On the final edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick Pearson holds a special round-table featuring Bob Secter of Crain’s; Brian Bernardoni, founder of Aurelius Public Affairs; Eric Elk, government relations director for HNTB; and Amanda Vinicky, WTTW Ch.-11 correspondent. The crew take time to reflect on the current state of the nation; take a look at wha…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick Pearson speaks with Former Baltimore Police Official and current President of Strategia Consulting, Eric Kowalczyk about his tenure at the Baltimore PD, as it coincided with the Freddie Gray Riots in 2015. Eric’s also the author of “Politics of Crisis: An Insiders Perspective to Prevent Public Policy Disaste…

Rick Pearson talks to David Yepsen, host of “Iowa Press” and former Des Moines Register National Political Writer, about the nation’s political environment. David and Rick touch on the recent protests and the need for change that the country is looking for; the upcoming election and the strategies candidates may need to rethink; and more. https://s…

Rick Pearson is joined by Democratic State Rep. Ann Williams to discuss a legislative response to calls for police reform and reinvestment in communities hit by looting. Ann also talks about the Clean Energy Jobs Act and what it could mean in terms of new employment opportunities in a post-COVID-19 environment. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3764…

Rick Pearson speaks with Former Baltimore Police Official and current President of Strategia Consulting, Eric Kowalczyk about his tenure at the Baltimore PD, as it included the Freddie Gray Riots in 2015. Eric’s also the author of “Politics of Crisis: An Insiders Perspective to Prevent Public Policy Disasters,” and shares information about the book…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin Rick speaks with Lissa Druss, Founder and CEO of Strategia Consulting, about the Our American Voice civics education program for students. Lissa highlights the creativity teachers are using in order to get their students involved; and also touches on the positive impact the program is having on participants. Next,…

Rick Pearson is joined by Mark Maxwell, statehouse correspondent for WCIA-TV Ch. 3 in Champaign and Nexstar stations across the state including WGN, to discuss the frustrations/intentions of various groups surrounding the protests and trying to figure out where we go from here. Mark also touches on the recent legislative session, Covid-19, and more…

Rick Pearson speaks with Chris Johnson, Head of the new National Association of Theatre Owners of Illinois and CEO of Classic Cinemas about the desire of movie houses to reopen. Chris explains the process of social distancing in a movie theater, the time needed to bring in new product – film wise, and much more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/376…

Rick Pearson is joined by Democratic State Rep. and chairman of the powerful House Executive Committee, Emanuel “Chris” Welch to discuss the past session and what’s next. Chris highlights several issues dealt with during the session including the overall need for a state budget, the casino bill, and more. Chris also takes a moment to talk about the…

Rick Pearson is joined by Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza to discuss and debunk various rumors surrounding the state’s books, raises for legislative members, and more. Susana also takes a moment to discuss the recent protests and injustice that Black and Brown people throughout the country have, and continue, to face. https://serve.castfire.com…

Rick Pearson speaks with Lissa Druss, Founder and CEO of Strategia Consulting, about the Our American Voice civics education program for students. Lissa highlights the creativity teachers are using in order to get their students involved; and also touches on the positive impact the program is having on participants. To learn more about Our American…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin Rick speaks with Illinois Senate Republican leader Bill Brady of Bloomington about the legislature’s special pandemic session and what lawmakers did and didn’t do. Bill expresses the shared disappointment of many legislatures surrounding a lack of thorough discussion when it comes to how to kickstart the state’s e…

Mike Militech, Statehouse Correspondent for Quincy Media, joins Rick for a review of the legislative session. Both men share their shock of seeing the session conclude in such a short amount of time; touch on the issue of local funding and the impact it’s having on essential workers and first responders; and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3…

Rick Pearson speaks with Michael Carbonargi, Commissioner on the Cook County Board of Review, about the county’s efforts to provide some property tax relief for homeowners. Michael touches the recently granted waiver of late fees for 60 days for the 2nd installment of the Property Tax Bill; emphasizes the importance of property taxes for the state;…

Rick Pearson speaks with Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, as he fill us in on the state of hotels in our new pandemic era and how hotel operators have chipped in to help first responders. Michael explains the risks that hotels are facing during this time, the relationship between the hospitality ind…

Rick is joined by Democratic State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz as she shares the pride that many legislative members are feeling from accomplishing so much in such a short amount of time. Sara discusses the various precautions everyone took in order to continue safe social distancing procedures and the importance of using the tools available to us in ord…

