As the race tightens, Chicago mayoral contenders try to woo voters by attacking each other at a number of debates. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson spar over public safety, the direction of CPS, raising taxes and more. The endorsements continue with former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan backing Vallas. And Bernie Sanders will be in Chicago to rally for Johnson.

Alderpeople angle for more independence during the rest of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s lame duck tenure.

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan is not on trial yet, but his wiretapped conversations illustrate his iron-fisted control of the Illinois House in the case against the “ComEd Four.” Defense lawyers say it’s all legal lobbying.

In other news, what do banning e-cigarettes, Styrofoam containers and cat declawing all have in common? These are just a sampling of the bevy of bills that have passed the Illinois House this week. Lawmakers also move a bill allowing multi-occupancy bathrooms to be gender neutral.

And the summer season is coming into focus with the release of Lollapalooza, Pitchfork and Ravinia schedules. That and the start of construction season launches with a massive mess on the Kennedy Expressway — part of a three-year, three-phase project.

Guests:

Ray Long, Chicago Tribune | @RayLong

Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times | @NaderDIssa

Quinn Myers, Block Club Chicago | @rQuinnMyers

Jacoby Cochran, City Cast Chicago | @JacobyCochran

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