The Ben Joravsky Show

Rummana Hussain tries to explain to Ben why so many Chicagoans hate immigrants. Including people who are immigrants themselves. It’s hard for Ben to comprehend cause the hatred that motivates so many Chicagoans is incomprehensible. Rummana is a columnist and 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.

Sun-Times tries to take a strong stand against the Bears only to pull its pinch. Ben riffs. Attorney Jim Coogan tells you all you need to know about Donald Trump’s fraud trial in New York City. Including how 11,000 square feet is the same as 30,000 square feet in the Trump universe. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senate Democrats act helpless in face of MAGA Senator Vance delay tactics. Ben riffs. Striking UAW member Marcie Pedraza talks about the ongoing strike against the big three auto makers. Marcie is an electrician at the Ford plant on the far south side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Candis Castillo covers it all, including…Tent city. Southerners going to Mexico to get abortions, cause MAGA has essentially outlawed it in their states. Trump and Biden in the senility competition. Also, a thing or two about aspirational voting. Candis is a political strategist and political director for SEIU Healthcare. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Catanzara has a new appreciation for Mayor Johnson now that city and police have tentatively agreed to a new contract. Ben riffs. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez talks about what he likes and doesn’t like with the new contract. Then he talks immigration policy. Is Byron the diplomat and Ben the trouble maker? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the city give a handout to the Bears after that awful season opener? Ben riffs. CTU president Stacy Davis Gates talks about the fallout over revelations that her son is not attending a public school. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Andre Vasquez takes the deep dive on immigration in Chicago. Including tent city, Black Hispanic relations, Hispanic Hispanic relations, US foreign policy toward Venezuela, lefties trying to figure out their new role in the city. And more…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 week when Ben runs through recent news with the help of a friend—in this case, Mark Wallace. That includes…mayoral and aldermanic salaries. How Mayor Johnson is like Mayor Daley. Trump on trial. Mark’s bold prediction as Trump’s allies flip. Congressman Jordan loses—again. And red light cameras. Mark is a businessman, podcaster and activist/advocate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who’s more pathetic—the Bears or Chicago’s leaders? Ben riffs. Dave Glowacz returns more council follies. Our civic leaders debate immigration. And then TIFs. Gotta laugh to keep from crying. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump, Bill Maher and Drew Barrymore take their “stands” on the ongoing labor strikes. They all “love” the workers but hate their unions. Ben riffs. Keith Kelleher explains the strategies, goals and challenges of the UAW strike against the big 3 car companies. Keith is the former president of SEIU Healthcare. So he knows a thing or two about unions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

North Siders reconsider the Lincoln Yard TIF deal. Or at least one north sider does. Ben riffs, and Monroe talks Biden in Israel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris was planning to talk about how the electoral college may be even more detrimental to Democrats, when…Ben asked about Rupert Murdoch, who’s stepping down as Boss of Fox. And with that David took off on a gloriously spontaneous riff. Then he gets back to electoral college. And has a thing or two to say about Hunter Biden and MAGA. David is a political science professor 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.

Block Club investigative reporter Mick Dumke gets into the nitty gritty of how Chicago’s pols and wheeler dealers cut their deals. Speaking of wheeler dealers, an update on former Mayor Rahm’s machinations to get what he wants. Whatever that may be. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez takes the deep deep dive on last week’s city council vote on a resolution that endorses Israel right to essentially avenge slaughter with more slaughter. Rossana tried to amend the resolution so it’s more balanced and more compassionate to Palestinians who once again are under siege. In the end, she lost on a voice vote. The world has lost its mind. Why should the city council endorse this madness?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Old college friends from Northwestern University, Vinnie Iyer and Sridhar Pappu have been in the newspaper business since the 90s, largely covering sports. And they have a lot to say about their (no longer) beloved Northwestern Wildcats football team, the White Sox and the Bears. Sridhar is the author of the best-selling book, The Year of the Pitcher. And Vinnie covers pro football and hosts a fantasy-football podcast for the Sporting News.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 bias in the coverage of the war in the Middle East. And why she’s having flashbacks to 9/11. 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.

Political strategist Chris Scott helps Ben make sense out of this week’s news and newsmakers from Washington. Including…Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, MAGA house speaker ineptitude, Senator Menendez scandal, gerrymandering strategy and more. Chris is the co-founder of the 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.

