Journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky listened to and evaluated parts of the May 2021 meeting of the full Chicago City Council.

In the standard version of the episode, Dave played audio of aldermen discussing a proposed rezoning that would result in over 100 units of affordable housing in the 12th Ward. Many aldermen opposed the development because it's near an asphalt manufacturing plant—but their attempt at delay failed.

Reflecting on the housing debate, Dave and Ben weighed aldermanic prerogative against presumed evidence of environmental hazards.

In the premium version of the episode, Dave played audio of aldermen making last-ditch cases for and against the expansion of a of cannabis dispensary in the North Side's 45th Ward. Members of the council's Black Caucus invoked the imminence of so-called equity legislation on the state level to delay a vote—unsuccessfully.

Also in the premium version, Dave played clips from an uproar resulting from the delay of a measure that would rename outer Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Drive.

The council dispute led to a discussion by Dave and Ben on the propriety of certain building name changes and news-media style policies.

The premium version of the episode also featured audio of how Ald. David Moore (17) forced delays to various measures, in apparent retribution for his colleagues' deferral of the Lake Shore Drive renaming.

Finally, in the premium version, Dave and Ben listened to an attempted tribute by a former long-time alderman, which was cut short by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Length 8.5 minutes standard, 49.2 minutes premium.

Music: "Wind Octet in E flat major, Op.103 - IV. Presto" by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Soni Ventorum and Guests

Standard audio:

Premium audio: