Author Dennis Breo joins Karen Conti to talk about the 60th anniversary of the Richard Speck murders in Chicago, where eight student nurses were killed. Dennis discusses Speck’s family upbringing and relationships, his complicated personality, the crime scene, how one victim, Corazon Amurao, survived, Speck’s defense at trial, how he spent his time in prison, and his jailhouse confession.

To dive deeper into the case and Speck, check out Dennis’ book, ‘The Crime of the Century: Richard Speck and the Murders That Shocked a Nation’.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart joins Karen Conti to discuss the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative and how it has helped drastically reduce gun violence since the 2022 Highland Park parade shooting. Eric also talks about Firearm Restraining Orders, what he has done to solve domestic violence issues in Lake County, and law enforcement’s close connection with the community.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs joins Karen Conti to discuss the role of Illinois’ Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program and its impact on people with disabilities. Michael also talks about Illinois’ state-facilitated retirement savings program, the importance of college savings accounts, Operation Purple Heart, and accessing unclaimed funds.

Charles Bosworth, author of ‘Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey?’, joins Karen Conti to talk about the JonBenet Ramsey murder that took place nearly thirty years ago. Charles discusses whether JonBenet’s father, John, was involved in the case, the family’s behavior after her death, who may have sexually abused JonBenet, the questionable ransom note left in the home, why an outside-intruder theory doesn’t seem to work in this case, why her brother, Burke, is not a viable suspect, how bad the crime scene was compromised, and what can be done to find the killer.

Carolyn Shapiro, a constitutional law professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, joins Karen Conti to talk about this week’s Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship and mail-in voting. Carolyn explains birthright citizenship, the arguments made by President Trump’s administration in support of the executive order to end it, and what would need to happen to get rid of it. Then, she discusses states being allowed to count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. She also comments on why some people have lost confidence in the Supreme Court.

Lester Munson, a retired lawyer and Sports Illustrated and ESPN author, joins Karen Conti to talk about the latest NBA betting scandal involving former player Malik Beasley. Lester comments on how much blame we should direct toward athletes for placing bets, the consequences of sports betting for athletes, and how to prevent athletes from taking part in it.

Lester also discusses the Supreme Court’s ruling on transgender athletes and why it upheld state bans on transgender girls and women participating in girls’ and women’s sports.

David Widner, nephew of John and Clarence Anglin, who escaped from Alcatraz along with Frank Morris, joins Karen Conti to talk about their famous escape, which occurred 64 years ago this month. David discusses why his uncles were imprisoned, the plan to flee the island, the possibility of making it to shore, reports of a stolen car by three individuals on the night of the escape, how the case has impacted his life, law enforcement searching for the escapees, and what he thinks actually happened to his uncles.

To learn more about the 1962 escape and to hear first-person accounts, check out David’s book, ‘Escaping Alcatraz: The Untold Story of the Greatest Prison Break in American History‘.

Joe Feldman, Founder and President of Cover My Mental Health, joins Karen Conti to talk about how you can get your mental health care covered by insurance. Joe discusses what people should do if they struggle to access a clinician, when insurers tend to deny coverage, the importance of documenting calls and other key information when trying to secure coverage, and advice for choosing a good insurance company.

Joe also previews an event this Wednesday at the First Congregational Church of Wilmette where he will highlight the resources that Cover My Mental Health offers, as well as skills and strategies for helping people who struggle with mental health issues.

Noah Bazis, Illinois Legislative Strategist with the Institute for Justice, joins Karen Conti to talk about a new law loosening licensing rules for cosmetologists. Noah discusses the requirements for licensure, the cost of cosmetology school, whether cosmetologists even need licenses, how the new law changes the current one, and more.

Dr. Alan Childs, Licensed Clinical Psychologist joins Karen Conti on Father’s Day to talk about how separation and divorce impact children and what parents can do to protect their emotional well-being. Dr. Childs covers how parental alienation can lead to long-term relationship issues and offers guidance on co-parenting and when children may need therapy. If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can reach out to Dr. Childs by calling 708-430-5993 or by e-mailing him at [email protected]