Wgn - The Rick Pearson Podcast

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson is joined by Democratic State Rep. Bob Rita to discuss issues surrounding the closure of Blue Island’s MetroSouth Medical Center. Bob explains the impact that this is having on the South Side as over 1,000 jobs will be lost; stresses residents’ growing concerns of extensive travel times to neighboring ER rooms; and questions what the true functionality of the Health Facilities Planning Board is. Next, Rick speaks with Democratic State Sen. […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson is joined by Illinois House deputy GOP leader Tom Demmer of Dixon to discuss ethics reforms that the Republicans are proposing, especially after these Federal investigations involving several state lawmakers in Springfield. Tom expresses his thoughts on the current state of Springfield in terms of the investigations currently in process; the idea of having a full time legislature paid by the state; and explains the legislation that he introduced. Next, Rick speaks […]

Rick Pearson talks to Josh Sharp, Executive Vice President of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association/IL Association of Convenient Stores, about efforts in Springfield to ban flavored tobacco and vaping products. Josh explains the legislation that was introduced during the veto session that looks to ban all flavored tobacco products; the questions surrounding banning menthol; and concerns pertaining to the gas tax increase and IL residents traveling to surrounding states to purchase tobacco.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Pat Brady of Next Generation Strategies about President Trump’s visit to Chicago and the launch of the formal impeachment inquiry by House Democrats. Pat and Rick take a look at various comments President Trump made during the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago; explore a new poll from the Wall Street Journal pertaining to impeaching Trump; and much more.  

Rick Pearson is joined by Illinois House deputy GOP leader Tom Demmer of Dixon to discuss ethics reforms that the Republicans are proposing, especially after these Federal investigations involving several state lawmakers in Springfield. Tom expresses his thoughts on the current state of Springfield in terms of the investigations currently in process; the idea of having a full time legislature paid by the state; and explains the legislation that he introduced.  

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson is joined by Democratic State Rep. and Chairman of the House Executive Committee Emanuel “Chris” Welch, to discuss on the general assembly fall veto session and the NCAA legislation he hopes to get passed. Chris explains what the legislation entails; the importance of allowing student athletes to be able to generate profits for themselves using their own likeness, especially since colleges and universities have always profited off of the students; and how […]

Rick welcomes Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs into the studio, to discuss a number of issues ahead of the fall veto session. Jim shares his thoughts on the consolidation of pension funds, vaping, and more. He also discusses where things stand with the proposed Insulin Rate Cap.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Gov. J.B. Pritzker ahead of the start of the fall veto session and various issues that he’ll have to look over throughout it. Gov Pritzker touches on Mayor Lightfoot’s Real Estate Transfer Tax; the issue of first responder pension funds; his thoughts and optimism pertaining to Chris Welch’s proposed NCAA legislation; actions we may see being taken to combat the issue of vaping; and much more.

Rick Pearson is joined by Democratic State Rep. and Chairman of the House Executive Committee Emanuel “Chris” Welch, to discuss on the general assembly fall veto session and the NCAA legislation he hopes to get passed. Chris explains what the legislation entails; the importance of allowing student athletes to be able to generate profits for themselves using their own likeness, especially since colleges and universities have always profited off of the students; and how this bill will help IL stay competitive […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer, about her efforts to help drive economic improvement outside throughout the city – not just for the Downtown, Chicago area; the catalyst fund and the purposes that it’s meant to serve; and her upcoming Women’s Small Business Expo. Then, Rick is joined by Jason DeSanto, Senior lecturer at the Northwestern-Pritzker School of Law, to sort through the “highs and lows” of the Democratic debate, […]

Rick is joined by Jason DeSanto, Senior lecturer at the Northwestern-Pritzker School of Law, to sort through the “highs and lows” of the Democratic debate, as well as the Democratic policies of the Presidential candidates. They also discuss the House Democrats in terms of their strategy with moving forward with their impeachment inquiry, and more.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer, about her efforts to help drive economic improvement outside throughout the city – not just for the Downtown, Chicago area; the catalyst fund and the purposes that it’s meant to serve; and her upcoming Women’s Small Business Expo. The Women’s Small Business Expo will take place November 16th from 9am-3pm at the UIC Dorin Forum. For more details, click HERE!  

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson welcomes Kevin Fitzpatrick, incoming CEO and President of Alfred Benesch Co., into the studio. Kevin is apart of the American Council of Engineering Companies and he shares what the council is, as well as, what to expect during the year’s National Engineering Conference being held in Chicago.  Kevin also discusses the infrastructure bill and the importance its efficiency; the status of student population pursuing careers in the engineering field; and much more. […]

Rick Pearson is joined by Author, Activist, and Democratic Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson as she shares insight into her campaign and how she sees a path to victory in the large diverse field of contenders. Marianne also discusses the move to impeach Donald Trump; and shares her views on Syria and the decision to withdraw U.S. Military from the area.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Chicago Tribune reporter Hal Dardick on city pension investments. Hal and Juan Perez Jr. took an in-depth look into the city pension deficit and what steps were taken in an attempt to put us on a “path to solvency”. Hal explains the various taxes and fees former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel set in place and the results as to where pension funds currently stand. To read the full write-up by Hal and Juan, click HERE!  

Rick Pearson welcomes Kevin Fitzpatrick, incoming CEO and President of Alfred Benesch Co., into the studio. Kevin is apart of the American Council of Engineering Companies and he shares what the council is, as well as, what to expect during the year’s National Engineering Conference being held in Chicago.  Kevin also discusses the infrastructure bill and the importance its efficiency; the status of student population pursuing careers in the engineering field; and much more.  

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson welcomes Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, President of DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, into the studio to explain what the conference is and what they aim to do. Steve also shares his thoughts on legislature in Springfield; the hotel/motel tax; and other various municipal issues. Next, Rick speaks with Willowbrook Mayor Frank Trilla about the village’s success to get the controversial firm, Sterigenics, to shut down it’s sterilization operation. Frank explains how […]

Rick Pearson welcomes Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, President of DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, into the studio to explain what the conference is and what they aim to do. Steve also shares his thoughts on legislature in Springfield; the hotel/motel tax; and other various municipal issues.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Willowbrook Mayor Frank Trilla about the village’s success to get the controversial firm, Sterigenics, to shut down it’s sterilization operation. Frank explains how everything unfolded and how the Stop Sterigenics Movement came about; the vital role of the task force; and much more.  

Rick Pearson is joined by Dorothy Miaso, Executive Director of the Literacy Volunteers of Illinois, and board member Reggie Dumas, as they talk about the work of the organization and their goal to break stigmas surrounding literacy. They also share information about their programming and upcoming events including the Annual Scrabble For Literacy Challenge and Casino Night.