The Ben Joravsky Show

The great Ramsey Lewis died at age 87. Ben riffs. And Brian Costin from American Prosperity for Illinois joins to talk Bears stadium handout. Yes, American Prosperity is a Koch Brothers organization. And Brian is conservative. And he used to work for the Rauner administration. And so on and so forth. But he's one of the few conservatives who's opposed to what he calls "corporate welfare." So, well, listen to what he has to say. It will keep you up to date on what's going on.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 riff on a week's worth of news. Starting with...mayoral politics. Mayor Lightfoot calls Paul Vallas a Republican. Vallas says not fair. Then Darren Bailey jumps into the mayor's race--sorta. That gets Ben explaining the ins and outs of getting on the ballot. Which reminds him of the candidate he wished he had voted for last time around. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden offers student debt relief. Everyone starts complaining. Ben riffs. And South Bend councilman Henry Davis, Jr returns. He talks about police dealing with mental health crises. And Indiana ‘s upcoming senate race. Can Dems win? And who’s worse—Indiana, Chicago or Michigan when it comes to potholes. Also, a word or two about Mayor Pete.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben returns from a week in Michigan, where MAGA is taking a page from the Daley book--as in Richard J. Ben riffs. John Nichols makes his debut on the show. Political columnist for the Nation and author of a dozen or so books--including Coronavirus Criminals--he talks all things Wisconsin politics. Including the capitulation of Robin Vos to MAGA. And radio legend Richard "the Real Deal" Steele returns to talk Herschel Walker, OJ, Johnny Cochran, MAGA hate, Dennis Rodman and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore talks about her play, The Billboard. It's about the fight over abortion in Englewood, on the city's south side. And what happens when...well, let Natalie tell the story. A reminder--you can buy Natalie's book--the Billboard--at any bookstore in town.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 welcome folks back to The Hideout for the August edition of First Tuesdays. On the agenda, nothing less than the future of abortion rights in Illinois post Dobbs. Our guests--Terry Cosgrove, executive director of Personal Pac, and Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. First question: Is Illinois really the Blue sanctuary starry-eyed Dems think it is? Oh, Dems--you have so much to learn. Terry and Megan explain the challenges ahead. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Public School librarian and activist Nora Wiltse considers this question. Why would a city, as rich as Chicago, allow most of its schools to be without librarians? They have a library. But no librarians. Do they want their children to lack critical thinking skllls? To believe whatever they're told? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Tom Tunney is the latest alderman to announce he's not running for re-election. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to help Ben dissect Senator Roy Blunt's response to a basic question about whether it's legal for Donald Trump to take secret documents out of the White House. Blunt, a Republican from Missouri, is so scared of MAGA he ducks and dodges like a dancer. And Mark Wallace joins the conversation to discuss the situation in Jackson, Mississippi. It's the 21st century and somehow they don't have safe and running water.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmentalist, radio man and gardening superstar, Mike Nowak returns to talk environment. And the news, to put it mildly, is not good. We are, as Barry McGuire once prophesied, on the eve...oh, you know the song. It's cause of man's greed and stupidity and stubbornness, etc. On the bright side...Well, Ben and Mike journey through the landscape of flash floods and raging fires and hurricanes and rising seas and other ecological disasters born from climate change to find the bright side. Join their journey...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 and Ben ask the question: Was the Kansas abortion referndum the moment we look back and say--that's when we knew that something had changed? Or...oh, let's not think about the or. Then Rummana tries to defend Mr. Springsteen for charging thousands to see a concert. It's actually cheaper to fly to Oslo and buy a ticket to watch Bruce there, then to watch him in the USA. Finally, a word or two about Nope.