Episodes
-
This week Bill dug into the ShotSpotter debate in the Chicago City Council. Brandon Johnson has said it's going away after the Democratic National Convention in August but the City Council voted this week to keep it by a 34-14 vote. And Northwestern President Michael Schill got grilled by MAGA Republicans on Capitol Hill over anti-Semitism on college campuses.
The roundtable with Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Dave Stewart talked about the ShotSpotter debate as well as how Northwestern handled the encampment on their campus. Also, Democrats in Springfield are taking it down to the wire with the state budget.
And hear from Brandon Johnson on the potential Memorial Day weekend violence in Chicago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week Bill is joined by Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly. She represents Illinois's 2nd District which includes part of the south side of Chicago, much of the southern suburbs and into Central Illinois along the Indiana border. They discuss gun control, Joe Biden's chances of winning reelection this year and what she is trying to get done for the farmers in her district.
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz, Dave Stewart and Ray Long talked about Brandon Johnson's low approval rating. A judge ruled in favor of keeping so-called "no-knock warrants." Some reporters at the Chicago Tribune are suing saying the company doesn't pay them fairly compared to their white male counterparts. And the roundtable get into a debate about whether pro-Palestinian protestors should talk more to the press.
And finally, hear former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley talk about the importance of trees.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
Missing episodes?
-
This week, Bill talks with Chaz Ebert, the CEO of Ebert Digital which runs RogerEbert.com. Chaz is the wife of the great late movie critic Roger Ebert. She has a new book out now call "It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness." They discuss how the world can be better by following FECK principles and how she relates FECK to Donald Trump. Also, what is the state of the movie industry?
The reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart and Ray Long talk about Brandon Johnson's first year as Chicago Mayor. He officially took office May 15th of last year. What grade would the roundtable give the former teacher turned mayor. He also just went down to Springfield asking for about $1 billion for Chicago Schools, public transportation and the Chicago Bears new stadium. How much will Chicago actually get from the state? And an Illinois judge ruled there was rampant racial discrimination in the water department and the city owes about a dozen former employees a multi-million dollar settlement.
Finally, Hillary Clinton gives some much-needed history lesson on the Middle East and as it relates to Pro-Palestinian protestors on college campuses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week, Bill played testimony from a current US Supreme Court case involving the former mayor of Portage, Indiana, James Snyder. He was convicted of corruption. The Supreme Court could rule in favor of Snyder and that could affect the trial of Mike Madigan, and could affect the convictions of the ComEd 4 and Ed Burke.
This week on the reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart and Ray Long, they discuss Governor Pritzker calling the Chicago Bears' stadium proposal as a "non-starter." Is the new stadium dead? Speaking of the governor, he was not invited to the funeral of slain Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca. Mayor Brandon Johnson was also not invited. Does this show the strain between the CPD and the political leaders in Illinois?
And hear Joe Biden make a speech about all the protests going on, on college campuses including at Northwestern and University of Chicago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week, Bill is joined by Stacy Davis Gates, the President of the Chicago Teachers Union. The CTU contract expires on June 30th, what are she and the teachers asking for in negotiations?
The reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart and Ray Long discussed the Bears proposal for a new domed stadium on the lakefront. Does this have any chance of happening soon? Pro-Palestinian Northwestern students are protesting on campus and the administration is blocking journalists from covering it. And Greg Hinz wrote about potenially abolishing the CTA.
Finally, we'll hear arguments from the US Supreme Court about whether Donald Trump should have immunity from prosecution because he was President.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
Former Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley turns 82 on Wednesday, April 24th. Bill plays audio highlights of Daley's funniest and most memorable moments in office.
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Ray Long and Greg Hinz discussed the police officers that shot and killed Dexter Reed, did they follow correct protocol? There's a SCOTUS case that may be helping out Mike Madigan. Governor Pritzker called out the leadership at the CTA, is President Dorval Carter's job on the line? Protestors stopped traffic to O'Hare this week, are these protests making a difference or just annoying people?
And Walter "Slim" Coleman died this week. He was a longtime community organizer in Chicago who helped Harold Washington get elected to the mayor's office twice. Bill played a part of a speech from a few years ago when he helped asylum seekers to not get deported by then-President Donald Trump.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week Bill is joined by Chicago Tribune reporter Gregory Royal Pratt, whose new book, "The City Is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis", is out now. They discuss Lightfoot's rocky relationship with the media during her one term as Chicago Mayor. Pratt also talks about some of the reasons Lori Lightfoot didn't even make the runoff in the mayoral election in 2023.
The reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz, Dave Stewart, Ray Long and Heather Cherone talked about the release of the police-involved shooting that killed Dexter Reed. Heather talked about her relationship covering former Mayor Lightfoot. Are the Bears going to get any public subsidies for their new stadium? O.J. Simpson died this week, has the media learned anything in the 30 years since the double-murder and trial? And Brandon Johnson wants more money from the city council for the migrant issue.
