The Ben Joravsky Show

The Trib's editorial board endorses a Republican candidate for governor. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--the pride and joy of Inside Chicago Government--returns with city council clips. Yes, you Chicago City Council in action. Ward map, curfew, special meetings, casino and more. What a city. What a council. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 3, 2022: The time has come for Ben & Dr. D to riff on a week's worth of news. Even if Ben has COVID. And so riff they do, starting with...Alderman Rod Sawyer announces he's running for mayor. Mayor Lightfoot scoffs. And then throws an elbow. And then to provide commentary on all three Republican governor debates, a mystery guest appears. Yes, this mystery guest watched all three debates. What up, Frank! Give Frank a medal. Together Ben, Frank & the Dr. try to figure out the difference between Paul Schimpf and Gary Rabine. Is there a difference? Can there be a winner if all the debaters are lunatics? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Movie producers Steve Cohen and Paula Froehle return to talk about Doc10, their documentary festival that starts May 19 at the Davis Theater and the Gene Siskel Theater. This year's festival opens with The Janes, about the underground network that helped women get access to safe abortions in the days before Roe. Obviously, it's more relevant than ever. Also, there's Ron Howard's documentary and...well, let Steve & Paula tell the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy comes up with a very funny line about Mayor Lightfoot's critics. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Trump, insurrectionists, congressional investigators, the backlash and more. Including, Pryor & Carlin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mia Henry--eduator and activist for freedom--makes her debut to talk the state of the union. Including identity, violence, the lessons of the past and what she calls, "the undeclared war this country has on its people."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben finally gets around to watching the HBO documentary about the great George Carlin. Well, the first half anyway. And now he can't stop talking about it. And Peter Cunningham--political speechwriter and great thinker--returns to talk crime & backlash. As usual, he's a voice of logic in a world driven crazy by law `n order rhetoric. Under Peter's withering cross-examination, Ben has to sort of apologize to Arne Duncan. 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.

In the aftermath of mass shootings in Buffalo and Texas, Political scientist David Faris returns to talk about the Gun Cult that has taken over the Republican Party. And why how it's kept our country from enacting sane gun laws. Then a word or two about Thomas Friedman and his milkshake with President Biden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indivisible Illinois hosted a virtual meeting on running for congress. And Ben was the moderator. (Thank you, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth for the invite!) The guests--congressional candidates Kina Collins and Litesa Wallace. Kina is running against incumbent Danny K. Davis in the 7th district and Litesa is running for the open seat in the 17th congressional district. Conversation covers abortion rights, gun safety, and the challenges of running an up hill fight against incumbents backed by Nancy Pelosi. 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 riff on a week's worth of the latest local political news. Such as...Richard Irvin ditches the Republican debate. Darren Bailey tries to soften his MAGA rough edges with a commercial dedicated to his hands. Sean Casten makes a move for the suburban swing vote. And in Chicago, Bill Conway suggests he's running for mayor. As Congressman Quigley drops out of the race he never really entered. And Mayor Lightfoot says she'll probably run. What happens if no one runs?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times writer Rummana Hussain returns to ask the question--why has Kyle Rittenhouse fallen in love with Johnny Depp? What do Kim Kardashian and Chuck Taylor All Stars have in common? What's the latest goop from Gwyneth Paltrow? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rod Sawyer--son of Mayor Sawyer--announce he's running for his father's old job. Ben riffs. And the Renaissance Man, Sergio Mims, returns to talk politics, Chicago & movies. Not necessarily in that order. He explains the concept of the "safe Negro". Also, potholes, casino, Black Lives Matter scandal and word or two or three about Operation Mincemeat. Finally, remember his prediction--President Biden will choose not to run for re-election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds argue that corrupt ex Alderman Danny Solis is actually sort of a hero. Ben riffs. And Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns to tackle all the tough issues of the day. Curfew, crime, Ukraine, Buffalo, ward map, CTU, mayor's race and abortion rights. And why do we spend $54 billion on Ukraine and look the other way from Englewood? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional Dems go to bat for congressional incumbents. Ben riffs. And Kina Collins--candidate for congress in the 7th congressional--talks about her upbattle campaign against incumbent Danny K. Davis. And former Green Party candidate LeAlan Jones returns to talk violence and culture and Top Gun. And are we really surprised people love their weapons.