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 for Ben to review a week's worth of news. Dr. D is on a much deserved vacation. So joining Ben is Chris Schrage. And away they go, talking Merrick Garland and his warrant to search Mar-a-Lago. MAGA's reaction. The Republican Party in Illinois trying to find it's way on Trump. This is not Jim Thompson's party, that's for sure. And a word or two about Vic Mensa's cannabis career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Allemana is one of our great jazz guitarists. He's also a jazz professor at the University of Chicago. And this conversation is like 101 of the Chicago Jazz Fest, as Mike explains the styles of the stars in this year's festival. Starting with...himself. Mike will be opening act on the Big Stage when the festival begins Thursday, September 1. Take notes, people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds raid Trump's Florida home--MAGA's outraged. Ben riffs. And political consultant Delmarie Cobb returns to talk all about it. The raid, that is. And MAGA's outrage. And the precised choreography of the MAGA outrage response. And then it's on to Kansas. And messaging abortion rights. And crime. And the CTA. And Rahm looking out for Rahm. And who's who in the mayoral race.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 to try and make sense of the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago, MAGA's reaction to that raid and Trump pleading the fifth in another case. It only makes sense if you view Trump as a mob boss. Which is sort of how Trump views himself. Also, what's with MAGA's obsession with Nazis? David explains...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA runs an an anti-Pritzker commercial that darkens Mayor Lightfoot's skin. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Trump. What motivates MAGA? Fear? Hate? Love for Donnie? Legendary CBS Cameraman Robert Tutman joins the conversation. Was the darkening of Mayor Lightfoot intentional? Can you believe MAGA if they say no? Are public relations professions really professional liars. And more, including Robert's favorite country song. Hint--it's not by Johnny Cash.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The political know it alls--Jacob Kaplan and Danny P--return to talk politics. And, man, there's a lot of politics to discuss. Jacob is the executive director of the Cook County Party and Dan is the recent winner of the Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Kansas. Dems running ads that help MAGA candidates. What's up with Manchin and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Details are starting to emerge about the faulty warrant used by police to justify the deadly raid on Breonna Taylor's apartment. Just as MAGA is crying about Mar-a-Lago. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin--writer/editor from In These Times--returns to talk about the Mar-a-Lago raid. Then he does a detailed analysis of the Inflation Reduction Act. It's a bill capitalists should love--yet all the Republicans vote against it. Just like they voted against the insulin bill. Then we move on to United for Clean Power, which is a bunch of Republicans pretending to be lefties to kill the inflation bill. In short, they're doing what Dems did in Pennsylvania and Illinois--getting involved in the other party's process. Finally, a word or two about Brittney Griner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 28, 2019: Pritzker talks the Thompson Center. Lori Lightfoot gives her own 100 day mayoral review. Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson unpacks the latest trump news. Jacobin Writer Micah Uetricht talks his new Bernie book. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson tells us why he is supporting Elizabeth Warren.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas hangs out with MAGA. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns for another segment of City Council Follies. Actually, Ben just made up that title. Playing clips from the latest city council meetings, Ben & Dave analyze the great aldermanic debate over police overtime, NASCAR, drag racers, litterers and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 4, 2019--Sergio Mims is the Director of The Black Harvest Film Festival. Chris Buddy and Christopher Adams are both film Directors. And they can't stop talking about Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.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 to talk about the week. And Ben & Dr. D have a lot to talk about, Including--campaign commercials from Darren Bailey, Lori Lightfoot and JB Pritzker. Ben explains why he is so upset by Bailey's Holocaust comments. Dennis points out that Bailey's comments are another reason it was so dangerous for Dems to effectively promote Bailey's campaign in the primary. Also, Lolla talk. Is it a good deal for Chicago? 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.