Rick speaks with Illinois Senate Republican leader Bill Brady of Bloomington about the legislature’s special pandemic session. Bill expresses the shared disappointment of many legislatures surrounding a lack of thorough discussion when it comes to exploring alternative/highly effective re-opening procedures. He also touches on the state budget, con…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin Rick speaks with Sam Toia, President and CEO of The Illinois Restaurant Association about whether there’s any help from Washington and what will restaurants look like in a re-opened economy. Sam explains the restaurant recovery fund that the association is asking for; details the impact of the grants/loans that wa…

Rick converses with Doug Finke, statehouse reporter for the State Journal-Register of Springfield about his take on lawmakers coming back in session. Doug touches on the various items that will be addressed this week, the precautions being taken in order for everyone to meet safely, and much more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3758611/3758611_20…

Rick Pearson speaks with IL State Treasurer Mike Frerichs about state efforts to help residents and businesses during the economic crisis. He’s also from Champaign and shares his view of how people are dealing with the coronavirus downstate. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3758610/3758610_2020-05-18-011710.64kmono.mp3…

Rick Pearson speaks with Rebecca Shi, Executive Director for The American Business Immigration Coalition, to discuss small businesses, the Payroll Protection Program, and the need for people to fill out the federal Census. Rebecca also touches on the heightened difficulties business owners of color and immigrants alike, are facing as they are conti…

Rick Pearson is joined by Democratic Rep. and Chair of The Revenue and Finance Committee, Mike Zalewski, as they talk about the legislature reconvening in Springfield on Wednesday. Mike also shares what stipulations he believes will be attached to any money the state receives from Washington, and briefly touches on the issue of voting operations fo…

Rick Pearson speaks with Sam Toia, President and CEO of The Illinois Restaurant Association about whether there’s any help from Washington and details the restaurant relief package the association is asking for. Sam also shares an update as to where restaurants stand in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan and details what the future of the rest…

On this “Voices from downstate” Edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick speaks with Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert about the effects of the pandemic on farmers and the state’s important agricultural economy, including the food supply chain. Rich touches on the fragility of the agricultural delivery system, the precautions that need to be i…

Rick Pearson converses with Molly Parker, reporter at the Carbondale-based Southern Illinoisan newspaper, about how the pandemic is affecting deep Southern Illinois and regional resentment. Molly talks about the typical day to day, heightened concerns surrounding the economy, the common feelings of being forgotten and left behind, and more. https:/…

Rick Pearson speaks with Democratic Sen. Andy Manar as he provides his take on the governor’s reopen plans as well as the uncertainty over putting together a state budget. Andy also emphasis the importance of the work of local officials and hopes that state officials can join together in the near future to resolve some of the bigger issues IL faces…

Rick Pearson speaks with U.S. Republican Rep. Darin LaHood about issues surrounding the pandemic in Washington, including the requests for federal aid to the states and what the next relief program could consist of. In addition, Darin expresses the frustrations that he and fellow southern IL residents share when it comes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 28 …

Rick Pearson is joined by Republican Rep. Tom Demmer of Dixon, Deputy GOP leader in the House, to discuss the issues surrounding the pandemic in rural IL. Tom also talks about the increased intensity of regionalism as all areas of IL are impacted differently and how this effects the plans to reopen the IL economy ordered by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pri…

Rick Pearson speaks with Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert about the effects of the pandemic on farmers and the state’s important agricultural economy, including the food supply chain. Rich touches on the fragility of the agricultural delivery system, the precautions that need to be in place before being able to have employees get back…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick speaks with Sheila Kennedy, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Top Box Foods, a non-profit provider of affordable food to impoverished areas of Chicago and Lake County. Sheila discusses food supplies, the changes the organization has made in response to COVID-19, and what the future may look like in terms …

Rick Pearson converses with NBC-5’s Mary Ann Ahern about the latest news this past week and take a look ahead. Rick and Mary Ann touch on the need for Governor Pritzker to provide more clarification and guidance as to how the state will re-open; the unknown impact this shut down is having on the state budget; the ways in which the pandemic will hig…

Rick Pearson speaks with UIC Economics Professor David Merriman about coronavirus’ impact on state finances. Professor Merriman co-authored a report covering the Fiscal impact COVID-19 is having on IL and shares the findings aren’t as promising as some may have hoped as the state’s budget is taking, and will continue to take, a major hit. https://s…

