In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and evaluated meetings of the Chicago City Council that took place in October and November of 2022. In the standard version, aldermen challenged Mayor Lightfoot's administration about how and whether the proposed 2023 budget resurrects the Dept. of Environment. In the premium version: the education committee's acting chair disputed Lightfoot's attempt to appoint a different chair; and aldermen spoke for and against the mayor's proposed city budget. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 13 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben assessed the September, 2022 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen argued over a proposed rezoning of Chicago Housing Authority land for a soccer facility. In the premium version: zoning committee chair Ald. Tom Tunney maneuvered to further the soccer facility scheme; an aldermanic appointment by Mayor Lori Lightfoot portends a showdown over council autonomy; and a North Side alderman waved a knife while protesting a police misconduct settlement. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.3 minutes.

In an audio interview with Ill. government veteran Kevin Lamm, Dave Glowacz explored a 1980 state constitution amendment that fundamentally changed the state House. In the standard version, Lamm explained the big switch in 1980 from cumulative voting in House districts. In the premium version: Pat Quinn's citizen referendum; a more polarized House of Representatives; Tom Quinn argues for the switch; and ranked choice voting as a successor to cumulative voting. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben analyzed the July, 2022 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, members of the public remain cut off from aldermen. In the premium version: Ninth Ward Ald. Anthony Beale's speed camera curb goes down; boosted enforcement against illegal drag racing; and the mayor defends her NASCAR race scheme. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9.3 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben dissected June, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, the ethicality of a non-election aldermanic turnover in the 24th Ward. In the premium version: more legislative twists and turns for Ninth Ward Ald. Anthony Beale's attempt to raise the speed at which Chicago's speed limit cameras are triggered. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated May, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen showed their upset with a ward remap compromise--and with each other. In the premium version: pointed objections to Mayor Lightfoot's casino project; aldermen tussle over the mayor's proposed new curfew rules; and an effort to grill city officials about youth safety comes to a surprising conclusion. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated April and May, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen oppose Mayor Lightfoot's $12.5 million proposal to distribute 100,000 prepaid transit cards and 50,000 prepaid gas-station cards. In the premium version: aldermen speak in favor of the transit and gas giveaway; a convoluted vote on the giveaway; a tranche of TIF gifts; 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale's push to cut speeding tickets thwarted again; and Ald. Brendan Reilly bets against a temporary casino in the 42nd Ward. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated March, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, excitement and confusion over the council's first-ever use of electronic voting. In the premium version: dismay and righteousness at the mayor's proposed casino super-committee; the special council session to approve a new 11th Ward alderman; and the current drama around the effort to create a council legal staff. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7.5 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and opined on parts of 2022's February meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen discussed the city's policy around a particular (but not unique) proposed purchase of a former Aldi grocery store in a TIF district on the West Side. In the premium version: aldermen heap honors upon Ill. Secretary of State Jess White and citizen-at-large George Blakemore; the final part (perhaps) in the saga of Mayor Lightfoot's appointment for the head of COPA; and the latest on the proposed ordinance that lets the city seize assets of gang leaders. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.6 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated the Chicago City Council's "unfinished business" in evidence at its meetings that took place in January, 2022. In the standard version, 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale worked, again, at the Jan. 26 full council meeting to establish a legislative parliamentarian and legal staff. In the premium version: the full drama that unfolded on Jan. 26 around Ald. Beale's effort; the fate of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's emergency spending measure; and aldermanic frustration with the mayor's nominee to head the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9 minutes.