The Ben Joravsky Show

The Sun-Times runs a revealing story about how highways in Chicago were designed to lock Blacks away from whites. Ben riffs. Dr. Thaer Ahmad returns to talk about his 20 days working in a hospital in Gaza. Absolutely riveting testimony. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sox and Bears join forces in plea for handouts, Ben riffs. Attorney Caryn Lederer breaks down Supreme Court ruling in Colorado case. Caryn was one of attorneys representing plaintiffs who sued to remove Trump from ballot for violating the 14th amendment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris examines the backhanded way in which special prosecutor did Trump’s dirty work while acquitting President Biden of wrong doing. Talk about passive aggressive! Also, let’s face it, Democrats-Merrick Garland may be the worst Democratic AG ever. And a few words about sports moguls extorting public money from cities. 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.

In the aftermath of last Tuesday’s Michigan primary, Andrew Ellison sifts through precinct results to put together the story. And it’s a foreboding one for Biden and Trump. Uncommitted pulls 13 percent against Biden. Haley wins 27 against Trump. Can Biden win the electoral college without Michigan? Can Trump win it without Haley’s voters? Andrew is a political strategist—aka, the second coming of Steve Kornacki.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain gives an eyewitness account of editorialgate. A few words about the Sox and the mayor. Also, the message from Michigan. And an unexpected riff on We Are the World.. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s countdown to the primary. Jacob and Ben talk judges. Some we like, some we’re irritated at. Well, at least Ben’s irritated at one in particular. Also, much conversation about the clerk of the court and state’s attorney elections. And a few words about the excuse the Supremes will concoct cause they’re too scared to do the right thing by kicking Trump off the ballot. Let’s put Judge Tracie Porter on US Supreme Court! Jacob is the executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything you need to know about the Academy Awards from Pemon Rami, the man who knows everything you need to know about the Academy Award. Including…who should’ve won but didn’t, and who did win but, c’mon, really? It’s all about being in the club—if you’re not in it, forget about it. Plus, much more. Casting director, writer and film historian, Pemon is the author of When Black Was Golden.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 votes for ceasefire. Ben riffs.Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth explains why she voted yes. And Leni talks about the murder of a teenager near Senn High School in her ward. Leni is the alderwoman of the 48th ward on the north side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears and Sox decide to make love not war. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains Trump’s bizarre attempt to woo Black voters by bragging about his mug shot. Also, much talk about yesterday’s Michigan primary. And Mitch McConnell steps down, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks about the editorial she wrote calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Probably the most important Sun-Times editorial since the one endorsing mayoral candidate Lightfoot. Rummana is a columnist/editorial writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The state board of elections keeps Trump on the ballot. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates adds a riff or two of her own on...charter schools, selective enrollment, Trump, MAGA's desire to play basketball without rules (a metaphor, people), the proposed Sox Stadium for the 78 development, Shawn Fain and why she endorses a ceasefire in Gaza. Also, a few words of love for flag football. Stacy Davis Gates 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.

Pat Whalen has so much to say and not enough time to I say it. And he and Ben talk ShotSpotter, Mayor Johnson and the press, the not so subtle art of evasion, Baby Bobby Kennedy and Mayor Rahm’s base. Also….more Sposato! 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.

David Faris tells you everything you need to know about NAT0, Biden, Putin, Trump and November’s election, and how they’re all connected. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views and opinions are his ownSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a rough week on the public relations front for Mayor Johnson. So Ben and political strategist Laurie Glenn have a lot to discuss. In particular…is it better to court local reporters or ignore them? Does the mainstream media have a bias for white mayors and against Black mayors? And more. Also, Laurie’s powerful defense of abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling out of Alabama. Laurie Glenn is the president and CEO of Thinkinc communications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dorothy Tucker led a team of investigators through years of crime statistics to discover a horrific reality—most of the crime in Chicago is committed against Black women. Her powerful series is compelling and upsetting. She talks to Ben about her findings. Dorothy Tucker is a reporter for CBS2 Chicago snd the immediate past president of the National Association of Black Journalists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Paul Vallas a Republican. Ben riffs. Gabriel Cortez makes his debut. Talking about growing up at Chicago and Damien back in the day, and going to Prosser as opposed to Wells or Clemente. And charter schools. And choice. And Blacks and Latinos. And why Chicago doesn’t embrace the migrants. Gabriel is a professor at Northeastern Illinois University. 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 asks the Sun-Times editorial board to go off the record. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains how mayors use the press and why the press wants to be used. Also, advice for Fani Willis. And the Trump blessing goes to Mike Bost not Darren Bailey. And a tribute to Joyce Owens and Richard Hunt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump wins the New Hampshire Republican primary. David Faris tells us what it means. And why Nikki Haley stays in the race. Also, a few words about lefties and President Biden. David Faris is a columnist for Newsweek and Slate and a professor of political science at Roosevelt University. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kam Buckner says no to DNC without federal assistance for housing. Ben riffs. Leor Galil talks about how the Holocaust has been misused. Especially if it’s used to justify carnage in Gaza. Also, Elon Musk’s conflicted attitude about Jewish people. Chicago’s obsession with The Bear. And the Ravenswood rathole. And how it all relates to Lolla. And more! Leor is a staff writer for the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks about the ethics of journalism. Specifically, the bias against lefties. Unattributed quotes. Reading back quotes. A few word about protests. And some sweet words for King Sourpuss—Larry David. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, it’s more than a week in review. More like several centuries in review. As Ben and Jauwan Hall-Bertrand start with Nikki Haley recently opining that America is not a racist country. That leads to a discussion of reparations. And what the Bulls can do to exorcise the Jordan curse. Hint—buy that mansion. And more, including much love for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his take on Trump not signing the loyalty oath in Illinois. Jauwan is a veteran (Marines), human rights advocate and political 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.