Rick Pearson speaks with Michelle Mason, CEO of Association Forum (the association of associations), about the pandemic’s effects on a variety of associations that are based in Chicago. Michelle explains the mission of the Association Forum and lists some of the organizations they represent; provides clarification as to what a 501(c) organization i…

Rick Pearson is joined by Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel to learn more about the impact the pandemic has had on law enforcement thus far. Tom discusses the additional pressure that officers are facing in terms of enforcing the various executive orders as a result of the pandemic; issues with speeding as officers are attempting to limit contact …

Rick Pearson speaks with Sheila Kennedy, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Top Box Foods, a non-profit provider of affordable food to impoverished areas of Chicago and Lake County. Sheila discusses food supplies, the changes the organization has made in response to COVID-19 in order to continue to provide for communities, and what the future may…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick speaks with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer about the county’s efforts to deal with the pandemic. Bridget discusses the uncertainties we all face when it comes to re-opening businesses in the future; the various webinars the county is offering to offer assistance; and more. Next, Rick is joined by El…

Rick Pearson converses with Amanda Vinicky, correspondent, WTTW-Ch. 11 to unpack the week that was and what may lie ahead. Amanda and Rick go over how people are handling the stay-at-home order, especially with fatigue beginning to settle in,; the scrutiny Chicago is currently under as there continues to be reports of large gatherings; and what wil…

Rick Pearson speaks with Brad Cole, Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League, about the impact of the coronavirus on local city and town revenues. Brad explains the disparities the virus is highlighting throughout the state; the need to see direct unrestricted funding to municipalities for several reasons; and more. https://serve.castfir…

Rick Pearson speaks with U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins the conversation to discuss the latest coronavirus relief effort from Congress and the improvements that have been made thus far, in addition to what may be ahead in the next legislative package. He also touches on antibody testing and the uncertainties surrounding the results. https://se…

Rick Pearson is joined by Elliot Richardson, President and Co-founder of the Small Business Advocacy Council to learn more about federal and state efforts to assist the hard-hit small business community. Elliot touches on the optimism that is circulating as more money is being made available specifically for small business owners; the issue that st…

Rick Pearson speaks with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer about the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative. Bridget discusses the uncertainties we all face when it comes to re-opening businesses in the future; the various webinars the county is offering to offer assistance during this time; and more. She also highlights the relief/loan pa…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, As we await the President’s daily White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing, Rick Pearson and Roger Badesch take a look where things stand for the city and the top news stories. Rick and Roger talk about the uncertainties that remain, the stay-at-home order, and much more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/37488…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on retailers and restaurants. Rob highlights the difficulties that are ahead when the time comes to re-open all businesses; the additional responsibilities all consumers must ta…

Rick Pearson talks to Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association about the primary focus of manufacturers during this time. Mark discusses the changes various manufacturing companies have made in order to increase their production rate of essential products and/or re-purposing their resources to create essential item…

Rick Pearson speaks with Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on retailers and restaurants. Rob highlights the difficulties that are ahead when the time comes to re-open all businesses; the additional responsibilities all consumers must take on in terms of continuing to prac…

Rick talks to Dan Montgomery, President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, about the difficulties with e-learning as everyone doesn’t have equal access to wireless internet, proper technology, etc. Dan also touches on the importance of human connection and interaction when it comes to schooling and character building, what teachers are doing t…

Rick Pearson speaks with Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, about essential employees and their safety during this time. Aside from those working in the medical field, Bob emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone working during this time is taking extra precautions and that they’re receiving support from their empl…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, about essential employees and their safety during this time. Aside from those working in the medical field, Bob emphasizes the importance of ensuring everyone working during this time is taking extra precautions and that they’re re…

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson is joined by Bob Secter, editor at Crain’s Forum, and lobbyist Brian Bernardoni for a roundtable on the March 17th primary results. The men discuss the controversial question as to whether the primary should’ve been held or moved to a later date, what lies ahead for contests in November, and much mor…

Crain’s Forum editor, Bob Secter, and consultant Brian Bernardoni, managing partner and founder of Aurelius Public Affairs, join Rick for a round table discussion on the upcoming election. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3739637/3739637_2020-03-16-002237.128.mp3wgnradio.com