Finally, hear from the first Mayor Daley, Richard J. Daley, about when the Bears were considering moving out to the suburbs back in the 1970s.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
Illinois' senior Senator Dick Durbin is Bill's guest this week on Take 1. Durbin talks about Donald Trump, what Israel has to change in their war with Hamas and why updating O'Hare Airport is essential. He also discusses the Bears and White Sox potential new stadiums and whether they should be taxpayer-funded, and whether or not he will run for re-election in 2026.
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Ray Long, Dave Stewart and Greg Hinz. They talked about some surprising civility in Chicago politics this past week with Clayton Harris III conceding the race for Cook County State's Attorney to Eileen O'Neill Burke without a recount and Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez not getting censured. Did Mike Madigan catch a break in his corruption trial? Is Bally's Chicago casino in jeopardy of not happening. And former Cook County President Dick Phelan died this past week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week, Bill talks with sports reporter Cheryl Raye-Stout about Chicago's sports teams and why they are so bad right now. Cheryl is a little more optimistic about the Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs. Also, are the taxpayers willing to pay up to help the Bears and White Sox build new stadiums?
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Ray Long and Greg Hinz discussed some of the losses Chicago progressives have faced recently with Clayton Harris III looking like he will lose to Eileen O'Neill Burke and the Bring Chicago Home referendum failing. An overhaul of O'Hare was agreed to all the way back when Rahm Emanuel was mayor, but is that deal in jeopardy? They also discuss whether inflation will be the reason Joe Biden doesn't win reelection against Donald Trump
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
Bill Cameron talks to Mike Quigley, the U.S. representative for Illinois's 5th congressional district. Congressman Quigley updates us on world issues including the wars in Ukraine, and Gaza. While election results from the primaries are not complete, the important contests are reviewed including the failure by Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson to tax property transfers over $1 million to generate funding for homeless assistance.
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Ray Long and Greg Hinz also cover the Illinois election. While totals are not complete, the panel discuss the outcomes in the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum as well the eventual winner of the democratic race for the Cook County State's Attorney slot.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
Last week Bill talked with Clayton Harris III, this week he interviews Harris's opponent for the Democratic nomination for Cook County State's Attorney in the Illinois Primary, Eileen O'Neill Burke. She talks about why she is the best candidate for the position and swats away all of Harris's attacks on her. Eileen O'Neill Burke says she is a change away from Kim Foxx while Harris will be more of the same.
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Ray Long and Greg Hinz (Welcome back!) discuss why Ed Burke is still allowed to keep his law license even after being convicted of corruption. Should taxpayers foot the bill for police misconduct cases? Chicagoans are going to help pay someone tens of millions of dollars. The Bears want to stay on the lakefront in the city, what are the chances they can actually build a new domed stadium there? And Stateville Prison will be closing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week Bill was joined by Clayton Harris III who is a Democrat running for Cook County State's Attorney in the Illinois Primary Election on March 19th. He is taking on Eileen O'Neill Burke, who will be Bill's next week on Take 1. Harris talked why he should be the one to replace Kim Foxx and accused O'Neill Burke of taking money from far right-wing groups.
In the reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart and Ray Long, they discuss the President's State of the Union address. Why is Joe Biden so unpopular? Brandon Johnson has made a new hire to help him with media relations. They also discuss the close race for Cook County State's Attorney.
And finally, hear from Chicago Teachers' Union President Stacy Davis Gates, who talks about what the CTU is all about.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week Bill Cameron talks with former Chicago Mayoral candidate, Chicago Public Schools CEO, and Mayor Daley's Budget Director. Vallas currently serves as an advisor to the Illinois Policy Institute. It's been almost a year since Brandon Johnson defeated sitting Mayor, Lori Lightfoot and run-off candidate Vallas to take the 5th floor Mayor's office... Vallas comments on how he feels Johnson is doing in the position.
The reporter round-table with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, and Ray Long discuss the reluctancy of Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker to use public financing for building new professional sports stadiums. If Donald Trump is allowed on the Illinois primary ballot, will there be a strong sign of support from democratic voters for Trump's competitor, Nikki Haley?
A state judge has pushed the city's appeal of a ruling blocking the "Bring Chicago Home" referendum to a higher court. The referendum that would change the "real estate transfer tax" on home sales more than a million dollars was deemed vague and unconstitutional a week ago by a Cook County judge and would have created a tiered transfer tax on real estate/property sales in Chicago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week Bill Cameron talks with Patrick Wohl, author of the new book Down Ballot: How a Local Campaign Became a National Referendum on Abortion. In the book, Patrick details a 1990, suburban Chicago race for the Republican Party nomination for state representative between Penny Pullen and Rosemary Mulligan which unexpectedly became a national proxy battle over abortion in the United States. www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p087585
The reporter round-table with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Greg Hinz and Ray Long discuss the future of the Chicago Bears and the White Sox as they continue their plans to build new stadiums for their teams to play in. Both teams are looking to the state for funding support to help with the costs of building their new homes. Earlier in the week Governor JB Pritzker announced a new budget proposal with a big amount of new taxes in it... can it pass? The plan includes raising income taxes on Illinois residents.