Clayton Harris III is running for Cook County State’s Attorney on a platform of safety and justice. In other words, making sure that prosecutors keep people safe from dangerous people who need to be locked up without locking everyone up. He explains how it can be done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sox want to build a new ballpark. Ben riffs. Then Alden Loury leads us on a wonderful journalistic and spiritual journey. Talking economic development, Black demographics, crime, the psychology of dibs and culminating in a description of his cross country trip to the Grand Canyon. And then…a passionate riff on Justin Fields. Alden Loury is editor/columnist for WBEZ and the Sun-Times. And one of Chicago’s great demographers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A judge admonishes Tim Mapes. Ben riffs. And it’s welcome back day on the show as Ben welcomes back his First Tuesdays partner Maya Dukmasova. Maya tells you all you need to know about judicial elections. And she knows a lot! Maya is a reporter for Injustice Watch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miles and Ben discuss a week’s worth of news, including…The City Council debates Gaza ceasefire. President Biden may have to win without the left. The similarities between the ‘68 presidential election and this one. Charter schools in Chicago. Chicago’s curious attitude toward migrants. And Ron DeSantis’ failed attempt to out Trump Trump. Miles is an editor/writer 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 NBA trade deadline just passed and it’s time to figure out how the Bulls did. Ben and Pushkar Sharma debate almost every conceivable angle even remotely involved, including…MJ, Thibs, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, Scottie Pippen, Derrick Rose, Charles Oakley, the Knicks and more. They finally reach consensus on the proposed Sox stadium, Pushkar is a mediator and diplomat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Willie Preston is a rookie legislator who is quickly learning the ins and out of politics in Chicago. He explains how he won election even as man no one sent, senator Preston represents the 16th district on the south side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time to wrap up what’s been going down with the poker man—Brendan Shiller. Starting with…78 handout. Or, why is Chicago always so eager to give money to rich people. And how the news feeding business works. And the ceasefire resolution, and is Biden too old. Brendan’s prediction—neither Trump nor Biden will he on the ballot in November. Brendan is a longtime Chicago activist who’s since moved to Vegas to pursue a career playing poker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump wins the Iowa caucus. Ben riffs. Then Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor riffs on Ben’s riff. The discussion turns to Chicago. Jeanette talks about the reaction to her last conversation with Ben. The lesson being…MAGA hears what it wants to hear and disregards the rest. A shoutout to Dorothy Tucker’s latest investigation brings the conversation to violence against Black women. Jeanette Taylor is alderwoman of the 20th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Chicago swoons over proposed Sox stadium. Election lawyer Ed Mullen analyzes today’s Supreme Court hearing on Colorado case against Trump. Ed is one of the lawyers attempting to bounce Trump from the Illinois ballot for being an insurrectionist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Coogan makes the case for bumping Trump from the ballot. Then he makes the case for dismissing Trump’s claim that he, Trump, is immune from prosecution for anything. Including murder. Jim is a lawyer and the host of the podcast Jim 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.

