Take 1 with Bill Cameron (06-12-2022) - Robert Pape, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and Director of The Chicago Project on Security & Threats.  The Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago Business), Heather Cherone (WTTW) and guest panelist, John Byrne (Chicago Tribune) discuss the week in politics including Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot's announcement of her decision to run for a second term and the latest poll showing Darren Bailey leading Richard Irvin in the GOP primary race for Governor.

As yet another Illinois politician gets sentenced to prison for corruption, Bill Cameron once again asks the question, "Why do they just keep stealing?" With the reversal of Roe V. Wade on June 24th, the Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Ray Long consider the fallout across Illinois and Chicago.  The panelists also discuss the announcement by Chicago billionaire, Ken Griffin that he was moving his  global investment firm out of Chicago for Miami because of the high crime problems and a declining tax base. Closing out the show this week, we hear highlights from former Vice President Mike Pence's speech on June 20th at the University Club of Chicago.  Pence outlines his "Freedom Agenda" solutions and sounding very much like a candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by former Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez. He talked about what he's doing to help immigrants and his reaction to the primaries and the recent Supreme Court decisions. You'll hear the Reporter Roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and Heather Cherone as they give their reactions to the Illinois Primary Election. And an angry Lori Lightfoot reacted to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Arne Duncan. He talks about his program call Chicago CRED helping black men who are most at-risk for being the perpetrator or victim of gun violence. They also get into problems nationally and the Chicago mayoral race. You'll hear the Reporter Roundtable with Greg Hinz and Heather Cherone as they give their reactions to the July 4th Highland Park mass shooting. Also, Father Pfleger gave his thoughts on the new bipartisan gun bill signed. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas. He talks about why he should replace Lori Lightfoot as Chicago's mayor. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Ray Long. Also, Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton discusses Illinois being an abortion haven after Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Pat Brady. He talks about the current state of politics in Illinois and nationally including the race for governor. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Ray Long. Also, a couple of Illinois politicians made big points on Capitol Hill this week. Arlington Heights Mayor Nancy Rotering talked about gun violence after the mass shooting on July 4th in her village. And Rep. Adam Kinzinger made closing remarks about Donald Trump in the January 6th hearings. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Dr. Lori Ann Post of Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. She is an expert on mass shootings and she talked about what similarities mass shooters have and how to stop mass shootings. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Ray Long. Also, Lori Lightfoot signed an executive order to protect those seeking abortions in Chicago.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Father Michael Pfleger. Father Mike talked about the seemingly escalating violence and the reasons for it in Chicago. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz and Ray Long. Also, Governor Pritzker responded to the claims that bail reform is adding to the violent crime problem. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron. This week was the anniversary of the death of former Chicago Congressman Dan Rostenkowski and Bill reminisced about his time as a politician in the "Chicago Machine" You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Heather Cherone. And historian David McCullough died this past week. Bill played a little uplifting snippet from him. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by longtime Senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin. He about the midterm election, the Inflation Reduction Act and the major step he would take to ban assault weapons. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Ray Long, Heather Cherone and guest-panelist Dave Stewart. And Liz Cheney responded to losing her primary in Wyoming by channeling Abe Lincoln.  Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Jennifer Welch, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. She talks about the efforts to keep Illinois a safe haven for abortion. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Ray Long, Heather Cherone and guest-panelist Jim Strong. And Mayor Lightfoot defends Chicago again from Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Alderman and Chicago Mayoral Candidate Raymond Lopez. He talked about what is lacking in the mayor's office now and what he would do as Chicago's mayor. You'll hear the Reporter Round Table with Ray Long, Heather Cherone and Greg Hinz. And CPD Superintendent David Brown talks about what Chicago Police is doing to stop drag racing takeovers which has been happening throughout the city. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Take 1 with Bill Cameron (09-11-2022) - Ray Long, Author of the new book, The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois’ Velvet Hammer - which details the rise and demise of the once-powerful Democratic powerhouse Michael Madigan. The 'Reporter Round Table' with Ray Long, Heather Cherone and Greg Hinz discuss: New details from the Chicago Bears about their proposed move to the former Arlington Park site.  The murder of a Las Vegas reporter and charges against the elected official accused of killing him. Lessons learned during the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth.   Plus, Mayor Lightfoot's comments denouncing Texas Governor, Greg Abbott for sending busloads of migrants to Chicago.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley. He talks about the migrants coming to Chicago from Texas and the war in Ukraine among other topics. You'll hear the roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and Heather Cherone. And Governor Pritzker sounds off on Governor Abbott. