Episodes

Tom Near is a professor of Evolutionary Biology at Yale University—and the chair of the department. But back in the 1980s, he was a gang member in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood near Diversey and Clybourn on the North Side. Yes, kiddies—there was a time before gentrification on the North Side. Tom talks about how he and the neighborhood changed. His views and 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.

Maya Goldberg-Safir and Alissa Hirsh talk all things WNBA, including…the difference between men and women as sports fans. Male fragility in the press box. And where the league is going. Maya blogs about the Sky. And Alissa covers the Sky for The Next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain explains Usha Vance's role in the Trump/Vance campaign. That is--she's using her background as an Indian-American woman to convince voters her husband, Senator JD Vance, is not a racist even if he's running with Trump. Good luck with that. Also, the roles of spouses in the campaigns of their spouses. Don't get Ben started on Bill Clinton and Hillary.. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Chicago 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 all eyes on the presidential race, Ben shifts his attention back to Chicago. At least for today. Brendan joins Ben to talk…Musical committee chairs in the council. Why do some alders hate on Byron Sigcho Lopez? What does the zoning committee chair do and why do we need a mayoral ally to do it? Aldermanic privilege— myth or reality? And the showdown between Mayor Johnson and his school board. Brendan is a defense lawyer, political strategist and poker player. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gotta give JD Vance credit—he’s a great apple polisher. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan riffs on Ben’s riff. Meet Peter Thiel. On other topics… Is a case of COVID President Biden’s exit excuse? Jim explains how the MAGA Supremes teamed up with Judge Cannon to enable Trump to avoid trials until after the election, if he faces trials at all. Jim is a trial lawyer and host of the podcast, Coogan Knows The Law. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman David Moore camps out in a tent in his ward as a tactic to fight violence. Ben riffs. And Alderman Moore explains what he’s doing with that tent and why. Also, he talks ShotSpotter and his defer-and-publish showdown with Alderman Daniel La Spata. And he offers a parable about the Lion, the Jackass and blue grass that’s especially relevant for Chicagoans. Plus, much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany takes on all the issues. Talking…Biden and Dems. Fascism and Trump. Bears on the eve of the season. Men and women as basketball fans. And Ben’s beloved Bulls. A high school football coach and unapologetic lefty, Mueze is Chicago’s foremost authority on football. Aside from his inexplicable attraction to the Knicks, he also knows a thing or two about basketball. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris spares no details pointing out the ripple effect if Trump beats Biden in a landslide—the White House, House and Senate. And the Supreme Court, which MAGA already controls. In short, Trump’s coattails. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. 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.

As Rummana Hussain and Ben sat down to talk, it was the day after an excessive night of Fourth of July fireworks as Americans ostensibly celebrate their independence from one king, while preparing to elect another. Then President Biden declared he was staying in the race regardless of what anyone thought of said. Oh, brother. Is everyone supposed to pretend we didn’t just see in that debate what we just saw in that debate. And a few words about The Sympathizer. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for ghe Sun-Times. Her opinions 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.

