The Ben Joravsky Show

Sun-Times editorial writer Lee Bey writes an editorial that tells it like it is about the mayor's dream of rebuilding Soldier Field. Ben riffs. And Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principals Association, talks about the bill that gives collective bargaining rights to his principals--it needs Governor Pritzker's signature to become law. Why it will help children, why it's overdue and who resisted it. Hint--not Republicans. Also, the CPS Inspector General's report on sexual harassment and assault in the schools. Is there a culture of protecting the powerful? Finally, a few words about the mayor's race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Willie Wilson, candidate for mayor, gets lambasted at last night’s debate for his “hunt them down like rabbits” approach to policing, Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in. Also, a few words about Trump, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels and Kevin McCarthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In These Times writer/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin analyzes MAGA’s revolt against Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Yes, they’re a bunch of fascists. But lefties can learn something from them. And a few words about the mayoral election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lots of mayoral election madness, including a new poll. Ben riffs. Alderwoman & mayoral candidate Sophia King talks about her run for mayor. Her plan for fighting crime. Her emphasis on collaboration. And whether you can expect an endorsement for her from President Obama.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez & Loreen Targos, his campaign manager and wife, make their first return since becoming parents to triplets. So, first of all--congratulations, Byron & Loreen. Now, let's get down to business! They've got a lot on their mind. Including...Congressman Jesus Garcia (they oppose him and vice versa), Mayor Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. Also, Loreen, a scientist for the EPA, talks about efforts to rebuild the federal agency in the wake of Trump's cutsSee 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 talks foreign affairs. Specifically, the struggles of local pols to figure out the world beyond our borders. Also, we break down the lawsuit recently filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting over a nude scene filmed more than 50 years ago. Finally, a few words about Elizabeth Holmes & and the art of conning people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ bulldog reporter Dan Mihalopoulos has the story about a former political operative for Speaker Michael Madigan going into cannabis business. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, of Inside Chicago Government, returns to analyze the latest City Council antics. Get ready for a deep dive on TIFs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Pence finds classified documents in his home. Oops. Ben riffs. As does Monroe. Who has a lot more on his mind besides Pence. Such as...Ron DeSantis' effort to erase history by cancelling African American AP history. And replacing it with his (DeSantis') fantasy of the "happy slave" and the "loving `masta'". Also, a few words about crime and the mayor's race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The number one movie in America is The Glass Onion, a satire that mocks greedy tech billionaires. Has America turned a corner? Ben riffs. Defense attorney April Preyar talks Safe-T act. Specifically, a ruling by a judge in Kankakee that it’s unconstitutional. And a few words about her latest case—a products liability suit against hair products that may be linked to Black women getting cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot and the city council have decided to demolish the Tribune’s Freedom Center printing press and replace it with a casino. Preservationist and rail-fan Horace Nowell explains what will be lost. It’s not exactly paving paradise—just destroying the soul of the city. Here’s the site for more info on Horace’s Tribune model railroad: [email protected] here’s the site for his upcycled newspaper boxes: [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've got a mayoral debate to review. But first...Ben has a few things to say about lawyers dumb enough to take on Donald Trump as a client. And then...the debate! Dr. D has all the clips from last night's televised debate that are worth hearing. Well, at least the clips in which one candidate insults another. Crime, police, mental health and the Bears are just a few of the topics that we look at. Bottom line--Brandon Johnson stakes out the left. Paul Vallas goes for the MAGA vote. Lori Lightfoot tries not to run against herself. And Chuy Garcia goes for the middle of the road.