Episodes

It’s countdown to the primary. Jacob and Ben talk judges. Some we like, some we’re irritated at. Well, at least Ben’s irritated at one in particular. Also, much conversation about the clerk of the court and state’s attorney elections. And a few words about the excuse the Supremes will concoct cause…

Everything you need to know about the Academy Awards from Pemon Rami, the man who knows everything you need to know about the Academy Award. Including…who should’ve won but didn’t, and who did win but, c’mon, really? It’s all about being in the club—if you’re not in it, forget about it. Plus, much…

The city council votes for ceasefire. Ben riffs.Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth explains why she voted yes. And Leni talks about the murder of a teenager near Senn High School in her ward. Leni is the alderwoman of the 48th ward on the north side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy…

The Bears and Sox decide to make love not war. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains Trump’s bizarre attempt to woo Black voters by bragging about his mug shot. Also, much talk about yesterday’s Michigan primary. And Mitch McConnell steps down, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Ca…

Rummana Hussain talks about the editorial she wrote calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Probably the most important Sun-Times editorial since the one endorsing mayoral candidate Lightfoot. Rummana is a columnist/editorial writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art…

The state board of elections keeps Trump on the ballot. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates adds a riff or two of her own on...charter schools, selective enrollment, Trump, MAGA's desire to play basketball without rules (a metaphor, people), the proposed Sox Stadium for the 78 development, Shawn Fain and …

Pat Whalen has so much to say and not enough time to I say it. And he and Ben talk ShotSpotter, Mayor Johnson and the press, the not so subtle art of evasion, Baby Bobby Kennedy and Mayor Rahm’s base. Also….more Sposato! Pat is a comedian and impresario. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p…

David Faris tells you everything you need to know about NAT0, Biden, Putin, Trump and November’s election, and how they’re all connected. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views and opinions are his own See Privacy Policy…

It’s been a rough week on the public relations front for Mayor Johnson. So Ben and political strategist Laurie Glenn have a lot to discuss. In particular…is it better to court local reporters or ignore them? Does the mainstream media have a bias for white mayors and against Black mayors? And more. …

Dorothy Tucker led a team of investigators through years of crime statistics to discover a horrific reality—most of the crime in Chicago is committed against Black women. Her powerful series is compelling and upsetting. She talks to Ben about her findings. Dorothy Tucker is a reporter for CBS2 Chic…

Is Paul Vallas a Republican. Ben riffs. Gabriel Cortez makes his debut. Talking about growing up at Chicago and Damien back in the day, and going to Prosser as opposed to Wells or Clemente. And charter schools. And choice. And Blacks and Latinos. And why Chicago doesn’t embrace the migrants. Gabrie…

Mayor Johnson asks the Sun-Times editorial board to go off the record. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains how mayors use the press and why the press wants to be used. Also, advice for Fani Willis. And the Trump blessing goes to Mike Bost not Darren Bailey. And a tribute to Joyce Owens and Richard …

Trump wins the New Hampshire Republican primary. David Faris tells us what it means. And why Nikki Haley stays in the race. Also, a few words about lefties and President Biden. David Faris is a columnist for Newsweek and Slate and a professor of political science at Roosevelt University. See Priv…

Kam Buckner says no to DNC without federal assistance for housing. Ben riffs. Leor Galil talks about how the Holocaust has been misused. Especially if it’s used to justify carnage in Gaza. Also, Elon Musk’s conflicted attitude about Jewish people. Chicago’s obsession with The Bear. And the Ravenswo…

Rummana Hussain talks about the ethics of journalism. Specifically, the bias against lefties. Unattributed quotes. Reading back quotes. A few word about protests. And some sweet words for King Sourpuss—Larry David. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at h…

Well, it’s more than a week in review. More like several centuries in review. As Ben and Jauwan Hall-Bertrand start with Nikki Haley recently opining that America is not a racist country. That leads to a discussion of reparations. And what the Bulls can do to exorcise the Jordan curse. Hint—buy tha…

Clayton Harris III is running for Cook County State’s Attorney on a platform of safety and justice. In other words, making sure that prosecutors keep people safe from dangerous people who need to be locked up without locking everyone up. He explains how it can be done. See Privacy Policy at https…

Sox want to build a new ballpark. Ben riffs. Then Alden Loury leads us on a wonderful journalistic and spiritual journey. Talking economic development, Black demographics, crime, the psychology of dibs and culminating in a description of his cross country trip to the Grand Canyon. And then…a passio…

A judge admonishes Tim Mapes. Ben riffs. And it’s welcome back day on the show as Ben welcomes back his First Tuesdays partner Maya Dukmasova. Maya tells you all you need to know about judicial elections. And she knows a lot! Maya is a reporter for Injustice Watch. See Privacy Policy at https://ar…

Miles and Ben discuss a week’s worth of news, including…The City Council debates Gaza ceasefire. President Biden may have to win without the left. The similarities between the ‘68 presidential election and this one. Charter schools in Chicago. Chicago’s curious attitude toward migrants. And Ron DeS…

The NBA trade deadline just passed and it’s time to figure out how the Bulls did. Ben and Pushkar Sharma debate almost every conceivable angle even remotely involved, including…MJ, Thibs, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, Scottie Pippen, Derrick Rose, Charles Oakley, the Knicks and more. They finally …

State Senator Willie Preston is a rookie legislator who is quickly learning the ins and out of politics in Chicago. He explains how he won election even as man no one sent, senator Preston represents the 16th district on the south side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ…

Time to wrap up what’s been going down with the poker man—Brendan Shiller. Starting with…78 handout. Or, why is Chicago always so eager to give money to rich people. And how the news feeding business works. And the ceasefire resolution, and is Biden too old. Brendan’s prediction—neither Trump nor B…

Trump wins the Iowa caucus. Ben riffs. Then Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor riffs on Ben’s riff. The discussion turns to Chicago. Jeanette talks about the reaction to her last conversation with Ben. The lesson being…MAGA hears what it wants to hear and disregards the rest. A shoutout to Dorothy Tucker’s…