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Right before today's show, Ben makes a call to Tom Brune, a great journalist and friend from the distant past. And their conversation about the old days offers insight into what's going on in Chicago right now. Ben riffs. And then Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, returns to talk national politics. Specifically, MAGA's take over of the Republican Party and the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania who believes Trump's election lies. Is this the end of democracy? Miles tries to talk Ben off the ledge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats seem to think reproductive rights will be here forever in Illinois. Ben riffs on their delusion. And then election lawyer Ed Mullen delivers a primer on the state supreme court. MAGA is poised to take over, if Dems keep sleeping. And that's bad news for reproductive rights in the state. So, wake up, Dems!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 6, 2022: Mayor Lori Lightfoot picks a site for Chicago's casino! That's the big news of the week. Ben and Dr. D riff away. Also, Chicago makes a pitch for the Democratic convention. Ben has a few things to say about that as well. And guess who's ahead in the Republican governor primary? The answer lets you know that MAGA can be bought. All that and more of a week's worth of news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben got COVID. Which explains the coughing. Ben riffs, while coughing. And Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez returns to talk about his city council exchanges with Mayor Lightfoot over the casino and a zoning dispute in the 25th ward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Great article in Sun-Times about upcoming teachers union election. Ben riffs. And attorney Jim Coogan returns to talk privacy rights. Or, what's at stake if Supreme Court really does say you have no right to private conversations with your doctor as to what it's in your best health interest. Or no right to do what you want with another consenting adult in your bedroom. Who controls MAGA? It's scary, folks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nineteen children murdered in a school in Texas. And still Republicans block gun control. Monroe Anderson talks about the gun culture in America. And weighs in on Tim Anderson & Josh Donaldson. And Andrew Ellison--the election whiz kid, returns to analyze the results of yesterday's primaries in Georgia & Texas. Andrew is the the second coming of Steve Kornacki.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political scientist David Faris takes a moment to reflect on the political madness of the last six years. Can the Republicans move further to the right without falling off the planet? Is there a rhyme or reason on Schumer's senate strategy? Also, an I told you so, or two, about the MAGA Supremes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of Smith slapping Rock and fan tackling David Chapelle, standup comics have to wonder--are they safe on stage. Stand up comics and podcast partners, Rachel Joravsky & Cody Wilkins talk standup comedy in the age of the assault. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Latino and Black caucuses in the city council cut a deal on the ward map. Ben riffs. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa--who was part of deal making--explains. Then Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns for another city council review. In this case, he dissects the April 27 meeting, which includes passionate debate on Mayor Lightfoot's gas card proposal 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 sort of leaked that he would be nominating Mayor Rahm to be ambassador to Japan. Ben can't help but riff. Also, more Rahm talk from Mick Dumke--ace Pro Publica reporter and Ben's former partner in crime at the Reader. From there it's a hop and skip and jump to a Ben/Mick gabfest about all the political news of the day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times, Rummana Hussain talks crime. In Chicago and Buffalo. We know what the problem is, but we don't do anything about it so we look to short-term solutions that aren't solutions at all. Then it's on to more frivolous topics. Heard v. Depp. And finally, the launching of the Rummana Book Club.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 13, 2022. Just as we're about to start the show there's...Breaking News! Paris Schutz from WTTW reports that Richard Irvin, Republican candidate for governor, has called Trump an idiot and a racist. Could be trouble in MAGA paradise. That's just one news item Ben & Dennis riff on. Also, in the news...Kam Buckner announces he's running against Mayor Lightfoot. Darren Bailey could win, if Trump endorses him. But will Trump dare to upset Kenny G? Than and much more, including...a weather report.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Word breaks that the Supreme Court has already written the decision to overturn Roe and take America back to the middle ages. Ben riffs. And state rep. Kelly Cassidy explains the consequences for women. Also, once MAGA's supreme court robots get rid of privacy as a constitutional right, gay marriage, trans rights and interracial marriage are next to go. Also, Anton Seals, from Greater Grow Englewood, talks about Whole Foods leaving his community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates have a debate, arguing who loves Donald Trump the most. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns to talk about the shootings in Buffalo and white replacement theory, Things are getting scary when MAGA candidates throughout the nation are more MAGA than Trump. Also, why Madison Cawthorn lost.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's May 3rd, the first Tuesday of the month, which means...Ben & Maya Dukmasova are at The Hideout for First Tuesday. Their guests? Aldermen Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Rod Sawyer. The topic? The ward map. Which version is better--Rod's or Carlos. Well, it's a little more complicated than that. But everything will be explained so you'll be enlightened when you have to vote on the map referendum on June 28. Enjoy the show...