Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain tells us everything we need to know about India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington, DC. Including what it says about the dangers of being too cynical regarding geopolitical strategies. Also, an analysis of the guest list at the White House state dinner.

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It’s really oh, what a year. Cause it’s been about a year since the Supreme Court’s Dobb’s decision, overturning Roe and essentially leaving states free to outlaw abortion. Sarah Garza Resnick, CEO of Personal Pac, and Ben talk about the political and medical ramifications. Are the justices having second thoughts? How will the decision impact 2024 presidential election? What’s sounder—Justice Alito’s Dobb’s decision or his explanation for flying for free on his billionaire friend’s private plane? And more…

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The City Council approves Mayor Johnson’s funding request for asylum seekers. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin breaks down the debt ceiling debate. And is Donald Trump suddenly a liberal on woke?

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The striking screenwriters have clearly learned a thing or two from teachers unions. Ben riffs. State Senator Rachel Ventura describes the ups and downs of her rookie year in the senate. As she introduces one progressive bill after another. Most notably on cannabis criminal Justice. Will the War on Drugs ever end?

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As the former president of the board of trustees of the Chicago Teachers pension fund, Jay Rehak probably knows as much or more than anyone about public pensions. He gives us the ABCs of a system that’s been exposed to the scams and schemes of elected officials and Right Wing ideologues for decades.

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Sun Times columnist Rummana Hussain and Ben break it all down. Including…Elizabeth Gilbert agrees to delay publication of her new book cause it’s set in Russia. And journalism grows up. And more…

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Friends of the Parks executive director Juanita Irizarry joins Ben to riff on some of the news from a week of madness. Including…MAGA making more money for Bud, the beer company they’re supposedly boycotting. The city turning over public parks for private use. Paul Vallas, the lifelong Democrat, goes through another Republican phase. Corporate Chicago falls in love with Mayor Johnson. Lincoln Yards developers makes Lori Lightfoot their scapegoat. And want to do about the Bears.

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Ron Desantis makes the world’s worst campaign kickoff. Ben riffs. Former congressional candidate Kina Collins talks Desantis, Trump, city council, Mayor Johnson and asylum seekers.

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While you weren’t paying attention, political junkies, Ari Emanuel cut a deal that makes him one of the most powerful man in combat sports. The Fight podcast host, Sergio Vicente explains what went down and what it means for fans and athletes. Also, a few words about Ryan Garcia, Tank Davis and Ja Morant.

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GOP comment on Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a bow. He predicted Trump would be arrested and arraigned. And Trump was arrested and arraigned. Everything you need to know about Trump’s latest crime and its political fallout.

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