Connected to Chicago - 05-10-14 - Part 1 - Former Governor Jim Edgar shares his thoughts about Term Limits and Taxes. Is current Governor Pat Quinn doing the right thing with his plans to modify state income tax collection and what might be in the future for casinos, race tracks, and the Obama Library...

Connected to Chicago - 05-10-14 - Part 1 - Former Governor Jim Edgar shares his thoughts about Term Limits and Taxes. Is current Governor Pat Quinn doing the right thing with his plans to modify state income tax collection and what might be in the future for casinos, race tracks, and the Obama Library...

Connected to Chicago - 05-03-14

Host Bill Cameron talks to Chicago's 42nd ward Alderman, Brendan Reilly about city issues including Mayor Emanuel's desire to increase property taxes and the "prickly" relationship between them over alternatives. Is Rahm vulnerable in the next mayoral election or is come competition a good thing? There are several proposed changes to transportation laws for the city, and with the summer weather finally on the way, we find out about plans for handling crime in the city's central business districts.

This week's round table includes: Natasha Korecki & Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Hal Dardick & Eric Zorn of the Tribune: Was Governor Pat Quinn's anti-violence program simply a slush fund to help him buy votes? Some Republicans are pushing on Quinn and even open up a "Pat Quinn Corruption Hotline"! And there is an update in the story of Amer Amad, former city comptroller who was nabbed while on the lam. Income taxes vs. property taxes...how will Chicago handle the dilemma and what will Gov. Quinn do with the bill now on his desk? The lawsuits against the referendum proposals were filed by House Speaker Mike Madigan's attorney: Does that mean he wants to be up front about Democratic opposition to these proposals? The White House Correspondents' dinner is this weekend in Washington... is it proof that some reporters may be "too chummy" with the people they cover?

With over thirty people killed in tornadoes this past week, Ryan Burrow talks to Johnathan Monken from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency as Illinois participates in the nationwide storm awareness campaign, 'America's PrepareAthon!' Monken gives a refresher on preparations that should be made before severe weather hits, including scenarios they should be ready for, things they should avoid, and what to do in the aftermath of a storm. He also explains some of the things the IEMA learned following November's rash of tornadoes in Illinois about how they should be committing resources.

Connected to Chicago - 05-03-14

Host Bill Cameron talks to Chicago's 42nd ward Alderman, Brendan Reilly about city issues including Mayor Emanuel's desire to increase property taxes and the "prickly" relationship between them over alternatives. Is Rahm vulnerable in the next mayoral election or is come competition a good thing? There are several proposed changes to transportation laws for the city, and with the summer weather finally on the way, we find out about plans for handling crime in the city's central business districts.

This week's round table includes: Natasha Korecki & Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Hal Dardick & Eric Zorn of the Tribune: Was Governor Pat Quinn's anti-violence program simply a slush fund to help him buy votes? Some Republicans are pushing on Quinn and even open up a "Pat Quinn Corruption Hotline"! And there is an update in the story of Amer Amad, former city comptroller who was nabbed while on the lam. Income taxes vs. property taxes...how will Chicago handle the dilemma and what will Gov. Quinn do with the bill now on his desk? The lawsuits against the referendum proposals were filed by House Speaker Mike Madigan's attorney: Does that mean he wants to be up front about Democratic opposition to these proposals? The White House Correspondents' dinner is this weekend in Washington... is it proof that some reporters may be "too chummy" with the people they cover?

With over thirty people killed in tornadoes this past week, Ryan Burrow talks to Johnathan Monken from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency as Illinois participates in the nationwide storm awareness campaign, 'America's PrepareAthon!' Monken gives a refresher on preparations that should be made before severe weather hits, including scenarios they should be ready for, things they should avoid, and what to do in the aftermath of a storm. He also explains some of the things the IEMA learned following November's rash of tornadoes in Illinois about how they should be committing resources.

