Paul Lisnek
@paul-lisnek.bsky.social
Political and legal analyst for WGN-TV News: host: the wgn radio podcast "Behind the Curtain" which covers mostly theater and arts. Author of 15 books including: Assume Guilt and Assume Treason (Matt Barlow mysteries)
Sunday 9:00 a.m.WGN - TV Political Report. Guests: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on balanced budget and upcoming primary challenge and Congressman Mike Quigley on the US attacks on Venezuelan boats and latest on tariffs. Watch on Channel 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
December 6, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Sunday 9:00 a.m.WGN - TV Political Report. Guests: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on balanced budget and upcoming primary challenge and Congressman Mike Quigley on the US attacks on Venezuelan boats and latest on tariffs. Watch on Channel 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
This weekend on Behind the Curtain: Uptown Theater new coffee table book; go inside the Louvre in Paris and learn about its amazing history. Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WGN+ streaming network and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.; you can download WGN+ on your Smart TV or Apple, Roku or Amazon Fire.
December 5, 2025 at 5:12 AM
This weekend on Behind the Curtain: Uptown Theater new coffee table book; go inside the Louvre in Paris and learn about its amazing history. Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WGN+ streaming network and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.; you can download WGN+ on your Smart TV or Apple, Roku or Amazon Fire.
Behind the Curtain: Sat 10:30 a.m. abd Sun at 4:30pm on WGN+. Guests:cast /director of Jekyll & Hyde at Chopin & Chicago Gay Men's Chorus on Xmas concert. Then Monday watch the interviews with BONUS EXTENDED conversations on wgnradio.com, all other podcast platforms and at aroundthetownchicago.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Behind the Curtain: Sat 10:30 a.m. abd Sun at 4:30pm on WGN+. Guests:cast /director of Jekyll & Hyde at Chopin & Chicago Gay Men's Chorus on Xmas concert. Then Monday watch the interviews with BONUS EXTENDED conversations on wgnradio.com, all other podcast platforms and at aroundthetownchicago.com
Join me for WGN-TV Political Report Sunday 9:00 a.m. guests are ABC News' Jonathan Karl on his new book "Retribution" and Congressman Jonathan Jackson on the current government shutdown. The show repeats at 3:30 p.m. on Ch 9 or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
November 8, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Join me for WGN-TV Political Report Sunday 9:00 a.m. guests are ABC News' Jonathan Karl on his new book "Retribution" and Congressman Jonathan Jackson on the current government shutdown. The show repeats at 3:30 p.m. on Ch 9 or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain: comedian Murray Hill. He's performing at Den Theatre on November 9th. Watch on Saturday at 10:30 a.m./ Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on WGN+TV Stream, and then on Monday you can watch it at wgnradio.com under podcasts, all other podcast platforms and at aroundthetownchicago.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain: comedian Murray Hill. He's performing at Den Theatre on November 9th. Watch on Saturday at 10:30 a.m./ Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on WGN+TV Stream, and then on Monday you can watch it at wgnradio.com under podcasts, all other podcast platforms and at aroundthetownchicago.com
WGN-TV Political Report Sunday 9a.m.: Guests: Rep. Mike Quigley on govt shutdown and new tariffs, former Kamala Harris senior advisor Mike Nellis on Harris's new book and Repub strategist Collin Corbett on Repub Guv primary/ race. Watch on Ch 9 or live stream: wgntv.com/live
September 27, 2025 at 5:45 PM
WGN-TV Political Report Sunday 9a.m.: Guests: Rep. Mike Quigley on govt shutdown and new tariffs, former Kamala Harris senior advisor Mike Nellis on Harris's new book and Repub strategist Collin Corbett on Repub Guv primary/ race. Watch on Ch 9 or live stream: wgntv.com/live
Sunday at 9am on WGN-TV Political Report: Lt. Col Alexander Vindman joins me to talk about the war in Ukraine and how the US and the west abandoned Ukraine long ago. Plus Votebeat on redistricting and Trump calling for an end to mail in voting. On ch 9 and livestream at www.wgntv.com/live.
August 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Sunday at 9am on WGN-TV Political Report: Lt. Col Alexander Vindman joins me to talk about the war in Ukraine and how the US and the west abandoned Ukraine long ago. Plus Votebeat on redistricting and Trump calling for an end to mail in voting. On ch 9 and livestream at www.wgntv.com/live.
Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Watch WGN-TV Political Report when my guests are IL AG Kwame Raoul on the federalization of the National Guard & author Evan Osnos on new book about ultra rich and their mega yachts. how do these thing apply here in illinois? Ch. 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
August 17, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Watch WGN-TV Political Report when my guests are IL AG Kwame Raoul on the federalization of the National Guard & author Evan Osnos on new book about ultra rich and their mega yachts. how do these thing apply here in illinois? Ch. 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
This weekend Behind the Curtain: Jordan Marcus (plays Michael Jackson) in MJ the Musical; Annoyance Theater's Hitch *Cocktails...a murder mystery/drinking game...for the cast!! Sat at 10:30am and 4:30pm ; Sun at 4:30pm on WGN+ TV app. Mon: wgnradio.com.