To prove its loyalty to all things Trump, MAGA kills an immigration bill. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks immigration bill, Trump immunity ruling, Nikki in Nevada and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a new year begins, things look bleak for President Biden. David Faris riffs. Hitting on everything from the war in Gaza to Biden’s age to amnesia to what Trump is and what he can do. Will the Supremes bounce Trump from the ballot? And a few closing words about the rise and fall of Chris Christie’s presidential campaign. Well, at least the fall. There was no rise. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Alderwoman Helen Shiller brings on the legendary Jacky Grimshaw to teach a couple of youngsters a history lesson or two about Mayor Harold Washington. So they will understand why he’s the GOAT. Ok, so one of the youngsters is Ben. Who hasn’t been a youngster since Harold was mayor. And the other is Brendan Shiller, poker player and criminal defense lawyer. Jacky Grimshaw is a political strategist who helped devise the tactics that resulted in Washington’s triumphs. Helen’s latest book is Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany tells you everything you need to know about the Bears, Justin Fields, and the upcoming Super Bowl. Ben makes a take it to the bank prediction about the politics of building new sports arenas—and getting the taxpayers to pay for it. Mueze Bawany is high school football coach and one of the city’s foremost authorities on football. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a week, starting with…the clerk’s website? Ben riffs on the worthlessness of the website in a city that’s supposedly dedicated to transparency. Then Pat riffs on Ben’s riff. Then they discuss the ceasefire resolution. Which is what Ben was looking for on the website. Then Pat does his Nick Sposato imitation, followed by his imitation of Nick and Joe Biden conversing. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm decides the world needs to know what he thinks about everything. Ben riffs. Gregory Pratt talks city hall. Including, though not limited to…Mayor Johnson. Mayor Lightfoot, and Jason Lee. He also has a hot take on Neil Steinberg. And Zach LaVine and Justin Fields. Gregory is a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and the author of The City Is up for Grabs. The views he expresses 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.

It’s that time of the season where Ben and his friends look back at the year that was. And so Mick Dumke joins Ben to discuss…1973? So, okay, we’re a little behind. We start with a little politics and wind up talking about the greatest albums of that year. Meet Ernie Isley, Bruce Springsteen, Duane Allman, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and more. Mick Dumke is 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.

Trump declares war on Taylor Swift. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson, the country’s foremost authority on Trump, explains what he’s up to. Also, a few words from Yolanda, aka the nosy senior citizen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the state hang portraits of officials who have dishonored their office. Like Speaker Michael Madigan. Rummana Hussain weighs in. Also a few words about the Epstein list. Which is not really a list. And why is it that Ben knows so much about football and nothing about fashion? Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Peter Cunningham talks crime in Chicago. Shootings and homicides are down. Why aren’t we celebrating? Mayor Johnson gives police a raise. Why aren’t they celebrating? And he tackles the Justin Fields question. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Committeeman Anthony Beale may be kicked off the ballot while MAGA cries Trump should remain on ballot, even if he breaks the rules. Ben riffs. Candis Castillo talks ballot access, Claudine Gay, MAGA’s blindness regarding slavery and much more. Including…was Mayor Rahm a better politician than Mayor Lightfoot? Candis is the political director for SEIU Healthcare. The views she expresses are strictly her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Jeffrey Epstein. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks former Harvard president Claudine Gay, white people love affirmative action for white people, and Justin Fields. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The new year starts with so much potential and pain. Ben riffs. Marc Sims returns to talk crime, schools and integration. One thing all Chicagoans apparently agree on…they don’t want anything to do with anyone who doesn’t look like them. Marc is a podcaster.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bucks tell what looks to be a, uh, falsehood about firing their coach. Ben riffs. Monroe riffs on Ben’s riff, explaining the difference between lies and spin. Which brings us to Trump and Clinton and other liars in politics. Which leads to Monroe translating Nikki Haley’s latest dog whistle into plain English, just in case you missed the point. Also, a few thoughts on Tim Scott’s embarrassing grovel. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darren Bailey shoots off his mouth and his guns, Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb talks all things politics. Including Trump, Biden, Claudine Guy and more. Much more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nikki Haley “forgets” that the south waged civil war to preserve slavery. Ben reminds her. Chris Scott talks politics as 2023 moves towards 2024. Are Democrats ready for the challenges ahead? Will America support an insurrectionist? The pros and cons of contested primaries. And more…Chris is the co-founder and president of Advance the Electorate PAC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Ricky O'Donnell take the deep dive on everything you need to know about Bulls fans booing former general manager Jerry Krause at the recent Ring of Honor ceremony. It's basically Mean Girls, set at the United Center with grown ups, mostly men, doing the dirty deed. Ricky O'Donnell is the basketball editor at SB Nation. He also hosts his own podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain explains the dilemma Nikki Haley faces. In order to win MAGA votes she needs to declare that the US is racist free. Even as Trump plays the racist card to turn MAGA against her. Also, a look back on the joke that was Vivek’s wanna be MAGA presidential campaign. And several words in praise of E. Jean Carroll. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump release his bat-shit crazy Christmas greeting. Ben riffs. Sergio Vicente returns to talk Trump, Joe Rogan, Colby Covington and other lunatics. Aldo, why he wants Democrats to replace Biden with Newsom. Why he’d vote for Biden over Trump. And a few words about basketball, Sergio hosts The Fight Podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.