After ordering federal employees not to even mention DEI, Trump throws a party in the White House to celebrate Black History Month--MAGA style. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez covers the news. Including...the free speech debate, Gaza protest puppets, Chicago City Council disinformation, and signs of hope. Rossana is the alderwoman of the 33rd ward.

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Steve Bannon, Trump's ideological brain, gives the Nazi salute to a bunch of MAGA lovers and Governor Pritzker warns we’re looking a little too like Germany in the `30s. Ben riffs. David Faris explores this theme--American voters saw what Trump did on January 6 and voted for him anyway. What does this say about our democracy? David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.

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MAGA writes a script for teachers which makes no sense. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks resistance. What must be done and who must do it. Also, a few words about the midterms. And the mayor. And the people who want to be mayor. And a sorta shoutout to her libertarian critics. Who are not really libertarians. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union.

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Ben and the doctor are in the house, talking a week’s worth of news. Including… Governor Pritzker's 2026 budget address. The latest Trump poll, paid for by JB Pritzker. Also know as President Pritzker. And the first in a series—the Chicago Mayoral Candidate spotlight. Yes, 2027 is right around the corner. Also, Dennis takes the 2019 mayoral trivia test.

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Trump says no judge tells me what to do. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain ponders the day’s great questions. Can Trump remove the Associated Press from the White House cause they won't bow to his commands? Can he disobey the rulings of federal judges? Can he command Palestinians to leave Gaza? Is that even a plan or just Trump trash talking? Is Trump more powerful than Mayor Daley was in Chicago? Also, a few words about the AP style book. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her views are her own.

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Trump decides it's okay to ignore the rulings of federal judges. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner talks about her revelation. It's time Democrats took back their party from the feckless consultant class that runs it. Hence, it's time to primary all incumbents. Including Senator Durbin right here in Illinois. As she suggested she might do in a recent essay. Was that for real or satire? Does it matter? She also explains why Democratic senators do the things they do. Like not filibustering. Meredith is a former capitol hill reporter and a columnist for The New Republic.

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Ben and Dr D riff on a week’s worth of news, including…President Pritzker. Yes, Ben’s sticking to his prediction. Former speaker Madigan. He was convicted. Mainly cause he didn’t pledge his allegiance to Trump. And New York City’s Mayor Adams. He did pledge allegiance to Trump and, voila, charges dropped. And Blago. Pardoned. And may be nominated ambassador to Serbia. A few words about Mayor Rahm and his new gig with CNN. And finally…a visit to Mayor Johnson’s gift room. Don’t touch those cuff links! Imagine how big Trump’s gift room would be.

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On the same day the mainstreams rejoice over Michael Madigan’s conviction, Musk and his four-year-old show Trump who really runs the White House. Ben riffs. Adolfo and Ben debate the issue of whether corruption laws really exist if they’re only enforced against Trump’s enemies. And not his friends. The debate rages. Sorta. Adolfo is a lawyer in Chicago and a radio host.

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