In the name of budget reform, Michael Madigan’s favorite alderman messes with Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette returns to explain the ins and outs of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” How it impacts Medicaid, taxes, the deficit, food stamps, state and municipal taxes, ICE and military spending. Dylan is the vice president of Policy and Government Affairs for the Project On Government Oversight.

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A lefty wins in New York, the Supremes go MAGA. Ben riffs. Denali explains the difference between New York and Chicago politics. And more. Raised in NY, Denali is a political activist in Chicago.

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Trump sues federal judges because he disagrees with their rulings. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan explains the difference between appealing a judge’s ruling you disagree with and suing the judge for making that ruling. One is constitutional. The other is not. Unless, of course, the Supremes say—ah, the hell with the constitution, let’s give the boss what he wants. Also, the Emil Bove threat. And governors versus Trump on the national guard. Jim is founding partner of Coogan Gallagher.

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Speaking for corporate Dems everywhere, Lawrence Summers says he's "profoundly alarmed" about the future of our country in light of Mamdani's victory--as if being alarmed isn't strong enough. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks about the "Iron Law of Oligarchy." That's Marc Andreesen's theory about democracy. Which is taken from a book Andreesen once read. Andreesen is a fabulously wealthy venture capitalist. His theory basically says that everything he believes is true because he believes it. About the only thing Marc Sims and Andreesen have in common is their first name. Also, the state of State. That's 115th and State on the far south side. Marc is host of Just A Few Questions, a Chicago-based podcast.

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Zohran Mamdani, the young lefty, beats Andrew Cuomo, the old centrist, in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary. Ben riffs. Monroe talks about the irony of Mayor Eric Adams, a Black man, running an updated version of Bernie Epton's vote-for-me-before-it's-too-late campaign. Earthquake makes his Ben Joravsky Show debut--sorta. On how MAGA believes anything Trump tells them--even if it contradicts whatever he told them the day before. You gotta laugh, to keep from crying.

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Ben riffs on what has changed and what remains the same since George Floyd’s murder. And Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principal’s Association, talks about getting arrested and thrown in jail by police defending Trump Tower from protestors. Also, what defund-the-police activists can learn from the Charter school crowd. Recorded in June of 2020

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Mainstream Dems seem madder at Mamdani than they are at Trump. Ben riffs. David Faris explains his latest theory, the Trump cycle. And how it applies to the bombing of Iran. Also, the fallacy of bombing as an alternative to negotiation. The MAGA split. The post hoc MAGA rationalization Machine for whatever stupid thing Trump comes up with. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.

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It was roughly ten years ago that Trump announced he was running for president. Everyone laughed. Turns out the joke was on us. Ben riffs. Ray Hanania explains the essence of Trump. Or at least what Trump wants. Then it's Ray on Israel, Iran, Gaza and why Arabs in the Middle East say they like Trump. A few words about Alderman RayLo. And another round of the ageless Ben/Ray debate--is a politician a racist if he "only" exploits fears and prejudices? Ray is a political consultant, comedian, publicist and columnist. You can read his columns on Substack.

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Ben & Dr D talk all the big political news of the week. But first--a word about basketball. Bulls, my goodness, what are you doing with the draft? Are you trying to lose? Sorry about that sports interlude. Now back to politics. The Young Turk makes a compelling point about Trump and creditors. Everyone thinks Dan Biss will win in the 9th. But don't count out Bushra Amiwala. Why do Evanstonians think they're better than Skokieans? Hint--money has something to do with it. Speaking of money...Governor Pritzker announces he's running for re-election. Apparently, he thinks being governor enhances his chance of getting elected president. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm continues his rhetorical war against the left. Apparently, he thinks hating Democratic voters is the best way to win the Democratic presidential nomination. And more...

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Trump bombs Iran. Ben riffs. Sara Haghdoosti describes the stakes with a personal touch. She has friends and or family in Iran and Israel. She explains the absurdity of the moment. Trump says he'll cut a new deal having ripped up the old deal. People still listen to Netanyahu as though he has any credibility. And armchair analysts act as though the innocent Iranians killed by bombs aren't real humans. Sara also cautions Democrats against cynicism. Sara is the executive director of Win Without War.

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