The Ben Joravsky Show

Mayor Johnson signs on to the Bears’ lakefront stadium. Ben riffs—more like a howl to the moon. Monroe adds his thoughts. More howling ensues. How can they throw money at the Bears when there’s no money for schools? Then it’s on to Trump and his hush-money trial. What’s more likely—Trump gets convicted or Bears build a stadium on the lake?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NBC hires Ronna McDaniel. Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb riffs as well. Then it’s onto the issues of the day. Voter turnout. Selective transparency. Bears and Sox maneuvers. Why the hate for Mayor Johnson. Plus, valuable lessons she learned from her mother. Delmarie Cobb is a political strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Abdon Pallasch and Bob Herguth talk about their recently released 12-episode podcast—Underbelly: The Rebel Kind. It tells the story of Dave Rupert, a truck driver who winds up as an FBI mole, insinuating his way to the highest ranks of the Real IRA. Yes, the IRA, as in Irish Republican Army. Bob and Abdon—investigative reporters in Chicago—met Dave and one thing led to another and the FBI started coming after them. What happed was—oh, just listen to Abdon and Bob tell the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brendan Shiller talks about the life and legacy of Slim Coleman, the longtime activist and organizer who recently died at the age of 80. Stick around for the part where Brendan schools Ben on what really matters in a man’s life. Then a few words about police and their investigations of other police. Brendan is, in no particular order, a criminal defense lawyer, a political strategist, the son of former Alderwoman Helen Shiller and a professional poker player.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben’s beloved Bright One tells him that life is futile and he must give up hope, Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson then tells Ben he’s a sucker for paying to read the Sun-Times. Then they launch a conversation about why MAGA likes O.J. more than they like Biden. And why did white north siders turn on Mayor Lightfoot. And all sorts of other stuff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council talks TIFs. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks Coleman Hughes, The View, Joe Rogan, men and doctors and whether we can truly be color blind. And much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The mainstreams in Chicago love to maximize lefty election losses and minimize their wins. As the continuing coverage of Tuesday’s primary proves. Ben riffs. Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle explains the obstacles facing lefties in dealing with the mainstream media. As the coverage of Bring Chicago Home proves. He also defends Chicago voters from Ben’s accusation that they are dumb. Matt is a political activist on the northwest side. He wants you to know that his precinct voted yes on BCH.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

D’Frantz Smart talks all things women basketball. Including Dawn Staley, South Carolina, and Caitlin Clark. Also, why is the men’s college game struggling. And a few words about Ben’s beloved Bulls and Bucks coach Doc Rivers. D’Frantz is a former all-star for Whitney Young High School and one of the greatest point guards to come of Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zack Kam is the ex-Marine who burned a flag at a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. After which several aldermen tried to punish Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. He tells his story from being a kid growing up in Southern California to a marine in Afghanistan to an activist in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain takes the deep dive on all things O.J. Simpson, who died just a few days ago at age 76. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pat Whalen and Ben go through a week’s worth of news. Including, positive press for the Mayor, abortion, Gaza and Nick Sposato. Well, Nick was last week’s news. But Pat can’t resist. Pat is a comedian and impresario.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

O.J. dies. Ben riffs. Trial lawyer Jim Coogan talks all things law. Including…how Trump is using Johnny Cochrane’s legal strategy. Ironically, since MAGA will never get over the O.J. Simpson verdict. Also, an analysis of Trump’s hush money case. Starting next week. And a bold prediction. Also, a few words about Anatomy of a Fall. Jim is the host of the podcast Coogan Knows the Law. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The day after Trump declares abortion is up to the stars, the Arizona supreme courts outlaws abortion. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson takes it from there. Also Aries Spears joins the show. Sorta…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben missed the eclipse. He riffs about it. Stacy Davis Gates talks mayors, media and basketball. Lots of basketball. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times columnist tells it like it is about the Bears and Sox teaming up for handouts to find their stadium. Ben riffs. And then attorney Adolfo Mondragon takes the deep dive on the Supreme Court’s Colorado ruling. Basically, the justices are saying—if Trump wants to defy the law and constitution, we won’t stop him. “They have one job—protect democracy. And they wouldn’t do it.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything Is lined up for Republicans to take control of the senate this year, but…They keep nominating MAGA lunatics as their senate candidates. Can the Republicans snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? David Faris examines that and other issues. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ray Hanania and Ben talk all the news of this week and the news from the 1980s. As in…comparing the Lopez 16 to the Vrdolyak 29. Ray is, in no particular order, a Chicagoan, Revis high grad, Milt Rakove student, Air Force vet, former Bright One reporter, political strategist, Cicero spokesman, PR guru, comedian, pundit, proud Palestinian American and closeted conservative (don’t call him a Republican!). Check out his columns at www.Rayhanania.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The mainstreams hype Mayor Johnson’s latest downtown TIF deal without showing love for the mayor. Ben riffs. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez talks about the Lopez 16 failed attempt to strip him of his housing committee chair. Then it’s on to how they took the 78 out of his ward. They really don’t like him. Byron is the alderman if the 25th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kansas City voters reject handouts for Chiefs and Royals. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson considers—how would Chicago vote if given the chance? No wonder they don’t give you such chances, Chicago. Also, how would Ice Cube vote on bring Chicago Home? What? Yes, Ice Cube. Would any capitalist anywhere vote for anything that would increase his taxes to help poor people. Also, Monroe’s advice for white people worried about Beyonce going country. And Monroe’s doubles down on his election prediction with a startling prediction about Florida. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council debates free expression and flag burning. Ben riffs. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky takes the high road, as she breaks down the recent Democratic primary for State’s Attorney. When one candidate defeats another candidate by a sliver, there’s a lot to break down. For the record, Ben wasn’t as gracious. Joanna was a strategist for Clayton Harris, who was defeated by Eileen O’Neill Burke. Also, a few words about women’s basketball.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Illinois Supreme Court suddenly discovers the Ed and Anne Burke conflict of interest. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks democracy, the press and her friend the mayor. She asks: Why does the mainstream press in Chicago treat Right Wing operatives as legitimate news outlets? Is there a statute of limitations on mentioning that the mayor used to work for CTU? Also, a word or two about Mick Dumke and Greg Pratt—two legit reporters. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No sooner does one campaign end, then another one starts. In this case Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez had no sooner defeated the Iris Martinez/Richard Mell Machine, then the new Machine had started a campaign against her ally Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. Rossana talks about both campaigns. She is the alderwoman and Democratic committeewoman of the 33rd ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain and Ben talk flag burning in Chicago. Why is Alderman Sigcho-Lopez being punished for something he didn’t do? And a few words about Nickelodeon. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views and opinions are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Krafft explains the the bizarre devolution of Kari Lake, the TV anchor he worked with for years in Arizona. She’s gone full MAGA and is running for senate in Arizona. Desperately trying to win some moderate independents and moderate Republicans, like the McCains. Also a few words on the ethics of hiring paid consultants. Steve covered politics in Arizona for over 20 years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atiba and Ben cover it all…flag burnings, migrant gaslighting, Trump selling bibles, homelessness, and why Atiba retains a Monroe like confidence in a Biden victory. Atiba Buchanan is the host of The Afternoon Show, a political talk show on WVON.