Darren Bailey reveals his inner anti-Jewish bias, comparing abortion to the Holocaust. Then he apologizes (sorta). Then he backs off from his (sorta) apology. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about yesterday's stunning win for abortion rights in Kansas. And Tom Brune--Washington bureau chief for Newsday--joins the conversation on national politics. Tom concludes with a deep dive on how Mayor Richard J. Daley and Cardinal Cody sorta made it possible for John McDemott to create the Chicago Reporter. It's a parable about the sometimes positive benefits coming from powerful people doing the wrong thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Google announces it's buying the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. Is there actually such a thing as good news? Ben riffs. And Heidi Henry returns! She's running for state Rep against a MAGA man in a district north of Chicago and she has a lot to say about what it's going to take to win. First rule--don't run away from who you are! Also a few words from a real Horse Whisperer about Nope, Jordan Peele's latest. Yes, Heidi is a horse trainer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

.Alderwoman Sophia King announces she's running for mayor. Ben riffs. And then Monroe Anderson returns to talk about the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago. What are they looking for? With the Donald Trump and his many crimes it could be one of a number. And then LeAlan Jones returns to talk about the crimes of Trump from his Green Party perspective. As you might imagine, he's more critical of Dems than Ben or Monroe. The debate gets passionate. Also, a tease--LeAlan will be returning next month to debate Bears v. Packers with a diehard Packers fan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activist, lawyer, philanthropist and proud graduate of Englewood High School, Aurie Pennick has been pushing for social justice almost from the days Dr. King came to Chicago in 1966. She's staying strong in the face of the MAGA challenges--occasionally chastising Ben to be just a little less judgmental. Get ready for their debate on Attorney General Merrick Garland.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 talks about Senator Joe Manchin's recent conversion back to being a Democrat. As the senators suddenly, and without much explanation, signed on to Biden's Build Back Better--oops, I mean, his anti-inflation bill. The conversation turns to Andrew Yang's announcement that he's tag teaming with Republicans to form a new party. Get ready for a classic Faris riff. Finally, the early returns on the dangerous Democratic strategy of promoting MAGA extremists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time for Ben & the Doctor to talk a week's worth of news, starting with...The Forward Party? Wasn't expecting that. And then Lightfoot & Lolla. And Darren "DB" Bailey puts on his dancing shoes to duck and dodge questions on Trump. As JB and the Dems seemed determined to do what they can to lose an election that shouldn't even be close. Also, a roof on Soldier Field? That would be the month's dumbest idea out of City Hall, if not for the NASCAR one. And...are Chicagoans nasty by nature? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suddenly, MAGA's obsessed with truth in journalism--as they try to cover up cruel abortion laws in Ohio. And what's with Glenn Kessler at the Washington Post? Ben riffs. And Anthony Joel Quezada makes his debut. A Democratic Socialist, he was the winning candidate in the recent Democratic primary for Cook County Board Commissioner in the 8th district. His message to Democrats--don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Veteran newsman Ken Davis talks about that moment, when he was still a young man, where he learned the hard way that our political system is not what it seems. To put it mildly. That it's not legit. The year was 1972, and Ken was a young man working in California for George McGovern and, well, you have to hear it to believe it. And then Ken pulls a fast one on Ben, giving him a Chicago political trivia contest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain--Sun-Times columnist/editorial writer--talks guns and abortion. Specficially, MAGA's strange and contradictory obsession with each. Every fertilized egg is sacred. But living human beings? Expendable, if you shoot them. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time to riff on a week's worth of news. Including...another alderman quits mid-term. Royko's kid runs for alderman. JB v. D.B. And more. Plus, Dr. D leads us on a trip to the vault of columns by Ben going back to the 80s. Featuring one from 1989 about segregation in Chicago. Somethings haven't changed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Rob Martwick was up against the best MAGA had to offer in one of the city's more conservative northwest side districts. And yet he won the recent election with over 60 percent of the vote. Get our papers and pens, Dems, if you want to learn how to run races in districts that could go either way.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA Man Darren Bailey--the Republican candidate for governor--puts on his dancing shoes as he dances around questions about Donald Trump and Congressman Kinzinger. Is he a bigger fraud/chicken than Richard Irvin? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk insurrection. He predicts Merrick "the Tortoise" Garland will get around to prosecuting Trump. Mark Wallace joins the conversation to talk Soldier Field and Mayor Lightfoot--or "Leadfoot", as the Sun-Times calls her--speeding through the city. It's more do as I say not as I do. Finally, the difference between Chicago Dems and MAGA. Hint--it has to do with not wanting the base to vote. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first pictures come in from the James Webb Space Telescope. And it's official--Chicago is in the universe. Ben riffs. And Mick Dumke, ProPublica investigative reporter, returns to talk politics. Specifically, his excellent article about how much Kenneth Griffin saved by beating the Fair Tax. Also will Joe Biden run again? And if you can't beat somebody with a nobody are there any somebodies in the race against Mayor Lightfoot? 