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben binges on The Dropout. Now he’s obsessed with America’s love for liars. And Tribune city hall reporter Gregory Pratt returns to talk mayor’s race. Also his tweet about “relatively normal” voters. Somehow the conversation turns towards Mayor Rahm. Where else?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On December 6, Ben & Maya took First Tuesdays to the Promontory nightclub in Hyde Park. Their guests were Alderwomen Leslie Hairston & Rossana Rodriguez and Joe Winston, director of the documentary: Punch 9 For Harold Washington. On the agenda: mayors, aldermen, corruption, political bullies, and why Hairston and Rodriguez disagreed on Bring Chicago Home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Proceeds from the Illinois gas tax are falling cause so many people are buying electric cars. What's Elon got to say about that? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson has a lot to say about a lot of things. Including...the lunatics have taken over the asylum. If, by asylum, you mean congress. And, if, by lunatics, you mean MAGA. Should we believe the spin out of the Washington Post that Marjorie Taylor Green has matured? Short answer--only if you're really gullible. George Santos moves to the right in the hopes that MAGA will save him. Which raises this question. Who's the bigger liar--Trump or Santos? Finally, a word or two about the Bears hiring Kevin Warren.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional January 6 committee accuses Trump of insurrection and urge feds to prosecute. Now MAGA has to figure out how to react. Ben riffs. And DuPage County Democratic Chair Ken Mejia-Beal returns. What's on his mind? Plenty. How did Dems win in DuPage County? What will Republicans try to do in the coming year to offset those gains. Short answer--more scare tactics. Also, out of nowhere, Ken's Mount Rushmore of comedians. Much love for Bill Burr.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot does something no other mayor could do—extend the Red Line south of 95th. Ben riffs. And political strategist Rickey Hendon returns! Talking Willie Wilson and the white vote; his feud with Ja’Mal Green; phonegate; his dance with death and more. Including his tribute to the mayor. Stick around to hear Rickey sing a song by the Intruders. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been quite a week. Starting with...Mayor Lightfoot's campaign offers extra credit for Chicago public school students who work on her campaign. Lots to unpack there. And a breakdown of JB Pritzker's second inauguration. And a few words about Pete Ricketts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brendan Shiller spent 20 or so years on the front lines for criminal justice reform as a lawyer in Chicago. And then he said the hell with it--and moved to Vegas to make his career as a poker player. The son of former Alderwoman Helen Shiller, Brendan makes his Ben Joravsky Show debut, talking about why he needed to take a break from Chicago. Also, how to reduce crime. And how to make money at the card table. Key advice--don't chase the cards. And...a few words about Chicago's casino.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Manny Ramos--investigative reporter for the Illinois Answers Project--talks SBF & FTX. That is--Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, his rogue crypto company. Or--how did this wheeler dealer, recently arrested for fraud, convince the Lightfoot administrate to celebrate using his money to run a financial training program for poor people. Financial advice from Bankman-Fried? What's next--bank security from Jesse James? Also, a few words about escalating real estate prices in Woodlawn, South Shore and other south side communities instigated by land speculators buying properties near the Obama Center. Manny is on the case!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In his waning moments as a state senator, Darren Bailey feels compelled to read from the Bible. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Jerrod Carmichael at Golden Globes. And Jim Coogan joins the conversation to talk MAGA congressional investigations, Biden’s missing documents, and various crimes of Trump. Get ready for a MAGA witch hunt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political scientist David Faris returns just in time to help us figure out what’s going on with…Elon Musk, Kevin McCarthy, and Kyrsten Sinema. Also, why did congressional Dems cave on the national security budget? And why are Republicans so determined to destroy Medicare and Social Security?