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by Kathy Salvi. Kathy is the Republican challenger to Tammy Duckworth for Senate. Her husband Al ran for Senate and lost against Dick Durbin in 1996 and she hopes her run for Senate ends differently. You'll hear the roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and guest-panelist Dave Stewart. And as another Chicago politician is charged with corruption, State Senator Emil Jones III, Bill goes back in the archive with Chicago lawyer Michael Shakman. He talked about the pitfalls of political patronage.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he's joined by the recently-retired, longtime political science professor at University of Illinois-Chicago, Dick Simpson. He is the author of the newly published book "Democracy's Rebirth: The View from Chicago".  You'll hear the roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and Heather Cherone. And Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch defended the Safe-T Act which is being attacked by many Republicans. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he plays the best (or worst) and most golden clips former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. He was elected as governor 20 years ago in November. You'll hear the roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and Heather Cherone as they discuss Thursday's Governor Debate. And hear J.B. Pritzker and Darren Bailey without the name calling explain why each should be Governor of Illinois. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow who says the new SAFE-T Act is unconstitutional. Glasgow explains how and why the whole bill is bad for Illinois. You'll hear the roundtable with Ray Long, Heather Cherone and Greg Hinz. Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has a new scandal this time involving AT&T. Also, some legislators are being accused of bullying. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with political satirist Andy Borowitz who is the author of the New York Times Bestseller "Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber". Andy will have a show in Chicago at the Studebaker Theater on Election Day Eve (Monday, November 7th). He talked about the three levels of political ignorance. You'll hear the roundtable with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and Heather Cherone. They recapped the last governor's debate and Paul Vallas becoming a bigger player in the Chicago Mayoral Race. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with Kam Buckner of the Illinois House of Representatives and Chicago Mayoral candidate. He was a big player in the SAFE-T Act and gives his credentials for taking over the office on the fifth floor of City Hall.  You'll hear the roundtable with Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Heather Cherone. They talk about Nancy Pelosi's husband being attacked in their home and Mayor Lightfoot potentially giving herself a raise. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with David Greising, the President and CEO of the Better Government Association. He talked about what needs to improve in Illinois in government especially with DCFS and DHS. You'll hear the reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Ray Long. They discuss some of the potential surprises on Election Day and why are people still donating to Mike Madigan. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with Jim Durkin, who is stepping down as the Illinois House Republican Leader. Durkin talks about why he made his decision and what he thinks the reasons are for Republicans taking a pounding in Illinois in the election. You'll hear the reporter roundtable with Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago), Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) and Heather Cherone (WTTW). They talk about Chuy Garcia entering the Chicago Mayoral Race and recap the biggest surprises from the election. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with retiring Secretary of State Jesse White. Secretary White reflected on his career getting rid of corruption in his office, what to do about driving under the influence of marijuana and his Chicago Cubs career. You'll hear the roundtable with Heather Cherone (WTTW), Greg Hinz (Crains Chicago) and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune). They discuss how the House majority moving to the Republicans and Nancy Pelosi stepping down as head of the Democrats in the House will effect Illinois.  Also, will Pat Quinn's announcement that he is not running for Chicago Mayor help or hurt any of the current candidates? Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 8pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he remembers Harold Washington, the first African American mayor of Chicago. Harold Washington died at his desk in the mayor's office on the day before Thanksgiving in 1987. Bill played some of the best of Harold Washington. Then hear the roundtable with Ray Long (Chicago Tribune), Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago) and Heather Cherone (WTTW). What's the deal with Mayor Lightfoot not filing for mayor yet? Is that a good move for her? Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron as he talks with candidate for Mayor of Chicago, Willie Wilson.  In this interview recorded on Monday, November 28th, Wilson gives his perspective on why he wants to replace current mayor, Lori Lightfoot whom he endorsed in the previous election.  Wilson also explains his platform issues including his suggestion for bringing a second NFL team to the city if the Bears do leave for Arlington Heights. The reporter round-table with Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago), Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) and Heather Cherone (WTTW) discuss the amended changes made to the SAFE-T Act made by the Illinois legislature.  Illinois still owes $1.36 billion on unemployment insurance loan balance and will replenish the fund for future needs.  The bipartisan move by the General Assembly will contribute more than $1.8 billion in state funds to the unemployment insurance trust fund. This past Monday (11/28/22) was the deadline to file petition signatures for candidates running for mayor of Chicago, and December 5th is the deadline for those signatures to be challenged.  The panel consider which candidates might face a legitimate challenge to their petitions and note the one missing veteran who did not file this time around. Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.- Podcast available now!

