Friday’s game plan for ‘Afternoon Shift’: History revisited

Friday’s game plan for ‘Afternoon Shift’: History revisited

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I have a hunch that listenership this afternoon will be down. Unless they pipe in WBEZ and turn the sound down at the various bars on Hubbard Street. This is the day where if you are stuck at work and/or your boss didn’t organize a full-out St. Patrick’s day work outing, you do not have the luck of the Irish.

But don’t worry, we have your back on the Afternoon Shift today. The theme? History revisited. Alderman Ed Burke will be in-studio to talk about the Irish’s role in Chicago politics and we’ll talk with NewsHour’s Jim Lehrer about the future of the televised political debate. Throw in a little architecture talk about a new Navy Pier and our weekly Rewind segment? Well, this show is a pot of gold. 

(Flickr/TG4)

Here’s today’s game plan:

Irish Politics/Chicago History:  As we get ready to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, we gather an esteemed panel (including Alderman Ed Burke) to talk about the influence of the Irish on Chicago politics past and present. Chicago has seen a variety of Irish politicians over the years. And it isn’t just the name Daley. Why is that? The Irish political machine works and we find out why. 

Navy Pier:  A New York architecture/design team has been chosen for the re-design of Navy Pier.  Marilyn Gardener, President and CEO of Navy Pier Inc, drops by to talk about the elements of the winning bid, what the panel was looking for, and what’s in store for the public as the revamp goes forward. Here’s to hoping for more funky hat stores.

Weekender: WBEZ’s Alison Cuddy gets us ready for the warm weekend ahead with hip picks and tips. It’s a list of some of the best things to do this weekend that don’t include painting your face and/or pouring Guiness over your buddy’s head.

Rewind: The GOP Primary is in full swing as Romney, Santorum and Gingrich campaign in Illinois today. President Obama also was in town today for a fundraiser. Author/professor/WBEZ blogger Achy Obejas and Reporter/Editor/Publisher Kimbriell Kelly will talk politics and dive into a few of the most intriguing news stories of the week. 

Jim Lehrer:  Esteemed journalist and broadcaster (and Kansan) Jim Lehrer, host of the NewsHour on PBS joins us for an extended conversation about life in and out of the news room. Lehrer has moderated national debates and we will talk to him about the evolving nature of the 2012 television debates (APPLAUSE).

Listen to Jim Lehrer.