Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Join WLS-AM 890 for Take 1 with Bill Cameron you'll hear from former President Obama, our Reporter Round Table, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Podcast available now! Listen live Sunday at 5pm on WLS-AM 890 Take 1 with Bill Cameron on WLS-AM 890

Join Bill Cameron back to WLS and check out “Take 1 with Bill Cameron” Bill goes in-depth with Senator Dick Durbin on this week's debut episode. Take 1 with Bill Cameron on WLS-AM 890

Breaking down the Jussie Smollett sentencing with former federal prosecutor Pat Brady, and our Kim Gordon looks at Mayor Lightfoot's effort to help families in need. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan indicted this week on racketeering charges. We talk about all aspects of that this week on Connected to Chicago with special guest: Rod Blagojevich. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

News Director Nick Gale talks with Chief Medical Officer at Chicago Department of Public Health Dr. Jennifer Seo about indoor mask mandates ending on February 28th, and our WLS roundtable. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

News Director Nick Gale talks mask mandates with Alderman Ray Lopez, Mallory Vor Broker with the WLS Round Table, and Lauren Cohn talks to Dr. Suzet McKinney, Director for Sterling Bay's Life Sciences Division. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

We take a look at the legal questions arising from the Governor's decision to lift the statewide mask mandates with university of Illinois law professor Margareth Etienne, and the reporter roundtable on Connected to Chicago.

Breaking down the governor's budget with Senator Sue Rezin, and our reporter roundtable on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Pastor Cornelius Parks from Good Hope Freewill Baptist Church joins Lauren Cohn to talk homelessness issues, and what Pastor Parks's church is doing to help. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Mayor Lori Lightfoot looks to get tough on crime, and our reporter round table all on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890. Podcast available now! Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie joins Connected to Chicago. Hear his plan to empower voters, and our reporter round table with WLS Newsman Nick Gale. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin joins this week's episode of Connected to Chicago. Listen Sunday at noon and download the podcast available now. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

CPS students appear to be fed up! Join Nick as he welcomes Nancy Griffin from the Chicago Parents Collective on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

A new year brings new COVID restrictions in Chicago and Cook County... Nick Gale talks to Alderman Tom Tunney, owner of the Ann Sather restaurants for his perspective as a restaurant operator and alderman. The alderman is also leading the way for the memorial AIDS Garden Chicago, to be built along the Chicago lakefront at Belmont Avenue. Nick Gale reviews some important local news stories from 2021 and remembers WLS host, Rush Limbaugh who passed away in February. Lauren Cohn talks to Dr. Mary Hayden about COVID testing and how the pandemic is progressing as we enter 2021.

Connected To Chicago (12/16/2021) - Nick Gale gets an update on seasonal efforts by the Salvation Army from Xavier Montenegro, Divisional Secretary for Program at The Salvation Army. Kim Gordon has news about new scholarships and assistance for first-generation and low-income students in the city of Chicago. Jeffery Beckham Jr. the CEO of Chicago Scholars, talks about they are helping more than 5,000 students to reach their dreams of getting a college education.

Connected To Chicago (12/19/21) - Wrap-up of the week in politics and news across the city and state. Lynn Sweet (Chicago Sun-Times), Heather Cherone (Chicago Tonight/WTTW-TV), Greg Hinz (Crain's Chicago), & Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) are on the reporter roundtable on this week. Topics include announced and rumored candidates looking to unseat Governor J. B. Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot's campaign against sugary drinks sold in restaurant "kids meals". Lauren Kohn talks to Rob Karr, President & CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association about the seemingly increasing and unending retail thefts happening in the city of Chicago. He gives the business owner's perspective of the situation and responds to Mayor Lightfoot's statement that the retailers aren't doing enough to defend against the thefts.

This week on Connected to Chicago, Nick Gale talks to Alderman Raymond Lopez (15th Ward), about crime and some recent developments in the Chicago city council. A large disturbance in the central business district last week has raised concerns for additional events involving youth groups committing thefts and violent attacks, and Ald. Lopez says it "is going to be a heavy lift to break that mentality that you can get away with literally anything in the city of Chicago." Lopez says Mayor Lightfoot's policy seems to be one that puts the responsibility to prevent these crimes on the shop owners. Lopez thinks parents are the key to making sure kids are raised with values and community responsibility. Ray Long (Chicago Tribune), Lynn Sweet (Chicago Sun-Times), Heather Cherone (Chicago Tonight/WTTW-TV) are on the reporter round table on this week. Kim Gordon gets details about new funds being made available to low-income families to make sure they can stay warm this winter. ​Sylvia I. Garcia is the Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and says there is still nearly $250 Million available to help Illinois families in need. Additionally, Illinois just announced the availability of $42 million in water assistance for low-income families. Residents in need of financial support from these programs can visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com

State Representative Dan Brady throws his hat into the ring for Secretary of State's office, and our Reporter Round Table with Nick Gale on Connected to Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Congressman Mike Quigley joins Connected to Chicago to talk infrastructure, and our reporter round table on this week's episode on Connected to Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

The president overseeing the first veterans day in over twenty years without a massive troop presence in Afghanistan, and our reporter round table on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890 Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Elementary school students eligible for the jab and talking covid-19 with Illinois top doctor Dr. Ngozi Ezike on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

The battle over the vaccine mandate continues, and we welcome University of Illinois college Law Professor Matthew W. Finken on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890 Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