Roderick Sawyer, the 6th ward Alderman in Chicago and son of former mayor Eugene Sawyer joins Bill Cameron this week.  Alderman Sawyer is one of the many challenging Lori Lightfoot for mayor in the February 28th city election.  Sawyer tells Bill of a recent "adult health crisis" which put him at a severe disadvantage in collecting signatures to get on the ballot for Mayor of Chicago. The reporter round-table with Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago), Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) and Heather Cherone (WTTW) discuss the changes made to plans for a Chicago casino and consider the possible fallout of having the facility located in an already crowded downtown area.  This past Monday (12/05/22) was the deadline to file challenges against petition signatures for candidates running for mayor of Chicago.  The panel discusses the challenges made and which candidates could come up short.  Plus, there are allegations of a bribe to a member of one mayoral candidate's staff to convince his candidate to drop out from the race.  There is talk in Springfield about the possibility of an abortion rights amendment to the Illinois constitution.  What is spurring this discussion and why an amendment might be proposed for the 2024 election. Listen live Sunday at 4pm on WLS-AM 890.- Podcast available now!

In what has become an annual tradition at WLS, Bill Cameron plays audio collected from his years covering Mayor Richard J. Daley. December 20th will mark 46 years since the former mayor's death. The reporter round-table with Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago), Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) and Heather Cherone (WTTW) discuss the increased fines for automobile drivers who illegally use bicycle lanes for such things as driving and parking.  Plus, Mayor Lightfoot had two major achievements this past week as the city council has approved Chicago's first casino and the extension of the CTA redline from 95th street to 130th street.

Brandon Johnson is a Democratic member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and is one of nine candidates running for Mayor of Chicago in the February 28th election.  Johnson explains why he is the best choice for mayor and addresses what he would do to improve the city.  In addition to violent crime and pending changes to cash bail from the 'SAFE-T Act', Johnson would have to work with the transition to an elected Chicago Public School Board which would eventually take control of the CPS away from the mayor's office. The reporter round-table with Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Dave Stewart discuss the activity in the Chicago mayoral race including a new television commercial from the Lightfoot Campaign and some surprising results in a recent voter opinion poll showing Mayor Lightfoot coming in at third place behind Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and former Chicago Public Schools' CEO Paul Vallas.  

Incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot talks with Bill about the recent student recruitment scandal created by one of her campaign workers and what repercussions might happen in the aftermath.  Is it just clumsy staff work, and did it actually happen once before?  Lightfoot addresses crime and her quest for a "Lasting Peace" in the city.  The mayor comments about the recent voter survey which ranked her in 4th place, behind challengers Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Brandon Johnson, and Paul Vallas.  Lightfoot also addresses the upcoming changes to the makeup of the CPS school board and the recent announcement of a re-imagined Soldier Field and adjacent museum campus which the mayor hopes will keep the Chicago Bears in the city. The reporter round-table with Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Dave Stewart discuss response by Lori Lightfoot to actions of a campaign worker who sent e-mail requests to CPS teachers to encourage recruitment of students to help the Lightfoot campaign in the upcoming election.  The panel also reacts to the new Illinois assault weapon ban, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire devices.