Hey, Dems, look on the bright side—at least people are paying attention to Biden. Ben riffs. Kina Collins breaks down the election—crazies, cowards and the couch. Who’s on the couch and why. And everything wrong with Dems with the Cisneros-Cuellar congressional race as exhibit A. That said, Kina says—please, vote against Trump! Also, some unsolicited advice for her white lefty allies. Don’t be offended, white lefties—it’s tough love. Kina is a political activist and was a congressional candidate in the 7th. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laurie and Tara explain what’s going on in France, politically speaking, and what it means for politics right here in the USA. A must listen to learn the basics of French politics and to hear Ben butcher the pronunciation of Macron, Le Pen, Bardella, Melenchon and a few other French names. Stick around as Ben and Laurie debate Biden and Harris. Should he step down and, if so, should she replace him? Laurie is a political strategist in Chicago and Tara is a political activist in France. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nancy Pelosi gives a master class in passive aggressiveness as she more or less gently tries to tell President Biden it’s time to step down. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson seconds that motion. Again, more or less. And then explains why some people are reluctant to endorse Kamala Harris. Also, why won’t Chicago admit that NASCAR is a bust. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden in 2023 = Daley in 2006. Ben riffs. He can’t help himself! Always making everything about Chicago politics. Speaking of which, Peter Cunningham riffs on Ben’s riff. Going back to his ‘06 Daley talking points as though time has stopped. Then he explains why he’s sticking with Joe. And what Biden has to do to beat Trump. Also, a few words about politics and crime. Peter is a former speechwriter for Mayor Daley and press secretary for Arne Duncan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Pennant ponders a few of the big bball political questions of the day, including…what is it that makes basketball-hating, hockey-loving, Trump-voting MAGA men fall in love with Caitlin Clark? Also, why are the experts who run the Bulls and the Sky incapable of signing any player who can shoot the three? Is this some kinda perverse Chicago thing? Chris co-hosts the CHGO Chicago Sky podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In December 2019, a true Chicago legend, Edward "Buzz" Palmer, came to the studio to talk about his life as military man, internationally renown activist, retired Chicago Police Department officer and founder of the Afro-American Patrolmen's League. Mr. Palmer died in 2021. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Lynn explains why ballot initiatives on abortion are not quite the game changers Dems think they are. As if Dems didn’t have enough problems. More to the point, they will not protect abortion as a right once Trump gets elected and bows to the zealots and bans it. Julie is a communications consultant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Pat try to keep their sanity in the face of utter madness. Including, some Dems bright idea about what to do to save President Biden’s campaign. It is…AI to create a new and improved Joe Biden. Ben says it’s a weak attempt at satire. Pat says, no, the dude is serious. And that may be the least of things. Pat is a comedian, actor and impresario, Also, you can see him in episode 5 of The Bear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 9 years as Host, Ken Davis announced that he is ending his Chicago Newsroom on CAN TV. Join us as we look back at the highlights with the man himself. It's our dear friend Kenny D, Ken Davis on this Saturday. Originally ran May, 2019. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ralph Nader blames Hillary Clinton for the MAGA supremes devious. Ben riffs. Then Monroe talk all things Biden. In other words…should he resign? Can he when in his demented state? And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of the debate debacle, Professor Alan Lichtman has a message that’s soothing and seductive for pain -stricken Dems. Ben riffs. Then Andrew riffs. Then Ben riffs on Andrew’s riff. Soon they’re riffing on all things national politics even though they intended to talk preservation in Chicago. Andrew asks: how can you get voters to care about something so abstract as the future of democracy, when they are most concerned with practical things, like the cost of eggs? Good question! Then they talk city council committees. Andrew is a preservationist, political activist and former aldermanic candidate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Wisniewski talks about the life and legacy of Nelson Algren, whose novels remain as relevant as ever. She wrote Algren: A Life. Originally dropped—March, 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looks like the Supremes are toying with the notion of legalizing bribery by calling a bribe a gratuity. Dave McKinney breaks down the case of James Snyder. former mayor of Portage, Indiana. The Supreme Court ruling may impact the feds prosecution of former speaker Michael Madigan. Dave is s reporter for WBEZ. A few weeks after we recorded this interview, the Supremes fell for Snyder’s argument. Bribery is now effectively legal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of Thursdays disastrous presidential debate, David Faris explains what Dems must do to remove President Biden from the ticket, recognizing that they probably won’t do it. He tries hard not to say—I told you so. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. 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.

Biden and Trump have a debate, if that’s what you call last night’s debacle. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner explains how we arrived at a point where our choice comes down to a corrupt fascist and an incoherent old man. Also, a few words about CNN, MSNBC, Rachel Maddow, Kamala Harris, Biden’s inner circle, Dems and a word of advice for Democrats: we must reckon with the fixed realities of our predicament and stop fantasizing about a miracle candidate who will save us from Trump. Meredith is a communication’s consultant and freelance writer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.