Tommy Tuberville, MAGA senator from Alabama, blocks Biden military nominees to force the administration to weaken its support for abortion rights. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson and Ben debate whether election lawyer Adolfo Mondragon, should file a ballot access case against Trump on the grounds that he clearly violated the 14th amendment. Then Adolfo weighs in. Hope your listening, Chris Christie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago City Council delves into the Middle East. Ben riffs. Leor Galil defends Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez. And pleads with Israel not to retaliate to Hamas’s slaughter of Israelis by invading Gaza and slaughtering Palestinians. Leor is a Jewish-American who has family in Israel. He also happens to be a music 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.

In 2020, filmmaker Alex Holder got the word he couldn’t quite believe. President Trump okayed Holder to have access to his re-election run. Apparently, Trump thought it would depict his triumph. It didn’t work out that way. As you can see by watching Unprecedented, Alex’s documentary. After hearing this conversation, check out the one Ben had with Michael Crommett, Holder’s cameraman who filmed the January 6th insurrection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson shows he’s learned a thing or two about the budget games that mayors play. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on labor. Particularly…United Auto Workers threatens strike as negotiations with the Big Three automakers hits an impasse. And he and Ben have a thing or two to say about the oddball political evolution of Peter Daou, who’s gone from being a Hillary Clinton fan to campaign manager for Cornell West. Prediction…he’s on his way to MAGA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On September 5, 2023, Mayor Johnson joined Ben and Maya on stage at the Promontory club in Hyde Park for First Tuesdays. For more than an hour, the mayor took questions. He looked like was having so much fun that he might still be there talking, just like old times, if not for a certain press side who said, okay, that’s enough. Just kidding, Ronnie. Maya is, of course, Maya Dukmasova, reporter for Injustice Watch. Enjoy…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dick Butkus dies at age 80. Ben riffs. Journalist Angela Caputo talks about the investigative Project on Race and Equity. And its first major investigation: Black drivers are being stopped in record numbers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A column from 1991 on mental health clinic shows that so much remains the same. Ben riffs. Activist Denali Dasgupta takes the deep dive on the influx of asylum seekers. Is this a crisis or an opportunity? And a word or two about a new Harvard professor named Lightfoot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Lopez announces he’s running against Congressman Jesus Garcia. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talk all things coup they ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Lakesia Collins reveals the behind the scenes efforts to make it to the senate. Lessons for lefties—learn how to count your votes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much to discuss on so many fronts! Good thing attorney Adolfo Mondragon, the renaissance man, is in the house. On the docket…White Sox want more money. Or they’ll leave. Hispanic white nationalists. MAGA debate. How Trump and Ed Burke and Michael Madigan pay their lawyers with money they raise from suckers. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political scientist David Faris talks amendment 14. Specifically, why it should be invoked to keep Trump off the ballot. Also, a word or two about Republican efforts to rebrand their “pro-life” message into a “pro-baby” one. Doesn’t get much absurd than this, people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle take the deep dive on a week’s worth of immigration news. Or more like 40 years worth of immigration news. Cause if you really want to understand what’s going on at any moment in time you have to take some time to understand how that moment came to be. And so we talk foreign policy, national politics, Chicago cluelessness, MAGA hate and Democratic cowardice. And then just when things look hopeless, a little football. Matt is political activist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedians Eytan Boclin and Liam Klinkenberg co-directed arguably the funniest movie of the year—a ten-minute mockumentary that has absolutely nothing to do with Hoop Dreams, Steve James epic movie. Despite the name. Which is sorta the first joke. They explain everything you need to know about the movie. And then urge you to watch it on Vimeo. Also, Liam is the main actor in the film. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago aldermen who are descendants of immigrants find their inner MAGA as they say to Venezuelans—get out! Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on the UAW strike. President Biden joins strikers on front lines, while Trump visits a non-union shop. 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.

