Episodes

Mayor Johnson takes a page from the Mayor Rahm playbook to undercut his opposition. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin returns to talk immigration, UAW successful strikes, the Tesla challenge for labor and the Democratic Party’s response to Gaza. Miles is an editor and writer for In These Times. S…

David Faris explains the difference between a “humanitarian pause” and a ceasefire. Also, the difference between Democrats and Republicans on Israel and Palestine. And the difference between speakers Mike Johnson and Kevin McCarthy. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University, …

Alderman Brendan Reilly goes for the jugular--Mayor Johnson's jugular. Ben riffs. Then Rod Sawyer riffs on Ben's riff. Then Rod and Ben break down what went down at yesterday's city council meeting on the vote to censure Alderman Ramirez-Rosa. Then Monroe Anderson says Mayor Johnson should hire Ro…

The day’s paper brings an interesting take on the relative poverty of single-parent families. It’s Betty Friedan’s fault. Ben riffs. Then Rachel riffs. Then they riff on MAGA’s efforts in Ohio to undo the referendum on abortion rights. Once again MAGA tries to overturn an election result. Then. Few…

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa apologizes for his behavior at last week’s special council meeting. Ben riffs. Then Stacy Davis Gates riffs on Ben’s riff. And the conversation goes on to cover Alderman Lopez, city council protocol, Alderwoman Mitts’s speech, Trump, MAGA and more. Stacy is the presiden…

It’s Thanksgiving—time to be thankful. So Ben expresses gratitude. But while saying thanks, one thing leads to another and he winds up on a rant. Blame it on Michael Gerardi. But, really—much thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com…

Well, it’s not really peace. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Biden and Netanyahu; Tribune and Black people; “traitors” and much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a week of “sanctuary” and Burke. That’s Alderman Ed Burke, set to face federal trial on charges of corruption. His protégés. Aldermen Raymond Lopez and Anthony Beale, led the charge for Chicago to take a stand against our Sanctuary City status and little libraries. Though not in that order. …

Chicago, a city of immigrants, displays its not-so-loving attitude toward immigrants. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Trump and offers tributes to two late greats—Harry Porterfield and Richard Roundtree. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://…

Aldermen claim it’s their prerogative to keep immigrants out of their wards. Ben riffs—maybe no one knows what prerogative means. Graciela Guzman, Democratic candidate for state senator in the 20th district, talks politics and policy. The politics are straight up Chicago. The policies have to do wi…

Jesse Washington spent two years working with legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson on his autobiography. But their book is not really about basketball. It’s about race in America. Also capitalism. And, yes, ok, basketball. Jesse and Ben discuss it all. The name of the book is…I Come …

Politico shows much love for Mayor Rahm. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson explains the love D.C. pundits have for Rahm. Then he explains the fear MAGA elected officials have for Trump. Which explains why MAGA pols, like Senator Markwayne Mullin and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, feel compelled to act so…

Brendan Shiller and Ben talk the Chicago and national news of the week. Including…Trump takes control of Congress, or at least the Republican majority. The new police contract. A few hopeful thoughts about immigration. And “rats” in Chicago. Like William O’Neal. Brendan is a lawyer, political strat…

David Faris breaks down the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. And then a word or two about the state of the Republican Party in congress. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ivanka Trump, and Rashida Tlaib. And more. Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S.L. Wisenberg—aka, Sandi Wisenberg— tells her life in short stories and essays. From Texas to Evanston to Chicago and lots of places in between. She talks about those journeys—what she calls her “angsty way of moving through the world”. Her latest collection is The Wandering Womb: Essays in Search…

Bulls lose their opener. Ben loses his mind. Mick Dumke explains what it takes to get the city’s budget office to reveal what should already be public information. In short, you have to file many FOIA requests to learn aldermanic salaries. Learn about the in-another-location excuse for concealing …

Anti-immigrant people in Brighton Park attack Alderwoman Julia Ramirez. Ben riffs. Nader Issa returns to talk all things Chicago Public Schools. Including…the impact of immigrants on enrollment. Why are school officials downplaying that impact? Also, a word or two about vouchers. And then a word or…

Under pressure from the mainstream, Mayor Johnson backs off from his trip to the southern border. Ben riffs. Maria Degillo explains how her life story illustrates the need for a new approach to dealing with hurt, anger and fear in our high schools. Maria is the Youth Director at Voices of Youth in …

Rummana Hussain explores the state of journalism. Why newspapers are looking to Taylor Swift coverage to boost circulation. The mindless racism of Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone. Taylor Swift reporters are instructed they can’t be a fan. But Jann Wenner made millions sucking up to rock stars. And sho…

The Sun-Times and WBEZ reveal a deputy sheriff in Stephenson County had been an Oath Keeper. Concerned citizens want to know the implications. Karl Bronn is a member of the local NAACP. Jody Coss is the chair of the Stephenson County Democratic Party. And Pat Norman is president of the Freeport bra…

Mayor Johnson talks about visiting the border. Ben riffs. Activist, casting director, writer, director Pemon Rami talks Chicago history, Black activism, Sam Greenlee, The Spook Who Sat By The Door, Cooley High and all kinds of other things. Pemon is the author of newly published memoirs: When Black…

Believe it or not, there was a time when the Republican Party wasn’t radiating hate for teachers. This was back in the 80s when a Republican Governor led the way for…oh, let Dan Montgomery tell the story. Dan is the president of Illinois Federation of Teachers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19…

The city council entertains a proposal to prohibit residents from erecting little library book houses on the public way. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Trump trials, the left not voting for Biden, Pence dropping out and other things. Including…why did it take the friends in Friends so long to mak…