Connected to Chicago - 04-26-14 Host Bill Cameron talks to former Speaker of the House, Denny Hastert about comprehensive immigration reform.

The roundtable this week features: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. Big news on Friday with the Chicago Tribune story about emails between the producers of CNN's "Chicagoland" and the operatives in City Hall. Did the show make Rahm Emanuel and the city look good? There is movement in the GOP leadership ranks on immigration reform, but Lynn is skeptical as she doesn't hear any specifics being brought up. Where is Republican U.S. Senate nominee Jim Oberweis on this issue? Will there be enough state legislators to back a vote on the graduated income tax before the May 4th deadline to get the question on the ballot in November? Chicago might be hosting another Democratic convention (in 2016). Lynn says no. And will it be Clinton (Hillary) v. Bush (Jeb) all over again?

John Dempsey closes the show with the highlights from this past week's Republican immigration forum.

Connected to Chicago - 04-26-14 Host Bill Cameron talks to former Speaker of the House, Denny Hastert about comprehensive immigration reform.

The roundtable this week features: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. Big news on Friday with the Chicago Tribune story about emails between the producers of CNN's "Chicagoland" and the operatives in City Hall. Did the show make Rahm Emanuel and the city look good? There is movement in the GOP leadership ranks on immigration reform, but Lynn is skeptical as she doesn't hear any specifics being brought up. Where is Republican U.S. Senate nominee Jim Oberweis on this issue? Will there be enough state legislators to back a vote on the graduated income tax before the May 4th deadline to get the question on the ballot in November? Chicago might be hosting another Democratic convention (in 2016). Lynn says no. And will it be Clinton (Hillary) v. Bush (Jeb) all over again?

John Dempsey closes the show with the highlights from this past week's Republican immigration forum.

Connected to Chicago - 04-19-14 - Host Bill Cameron talks with Chicago's new Fraternal Order of Police union President, Dean Angelo, Sr. as he plans for the future challenges facing the FOP.

This week the Round Table Segment features: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune: Should the state invest $100 million in a Barack Obama Presidential Library for Chicago?

Jaclin Davis, wife of State Rep. Will Davis, earned more than $137,000 in salary and benefits working for Gov. Quinn's controversial and now abolished Neighborhood Recovery Initiative. Putative reformer CTA head Forrest Claypool hires some officials with stink about them. Bill says Claypool was probably ordered to do so by Mayor Emanuel, and Greg agrees. Eric is just grumpy and disappointed. The prospects for immigration reform. Greg points out this is more of a presidential issue than a congressional issue. More talk of casinos in hearings in Chicago and downstate. Really in play? "I've been looking at this since about 1986," says Ray. "The reality is that this could come together in seconds. But it hasn't happened for years." But the state really, really needs money now, and pension reform has happened, which was one of Gov. Pat Quinn's per-requisites. The playoffs...how far will the Hawks and the Bulls go? Eric says a first round victory only for the Hawks, two rounds for the Bulls. Bill says the Hawks will go deeper, as they play with heart. No one really wants to talk about the Cubs and Sox, as it looks like a long summer.

Nick Gale focuses on the "Escape to the Mecca" program which allows Chicago Public School high school students a chance to visit a university. Some students this week visited Howard University in Washington, D.C. There they met with First Lady Michelle Obama and later toured the campus and learned what University life is like. During their four day visit, students also talked with university students, and sat in on classes. The program's success rate for students to follow through with college is 75 percent and was 100 percent for last year's participants.

Connected to Chicago - 04-19-14 - Host Bill Cameron talks with Chicago's new Fraternal Order of Police union President, Dean Angelo, Sr. as he plans for the future challenges facing the FOP.

This week the Round Table Segment features: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune: Should the state invest $100 million in a Barack Obama Presidential Library for Chicago?