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mario Smith—Promontory Box Office Manager and Lumpen radio talk show host—makes his debut. And he’s got a lot to say. Namely, defending Chicago’s honor from Ben’s harsh critique. Tough challenge. Don’t get him started on the topic of Herschel Walker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Ed Burke quits as his pals try to find nice things to say about him. Ben riffs. Reader political writer Kelly Garcia returns to discuss all things local politics. Including...Burke & Fred Hampton; Jesus "Chuy" Garcia filing for mayor; and aldermanic races in 12, 1, 11 & 25. Also, the MAGA vote--will it go for Willie Wilson or Paul Vallas?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Jim Coogan did some homework for the show. He went through clippings to put together a list of Trump's alleged crimes. Or the various crimes and investigations centered on Trump's misbehavior. It's a long list. And Jim takes us through each one. Starting with E. Jean Carroll's accusation that Trump raped her. And concluding with the phone call Trump made to election officials in Georgia in which the president asked them to throw away Biden votes. Burning question of the day--how is Trump not yet in prison?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AOC is seen trolling MAGA. Ben riffs. And it's "popcorn and champagne" for Monroe Anderson as he gleefully analyzes Kevin McCarthy's pathetic attempts to beg MAGA to elect him speaker. For once Dems are disciplined and Republicans are falling apart. It couldn't happen to a viler bunch. Is there a difference between MAGA and a cowardly Republican? Here's a suggestion--elect Trump as the speaker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The reporters on the New York Times are on a one-day strike. Ben riffs. And former 46th ward Alderwoman Helen Shiller talks about her new book--Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win. It's about her life on the front lines of lefty and independent politics in Chicago since the 1970s. What a great conversation...Harold Washington, Richard Daley, the Jesus People and more. Does she have any regrets? You have to listen to find out...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Council Wars is always on my mind. Ben and Maya riff. And Chris Scott, Chief Political Officer for Democracy for America, has Georgia and the midterms on his mind. What went wrong, what went right. How should Democrats deal with overtly racist Republican tactics? And what to do about Ohio? Or—how to win the Dave Chappelle voter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1963, 24th ward alderman Ben Lewis was executed--bullet to the back of his head--one late night in his West Side ward office. The case remains unsolved. Propublica reporter Mick Dumke has spent the better part of the last year digging into the crime. His expose sheds light on ties between the Mob & the Machine in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Raphael Warnock wins in Georgia and Judge Doris Pryor gets confirmed by the senate. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns after being off a few weeks. He's got a lot on his mind, including...Warnock's win; Herschel Walker as the world's worst candidate; Barack Obama v. Bill Clinton; Trump's conviction; and MAGA propaganda. Or, why do Democrats believe MAGA trash talk? Also, a tribute to the great Sergio Mims. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political scientist David Faris on Tulsi Gabbard leaving the Democratic Party. Just like Andrew Yang left the party. And why Marianne Williamson never was in the party. Just think--all three were given a prime spot on the debate stage leading up to the 2020 presidential. Why do Democrats love to hurt themselves? And then it's on to MAGA men...DeSantis, Leo, Walker & Jones. And more...10/15/22See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JB Pritzker dodges a question about the mayoral election and Congressman Rodney Davis shows he's still scared of Trump. Ben riffs. And Michael Gerardi--the Neil Young of Chicago--returns. He sings one of his greatest hits: The Ballad of An Indicted Alderman. Then he talks politics. Including the futility of the tax-the-rich messaging, the mixed message in the War on Drugs and a few thoughts on the Greatest Generation. Maybe they're not so great. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The time has come for Ben & Dr. D to riff on a week’s worth of news, including…Darren Bailey’s feeble attempts to explain his loss. And Lightfoot v Garcia in the petition game. And Ed Burke stepping down. 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.

