Mayor Johnson’s administration sues Kia to crack down on car thefts. Folks make fun of the mayor. Ben riffs. Brendan Shiller—activist, lawyer, poker player—returns and offers…A tribute to George Atkins. A new take on Sox shooting. And a few words about MAGA’s attempt to re-make Trump into Tupac.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Filmaker Steve James talks about his latest documentary—A Compassionate Spy. It tells the story of Ted Hall, a brilliant scientist at Los Almos who actually did what the fantasies accused Robert Oppenheimer of doing—turning nuclear secrets over to the Soviets. It’s also a love story, featuring Joan Hall, Ted Hall’s wife, who was a poet and linguist and street smart woman from Chicago. One of Steve’s best films.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Delmarie Cobb and Ben break it all down, including…Jerry Reinsdorf speaks. Do we agree with what he says? Why Bronzeville didn’t develop like Wrigleyville. Heated Hyde Park debate over asylum speakers. The Republican primary—is there any voter Delmarie can even remotely see herself voting for?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Hinton, investigative reporter for Block Club, joins Ben to explain or try to figure out what’s going on the news. Including…Garde World’s $29 million tent deal with the city. Interim police superintendent Fred Waller takes the fall for Sox Park shooting. Does Trump have a first amendment protected right to stir MAGA to threaten judges and witnesses? And should the US Senate have a dress code?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sox Park shooting exemplifies why it’s best to hold off on judgment until you know all the facts. Ben riffs. Radical firefighter Sam Holloway returns with a lefty’s take on Trump, Dems and fascist threats.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Johnson Administration inks a $29 million contract with a bunch of Right Wingers from Florida to build tents for asylum seekers. Ben tried not to lose his mind as he riffs. Why can’t we put Chicagoans to work? State Rep Kam Buckner weighs in on the deal. A few words on the end of cash bail. A few suggestions for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. And Kam tackles the Bears. Are they trying to destroy Justin Fields’ career?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tupac didn’t say the line Mayor Johnson said he said and boomer journalists have (too) much love for Dr. Arwady. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks White Sox threat to leave Chicago, crime, schools, Friday swim club and…golf?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several aldermen vote against accepting a federal grant to help cover the cost of taking care of asylum seekers. Ben tries to explain the inexplicable. Monroe Anderson talks Jann Wenner, West Point affirmative action, Hunter Biden and Republicans on UAW strike.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first Republican presidential debate was a case study in cowardice and deceit. And Roosevelt University political scientist David Faris has a field day, breaking it all down. Including their dancing, dodging denials on climate change, Trump’s coup and abortion. What a bunch of clowns.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA has a presidential debate last night, without the emperor. Ben riffs. Alderman Carlos Ramírez Rosa, Mayor Johnson’s city council floor leader, discusses the first 100 days of Mayor Johnson’s Administration. Including the Bring Chicago Home referendum, treatment not trauma, when he will reopen mental health clinics, photo ops with Mayor Rahm and firing Health Commissioner Arwady. Also, a word or two about Tupacgate.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.