This week, Bill Cameron talks with Alderman Sophia King who currently serves Chicago's 4th ward covering portions of Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, and South Loop.  King explains why she is the best choice for mayor and addresses what she would do to improve the city.  King outlines her plan to change shifts/schedules of Chicago police officers to provide more coverage using the officers currently deployed within the city.  The reporter round-table with Fran Spielman, Greg Hinz, and Dave Stewart discuss the activity in the Chicago mayoral race following the first all-candidate debate held on January 19th.  The panel highlight who performed well, who didn't, and which candidates might not make it to next month's election.  Bill also asks about Mayor Lightfoot's "Big Brother" proposal of installing electronic surveillance cameras on city vehicles to document violations of bus & bike lanes and loading & no parking zones to ticket those vehicular violations. Listen to 'Take 1' Sunday afternoons at 4pm on WLS-AM 890 and WLSAM.COM

This week, Bill Cameron talks with State Rep. Bob Morgan, of the 58th District in the Illinois House of Representatives.  He was the original sponsor of the bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazine sales in Illinois.  His district includes the city of Highland Park where a mass shooting killed seven people and wounded dozens more during a parade on July 4th, 2022. The reporter round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, and Dave Stewart discuss the latest activity in the Chicago mayoral race including a possible connection between candidate Chuy Garcia and indicted former House Speaker Mike Madigan in the ongoing federal ComEd conspiracy investigation.  Plus, further developments in the Lori Lightfoot scandal involving the recruitment of Chicago Public Schools students and there could be a state subsidy for stadium development to help secure the move of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights. Listen to 'Take 1' Sunday afternoons at 4pm on WLS-AM 890 and on demand at WLSAM.COM

This week, Bill Cameron talks with Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, who is seen as one of the favorites to advance to a run-off and just received an endorsement from the Chicago Tribune. He explains what he would do with property taxes and how to curb Chicago violence. That includes how to retain and hire more police officers.  The reporter round-table with Greg Hinz, Ray Long, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart discuss the Chicago Mayoral Race and some of Mayor Lightfoot's biggest allies endorsing other candidates. Also, what will be the fate of Illinois' assault weapons ban with all the temporary restraining orders from downstate judges? This week's Take 1 will air at noon on Saturday because of the NASCAR race on Sunday. Podcast is available at WLSAM.com

This week, Bill Cameron talks with Chicago mayoral candidate Ja'Mal Green. He explains what he would do to improve the city, including getting rid of ComEd. Green talked about why he is the best candidate for mayor over the other 8 hopefuls. The reporter round-table with Ray Long, Heather Cherone and Greg Hinz discuss the number of stories that are bad news for Paul Vallas, who is one of the front-runners to get to a run-off for Chicago Mayor. They also reminisce about the passing of Laurence Msall.  Listen to 'Take 1' Sunday afternoons at 4pm on WLS-AM 890 and on demand at WLSAM.COM

This week, Bill talks with David Greising, President and CEO of the Better Government Association. He discussed what needs to change with the mayor's office with the next term. This includes what can be done about the open positions in the Chicago Police Department, the city's finances and the state's attorney. The roundtable with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz and Dave Stewart talked about the Chicago mayoral candidates going after Brandon Johnson this week. Is it because Paul Vallas is considered the front-runner to reach a run-off and other candidates are going after 2nd place? And will it be a big blemish on the record of Lori Lightfoot if she's the mayor that loses the Bears to the suburbs? This week's Take 1 will air at noon on Saturday because of the NASCAR race on Sunday. Podcast is available at WLSAM.com

Tuesday is Election Day in Chicago and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot joins Bill Cameron this week to state her last minute case to remain mayor. She talks why she's a better candidate than Paul Vallas, Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and Brandon Johnson. Lightfoot also discussed growing up near East Palastine, OH and what can be done about high property taxes. Also, if the Bears leave Chicago, will that tarnish her legacy? The reporter round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart talked about the mayor's race. Who's going to make the run-off? What other races are they looking forward to seeing? Also, the "People Who Play by the Rules PAC" may be in some trouble. Then you'll hear from Chuy Garcia on what kind of government he wants to be running. Listen to 'Take 1' Sunday afternoons at 4pm on WLS-AM 890 and on demand at WLSAM.COM

This week, Bill Cameron talks with Cheryl Raye-Stout on why the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Fire & even the Sky lately are all lousy in this supposedly world class city.  Cheryl Raye-Stout has been covering Chicago's sports teams on various radio stations since 1979. The reporter round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart talked about the results in the Chicago mayoral race. Who's going to gain endorsements from the defeated candidates? What will Lori Lightfoot do next?  Lawyers for Michael Madigan attorneys seek to toss out recordings and dismiss parts of the March 2022 indictment, which includes alleged bribery involving ComEd.  