Jaclin Davis, wife of State Rep. Will Davis, earned more than $137,000 in salary and benefits working for Gov. Quinn's controversial and now abolished Neighborhood Recovery Initiative. Putative reformer CTA head Forrest Claypool hires some officials with stink about them. Bill says Claypool was probably ordered to do so by Mayor Emanuel, and Greg agrees. Eric is just grumpy and disappointed. The prospects for immigration reform. Greg points out this is more of a presidential issue than a congressional issue. More talk of casinos in hearings in Chicago and downstate. Really in play? "I've been looking at this since about 1986," says Ray. "The reality is that this could come together in seconds. But it hasn't happened for years." But the state really, really needs money now, and pension reform has happened, which was one of Gov. Pat Quinn's per-requisites. The playoffs...how far will the Hawks and the Bulls go? Eric says a first round victory only for the Hawks, two rounds for the Bulls. Bill says the Hawks will go deeper, as they play with heart. No one really wants to talk about the Cubs and Sox, as it looks like a long summer.

Nick Gale focuses on the "Escape to the Mecca" program which allows Chicago Public School high school students a chance to visit a university. Some students this week visited Howard University in Washington, D.C. There they met with First Lady Michelle Obama and later toured the campus and learned what University life is like. During their four day visit, students also talked with university students, and sat in on classes. The program's success rate for students to follow through with college is 75 percent and was 100 percent for last year's participants.

Connected to Chicago - 04-12-14 (Part 2) - The roundtable this week includes: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. Host, Bill Cameron has a new idea to fix the pensions, but the panel is skeptical. Rahm's property tax remedy is on the table. Are there really better alternatives? Greg brings the wood to Eric's proposal to consider a city income tax. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius steps down, but is it the right time? The new nominee seems popular enough to secure confirmation, though Lynn predicts that her confirmation hearing will give the Republicans a big chance to re-litigate Obamacare. IRS leader Lois Lerner and the contempt of Congress charge. Eric says the whole thing is nonsense. The state legislature has adjourned for two weeks. When will they vote on the extension of the "temporary" tax? Maybe they can wait until after the election, but Greg doubts they'll wait. The fall ballot will have a number of referendums on the ballot. Is the term-limits question constitutional; and Lynn questions whether any of these reforms will really change anything anyhow.

Ryan Burrow takes us to the Andersonville neighborhood where the Executive Director of the Swedish-American Museum is trying to return the symbolic Swedish flag water tank back to the top of the museum. The water tank was badly damaged during the bitter cold temperatures this winter, and had to be pulled off the building. The neighborhood has become more diverse over the years, and residents want to return the water tower to display the Swedish roots of the neighborhood. The museum is holding several fundraisers to help restore the landmark.

Connected to Chicago - 04-12-14 (Part 2) - The roundtable this week includes: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. Host, Bill Cameron has a new idea to fix the pensions, but the panel is skeptical. Rahm's property tax remedy is on the table. Are there really better alternatives? Greg brings the wood to Eric's proposal to consider a city income tax. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius steps down, but is it the right time? The new nominee seems popular enough to secure confirmation, though Lynn predicts that her confirmation hearing will give the Republicans a big chance to re-litigate Obamacare. IRS leader Lois Lerner and the contempt of Congress charge. Eric says the whole thing is nonsense. The state legislature has adjourned for two weeks. When will they vote on the extension of the "temporary" tax? Maybe they can wait until after the election, but Greg doubts they'll wait. The fall ballot will have a number of referendums on the ballot. Is the term-limits question constitutional; and Lynn questions whether any of these reforms will really change anything anyhow.

Ryan Burrow takes us to the Andersonville neighborhood where the Executive Director of the Swedish-American Museum is trying to return the symbolic Swedish flag water tank back to the top of the museum. The water tank was badly damaged during the bitter cold temperatures this winter, and had to be pulled off the building. The neighborhood has become more diverse over the years, and residents want to return the water tower to display the Swedish roots of the neighborhood. The museum is holding several fundraisers to help restore the landmark.