Episodes

Progressives in Springfield propose a handout for a women’s pro soccer team owned by fabulously wealthy people. Sigh. Ben riffs. Alderman Villegas explains his view of the world. What he means by being what he calls a pragmatic progressive. A Gil/Ben debate on MAGA and the left. And a few words about residency data centers, police and Mayor Johnson and more. Gil is the alderman of the 36th ward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A north side resident wants to recall Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Peter Cunningham riffs on Ben’s riff and then away they go, talking…police accountability, Dexter Reed, elected school boards, Peter’s run for office, and Dickey Betts. Peter is a political strategist, writer and rock ‘n roller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Hinton and Ben talk the week’s news and introduce the world to…The Rachel and Ben Book Club. Today’s book is James by Percival Everett. Which if you haven’t read, hurry up! But first, listen to Rachel and Ben talk police, housing, and theatrical politics of the absurd. Rachel is a reporter for Block Club. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Mihalopoulos goes A-Z on Oath Keepers in the Chicago Police Department. A subject he knows a lot about, having broken one story after another on the matter with Tom Schuba of the Sun-Times. Dan is a reporter for WBEZ.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Salem Collo-Julin and Ben go through the news. Including…Barry Romo makes the Times, Reader goes weekly, media evaluates the mayor, and the difference between a city that fears its mayor (Rahm, Daley) and one that doesn’t. Suddenly, everyone is so courageous. Where was that courage when we needed it? And a new feature… Reader editor after dark explains the best way to serve the dish of revenge. Hint…add mustard and catsup. Salem is the editor of the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Crain’s Crowd weighs in on Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Denali Gasgupta tells you everything you need to know about Chicago’s elected school board. Is Chicago ready for democracy? I guess that depends on what you mean by democracy. Denali is a political activist and a numbers-crunching analyst of politics in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The polls are in for Mayor Johnson and President Biden. Ben riffs. And then Monroe explains. Trump trial. Stormy. Cohen. The Rockettes? And a few words about a Virginia school districts attempts to show love for slave owners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris explains the absurdity of moderates searching for an alternative to Biden. Hello—he is a moderate. And speaking of absurdity. Nothing matches Trump’s desperate attempt to figure out an electable position on abortion. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His opinions are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana and Ben have the news business on their minds. How folks are put in metaphorical boxes based on what they’re expected to be interested in. Breaking out is harder than it looks.?Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With an eye for the Bears stadium propossl, Sean Dinces explains how the public helped pay for Sox Park and the United Center. Think tax breaks and handouts. And what did we get for it? Will Chicago be dumb enough to fall for this game again. Sean is a professor of history and the author of Bulls Markets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Charles Henderson break it all down, starting with…a tribute to the great activist Barry Romo, who died a few days ago. Barry was a Vietnam War vet turned anti-war activist who wasn’t afraid to take on the Daley Machine. Also, a few words about the working class janitors and college protestors. And free speech. And abortion. And Ben’s beloved Bulls. Charles is an Iraqi War vet and political activist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A modest proposal—community service for Trump. Ben riffs. Maria Hadden riffs on Ben’s riff. Then Maria talks natural gas ordinance, Bears stadium, SpotShotter, and abortion clinic silent zones. Also, how to remain cool and calm when everyone else is losing their minds. Maria is the alderwoman of the 49th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council proposed to crack down on anti-abortion zealots who harass women at abortion clinics. Ben riffs. Monroe is moved to recite the First Amendment. Which leads to a conversation about campus protests and police arresting pro-Palestinian protestor (what about their right to free speech?). And then a few words about Stormy DanielsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Glowacz returns! And Ben is so happy, he riffs about it. Then they get down to business, breaking down clips from the April 1 City Council meeting dedicated to the question: Should Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez be stripped of his chairmanship of the Housing Committee? We got clips of Aldermen Lopez and Hadden and Sposato and more. Dave runs the websites inside Chicago Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Joravsky and Cody Wilkins return to tell you all you need to know about the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Take notes, Boomers. Rachel and Cody are writers and stand-up comedians. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gregory Pratt takes the deep dive on The City Is Up For Grabs, his recently published book about Mayor Lightfoot’s term as mayor. Greg is a reporter for the Tribune.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany dissects the Bears, starting with their lakefront stadium proposal. And moving onto Caleb Williams, who could be Chicago’s next superstar. But is still not worth spending public dollars on a stadium. And then—oh, just listen. Mueze is a high school football coach, an English teacher, political activist and the city’s foremost authority on all things football.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Ray Hanania tackle all the news of the week, including…campus protests, Congress antisemitism vote, 1968 history lessons, Bears stadium, and more. Also, Ray’s 70-30 like for Ed Burke. Ray is a columnist, political strategist, Cicero spokesperson and comedian. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Vallas pleads on Ed Burke’s behalf. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson discusses the concept of sacred cows in Chicago, campus protestors and Bears stadium. As in no one wants to pay for the Bears stadium, including the Bears. Also, an explanation of how the Sun-Times treats allegations of infidelity involving Jesse Jackson, Jr and Mayor Rahm. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris talks Third Parties, specifically the oddball presidential campaign of Robert Kennedy Jr. Also Trump makes a play for the Jewish vote by…insulting Jewish voters? And a few words about voter turnout. David is a columnist for Slate and Newsweek and a political science professor at Roosevelt University. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are two Chicagos that know nothing about the other. Rummana Hussain and Ben explain. Rummana is as editorial writer and columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Megan Jeyifo explains how Chicago’s been impacted by anti-abortion laws in Florida, Arizona, Idaho and other states currently controlled by MAGA. Megan is the executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Delmarie Cobb tear into the Bears and Mayor Johnson’s proposal to build a stadium on the lakefront. It may be the worst idea since…oh, you fill in the blanks. Forget the lakefront site—build it on 87th Street or just go to Arlington Heights. Then a few words about Gaza and abortion. Delmarie is s political strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lefties try to figure out where they stand. Ben riffs. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez talks about her fist year in congress. Dealing with MAGA. Who’s more obnoxious—Darren Bailey or Marjorie Taylor Green. And why she voted how she did on Ukraine, Israel, TikTok and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.