The 21st Show

Gubernatorial Candidate J.B. Pritzker; Halloween Movies; Getting Rid Of Extra Pills; Spotting A Scam

By Niala Boodhoo, Alan Montecillo and Robin Linn
 
J.B. Pritzker speaks with campaign supporters in Springfield in this 2017 file photo.

J.B. Pritzker speaks with campaign supporters in Springfield in this 2017 file photo. Brian Mackey/NPR Illinois

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On the 21st: Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, who is hoping to unseat incumbent Bruce Rauner in Election Day. And, we're talking Halloween movies with A.V. Club editor Katie Rife. Plus, Northwestern Medicine, Lurie Children's Hospital and the Drug Enforcement Agency are providing safe and convenient option for disposal of unused prescription drugs. Also, Ameren recently brought back its anti-scam public education program to Illinois. We give you more information about how to avoid being a victim to utility scams.

Election Day is November 6 and there are lots of statewide offices on the ballot. Starting today and over the next week, you’ll hear our interviews with the candidates who are running for Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, and Governor. 

This morning, we sat down with JB Pritzker. He’s a Chicago venture capitalist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He’s the Democratic nominee for Governor of Illinois and joined us from our partner station WUIS in Springfield.

Plus-

Are you getting into the Halloween spirit? If you are too old to go out trick or treating, staying home to watch a movie is a great way to celebrate. There are also lots of great scary films in the theaters. But where to start?

Katie Rife is an editor at the A.V. Club, and she’s joined us to share her favorites.

Also-

Every day, millions of Americans buy and use prescription pain medication. And most of the time they’re taking these meds at the direction of their doctor.

But, as we know, even those prescribed medications can lead to addiction. Last year more than 72,000 people died from opioid overdoses. Here in Illinois that number is nearly 2,000. Those numbers are for both illegal drugs and legal, prescribed medicines.

Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern Medicine are teaming up to try and address this. On Saturday at six different sites in northern Illinois and in the Chicago area, they’re offering safe places to get rid of extra prescription pills. The goal is to reduce the risk of addiction.

Dr. Jonah Stulberg is one of the people leading that effort. He’s an assistant professor of surgery at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and he joined us on the line. 

And- 

If you’ve ever gotten a call or even a knock at your door from someone claiming to be the electric company, you might want to take a minute to look for any red flags. Especially if they’re saying your bill is overdue and you need to pay it right now.

Ameren Illinois says that since 2014, scammers have contacted more than 4,000 customers and gotten away with nearly $140,000. That’s part of why they’ve been reaching out to people across the state- to let them know what to look for and how to protect themselves.

Scammers especially like to target seniors and people who don’t speak English. But even if you are a savvy customer, they say you aren’t immune.

Stacey Young is a supervisor with Ameren Illinois Community Relations. She joined us in our Urbana studio. 

Story source: WILL