Host Fran Spielman interviews newly appointed Chicago Inspector General David Glockner about his background, decades as a federal prosecutor under Patrick Fitzgerald, and lessons from major corruption cases including Rod Blagojevich, as well as his later compliance work helping Commonwealth Edison implement controls after the Madigan-related scandal. Glockner describes the IG’s role as delivering uncomfortable but objective facts and recommendations, says his relationship with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office has been constructive so far, and explains why he’s prioritizing operational areas like city procurement, CPD overtime, and accountability for violence-intervention funding rather than revisiting the revised parking meter deal.

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago City Council Finance Committee Chair Pat Dowell about a newly approved parking meter transfer agreement. Dowell argues the added revenue should be placed in a lockbox to help reduce the city’s $36 billion pension liability over the remaining 57 years.

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s senior advisor Jason Lee about Johnson’s path to reelection, defending his record, and navigating City Council and union tensions. Lee argues the election will hinge on whether working people or wealthy corporate interests control the city, citing claims of historic public-safety improvements, expanded mental health services, major developments, and 31,000 youth jobs.