CCI Radio Hour

Jan. 21, 2019 show Alex Berenson, author of the just-released book, “Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence,” joins Bob to talk about the effects that marijuana has on psychosis, which can lead to an increase in violence. Illinois lawmakers are expected to legalize recreational marijuana this spring, and new Gov. JB Pritzker has said he supports the initiative. The Catholic Conference opposes legalization. Next, Anthony Holter, executive director of Empower Illinois, talks about the just-opened application ...

Dec. 17, 2018 show Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of the Radiance Foundation, joins Bob to talk about the March for Life Chicago in January at which he will serve as the keynote speaker. Ryan's biological mother was raped but  followed through on her pregnancy, giving up Ryan for adoption when he was six weeks old. The Radiance Foundation seeks to affirm that every life has purpose and is known for its various billboard campaigns celebrating adoption, unplanned pregnancies and fatherhood. ...

Nov. 19, 2018 show This fall marks the first semester for new students attending Catholic or other private schools on the Tax Credit Scholarship program signed into law just over a year ago. We hear about the impact from Jon Priest, assistant principal of Our Lady of Charity School in Cicero, and parent Laura Garcia. Next, Glenn Van Cura, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, talks about the re-entry house the organization will open in the spring for former ...

Oct. 15, 2018 show Manya Brachear, religion reporter for the Chicago Tribune, joins Bob to talk about her career covering the Catholic Church in Chicago as she moves to the East Coast. Next, Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, talks about the new Carafem abortion clinic that has opened in Skokie and is known for its bold advertising of abortion. Then, Ryan Gruenenfelder, director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Illinois, discusses the organization's recent ...

Sept. 17, 2018 show Matt Dietrich, spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections, joins Bob to talk about the upcoming November general election in light of the hacking two years ago of the agency's database. Then, Anthony Granado with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office of Domestic Social Development talks about the status of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, as lawmakers debate whether to increase current work requirements and tighten ...

Aug. 20, 2018 show Rob Griffin, associate director of research at the Washington, D.C.-based Public Religion Research Institute, joins Bob to talk about recent results of a public opinion poll indicating the tide may be turning slightly in favor of religious freedom.Then, Fr. Charles Bouchard, Senior Director of Theology and Ethics at the Catholic Health Association, joins Bob to talk about the recent New York Times article for which he was interviewed in which Catholic health care was ...

July 16, 2018 show The nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court kicks off the show, as Chicago attorney Jim Geoly joins Bob to talk about the Senate confirmation process. Next, state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, discusses the impact of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding crisis pregnancy centers and how it may set a precedent for a similar Illinois case currently in the courts. Then, Greg Bishop, a journalist for the Illinois News Network, joins ...

June 18, 2018 show Ashley Feasley, director of policy for the USCCB’s  Migration and Refugee Services, joins Bob to offer some clarity on the issue of family separation, unaccompanied minors, and the so-called “lost” children.  Next, Rick Garnett, law professor at Notre Dame Law School, talks about the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd., v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Then, Dr. Frances Broghammer, a resident in psychiatry at the University of California at Irvine, ...

May 21, 2018 show Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, joins Bob to talk about Gov. Rauner's call to reinstate the death penalty for mass murderers and those convicted of killing a police officer. Next, Greg Schleppenbach, assistant director of pro-life activities at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), discusses the Trump administration’s proposed rule change that drops a requirement that Title X funding recipients must provide abortion counseling to patients. This is expected ...

April 16, 2018 show Sister Jean, chaplain to the Loyola Ramblers men’s basketball team, joins Bob to talk about her recent celebrity status attained when the team reached the Sweet Sixteen and the Final Four. Next, Bishop Joseph Perry, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, discusses recent progress in the canonization cause for Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first African-American priest in America. Then, Don Carlson, executive director of Illinois People’s Action, explains Senate Bill 2843, which ...