Inside Chicago Government

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from April 2021 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen wrangled over expansion of a North-Side cannabis dispensary. In the premium version: Mayor Lightfoot cuts off an alderman's mike, channelling Richard J. Daley; wildly differing cost estimates for a police complaint database; reporters who "roll around in the depths of cesspools" of mayoral rumor; and profanity erupts over the renaming of Lake Shore Drive. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.4 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from the March 2021 session of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, alderman argued over a proposed resolution calling for condemnation of violence in India. In the premium version: debates over a building demolition surcharge pilot in Pilsen and Logan Square; lining up for and against industrial zoning regulations to address environmental concerns; and controversy over a proposed guaranteed income. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.8 minutes.

In an audio interview, Alderman Andre Vasquez of Chicago's 40th Ward talked about a City Council resolution he co-sponsored that calls for a hearing on how Chicago will redraw ward boundaries. In the standard version, Vasquez defended his resolution from critiques by the council's Latino Caucus. In the premium version: questions about selecting an independent remap commission; how non-whites can represent whites; and avoiding the "back room." Length 5.1 minutes. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.)

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from February 2021 sessions of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, Ald. Ed Burke (14) blasted Mayor Lori Lightfoot's proposal to apply $281.5 million of federal COVID-19 relief (via the CARES Act) to the police budget. In the premium version: Lightfoot's infamous Feb. 24 expletive; dense parliamentary maneuvers to force adjournment; warnings of federal scrutiny; and council concerns about resuming in-person meetings. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.3 minutes.

In this audio piece, members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus blast a proposed independent commission for redrawing ward boundaries--prompting a contrarian response by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. In the premium version, hear the entire Jan. 27 Latino Caucus press conference. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 6.1 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from several January 2021 sessions of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen voiced frustration with Metra pursuit of tax-increment financing for rail crossings. In the premium version: tension over Chicago's carjacking epidemic; another delay of a South Side community policing outpost; differing meanings of "transparent" redrawing of ward boundaries; and Mayor Lightfoot scolds aldermen on an immigration enforcement measure. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.2 minutes.

In an interview with Dave Glowacz on the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky Show, Dave and Ben analyzed audio from a December, 2020 City Council hearing about the botched police raid on the home of Anjanette Young, and from the council's full meeting. In the standard version, aldermen wondered why no staff from the Dept. of Law were present to answer questions. In the premium version: the cost and efficacy of search warrant-based raids; how long police must wait before busting down a door; police supe's frustration with "the Chicago way;" and the mysterious burying of an immigrant-related ordinance. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 6.9 minutes.

In this audio piece, we hear Chicago Inspector General (IG) Joseph Ferguson warn members of the City Council about departures of key officials--and the effect on reform of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). In the standard version, Ferguson explained the big turnover in the position of Deputy IG for Public Safety. In the premium version, Ferguson spoke of the "fiscal consequences" of departures by the other key players in Chicago police reform--and why their exit will stymie transformation of CPD. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 2.8 minutes.

In an interview with Dave Glowacz on the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave comment on audio from November 2020's approval by the Chicago City Council of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's 2021 budget ordinances. The standard version features an audio collage of aldermen voicing their support for and objections to the mayor's budget proposals. In the premium version: incongruous votes by some; the annual criticisms don't change, but the critics do; what happens to progressive revenue proposals; and an alderman plays the age card. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7.5 minutes.

In an audio interview with former Chicago budget director Paul Vallas, Dave Glowacz explored ideas for the city of Chicago's 2021 budget. Length 6 minutes. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.)