Terry Cosgrove--the outgoing president of Personal PAC--knows how to fight MAGA. Will Democrats listen? Dems being Dems, probably not--at least in New York. Terry breaks down the results of the midterms to explain why Democrats won in Illinois. Take note, Dems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman-elect George Santos distinguishes between “Jewish” and “Jew-ish”. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Santos, Trump taxes, Roy Cohn, why the breakdown at Midway Airport is sorta Reagan’s fault and more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columbia College sociology professor Wilfredo Cruz wrote the book on Latino politics in Chicago--literally! It's called Latinos in Chicago--Quest for a Political Voice. Wilfredo talks about the evolution of local Latino politics. So many Latino politicians got their start thanks to Harold Washington. Then they turned around and cut their deal with Mayor Daley. We're talking about you, Luis Gutierrez. Will Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia be the first Latino mayor? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the mayor's race kicking up, it's a good time to check in with Delmarie Cobb, one of Chicago's smartest political strategists. And so we take the deep dive on things like...the mayoral legacies of Rahm, Daley & Harold's. Why is this city so determined to erase all the good things Harold Washington tried to do? Also, a confession from Ben & Delmarie about Daley. What's with Alderman Brian Hopkins going after Mayor Lightfoot? It's a prime example of the difference between transactional and relationship politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Christmas, we thought we’d do a little something different. The great jazz guitarist, Mike Allemana, and his vocalist daughter, Gabby, visited the virtual studio to sing some songs and play guitar. And also talk about the year in music. Guess who beat who to the stage at Carnegie Hall?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On October 28 2019, the great Conrad Worrill came to the studio to talk about his life and legacy as a front-line activist going back to the ’60s. Conrad Worrill died June 3, 2020.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/editorial writer Rummana Hussain & Ben talk Chappelle. As in Dave, riffing on Ye; the difference between billionaires and millionaires; Jewish people; Kyrie; and Donald Trump--whom Chappelle calls an honest liar. Which really sums it up. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Dr. D talk the week that was, but first...State Senator Rob Martwick promotes Tuesday's Mayoral Forum, which Ben is moderating. And then it's on to the week that was. Including...Rickey Hendon/Willie Wilson v. Ja'Mal Green, round two. Only now Green is also challenging Wilson. And Oscar & Felix are back--the characters in Mayor Lightfoot's latest commercial. Boomers swoon. And Chuy picks up $1 million contribution. And Ben has a thing or two to say about MAGA's bizarre reaction to Brittney Griner's release. Bottom line--you're weird, MAGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Guarino's WBEZ/Sun-Times story exposes Mayor Lightfoot's NASCAR deal as a wreck. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns to push back on NASCAR--sorta. And then Monroe analyzes Trump and his crimes. Republicans cry "witch hunt". Monroe says it's actually a "which hunt"--as in which crime Trump will go to prison for. A few words about DeSantis's COVID rewrite. And meet newly elected congressman George Santos--baby Trump in New York. And, of all things, some Riverview Reminiscence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Property tax bill are coming out. Ben freaks out. And 40th ward Alderman Andre Vasquez talks about building coalitions, running for re-election, Harold Washington, rap battles, lefties going at each other's throats, budgets and a whole bunch of other stuff that is on his mind. Special bonus--he drops the mic on Ben.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In These Times editor/writer Miles Kampf-Lassin has a lot on his mind as he reviews the post-midterm political landscape. In particular…think local, lefties. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some cronies of Mayor Rahm are kicking in money to elect what they call "workhorse aldermen" as opposed to "showhorse aldermen". Ben riffs. And Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, returns. She's got a lot on her mind, including...the aforementioned cronies of Mayor Rahm; Brandon Johnson mayoral candicacy; why the union's not a "kingmaker"; and what's the matter with Mayor Lightfoot. Hint--it's not her personality. Also, a word or two about the senatorial campaign in Georgia. There is not return to normal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Thanksgiving! Much love and thanks for all our friends & family. Enrique Limon, Reader editor, makes his debut. Describes his journey from a kid in Mexico to one of the top jobs in alternative journalism. One stop along the way was Utah. So he offers a word or two or three about Black Lives Matter in Salt Lake City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Gregory Pratt points out, many people in Chicago aren't obsessively paying attention to the mayor's race. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Republicans and the Mark Meadows tweets. And journalist/activist LeAlan Jones talk about the life and legacy of Lloyd Newman--LeAlan's writing partner on the the award-winning “Ghetto Life 101”. Newman recently died at age 43. Finally, a word or two or three about the mayor's race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben asks the question most are too afraid to pose…Do the millennials who are running Mayor Lightfoot’s re-election campaign realize they took a line from the Isley Brothers? And 46 ward aldermanic candidate Angela Clay talks Uptown politics then and now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia hasn’t been elected mayor yet, and he’s already acting like an emperor. Ben riffs. And Reader writer Kelly Garcia talks FOIA law and aldermanic petition challenges and police district elections. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Johnson announces he’s running for mayor. Chuy Garcia continues to think about running for Mayor. Mayor Lightfoot sorta makes things up as she goes along. And Pat Whalen explains why everyone is feeling so much anxiety. Just some of a week’s worth of news discussed by Ben, Dr. D and Pat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.