August 8, 2025 at 4:15 AM
This weekend Behind the Curtain: Jordan Marcus (plays Michael Jackson) in MJ the Musical; Annoyance Theater's Hitch *Cocktails...a murder mystery/drinking game...for the cast!! Sat at 10:30am and 4:30pm ; Sun at 4:30pm on WGN+ TV app. Mon: wgnradio.com.
Sunday at 9:00 a.m. join me for WGN - TV Political Report. My guests are retired Alderman Walter Burnett on his 30 years in office and hopes to head the CHA and economics Professor Michael Miller on the state of the economy. Tune in on Channel 9 OR watch the live stream at wgn-tv.com/live
August 3, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Sunday at 9:00 a.m. join me for WGN - TV Political Report. My guests are retired Alderman Walter Burnett on his 30 years in office and hopes to head the CHA and economics Professor Michael Miller on the state of the economy. Tune in on Channel 9 OR watch the live stream at wgn-tv.com/live
WGN - TV Political Report Sunday at 9:00 a.m.. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd ward) on budget and safety issues in the city and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez IL-3 discussing immigration policy and impacts of the recently passed budget. Tune in on Channel 9 or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
July 26, 2025 at 7:55 PM
WGN - TV Political Report Sunday at 9:00 a.m.. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd ward) on budget and safety issues in the city and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez IL-3 discussing immigration policy and impacts of the recently passed budget. Tune in on Channel 9 or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
If you missed Behind the Curtain interviews of Beauty and the Beast and Hairspray on WGN+ TV stream, this last weekend, you can now watch the full recordings plus bonus conversation at wgnradio.com under podcasts and also visit the Behind the Curtain section at Aroundthetownchicago.com
July 23, 2025 at 4:37 AM
If you missed Behind the Curtain interviews of Beauty and the Beast and Hairspray on WGN+ TV stream, this last weekend, you can now watch the full recordings plus bonus conversation at wgnradio.com under podcasts and also visit the Behind the Curtain section at Aroundthetownchicago.com
My guest on Behind the Curtain this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.: author Ian Leslie whose latest book is called John & Paul. A very different analysis of the relationship between Lennon and McCartney. An interview you won't want to miss. And Monday at WGN radio.com
July 12, 2025 at 1:10 AM
My guest on Behind the Curtain this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.: author Ian Leslie whose latest book is called John & Paul. A very different analysis of the relationship between Lennon and McCartney. An interview you won't want to miss. And Monday at WGN radio.com
This weekend's Behind the Curtain: the proposed Cultural Stadium for Chicago's theater and art scene. Guest:Broadway in Chicago President / CEO Lou Raisin. Sat at 10:30am/4:30pm & Sun at 4:30pm on the WGN+ TV Streaming app. Monday you can watch at wgnradio.com, YouTube and all podcast platforms.
June 13, 2025 at 4:55 AM
This weekend's Behind the Curtain: the proposed Cultural Stadium for Chicago's theater and art scene. Guest:Broadway in Chicago President / CEO Lou Raisin. Sat at 10:30am/4:30pm & Sun at 4:30pm on the WGN+ TV Streaming app. Monday you can watch at wgnradio.com, YouTube and all podcast platforms.
WGN -TV Political Report Sunday 9 a.m. My guest: Tim Miller of the Bulwark to discuss the current state of politics in washington. Plus a panel I moderated with the Chicago Bar Association on gun violence and fearuring AG Kwame Raoul.. watch on Ch. 9, www.wgntv.com/live or on the wgn+ app
May 24, 2025 at 4:27 PM
WGN -TV Political Report Sunday 9 a.m. My guest: Tim Miller of the Bulwark to discuss the current state of politics in washington. Plus a panel I moderated with the Chicago Bar Association on gun violence and fearuring AG Kwame Raoul.. watch on Ch. 9, www.wgntv.com/live or on the wgn+ app
Sunday 9:00 a.m. join me for WGN - TV Political Report. My guests: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss on plans for a second term, and former congresswoman Marie Newman on her new book offering life lessons to all of us from her years in Congress. Tune in on Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live.
April 5, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Sunday 9:00 a.m. join me for WGN - TV Political Report. My guests: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss on plans for a second term, and former congresswoman Marie Newman on her new book offering life lessons to all of us from her years in Congress. Tune in on Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live.