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot imposes a curfew for minors at Millennium Park. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova returns to talk next First Tuesdays show. June 7 at 6 pm. And ward map. And Abdelnasser Rashid, candidate for state rep., talks about his race against incumbent Mike Zalewski. What's it like running against what's left of the Madigan Machine. Why he'd vote for the abolition of parental notification for minors getting an abortion. Criminal justice. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Poet-novelist-translator, Achy Obejas returns to pay tribute to Susan Nussbaum, the activist and actor who recently died. Then the conversation turns to reproductive rights. As Susan no doubt would want it to.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editorial editorialist/columnist Rummana Hussain talks Roe. A personal view of what's at stake. Also, a shout out to Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Hong and Everything Everywhere All At Once. And a word or two about Zs in a movie theater. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Supremes set to take this country back to the Middle Ages on women's rights, MAGA looks to change the subject by searching for a scapegoat, blaming the leak on Ketanji Brown Jackson. Who's not even on the court yet. Pretty pathetic, even for MAGA. Ben riffs. And congressional candidate and state rep Delia Ramirez gets personal as she explains why reproductive rights is a fight that must be won.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken Davis clarifies his position on red light cameras. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to say "finally"! As in President Biden is finally getting around to telling the truth about MAGA. Which is...they're insane. Also, Benji Hall returns. You know him as Benji the Bookie--astute bball analyst. Here he puts on his political analyst hat as he describes his two-week experiment with Truth--Trump's version of Twitter. Yes, Benji downloaded the app. Let's just say if there's any truth on Truth, it's accidental. Benji did some trolling as "John Galt". For instance, on Mother's Day, Donnie Jr, aka Baby Trump, "truthed": "Happy birthing person's day." To which Benji responded: "It must be a sad day to remember all the aborted sibblings you never met." Which I believe the Truthers took down. So much for free speech.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The City Council actually does something for ordinary Chicagoans--giving away gasoline. The world goes nuts. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer, for In These Times, returns to talk politics. Specifically, President Biden's failure to deliver on promises regarding student debt and union organizing. The theme of the day--on everything from gas giveaways to union organizing, why is it that Democrats so afraid of their own shadows?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The leftist firefighter, Sam Holloway, returns to talk about the C word--capitalism. He starts with banks lending billions to Elon Musk to throw out $44 or so billion dollars on Twitter and goes from there. "The government loves to give money to rich people." And "billionaires are like crazy hoarders. Only more dangerous." And so forth...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben's got three topics on his mind and political scientist David Faris riffs on them all...Kick Joe Manchin out of the Democratic Party. The anti-abortion lunatics in Ohio telling teenage girls to look on the bright side of getting raped. And the political implications of Elon Musk buying Twitter. To quote David..."give extremists power, and they do extremist things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Walter Burnett says it's either casino revenues or property tax hikes. Ben points out that the casino will raise your property taxes. Cause someone has to pay to build it. Guess who that someone will be. And Teresa Cordova, director of the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago, discusses economic development in Chicago. Especially in relation to poor communities, like North Lawndale and Englewood. Also, she explains cost benefit analysis. Ben bets there will be none of that in regards to a casino. Pun intended, sort of.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"So Scared." Have you noticed everyone's trying to scare you these days? Ben riffs. And Keith Kelleher returns to talk unions. Specifically, all the hurdles workers have to clear to form one. As the employees at Starbucks & Amazon are learning the hard way The rules are stacked against the employees and in favor of the employers. And the employer rarely concedes even when he's lost. Keith knows a thing or two about these hurdles as he helped organize several unions, including SEIU here in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bulls stun the Bucks last night thanks to Mr. DeRozan. Ben riffs. And then appeals, again, to Len Goodman to save the Reader by transferring control to the not-for-profit. Micah Uetricht returns. Yes, the editor/writer for Jacobin magazine has moved to New York City where he will be the Ben Joravsky show correspondent covering Eric Adams. Well, that's not really why he moved there. But that's what he'll be. Micah talks Chicago parking-meter deal. He's lead plaintiff in a lawsuit to undo that horrendous deal. Then a few words about Peter Thiel and other billionaire "libertarians". 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.