This week, Bill talks with Kirk Dillard, Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority, and former Republican candidate for governor. He talks what needs to be improved with the CTA and Metra in the area. Dillard also discusses what needs to change with the Republican Party in the State of Illinois. The reporter round-table with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart and Ray Long talked the Chicago Mayoral Run-off. Both Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson picking up key endorsements. Who will Lightfoot supporters throw their votes to? And will the new Chicago City Council act more independently from the new Chicago Mayor? This week's Take 1 broadcast airs at 10 PM Sunday because of a NASCAR race in the afternoon. 

With crime being the top issue for the upcoming run-off election for mayor of Chicago, Bill Cameron highlights portions of the Public Safety Mayoral Forum held earlier this week where candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson took on the issues as presented by Laura Washington & Eric Zorn. The reporter round-table with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart and Ray Long reviewed another week of campaigning in the Chicago Mayoral run-off.  Both Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson picking up more key endorsements.  Also, this week we heard the first FBI recordings of Mike Madigan which were played in court as part of the ComEd racketeering trial which began with opening statements on Wednesday, March 15th.  One secretly recorded phone conversation between long-time ComEd lobbyist, Michael McClain and former House Speaker, Mike Madigan about how to remove then Deputy Majority Leader, Lou Lang from office.

This week, Bill talks with Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Mayoral Candidate Brandon Johnson. New polls show he is neck and neck with Paul Vallas and he talked about the big issues in the run-off election. That includes crime and who should be the new CPD Superintendent. Johnson also talks taxes and if he would be impartial when negotiating with the CTU. The round table with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz and Ray Long discussed the mayor's race. Does Brandon Johnson have a chance to catch Paul Vallas? Arne Duncan announced his endorsement of Vallas. The ComEd trial continues with Mike Madigan expert, Ray Long. And why does the Secretary of State need an extra $200 million?

Following up on last week's interview with mayoral candidate, Brandon Johnson, Bill Cameron highlights portions of competitor Paul Vallas's speech to the City Club of Chicago on March 28th. The round table with Heather Cherone, Dave Stewart, Greg Hinz and Ray Long discussed the latest from the runoff candidates in Chicago's race for mayor.  Also covered are the further developments in the ComEd/Mike Madigan trial.  Plus, both of Chicago's major league baseball teams were undefeated in each of their opening day games this season.  Bill surveys the panelists to see how they feel Chicago's two teams will do this year. 

This week, Bill talks with the former City of Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson. He talked about what Brandon Johnson has ahead of him as the new Mayor of Chicago. The round-table with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Dave Stewart discussed why Brandon Johnson was elected as the new mayor and why Paul Vallas lost. Is Johnson prepared to take over City Hall?  And Ray Long updates what's going on in the "ComEd 4" trial.

Bill Cameron plays highlights of Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker's forum with students at Harvard University held earlier this week.   Governor Pritzker discussed his role as a "pragmatic progressive" Democrat and addressed questions about gun safety laws, the influence of big money on politics, and his thoughts about the future of Chicago under future Mayor, Brandon Johnson. The roundtable with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Dave Stewart discussed the announcement earlier in the week that Chicago was selected to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.  More information comes out in the 'Mike Madigan/ComEd Four' trial and there is still a problem with unfunded pensions in Illinois.  Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business describes how a new 'fix' proposed by state Sen. Rob Martwick could help reduce the defect but might cost state taxpayers "billions".

Former Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley turns 81 on April 24th. Bill plays audio highlights of Daley's most memorable moments in office. The round table with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz, Ray Long and Dave Stewart addresses several issues occurring this week including reaction from Chicago police officials called "active incidents and large gatherings" which occurred last Saturday night (04/15/23).  Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Mayor-Elect, Brandon Johnson responded to the incident in written statements.  Also, alderman Ed Burke said farewell after 54 years as an alderman.  Bill points out that in his address to the city council, Burke apologized for what some might interpret as disappointing the city during his decades-long service to Chicago's 14th ward.  Ray Long reviews the evidence and testimony from the 'ComEd Four' bribery trial as things wrap up with closing arguments scheduled for Monday (04/24/23).

