The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

Mayor Johnson is the guest at First Tuesdays. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains what's white peoples mean when they say Black people are playing the race card. And what they mean when they say Mayors Daley and Rahm were smart but Mayors Lightfoot and Johnson are nasty and slow. A few words about Little Richard and Coach Prime. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Chicago works the refs. Ben riffs. Attorney Jim Coogan returns to talk Trump crimes. Including…Trump’s claim of a two-tier system. His outlaw persona. His inside connections. And a word or two about the suggestion Trump’s too big to prosecute. 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 science professor David Faris makes sense of the senseless. Trump’s arraignment for attempting a coup. Jack Smith’s indictment, laying it out for anyone to see. Unless they willfully close their eyes. Merrick Garland’s cautiousness. Mike Pence’s calculations. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is it that people love about Chicago? The lake? The jazz fest? The edge? Rummana Hussain examines it. Also, the Vivek Ramaswamy phenomenon as explained by Rummana, who broke his Vhicago story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm wants the world to know he saw Barbie. Ben riffs. And Steve Krafft, retired Fox-news reporter from Arizona, makes his debut. He’s got the inside scoop on Kyrsten Sinema, Kari Lake (they shared a make-up mirror) and other Arizona politicians. Most pols try to win elections in purple states by moving to the middle. Arizona Republicans are trying to win by going full MAGA. Steve explains the inexplicable. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every day brings big and small examples of gun crazy. Ben riffs on a couple small examples. Then Monroe Anderson talks the rise and fall of Rudy G. Willful blindness. Why MAGA thinks Trump will win. And his love for MSNBC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired Northwestern University employee David Keown and Ben try to figure out what NU was up to with the way they handled the hazing schedule. The key is straight outta Deep Throat. Follow the money…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Maya bring First Tuesdays to the Blanc Gallery in Bronzeville to talk all things Chicago Public schools—what with the new school year about to start. Joining them are CPS high school teacher Mueze Bawany, parent activist Megan Franklin and Ling Young, chief of staff to alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, chair of city council education committee. As you all know, Maya Dukmasova is an investigative 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.

Edna Navarro-Vidaurre is on a mission—to get all the children in Chicago in school at an early age. All the kids. From every neighborhood and background. She explains why that’s so important and why it’s so challenging. Edna is the Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Region 1A.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times Columbia Rummana Hussain calls out the double standard regarding Sinead O’Conor, who died this week. Why is it blasphemy when you’re offended, but. Hey, it’s free speech when someone else is offended? And a word or two about media coverage for Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

White Sox do a squeeze play. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks GOP debate, Trump indictment in Georgia, and the Trump chumping of Mayor Rudy G. Also, Dems let MAGA follow Pritzker’s Darren Bailey strategy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson tells reporters--don’t rush me! Ben riffs. In These Times writer Miles Kampf-Lassin talks MAGA insurrection, Trump indictment, MAGA’s curious take on the First Amendment and labor. A much needed view from the left.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress held a hearing on UFOs. Ben riffs. Damien Perdue, host of the radio show, Think Theory Radio, joins Ben for the deep dive. Why don’t people believe government? Maybe it’s cause government lies so much. UFOs, Baby Bobby Kennedy, TIFs and so on. Then the truth about Hispanos and Oppenheimer. First the government erased them from their land and then the movie erases their erasure. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump polls at 54 percent. Ben riffs. And CTU president Stacy Davis Gates weighs in on all the issues. Including…Mayors Johnson and Rahm’s sorta BFF moment. The principal’s union. Rubber stamp school boards. Ben’s back-to-the 90s shirt. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gordon Mantler just wrote a book about Mayor Harold Washington and Ben can’t stop talking about it. Every logical person agrees that Washington is the greatest mayor Chicago ever had. But why? What obstacles did he have to overcome? What lessons can Mayor Johnson learn from Washington? How did President Obama try not to emulate Washington? Gordon is a professor of writing and history at George Washington University. The name of his book is The Multiracial Promise.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University professor David Faris considers the question of the week…What’s more pathetic, CNN’s attempt to boost ratings by giving Trump an hour of prime time, or CNN’s attempt to convince us they did it for a larger public good? Also, a plea to Biden to invoke the 14th on debt ceiling. And the lies of George Santos. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Adolfo Mondragon joins Ben to riff on the news of the week. So naturally they begin by talking about Jackie Brown, a movie that came out in the 90s. Then it’s on to Chicago’s search for a police chief, affirmative action, racism in sports and Benno Schmidt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Theresa Runstedtler, a history professor at American University, talks about her latest book, Black Ball. It’s the story of basketball in the ‘70s, when it was transformed by Black players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Oscar Robertson. Kermit Washington. Every step of the way, the NBA owners fought against allowing players to have more power, freedom and money. Nothing came easy. Nothing ever does…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben has got Oppenheimer fever. He can’t stop talking about the man and the movie and what it all means. Block Club reporter Mick Dumke returns to talk CHA and the billionaire. Mayor Johnson and Mayor Rahm—BFF? Harry Truman. Oppenheimer. And the NU hazing scandal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over 30 years ago, Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander wrote The Hundred Yard Lie, an expose of corruption and exploitation in college football. Well, with the recent hazing and racism scandal involving the football team at Northwestern University, he could add another chapter to his book. Ben and Rick run through the scandal in all of its sleaziness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Montgomery brawl has political implications. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Montgomery, Fani Willis, Cheseboro memo, Ohio referendum and the latest lunacy from MAGA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago gets ready to hire a police superintendent. Ben riffs. Newly elected fifth ward Alderman Desmon Yancy talks development. Specifically, what can be done to give ordinary South Shore residents the same sort of protections that billionaires get from the free market. Also, a word or two about the Kenwood connection. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson ousts the old school board and names a new one. Ben riffs. And on the eve of his participation in the World Series of Poker, Brendan Shiller returns to talk politics and a whole bunch of other things. Including…imposter syndrome, the MAGA 6, and Mayor Johnson’s long game. Can the new mayor undo all the damage caused by his predecessors? Is poker a metaphor for politics? How Mayor Daley spent ten years before he got down to the business of selling off 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 a week’s worth of news so let’s talk about it with mark Wallace, podcaster and activist. Starting with…Ben cuts a deal with Mayor johnson. Say what? And Trump gets arraigned. And DeSantis rewrites the history of slavery. And it’s Lolla versus MJ. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Northwestern University fires its football coach after details of the team's hazing scandal publicized. Ben riffs. Environmental justice activist Oscar Sanchez talks about running for alderman, serving on Mayor Johnson’s transition team and the cost of water. Then he says a thing or two about building a Bear's stadium 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.

You know what we’re talking about. Trump indicted—again! Monroe and Ben take it from A to Z.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.