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 Lightfoot unveils her latest great idea. Spending money we can't afford to put a dome over Soldier Field. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova, reporter for Injustice Watch, returns to discuss abortion rights in Illinois. It will be the topic at our August Hideout show. And the strange case of the votes that were cast but not officially tabulated in the Cook County Sheriff's race. It's a strange system, folks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did Governor Pritzker use President Nixon's re-election strategy? Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--of Inside Chicago Government--returns with his Fabulous City Council Reviews. As he and Ben break down the mayor's parliamentary maneuvers to defeat her opposition. Hard to call this "reform" even if the mayor says she's a reformer.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 surveys the madness that is America today and it's not as bad as it looks. Though it might get worse. And by the way, it's time the Dems turned things over to the next generation. Or at least an old timer with a little pep.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

July 8, 2022: Ben & Dr. D have another week's worth of news to disrespect--I mean, discuss. Starting with...NASCAR in Chicago? Is that a joke? And a roof on Soldier Field? Is that another joke? And the mayor raises a couple of million of dollars. Is that enough? Does the mayor need Kenny G to bail her out? And a stinging text from Michael Gerardi makes Ben reconsider his world view. Also, the Aldermanic corruption quiz. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA has successfully moved the center of discourse so far to the right, that people who call themselves Democrats claim both parties are run by "extremists". Ben riffs. Activist Mark Wallace returns to talk speed cameras. Specifically, yesterday's City Council vote in which the mayor got her way. And, Mark contends, Black people will continue to pay. He explains. Also, a word or two or three about Donald Trump's phone call to state Rep. Robin Vos, the Michael Madigan of Wisconsin (Republican version). Apparently, Trump's arrogance and contempt for the law has no limits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's summertime and that means...NBA Summer League! Just in time to offer a little diversion from the madness of MAGA. Benji "The Bookie" Hall (not really a bookie) returns to assess the early results. Who are the best rookies? How are the Bulls faring? Is Marko Simonovic really as good as he was in the Bulls first summer league game? The great debate over Kevin Durant. 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.

After months on insisting we needed tougher laws to keep Chicagoans from speeding, Mayor Lightfoot announces--hey, good news! I'm bringing NASCAR to Chicago. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Trump. Particularly, why he's a law-and-order, lock-`em-up man when it comes to Trump's failed coup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activist Gaylon Alcaraz has been in the trenches for abortion rights since the `90s. She's seen and heard it all. Including this line from a woman who was about to get an abortion: "I'm against abortion. But I can't have a baby now." At times, the inanity of America's confusion on this issue can make you lose your mind. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Highland Park shootings were one of many deadly gun attacks on the Fourth of July. Ben riffs. Attorney Jim Coogan returns to analyze the recent rulings of the MAGA 6 on the Supreme Court on abortion, guns and the EPA. Apparently, you have a constitutionally protected right to destroy the world and carry a weapon, but a women has no constitutional right to an abortion. The MAGA 6 are political cultists who are making it up as they go along.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mick Dumke and Paul Kiel of Propublica write an expose about how Kenneth Griffin, formerly Illinois's richest resident, spent money to save money. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, considers these questions: Are Dems too timid? Should lefties challenge Biden in 2024? And a word or two about why lefties should take the January 6 insurrection seriously. Also, Miles's guide to fighting inflation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 24, 2019: Meredith Shiner is a former correspondent for Politico, Roll Call and Yahoo News. She is currently a communications professional based in Chicago. Joanna Klonsky is a political strategist and worked for the Lori Lightfoot mayoral campaign.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 17, 2022--Time for Ben & Dr. D to run through a week of news. There's a blast from the past--an update on Rahm and his love for trains. Was Ken Davis correct? Also, an analysis of Governor Pritzker's curious election strategy in regards to the Republican primary. Ben is skeptical.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot drops the F-bomb. Chicago reels. Ben riffs. And progressive political activist Sarah Bingaman talks politics in Trump Country. What's the fall out to the end of Roe? The brainwashing of young minds by MAGA. The curious attitude MAGA has toward free expression. They have the right to post a sign that says Fuck Biden. But the local library does not have the right to feature books they don't like. Also, the intimidation factor. MAGA tries to scare Democrats from running. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump & his advisors have their unhinged meeting in the White House. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Trump and the January 6 hearing. Can it get anymore unhinged? Black Harvest co-founder Sergio Mims joins Monroe to talk Herschel Walker, Darren Bailey, MAGA allegiance and James Caan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JB Pritzker got his wish. Darren Bailey is his opponent. Ben riffs. BGA political reporter Rachel Hinton breaks down election results from governor to Board of Review. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emma Tai of the United Working Families reports some good news on the local front--at least for lefties. She offers advice to Dems for November. And word or two or three of warning about the MAGA agenda. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.