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx announced her decision to not run for another term this week at the City Club of Chicago. Bill played a chunk of her comments talking about what she accomplished as state's attorney and why she never wants to hear the name, Jussie Smollett, ever again. At the round table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart, they discussed Kim Foxx and who might replace her. They also talked about Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson's staff. And why do the media still trust polls so much? Listen to 'Take 1' Sunday afternoons at 4pm on WLS-AM 890 and on demand at WLSAM.COM

This week, Bill talks with Chicago Tribune reporter Joe Mahr. He along with Megan Crepeau wrote a story about all the delays in the criminal justice system in Chicago. Why do these delays happen, how do they effect the people stuck in the system and what's being done to fix it? The round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart talked about the guilty verdict in the "ComEd 4" trial. Ray Long, who literally wrote the book on Michael Madigan, and the rest of the round-table talked about what it means for the former Illinois House Speaker. Also, how will the Cook County Assessor's office redetermination of the former Arlington Park Racecourse effect the Bears move?

This week, Bill talks with 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins. He represents much of the north side near downtown and parts of downtown. Hopkins discussed what his hopes and fears are for the Brandon Johnson Administration. Johnson will be inaugurated on Monday. Hopkins accepted a position offered by Johnson to be the new chairman of the Public Safety Committee even though Hopkins supported Paul Vallas in the election. The round-table with Heather Cherone, Greg Hinz and Ray Long talked about the legacy of Lori Lightfoot and what they expect from Brandon Johnson when he takes office. They discussed Donald Trump's townhall on CNN and the death of Newton Minow. And finally, Bill played a part of one of Lori Lightfoot's final speeches as Chicago Mayor from earlier this week.

This week, Bill Cameron is joined by former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who is calling on Gov. JB Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, and House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch to hold a special session to address corruption in Illinois government and its operation. Can that actually be accomplished?  Quinn thinks the time to ask is now.  Quinn also has an opinion on the recent request by the Chicago Bears to get freeze on tax assessments of their new stadium property in Arlington Heights. The reporter round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz and Dave Stewart discuss the suggested tax plan for new Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson to impose which carries a $12 billion price tag.  Some of the shocking revenue generating proposals include a wealth tax on affluent residents, an increased income tax on some higher income city residents as well as a 'head tax' for some companies on each of their employees.  The round table also reflects on the passing of former Chicago Tribune owner, Sam Zell who died on May 18th.  Zell left his mark on the company during his tenure and the panel members have some personal insight into the Zell era and how his management decisions impacted the future of the company.

This week, Bill talks with Pat Brady, former chair of the Illinois Republican Party to get his views on the upcoming Presidential campaign and those considering a race against Joe Biden.  The GOP wants to keep control in congress and gain control of the Senate, and their nominee could have a significant impact on other races across the country.  Brady also discusses the necessary changes the Illinois Republican Party would need to make to better position themselves for the 2024 elections.  Two key issues are gun control laws and women's health rights.  Brady also rates the Illinois Republicans on several issues including candidate recruitment and their ability to motivate moderate voters to vote for the GOP candidates.  The round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart talked about the first city council meeting for Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson.  His first test happens this weekend as what is traditionally a violent holiday weekend in the city. Can he come through on his promise to the city to re-envision public safety.  The panel also discuss the shocking report by Illinois Attorney General, Kwame Raoul which showcased a larger than disclosed number of cleric sex abuse accusations and occurrences in Illinois catholic churches.  We also get their thoughts on the technical trainwreck that occurred as Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis tried to make his presidential campaign announcement using Elon Musk's Twitter platform.

Bill Cameron talks to Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to get the organizations viewpoint on several challenges Chicago area businesses are dealing with in the post-pandemic. Starting with Chicago's new mayor, Brandon Johnson, and his new perspective on dealing with crime, mental health assistance, job placement and overall public safety. The round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, and Heather Cherone highlight the recently completed session of the state legislature in Springfield.  The panel also review the first test of Chicago's new mayor in handing the Memorial Day Weekend violence problems.  The city council approved spending $51 Million for one month of assistance to migrants who have come to the city.  The panel also reflect on the accomplishments of Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce who died at the age of 57.

This week, Bill talks with David Kolata, the Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB). Kolata talked about the recent hikes in utilities in Illinois including People's Gas and if they should be such expensive hikes.  This week's round-table with Ray Long, Greg Hinz, Heather Cherone and Dave Stewart. They discussed the trial of connected businessman James Weiss, why do Illinois politicians keep stealing? They talk about the federal indictment of former President Trump. Are the Bears serious about building a new stadium in Naperville?