Fran Spielman interviews Neil Steinberg about the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson at 84 and the challenge of capturing his long, complicated life in a definitive obituary. They review Jackson’s rise from segregated Greenville, South Carolina (including the Greenville Eight library protest), his work with Martin Luther King Jr., and his Chicago impact through Operation Breadbasket boycotts and decades of political influence and clashes with mayors.

Fran Spielman welcomes Chicago's Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Ivan Capifali. They discuss vital initiatives to support small businesses, including Mayor Johnson's 'Cut the Tape' program aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape. Capifali emphasizes the importance of streamlining the business licensing process and highlights the city's efforts to enhance small business support amidst economic challenges.

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion between two Chicago City Council members, Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) and Ald. Walter "Red" Burnett (27th), who are on opposing sides of the debate over legalizing video gaming terminals (VGTs) in the city. Beal advocates for lifting the current ban, citing the potential for significant revenue generation to alleviate budget deficits and support local businesses. Conversely, Walter Burnett argues against VGTs, focusing on public safety risks, potential cannibalization of casino revenue, and the adverse effects of increased gambling accessibility, particularly on younger men.