In this episode, Kevin Rosenquist and John Banks sit down with researcher Laine Sullivan to uncover the disturbing history of Chicago’s water infrastructure. We explore the Daley-Bailey Pact, a mid-century political deal that mandated lead pipes in city building codes long after they were known to be toxic.

Laine explains the concept of hydraulic citizenship and the theory of weathering, detailing how systemic disinvestment and environmental toxins physically age the bodies of residents in marginalized communities. We also discuss recent federal mandates and the current administration’s progress in addressing this public health crisis.

Chapter Timestamps

• 00:00 George Carlin’s warning and the reality of class struggle.
• 00:32 Banter: Pickleball vs. the Chicago architectural tour.
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