The battle over the vaccine mandate continues, and we welcome University of Illinois college Law Professor Matthew W. Finken on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890 Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Nick Gale as he welcomes SIU Professor John Jackson as Democrats role out their congressional remap aiming to take a seat from the republicans, and our reporter round table on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Nick Gale talks with Former Prosecutor Pat Brady as he gives his take on Kim Foxx's actions regarding a no charges filed shooting in Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Nick Gale as he welcomes Alderman Anthony Beale on this week's Connected to Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Nick Gale as he breaks down Mayor Lori Lightfoot's budget address and welcomes in the reporter round table. Podcast available now! Connected to Chicago airs Sunday at noon. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Nick Gale as he welcomes former CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Chicago Public Schools Paul Vallas as they discuss the current obstacles facing Pedro Martinez as he becomes the newest person to lead CPS (Chicago Public Schools). Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Adlai E. Stevenson III passed away at 90. Join Nick Gale, and The Reporter Round Table as they look back at his time in office. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

For over 50 years, Political Reporter Bill Cameron has truly been 'Connected to Chicago'. With his retirement, Bill wraps up 21 years at WLS and 51 years as a Chicago journalist. We will miss his humor, his no nonsense savior faire, and his love of the Chicago White Sox. His voice informed, enlightened and gave the “who, what, where, when, why and how” of Chicago politics. This week, former WLS News Director, John Dempsey takes over the host role and talks with Bill about how some things in city politics have changed... and how some things seem to remain the same.

Join Nick Gale as he welcomes Senior Director of Budget and Tax Research from the Illinois Policy Institute Adam Schuster. We talk State finances, and balanced budgets as Illinois gets a credit rating upgrade for the first time in twenty years. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Bill Cameron this week as he welcomes Senator Dick Durbin to Connected to Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Congressman Dan Rostenkowski is remembered on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Connected To Chicago (08/08/2021) - Nick Gale fills in for the vacationing Bill Cameron. Guest Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Chicago Better Business Bureau highlights some of the latest scams and poor business practices that have increased in recent months. Roundtable panelists Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet from the Chicago Sun-Times discuss the possibility of Kirk Dillard running for Governor and the Obama Center project getting another green light to build. Lauren Cohn talks youth basketball with coach Marpray Monson about his organization, Hoopademix.

Former NRA Lobbyist and current Executive Director of The Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois Todd Vandermyde joins Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890. Podcast available now!

David Kolata, Executive Director of The Citizens Utility Board Joins Connected to Chicago to break down the Energy Bill that's still pending in Springfield, and what it means to you. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Bill Cameron this week as he welcomes Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Podcast available now! Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Alderman Raymond Lopez on Mayor Lightfoot taking issues in the 15th Ward seriously: “Clearly the mayor doesn't care about anything that I have to say for whatever her reasons are” Podcast available now!

Henry Haupt, Press Secretary for The Illinois Secretary of State joins Nick Gale on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago.

This week, Bill Cameron checks in on recent statehouse activity in Springfield with Illinois Senate President, Don Harmon. The Round-Table panel gathers to discuss the mass exodus of journalists from the Chicago Tribune. Lauren Cohn highlights Cloud Kitchens in Chicago and learns about the organization from Deidra Suber, the operations manager. Cloud Kitchens are donating hundreds of meals monthly to the Love Fridge, a community fridge and mutual aid network aimed at combating food insecurity in 18 neighborhoods across Chicago.

Mayor Lightfoot declares racism a threat to public health. Analysis and reaction from Bill Cameron on this week's episode of Connected to Chicago.

Former President Obama makes remarks about his Presidential Center at the Economic Club of Chicago. Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Join Bill Cameron as he welcomes Alisa Kaplan, Executive Director of Reform for Illinois on Connected to Chicago. Download the podcast below... Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM 890

Why do too many politicians just keep stealing when they know the feds are listening? Bill has the answers on this week's Connected to Chicago episode.

Connected To Chicago (05/23/2021) - Jim Durkin is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 82nd District. Jim updates us on Illinois issues from Springfield including redistricting decisions that will not be based on census results. With a change in leadership with state Democrats, how are things shaping up in a "Post Mike Madigan" era. This week's round table segment we are joined by Greg Hinz, Lynn Sweet, Heather Cherone and Ray Long. Topics include: On her second anniversary, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot decides she will only grant interviews to non-white members of the media. Kim Gordon learns from Katie Dana, a researcher at the Illinois Natural History Survey that a summer overrun of cicadas will not be happening in the Chicago area, but other areas of the state might be seeing a larger than normal population of some species typically found in Illinois and the central states.

Former United States Representative Luis Gutierrez joins Connected to Chicago. Download the show now, and tune in Sunday night at 7pm on WLS-AM890!

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth joins Connected to Chicago. Download the podcast now, and listen live this Sunday at 7pm on WLS-AM 890

Senator Dick Durbin joins Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron. Download the show right here, and listen Sunday night at 7pm on WLS-AM 890

Former Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley turns 79 on April 24th. Bill plays back Daley's most memorable moments in office. Download the podcast now, or listen live Sunday night at 7pm on WLS-AM 890

Former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department joins Connected to Chicago! Download the podcast right here, and listen live Sunday night at 7pm on WLS-AM 890

David Greising President of the Better Government Association joins Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron. Download the show, and listen live Sunday night at 7pm on WLS-AM 890