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Loss aversion is in the news. Ben riffs. Former Governor Pat Quinn talks about his proposal to ask Chicago voters if they want to fork over billions in tax dollars to the Sox and Bears. Speaking of losses you’ll want to avert. Pat also answers the “Frank question” and admits that Ben was right and he was wrong about Mayor Daley’s Olympics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Governor Pat Quinn thinks the public should have a say on handouts for Bears and Sox. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson riffs. From there they talk Alabama special election, MAGA craziness in North Carolina, Ronna McDaniel and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mick Dumke tells the story of Fred Mitchell, who moved to Chicago from the south in the 1930s. He first joined and then took on the Daley Machine (that’s the real Mayor Daley, Richard J). Mitchell fought against segregation, police brutality, redlining and plantation politics. He died recently at the age of 93. Mick’s profile of him ran in Block Club, where Mick is an editor and writer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker comments on proposed Sox handout. Ben riffs. Alder Nicole Lee talks all things Sox stadium. Including…whether taxpayers can afford to subsidize Sox and Bears. How 78 impacts her ward. What to do with Sox park if Sox leave. Why we shouldn’t hate the players but the game. Say what? And a few words about her ceasefire vote. Nicole is the alderwoman of the 11th ward in Bridgeport. Home of the White Sox! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Graciela Guzmán explains how she defeated the incumbent in last Tuesday's Democratic primary. Even though the incumbent had more campaign money. Some helpful advice for other lefty hopefuls. Graciela is now the Democratic nominee from the 20th senate district on the city’s northwest side.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was Election Week in Illinois. Though you’d hardly know it as relatively few people voted. Rachel Hinton and Ben break down the results. Including…tough night for Iris Martinez and helping the homeless. Though those two things are unrelated. What do results in the state’s attorneys race say about attitudes towards law and order. Also, the police arbitration case and the Democratic Convention protest permit fiasco. And a few words about James, Percival Everett’s latest masterpiece. Rachel is a political junkie and a reporter for Block Club.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Voter turnout for yesterday’s primary in Chicago was around 20 percent. Pathetic. Ben and Monroe don’t know whether to laugh, cry, cuss out the voters or all of the above. Monroe explains why the mainstream media enjoys bashing Mayor Johnson, and then it’s on to Trump and his anti-Jewish rhetoric. Also, shoutout to senator Schumer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Election Day, but everyone wants to talk about Justin Fields being traded. Ben riffs. Tom Shaer exhorts Chicagoans to learn to read between the lines of news stories in general and about the Bears lakefront stadium plans in particular. He believes the Bears still want to build a stadium in Arlington Heights. Ben and Tom gently spar a bit over politics before agreeing on this—Trump’s got to go. Tom is a longtime sportscaster on Channel 5 and the Score radio station and now a semi-retired media consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Cook County Judge bounced Trump from the Illinois ballot. Ben riffs. State Rep Kelly Cassidy talks about MAGA trolls. They wanted to scare her from endorsing Clayton Harris for state’s attorney. It didn’t work. She explains why she proudly endorsed Harris. Also, should Sox and Bears get a handout? Short answer—NO! Longer answer—Hell, no—and here’s why. Also, the impact of Alabama’s anti-IVF ruling. Kelly is s state representative from Rogers Park..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One day before the bears traded Justin Fields, Mueze Bawany explained why it’s a really dumb idea to trade Justin Fields. And why it’s just one more reason the Bears should not get a handout for their proposed stadium—wherever they build. Mueze is a high school football coach and one of the city’s foremost authorities on all things football.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain and Ben catch up on…President Biden and Muslim and Arab-American voters. Director Jonathan Glazer’s acceptance speech at the Oscars. The wimpy spouse in movies. And more…Rummana is a Sun-Times editorial writer and columnist. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much breaking news, so little time. Ben and Mark Wallace get right at it. Starting with…Fani Willis ruling in Georgia. Real estate settlement on broker fees. Bring Homs Chicago. The U.S Supreme Court’s gift to Trump. And the Illinois Supreme Court’s gift to Ed Burke. Mark is a Podcaster, activist and businessman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Coogan dissects the $355 million ruling in New York City against Trump for business fraud. Who’s the victim, what was the crime. What Trump hopes to accomplish by attacking the judge. Then it’s on to the Stormy Daniels hush money case. AKA, Michael Cohen’s revenge. Jim is a trial lawyer in Chicago and host of the podcast, Coogan Knows the Law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Civic Federation weighs in on Bring Chicago Home. Ben riffs. Alderman Matt Martin returns to talk the issues. Everything from Bring Chicago Home to TIFs to Mayor Johnson’s affordable housing proposal to Sox and Bears stadiums to dealing with crime. Matt is alderman of the 47th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sox look for TIF money. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin explains the war on unions being waged by Amazon, Trader Joe’s, Musk and other powerful interests. They’re suing to dismantle the NLRB. In essence, repealing the New Deal. Also, the Teamsters play footsie with Trump, Miles is a writer/editor for In These Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Hyde Park Herald has a scoop—interviewing William Baude, the conservative U of C law professor who figured out that Trump was ineligible to run for prez cause he’s an insurrectionist. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson offers his theory about why the Illinois Supremes recused themselves on Burke, demonstrating that Monroe is he even more cynical than Ben. After last week’s state of the union speech, Monroe doubles down on his Biden-beats-Trump prediction. A few words about the NYT’s lame political coverage and the Baby Bobby/Aaron Rodgers bromance. And more cynicism from Monroe—in this case, regarding the Bears and Arlington Heights,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1992, a Republican challenged stood up for abortion rights. Yes, you read that right. A pro-choice Republican challenged a Right Winger in a Republican primary. And won! Okay, it took two tries after the first election ended in a tie. Yes, you read that right, too. See, what happened is…oh, just listen to Patrick Wohl tell the story of Rosemary Mulligan versus Penny Pullen. Patrick wrote the book, Down Ballot, which is about Mulligan/Pullen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Krafft returns with the view from Arizona and the border. Kari Lake, Kyrsten Sinema, Ruben Gallego and the hypocrisy of Arizonans who rely on undocumented while contending there is a crisis, and a great debate with Ben about open borders. Also, a sense that Biden will prevail. Steve is a retired TV news reporter who spent years covering Arizona politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joyce Owens died last week. She was a brilliant artist, loving mother and wife, political junkie, and fabulous conversationalist. And Monroe’s wife for almost 40 years. Monroe pays tribute to Joyce. And then in her honor—cause that’s what she would have wanted—talks some politics. Rest in peace, Joyce.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speaker Chris Welch is supporting an opponent to longtime south side state representative Mary Flowers, who’s been in office since 1985. Rep Flowers tells her side of the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Super Tuesday has come and gone and David Faris asks—what do we have to show for it? Biden, Trump, Haley and a Supreme Court too afraid to confront the end of democracy. Oh, yes Kirsten Sinema won’t run for re-election. So all the news is not bad. David Faris is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his and his alone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson hires a new communications chief. And that gets Pat and Ben debating the difference between propaganda and information. Next thing you know, Ben is explaining the mayor’s new TIF program. And with that they’re off. Pat Whalen is a comedian and the host of his own live show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems are tired. Ben riffs. Kim Foxx takes the deep dive on MAGA’s counter attack against Fani Willis, the Fulton County Georgia prosecutor. Willis indicted Trump for essentially attempting a coup. Trump’s allies countered by examining her sex life. It would be funny if the stakes weren’t so high. Kim Foxx is, of course, the Cook County State’s Attorney. Like Wlllis, she knows a thing or two about how MAGA loves to demonize high-profile Black women.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Chicago hates the mayor’s “base”. Ben riffs. Speaking of riffs…Denali Dasgupta returns to riff on ShotSpotter, moral victories (as opposed to real ones), Jason Lee, America’s perverse attitude toward immigrants and New York politics post George Santos. Denali is a political activist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teachers get asked the how-we-gonna-pay-for-it question. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Mark Robinson. In short, why do white voters have so much love for Black candidates like Robinson and Herschel Walker? Which leads to a larger discussion about segregation in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.