Rummana Hussain, Sun-Times editorial writer/columnist, returns to explain the inexplicable. In this case, why are so many people so happy about taking off their masks on a plane? Also, a word or two about interviewing Kim Foxx. Yes, a Jussie question was asked. And guess who asked it? Finally, the great debate. Who's more stuck up--Reader or Sun-Times staffers. Ben explains his theory about reporters who walk with their heads down as though they're lost in thought.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Co-host of the At Bat podcast, Saul Rodriguez makes his debut to talk Chicago baseball. Or to talk Ben off the ledge. Lousy starts by the White Sox & Cubs have convinced Ben that it will be another year of futility. Not so, says Saul. The future is better than it seems. And so begins another...Great Debate! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reader theater & dance editor Kerry Reid tells the strange story of the "impasse" that might kill Chicago's oldest alternative newspaper. It has to do with Leonard Goodman, the man who wanted to save the Reader, and now will kill it unless he turns the title over to a not-for-profit board. No Reader in Chicago? It's becoming more likely by the day. And then a word or two about King James & Good Night, Oscar. Editor's note: Since this interview took place, Leonard Goodman agreed to turn the title over to the not-for-profit. The lawyers are working out the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Freelance writer Maya Goldberg-Safir makes her Joravsky Show debut, talking about Brittney Griner, the world's greatest women basketball player, who's been locked in a prison in Russia for several months. Why won't Putin let her out? Why is there so much silence about her imprisonment? And what can we do? After you listen to the story, check out Maya's recently published article on Griner in Jacobin magazine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aldermen blame everything bad on Ed Burke. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Trump. Particularly, a New York judge's ruling that Trump be held in contempt and fined $10,000 a day. Ben's convinced Trump won't pay the money. Monroe disagrees. And then LeAlan Jones--Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate--returns to talk money. Particularly Elon Musk's $46 billion acquisition of Twitter. He talked bankers into lending him billions of dollars. Apparently, bankers are suckers for the sales pitch of slick-talking rich guys. Speaking of Trump... 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 political scene, which at the moment is bleak for Democrats. As David explains, the time has come for Democrats to stand up for their core convictions and stop apologizing for the values they believe in. Also, a word or two about the worship of wealth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Word breaks that the Reader will live. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova returns to talk ward maps, Reader & Twitter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They hold a public meeting for the casino. Guess what? Nobody wants it in their backyard. Ben riffs. And 15h ward Alderman Raymond Lopez returns to talk about why he's running for mayor. Why he goes on Tucker Carlson's show. Why he's against TIFs. And much more, including policing, casinos and an explanation of how the city council works. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 23, 2019. Yes. Pritzker signed another bill. A legal marijuana update. Grading Lori Lightfoot's first 100 days and MORE from the Chicago Reader and their "Love Letter to Chicago Journalism" Streaming Telethon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Davis Gates--president of Chicago Teachers Union--returns to talk all things politics. Specifically, the Republican assault on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The bizarre case of Richard Irvin. And Brittney Griner, locked in Putin's prison. And a word or two in defense of Isiah Thomas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great Estelle Harris died. She played George Costanza's mother in Seinfeld. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns to review the last few meetings. Casinos. Rules. Mayoral control. It's hard not to be cynical in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.