WGN - TV Political Report Sunday 9:00 a.m. RTA chairman Kirk Dillard talks about the future of transit as it faces a budget crisis; Congressman Mike Quigley on Signalgate and whether or not we still have a legislative branch functioning in DC. Channel 9 or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
March 29, 2025 at 6:38 PM
WGN - TV Political Report Sunday 9:00 a.m. RTA chairman Kirk Dillard talks about the future of transit as it faces a budget crisis; Congressman Mike Quigley on Signalgate and whether or not we still have a legislative branch functioning in DC. Channel 9 or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
Sunday 9am WGN - TV Political Report: Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon talks about the upcoming election in Suburban Cook County. Alderman Jason Ervin also updates us on the dynamics between CPS, CTU and the City budget. Plus lots more. Tune in on Ch 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
March 22, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Sunday 9am WGN - TV Political Report: Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon talks about the upcoming election in Suburban Cook County. Alderman Jason Ervin also updates us on the dynamics between CPS, CTU and the City budget. Plus lots more. Tune in on Ch 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
WGN-TV Political Report Sunday 9 a.m. Jonathan Martin-Politico exclusive column on Rahm Emanuel's plan to seek presidency in 2028. Plus, 2nd Ward Alder Brian Hopkins on how federal cuts in education / health care may impact Chicago & more. Tune in on Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
March 16, 2025 at 12:18 AM
WGN-TV Political Report Sunday 9 a.m. Jonathan Martin-Politico exclusive column on Rahm Emanuel's plan to seek presidency in 2028. Plus, 2nd Ward Alder Brian Hopkins on how federal cuts in education / health care may impact Chicago & more. Tune in on Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
Sunday 9:00 a.m.: WGN - TV Political Report. My guests are Alderman Timmy Knudsen (43rd) on the infrastructure spending bill passed by city council and Congressman Jonathan Jackson on Mayor Johnson's upcoming testimony in DC and other Congress issues. Channel 9 or live stream at wgn-tv.com/live
March 1, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Sunday 9:00 a.m.: WGN - TV Political Report. My guests are Alderman Timmy Knudsen (43rd) on the infrastructure spending bill passed by city council and Congressman Jonathan Jackson on Mayor Johnson's upcoming testimony in DC and other Congress issues. Channel 9 or live stream at wgn-tv.com/live
What a lovely evening listening to The Fabulous voice of Jessie Mueller and the accompaniment of Broadway serius XM legend Seth Rudetsky. Part of a series that I hope will return to Chicago many times a year. Catch my interview with Jessie on the Behind the Curtain podcast at www.wgnradio.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:52 PM
What a lovely evening listening to The Fabulous voice of Jessie Mueller and the accompaniment of Broadway serius XM legend Seth Rudetsky. Part of a series that I hope will return to Chicago many times a year. Catch my interview with Jessie on the Behind the Curtain podcast at www.wgnradio.com
WGN-TV Political Report Sun@ 9:00 a.m. guests: criminal defense attorney Gal Pissetsky with analysis of the Madigan trial and Professor Robert Shapiro to address the Constitutional issues raised by President Trump's executive orders this past week. Channel 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
January 25, 2025 at 8:53 PM
WGN-TV Political Report Sun@ 9:00 a.m. guests: criminal defense attorney Gal Pissetsky with analysis of the Madigan trial and Professor Robert Shapiro to address the Constitutional issues raised by President Trump's executive orders this past week. Channel 9 or the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
Sunday 9:00 a.m.: WGN-TV Political Report. Will be taking a look at the upcoming inauguration and my guest is Northwestern University History Professor Michael Allen. Plus a talk with Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch. Tune in at 9:00 a.m. or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
January 19, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Sunday 9:00 a.m.: WGN-TV Political Report. Will be taking a look at the upcoming inauguration and my guest is Northwestern University History Professor Michael Allen. Plus a talk with Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch. Tune in at 9:00 a.m. or watch the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
Sun. at 9:00 a.m. on WGN-TV Political Report my guest is IL state representative LaShawn Ford to talk about the hemp debate in Springfield and the relationship with Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago. In addition, a one on one with Mayor Johnson. Tune in Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
January 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Sun. at 9:00 a.m. on WGN-TV Political Report my guest is IL state representative LaShawn Ford to talk about the hemp debate in Springfield and the relationship with Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago. In addition, a one on one with Mayor Johnson. Tune in Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
Sunday morning on WGN-TV Political Report: journalist Jonathan Alter on the life of Jimmy Carter and Senate Republican minority leader John Curran on what to expect from the upcoming lame duck Springfield legislative session. Tune in on Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live
January 4, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Sunday morning on WGN-TV Political Report: journalist Jonathan Alter on the life of Jimmy Carter and Senate Republican minority leader John Curran on what to expect from the upcoming lame duck Springfield legislative session. Tune in on Channel 9 or live stream at www.wgntv.com/live