Inside Chicago Government

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss the merits of tax-increment financing for the Congress Theater; whether term limits result in better government; and whether heads of state write their own opinion pieces. Length 5.8 minutes.

How city budgets have changed over three decades; Mayor Emanuel's approach to public input--that differs from Mayor Daley's; and where effective budget oversight can come from. Length 6.8 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss how to get past a mental "biking block;" how to accommodate bicycling on Lake Shore Drive; and dealing with agression on the road--from both cyclists and motorists. Length 5.4 minutes.

History of the GOP's denigration of "liberal" in the '70s and '80s; why further-left Democrats want to distinguish themselves from other Dems; and whether positions on particular issues indicate a progressive stance. Length 5.2 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss the how write-in candidates qualify for elections; the legitimacy of exit polls; the city of Chicago's bid to host Amazon's HQ2; and Chicago transit-oriented development contrasted with a proposed California scheme. Length 5.5 minutes.

Where citizens should best find candidate info; when media outlets should report on the horse race rather than issues; and the unexpected exemplars of Noam Chomsky's precepts on citizen movements. Length 5.9 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss the contrast between the behavior of Cook County Board commissioners and Chicago aldermen; the nature of public comment at Cook County Board meetings; and how Dave's tweets differ from those of Pres. Trump. Length 5.6 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss projects that Mayor Emanuel could promote ahead of the "cocktail train" to O'Hare; how to look everywhere while bicycling; and how to bicycle when the bike lane's clogged with plowed snow. Length 5.5 minutes.

First-ever audio of Rahm's infamous 2008 phone call with Blagojevich; a capsule history of CPS CEOs since the advent of Chicago school "reform;" and the racism of white Chicago office-holders who rail against corruption. Length 6.8 minutes.

Ben's technique for interviewees who duck the question; Ben's growing reluctance to write direct quotes; and whether Ben gives former Gov. Pat Quinn a pass on Quinn's actions. Length 6.1 minutes.

The history of Reader ownership; whether the Reader's new owners have figured out how to turn a profit; and how wealthy and powerful owners have affected Reader journalism. Length 5.7 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss the political behavior linked to bicycling; the origin of Chicago bicycling lanes and other facilities; and whether most Chicago cyclists favor subsidizing an Amazon HQ. Length 7.6 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss why Chicago's "Vision Zero" plan has zero vision; the inadequacy of Chicago's much-lauded transit system; and whether to implement a motorist toll for the central business district. Length 6.5 minutes.

The impact on Reader staff of Wrapports' proposed sale; the attrition of Chicago newspapers; and which newspapers have provided an independent voice. Length 5.1 minutes.

Which of Gov. Bruce Rauner's "reforms" most threatens the Democratic party; Rauner's possible motives for wanting to freeze local property taxes; and how Rauner's policies resemble those of former Pres. Obama. Length 7.5 minutes.

The story behind CPS chief Forrest Claypool's threat to end the 2017 school year early; Dem gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy sees primary-election voters as better informed than general-election voters; and David Axelrod's slam on Hillary Clinton. Length 4.8 minutes.

The culimation of a lifetime of radio listening; characteristics of the radio station's left-leaning audience; and synergies between broadcast and print material. Length 5.7 minutes.

In an interview by Ben Joravsky with Dave Glowacz on WCPT-AM's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave discuss the loyalty of Chicago bicycle riders to bike-friendly mayors. Length 5.2 minutes.

Roots of the Rauner/legislature pension-funding fray; the many meanings of "reform," including "cuts;" and the mayor wants new train projects, but who else cares? Length 7 minutes.

The mayor turns a billionaire bungle into a lakefront bundle; plutocrat chest-thumping over retiree health-care cuts; and the Jackson Park golf project as a case study in top-down community development. Length 7.2 minutes.

Whether the city needs all of the Red Purple Modernization elements; how much slush the RPM TIF district can accumulate; and Mayor Emanuel's tentative effort to lead a Trump resistance. Length 7.5 minutes.

Joravsky's role in the bargaining unit; the contentious issues that have prevented a contract agreement; and the dilemma facing activist journalists. Length 6 minutes.

Why Ald. Pawar flaunted a TIF surplus alternative, then took it underground; why the Board of Education doesn't care that TIF diverts property taxes from education; and how the city applies TIF surplus to the schools budget. Length 6.7 minutes.

Divvy installations as products of the mayor's fiduciary wizardry; why the Fleet Dept. move works better for taxpayers than the McCormick Marriott deal; and why the city finally will make use of the North Branch TIF district. Length 5.6 minutes.

Why progressive-caucus aldermen voted for the mayor's tax increases; the budget director's flawed statement about TIFs robbing schools; and why the administration carved out a special tax for school construction. Length 4.9 minutes.