Bill closes the show by playing a portion of the Governor's new proposal to crackdown on predatory health insurance practices, which was included in his State of the State/Budget Address on Wednesday (02/21/24).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
It was February 18th, 2018, that former President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of convicted former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. So Bill decided to go into his audio archives and play the best quotes from Blago's time as Illinois Governor.
The reporter roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart talked about the sentencing of Mike Madigan's longtime Chief of Staff Tim Mapes. Who knew a politician could go to prison for lying? They also discuss Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and how he is handling the migrant crisis and getting rid of Shotspotter. And will Ford follow through on their promise of investing more money in Ford's Illinois factories?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
You always hear what Illinois Democrats are up to since they run Springfield, so this week on Take 1, you get a chance to listen to the top Republican in the Illinois Senate. Bill Cameron spoke with John Curran, the minority leader in the State Senate. Curran talks the migrant crisis, whether Donald Trump belongs on the ballot in Illinois and what the problems are with the Illinois DCFS and much more.
The reporter roundtable was full this week with Ray Long back. It also included Greg Hinz, Dave Stewart and Heather Cherone. They discussed Joe Biden's memory issues. Public transportation and the RTA are facing a fiscal cliff coming up along with a story from Greg Hinz and someone flashing a knife at him on a CTA platform. And this week was a debate between to the two Democratic candidates for Cook County State's Attorney, Clayton Harris III and Eileen O'Neill Burke, who does the roundtable think won the debate?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week, Bill is joined by Emma Tai from the Bring Chicago Home Campaign. They are aiming to put a referendum on the March Primary Ballot that would increase the real estate transfer tax for properties worth more than $1 million. That money would then go towards helping the homeless in Chicago. It has been called the "mansion tax." Emma talks about the details of the plan and why it is needed in the city.
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz and Dave Stewart talked about the Chicago City Council passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. It was a tie vote amongst the alderpeople and Mayor Brandon Johnson voted yes to break the tie. The roundtable was recorded on Thursday while employees of the Chicago Tribune were on strike which was why roundtable regular, Ray Long, was not a part of the roundtable this week. The rest of the reporters commented on the strike and state of journalism in Chicago and the rest of the country. And Donald Trump was kept on the primary ballot in Illinois.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
Saturday, January 27 is Holocaust Remembrance Day and this week Bill plays some archival audio from the late Fritzie Fritzshall, a Holocaust survivor from Skokie, Illinois. Also hear from the US Holocaust Museum Director and another story of a Holocaust survivor.
In the reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone, Ray Long and Dave Stewart, they discuss the Chicago City Council arguing about whether or not to demand a ceasefire in Gaza even though they have no power to actually force one. Chicago's temporary casino is not making nearly the money, Bally's or the city thought the casino would make. The US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellin was in Chicago this week talking about lowering inflation, is the economy helping or hurting President Biden's chance at reelection? And why does Chicago fire the most corrupt police officers?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week, Bill is joined by the Better Government Association President and CEO David Greising. Now that Ed Burke and the "ComEd 4" have been convicted of corruption, will politicians stop stealing? Well, probably not according to David Greising. The White Sox are reportedly considering building a new stadium in the South Loop and may want government subsidies to fund it. Is public funding for sports stadiums good government? And what does David think of the job that Mayor Brandon Johnson is doing?
The reporter roundtable with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz, Dave Stewart and Ray Long talked about the chances of the White Sox building a new stadium. In a sports-themed roundtable, is it possible the Bears could build a domed stadium right next to Soldier Field? Bulls fans booed Jerry Krause and made his widow cry. And the roundtable discusses the real estate transfer tax.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
This week Bill is joined by McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally. He is also the new president of the Illinois States Attorney’s Association. Kenneally talked about how the SAFE-T Act has negatively effected McHenry County. Also, is legal marijuana a good idea? He talks a bit about the presidential election and other issues in Illinois.
The reporter round-table with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Greg Hinz and Ray Long talks about the Iowa Caucuses as we'll finally actually start seeing some election results next week. They discussed the Cook County State's Attorney's race where it's Clayton Harris III versus Eileen O'Neill Burke in the Democratic Primary. Will Chicago's "mansion tax" actually make it to the ballot? And should taxpayers pay for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions? The Democratic National Convention is in Chicago this summer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Show more