Wgn - The Rick Pearson Podcast

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 continuously being shut-out […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 in […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 is; stresses the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.

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 still […]