set to take effect next January. The Veterans Administration health-care scandal seems to be national. Will it have political consequences in November? The Black Hawks continue their playoff run. Do they have some leverage now on demands to freeze the amusement tax that's taking a big bite out of ticket buyers. Will Mayor Emanuel get Gov. Pat Quinn's signature on the pension bill even though it might look as though he's abetting a property tax increase?

Then, John Dempsey reviews the Citizen's Utility Board (CUB) who is warning people about scam electric companies with super high rates. As ComEd prices are slated to rise, many customers will be looking for alternate suppliers... some of them are not all they claim to be.

Connected to Chicago - 05-10-14 - Part 2 - This week's round table includes: Ted Cox of DNAinfo.com, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crains and Ray Long of the Tribune. As state and federal agencies open investigations, is Pat Quinn's failed "Neighborhood Recovery Initative" going to be his downfall? Red Light Rahm get's caught by his own traffic cameras as his official city vehicles speed through school zones and red lights. Can Illinois pull off a capital investment project to update infrastructure and create jobs? The U.S. House will investigate the Bengazi situation; will they be able to get answers about what actually happened after the attack, and how "messaging" from the White House an others might be the ultimate focus. Nick Gale closes the show with a focus on May being Motorcycle Awareness Month. The story includes officials from IDOT, the Illinois State Police and ABATE, a long standing motorcycle safety awareness program. Aside from an explanation of the importance of motorists to keep an eye out for bikers, the state police also talk about biker's responsibilities. Also, new this year, ABATE is in the process of compiling the causes of the most common motorcycle accidents. ABATE shares some of these preliminary findings.

Connected to Chicago - 05-10-14 - Part 2 - This week's round table includes: Ted Cox of DNAinfo.com, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, Greg Hinz of Crains and Ray Long of the Tribune. As state and federal agencies open investigations, is Pat Quinn's failed "Neighborhood Recovery Initative" going to be his downfall? Red Light Rahm get's caught by his own traffic cameras as his official city vehicles speed through school zones and red lights. Can Illinois pull off a capital investment project to update infrastructure and create jobs? The U.S. House will investigate the Bengazi situation; will they be able to get answers about what actually happened after the attack, and how "messaging" from the White House an others might be the ultimate focus. Nick Gale closes the show with a focus on May being Motorcycle Awareness Month. The story includes officials from IDOT, the Illinois State Police and ABATE, a long standing motorcycle safety awareness program. Aside from an explanation of the importance of motorists to keep an eye out for bikers, the state police also talk about biker's responsibilities. Also, new this year, ABATE is in the process of compiling the causes of the most common motorcycle accidents. ABATE shares some of these preliminary findings.