Wgn - The Rick Pearson Podcast

The Sunday Spin Host Rick Pearson talks with Chicago city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin to discuss the upcoming event ‘Dollars and Sen$e’ which is aimed to provide economic assistance and discussion between stakeholders on neighborhood lending, community banking, economic development opportunities and financial assistance and more. To learn more about the event you can search for […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson hosts the show with his annual Black History Month theme, highlighting historic black figures who have contributed and shaped our nation today. Rick is joined by Chicago city treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin, to discuss the upcoming February 29 event, ‘Dollars and Sen$e,’ a  town hall on financial […]

On this half-hour edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick Pearson takes us through his weekly spin on politics for a review of the week and a look ahead at what’s to come. Rick recaps the Iowa caucus, President Donald Trump being acquitted, and more. The Sunday Spin now airs Sundays from 5p-7p   https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3731120/sunday_spin_2020-02-10-001320.64kmono.mp3  

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick Pearson takes us through his weekly spin on politics for a review of the week and a look ahead at what’s to come. Rick covers several stories including the Democratic debate in Des Moines, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the impeachment trial, and more.   The Sunday […]

Rick Pearson sits down with Illinois Senate President John Cullerton to discuss why he is resigning, as well as memories he has while serving the state of Illinois.  Cullerton tells Pearson the historic and memorable moments he had while serving in government. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3712272/cullerton__2020-01-13-060812.64kmono.mp3

On tonight’s Sunday Spin host Rick Pearson, invites Jacob Meister, democratic candidate for Cook County circuit clerk, in studio to discuss what his plans if elected.

Rick Pearson talks to Tribune reporter Ray Long on the Mike Madigan related federal investigations. Ray breaks down some of his latest stories including ComEd, state and local politicians, and much more.  

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Attorney Michael Dorf and Mayor of Skokie, George Van Dusen, as they’re the authors of the the late veteran Congressman Sid Yates biography, “Clear It with Sid!”.  Michael and George talk about Sid’s amazing track record, the evolution of the Country that the book […]

Rick Pearson is joined by Mae Whiteside, chairwoman of Flourish PAC, and former Democratic state Rep. and lieutenant governor candidate Litesa Wallace of Rockford, on efforts to encourage more diversity in campaigns for public office. Mae and Litesa explain what Flourish PAC is; stress the importance of recruiting women of color to run for office; […]

Rick Pearson speaks with Attorney Michael Dorf and Mayor of Skokie, George Van Dusen, as they’re the authors of the the late veteran Congressman Sid Yates biography, “Clear It with Sid!”.  Michael and George talk about Sid’s amazing track record, the evolution of the Country that the book details, and some of the most interesting […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with State Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin and State Rep. Ann Williams of Chicago about the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act—an effort to make Illinois more green with its energy development while also promoting job growth. Cristina and Ann provide a detailed overview of the bill, […]

Rick Pearson is joined by Jason DeSanto, Senior Lecturer at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law, for an hour-long discussion about the House Democratic-led impeachment inquiry hearings as well as the latest Democratic presidential debate. Jason and Rick review snippets from both the latest debate and the impeachment inquiry hearings; discuss interesting results from various public […]

Rick Pearson speaks with State Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin and State Rep. Ann Williams of Chicago about the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act—an effort to make Illinois more green with its energy development while also promoting job growth. Cristina and Ann provide a detailed overview of the bill; the benefits of “going green” and the […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Senate Republican leader Bill Brady of Bloomington about the final acts of the fall veto session in Springfield and what did, and didn’t, happen. Bill talks about IL Senate President John Cullerton’s retirement announcement; the successful move to consolidate pension funds for first responders; the failure of having anything concrete move forward in the way of banning vaping; and more.   Next, Rick is joined by Michael Golden, President of Golden […]

Rick Pearson talks to Democratic State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago about the accomplishments in the veto session as well as the issues that were left unresolved. Sara touches on the proposed casino bill and her optimism in getting it passed, the graduated real estate transfer tax issue, and the continuous goal to not raise property taxes.  

Rick Pearson is joined by Michael Golden, President of Golden Mean Strategies, to get his thoughts on the public impeachment inquiry. Michael discusses the strategies being engaged on each side, the difficulties of forming a strategy with/for Trump due to his impulsive actions, and the growing number of people that are for the impeachment as shown by various polls.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Senate Republican leader Bill Brady of Bloomington about the final acts of the fall veto session in Springfield and what did, and didn’t, happen. Bill talks about IL Senate President John Cullerton’s retirement announcement; the successful move to consolidate pension funds for first responders; the failure of having anything concrete move forward in the way of banning vaping; and more.    

Rick Pearson talks to Tribune reporter Bill Ruthhart about some of his recent stories as he covers the 2020 Presidential Race. Bill touches on Elizabeth Warren’s campaign trail and signature policies; Pete Buttigieg‘s campaign and his place as the major alternative to Joe Biden; and he also shares who he believes is the established tier of Presidential candidates.  

Rick Pearson speaks with Democratic State Sen. Rob Martwick about the closing of the fall veto session and ethics issues in Springfield. Rob touches on the Federal investigations involving several of his colleagues and the frustrations that members of the legislature share as it erodes distrust from IL residents, as well as the process of filling a vacant seat. Rob and Rick also talk about Chicago’s lack of an Elected School Board, the proposed graduated real estate transfer tax, and […]

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.