The John Howell Show Podcast

*Paul Vallas discusses his bid for Chicago mayor, saying that Lori Lightfoot's policies make her vulnerable.

*Retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel says that investing in children at a younger age can help end the violence.

*Joe Mahr of the Chicago Tribune dives into a consulting firm co-founded by Richard Irvin that is starting to raise some questions.

*Philip Bump of the Washington Post takes a look at how John Durham failed to deliver for Donald Trump.

*Plus, Mike Emanuel of Fox News stops by for his weekly visit and Bill Collar of Seymour, WI shares how his city is the home of the hamburger.

Chief Tom Weitzel, Retired Police Chief from the Riverside Police Department, joins John Howell. He discusses how investing in children at a younger age can help end the type of tragic violence we see in places like Uvalde. He talks about the warning signs, the steps law enforcement should take, and how more guns are not the answer.

Paul Vallas, Former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, joins John Howell to speak about his bid for Chicago Mayor. Vallas speaks about the differences between now and the last time he ran, the issues that have evolved, and what he would do differently than the current Mayor.

*David Frum of The Atlantic takes a look at how the term "thoughts and prayers" has become a political cliché.

*Dr. Andrew Latham at Macalester College tells John how attempting to humiliate Vladimir Putin would be folly.

*Chicago Sun-Times investigative reporter Tim Novak delves into the newest details in the Bridgeport bank scandal.

*Retired journalist and author Bill Bishop talks about how America's bitter political tribalism dates back further than most think.

*Plus, Paul du Quenoy of the Palm Beach Freedom Institute shares how Princeton University made a mistake in firing Joshua Katz.

*ABC News Correspondent Dennis Foley reports from Texas after a contentious press conference from law enforcement officials.

*Steve Lord of the Aurora Beacon-News discusses the ongoing disagreement between Richard Irvin and Pride Parade organizers.

*Former congressional staffer & campaign manager Matt Robison tells John what the really important questions will be heading into the midterms.

*Janice Riggs talks about Chicago's 'Walking Man' after he was left with 3rd degree burns after being attacked once again.

*Plus, Ann Gunkel looks back at the impact of Monty the piping plover and Attorney Exavier Pope says that it's time to stick up for Chicago.

Exavier Pope, Principal Owner of The Pope Law Firm in Chicago, joins John Howell. Texas governor Greg Abbott called out the violence in Chicago in the wake of the Texas shooting, and Pope says it’s time for us to stick up for the city. Chicago has been painted in nearly dystopian terms as a talking point, but Pope says that these ideas have little basis in reality. This, and more, on the podcast.

Steve Lord, writer and reporter for the Aurora Beacon-News, joins John Howell. They discuss the reasons behind the Aurora Pride parade banning in-uniform police, and they review Mayor Richard Irvin’s response to the issue. What “city action” would possibly be taken? That, and more, on the podcast.

*Chicago Tribune reporter Jason Meisner details how ex-state Representative Luis Arroyo was sentenced to near five years in prison.

*Dennis Foley joins again from San Antonio to discuss the questions facing law enforcement for their response to Tuesday's deadly shooting in Texas.

*19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea tells John about his ordinance designed to address the CPD staffing crisis.

*Legal historian and law professor Mary Ziegler previews what she believes will be an interstate war over abortion.

*Plus, Jason Nathanson remembers Ray Liotta and author David Hanna talks Chicago history with his new book "Broken Icarus."

John Howell is joined by ABC News’ Jason Nathanson to discuss the passing of Ray Liotta. The actor, known best for roles in “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams,” passed away earlier today at 67. Nathanson had the chance to chat with Liotta last year and shared clips of that interview, as well as some favorite clips from his film work.

Alderman Matt O’Shea of the 19th Ward joins Big John Howell. Ald. O’Shea has proposed an ordinance offering an incentive program to address the CPD staffing crisis. It would provide benefits to new and veteran officers in hopes of building the CPD staff numbers. They also discuss the recent meeting between Lightfoot & Sigcho Lopez as well as the newly approved casino.