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 what’s ahead in this politically surreal, pandemic year of 2020; and more.

• Photo left to right: WTTW Ch.-11 correspondent Amanda Vinicky along with Sunday Spin host Rick Pearson. (WGN Radio/Jasmine Cooper)
• Eric Elk (Left) & Brian Bernardoni (Right)
• Bob Sector of Crain’s

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 Disasters,” and shares information about the book, the issues of community policing and demands for reforms.

Then, Democratic State Rep. Ann Williams joins the show 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.

Lastly, Rick talks to David Yepsen, host of “Iowa Press” and former Des Moines Register National Political Writer, about the nation’s political environment.

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.

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.

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, the issues of community policing and demands for reforms, and more.

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 is joined by Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza to discuss efforts to manage the state’s books during a time of deeply falling state revenue due to the coronavirus.

Then, Democratic State Rep. and chairman of the powerful House Executive Committee, Emanuel “Chris” Welch, joins the show to discuss the past session and what’s next.

Rick also 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.

Lastly, Mark Maxwell, statehouse correspondent for WCIA-TV Ch. 3 in Champaign and Nexstar stations across the state including WGN, joins the conversation to discuss pandemic politics.

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.

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 protests and expresses his fears that “the rioting will not stop until all officers involved are arrested.”

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.

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 Voice, visit: https://ouramericanvoice.org/