Judge in New York City rules against Trump—basically calls his enterprise a fraud. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks consequences. And asks—why have so many Chicago Dems sucked up to Trump? Also, the deep dive on Fox gaslighting scaredy cat Dems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson’s administration sues Kia to crack down on car thefts. Folks make fun of the mayor. Ben riffs. Brendan Shiller—activist, lawyer, poker player—returns and offers…A tribute to George Atkins. A new take on Sox shooting. And a few words about MAGA’s attempt to re-make Trump into Tupac. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Filmaker Steve James talks about his latest documentary—A Compassionate Spy. It tells the story of Ted Hall, a brilliant scientist at Los Almos who actually did what the fantasies accused Robert Oppenheimer of doing—turning nuclear secrets over to the Soviets. It’s also a love story, featuring Joan Hall, Ted Hall’s wife, who was a poet and linguist and street smart woman from Chicago. One of Steve’s best films. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Delmarie Cobb and Ben break it all down, including…Jerry Reinsdorf speaks. Do we agree with what he says? Why Bronzeville didn’t develop like Wrigleyville. Heated Hyde Park debate over asylum speakers. The Republican primary—is there any voter Delmarie can even remotely see herself voting for? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Hinton, investigative reporter for Block Club, joins Ben to explain or try to figure out what’s going on the news. Including…Garde World’s $29 million tent deal with the city. Interim police superintendent Fred Waller takes the fall for Sox Park shooting. Does Trump have a first amendment protected right to stir MAGA to threaten judges and witnesses? And should the US Senate have a dress code?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sox Park shooting exemplifies why it’s best to hold off on judgment until you know all the facts. Ben riffs. Radical firefighter Sam Holloway returns with a lefty’s take on Trump, Dems and fascist threats.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Johnson Administration inks a $29 million contract with a bunch of Right Wingers from Florida to build tents for asylum seekers. Ben tried not to lose his mind as he riffs. Why can’t we put Chicagoans to work? State Rep Kam Buckner weighs in on the deal. A few words on the end of cash bail. A few suggestions for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. And Kam tackles the Bears. Are they trying to destroy Justin Fields’ career?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tupac didn’t say the line Mayor Johnson said he said and boomer journalists have (too) much love for Dr. Arwady. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks White Sox threat to leave Chicago, crime, schools, Friday swim club and…golf?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several aldermen vote against accepting a federal grant to help cover the cost of taking care of asylum seekers. Ben tries to explain the inexplicable. Monroe Anderson talks Jann Wenner, West Point affirmative action, Hunter Biden and Republicans on UAW strike.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first Republican presidential debate was a case study in cowardice and deceit. And Roosevelt University political scientist David Faris has a field day, breaking it all down. Including their dancing, dodging denials on climate change, Trump’s coup and abortion. What a bunch of clowns. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA has a presidential debate last night, without the emperor. Ben riffs. Alderman Carlos Ramírez Rosa, Mayor Johnson’s city council floor leader, discusses the first 100 days of Mayor Johnson’s Administration. Including the Bring Chicago Home referendum, treatment not trauma, when he will reopen mental health clinics, photo ops with Mayor Rahm and firing Health Commissioner Arwady. Also, a word or two about Tupacgate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two Chicago lefties—Mueze Bawany and Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle—talk Bears. And it’s not good. Cause the Bears are awful. And Mueze is in pain over that cause he’s a lifelong fan. And Matt is delighted because he’s a—dare I say…he’s a Packers fan. He’s so happy that he composed a song special for this episode called—The Bears Suck. Which he sings. Then they start talking race and politics in the NFL.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Criminal defense attorney April Preyar joins Ben to run down the week’s with of news. Has Stacy Davis Gates replaced Kim Foxx as the Black woman MAGA loves to hate? No cash bail goes into effect Monday—what will happen? Does Jussie Smollett have a point? Yes, he’s back in the news. And liberals are conservatives who’ve been arrested. 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 Rummana Hussain ponders the summer’s big question: Why do men hate Barbie so much? Well, not all men. But MAGA men and MAGA wannabes, like Bill Maher. Is Barbie’s success a precursor of a Democratic victory? And does the Bear’s success indicate people have a healthier attitude toward therapy and treating mental illness?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Basketball analyst D’Frantz Smart returns to talk all things hoops, including…the WNBA’s strange attitude toward pregnant players, why the Lakers got swept, and the saga of Ja Morant. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reader music writer Leor Galil explores the issue few Chicago leaders want to face—is Lollapalooza worth the time and trouble of turning over prime lakefront park space for a four-day music festival? Who benefits from the festival? Who pays the price? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Traditionally, the city’s northwest side has been controlled by an alliance of conservative Democrats and Republicans. Michael Rabbitt is trying to change that by challenging Jim Gardiner for Democratic committeeman of the 45th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shia Kapos, Politico columnist, drops in to join Ben for a run down on a week’s worth of news. Including…Mayor Johnson’s back-to-back public appearances—one crowd leaned left, the other right. And Stacy Davis Gates’ school choice. And Darren Bailey tries to bring in Trump to beat Mike Bost. And her encounter with Don Jr at the GOP debate. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did you know that two conservative law professors wrote a law review article pointing out that Trump is ineligible to run for president? Now you do. Ben riffs. And alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez talks treatment bot trauma, Dr. Arwady, Columbus Day and Prager U.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.