The Ben Joravsky Show

Another week's worth of news for Ben & Dr. D to riff on. Where to start? How about some old news--Republicans latest efforts to scare voters into voting against JB. Then the secretary of state's race. Then Light My Fire. Light My Fire? Yes, Light My Fire. Then Casinogate in Chicago. Then the new alderwoman of the 11th. The Daleys love her. This city can't get enough of the Daleys. And a word or two about Eric Adams and Kyrie Irving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of Chicago's smartest movie minds--Sergio Mims from the Black Harvest Film Festival & Chris Buddy, director extraordinaire--join Ben to geek out over The Godfather. Can it really be 50 years? Favorite scenes. Why is it the greatest? What is its legacy? Back stories. Flaws--Sonny missed the punch! And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Flynn endorses Gary Rabine for governor. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks the Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings. And then LeAlan Jones--former Green Party candidate for senate--returns to discuss the war in Ukraine. Is there are any even glimmer of hope? Finally, the Chicago casino. Is there a worse way to raise money for pensions?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Shia Kapos runs a story about a new poll showing JB Pritzker in trouble. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch reporter, returns to talk criminal justice. Also, Maya and Ben will be hosting Alaina Hampton & Dave McKinney at the next First Tuesdays. The topic? Michael Joseph Madigan. That's Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez talks about the need to stay compassionate, sane, focused and determined during difficult times. Also, a word or two or three about dealing with Mayor Lightfoot. Pushing for alternatives to the old ways of policing. And praise for Alderwoman Maria Hadden and Deborah Witzburg, candidate for Inspector General.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former school CEO Janice Jackson says CTU can't get along. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, ace reporter for Inside Chicago Government, returns with clips from recent City Council meetings. What's on the agenda, you ask? Good question! Police, Jesse White & TIFs. Though this being Chicago, they talk about TIFs without mentioning TIFs. Strange city. See 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.

So much for Ben & Dr. D to riff on--so little time. So let's get to it...Willlie Wilson gives away gas, as opposed to cash. That wins the Dr.'s vote. Reefer sales fall. Good news for cookie man. John Catanzara auditions for a mayoral run by trying to bully Alderman Nick Sposato. Chicago loves bullies so it might win Catanzara votes. MAGA must decide whether they'll sell out by going for the candidate with the big-bucks backers. 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 Dave McKinney returns to discuss two of the most powerful players in Illinois politics--Kenneth Griffin, who bankrolls the Republican Party, and Michael Joseph Madigan, who used to run the Democratic Party. They have more in common than you think, Dave breaks down his recent expose about Griffin's company's holdings in gun manufacture companies. And he talks about corruption indictment against Madigan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Attorney Kim Foxx makes a tough decision. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Ukraine. And then...the great debate. As Adolfo Mondragon--lawyer extraordinaire--defends the sentencing of Jussie Smollett to 150 days in jail. Monroe & Ben take the other position. Look out, everybody...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot went on the Craig Dellimore Show, which is not really called the Craig Dellimore Show, and blamed everything on Ben. Well, not everything. But just the criticism Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza aimed at Mayor Lightfoot. Ben riffs. And state Rep. Kam Buckner talks mayor's race. Will he run against Lightfoot? The Sun-Times positions him as a leading candidate. Also, Buckner talks about crime and Dems, CTU, and taking down that dastardly Trump sign. And other things...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza covers a range of topics. Including the tragic murder of Amanda Calo, shot dead by her husband. Katie Garza, the alderwoman's daughter, joins the conversation to pay tribute to Amanda and ask listeners donate to a GoFundMe page for Amanda's two children. Then the topic turns to politics. Asked if she's supporting Mayor Lightfoot's re-election, Alderwoman Garza says no. Then explains why she's breaking from her former ally.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 takes us from A to Z on Putin's war against Ukraine. Putin's twisted logic, motivations and justifications--"it's not a violation of sovereignty, but a restoration of it." How best to confront him. The hypocrisy of Bush. The threat to the world. Would appeasement have worked? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019: An Alligator in the Humboldt Park Lagoon? Confederate Railroad banned from the Illinois State Fair. Legendary Chicago journalist Monroe Anderson returns. Activist Sameena Mustafa is back and Jacobin Writer Micah Uetricht talks local and national politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just after Judge James Linn sentenced Jussie Smollett to five months in the County Jail, Ben & Rummana sat down two discuss. And why not. We've been updating Smollettgate as it unfolded almost from the moment it began in January, 2019. Was the sentence fair? Should Smollett have received any jail time? Was this a reality show we were watching? Did Smollett use Kim Foxx? If Smollett is doing time for lying, why isn't Donald Trump in jail? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems want to pretend Michael Madigan never existed. Ben riffs. Alderman David Moore returns to discuss his candidacy to replace Jesse White as Secretary of State. He's the only candidate in the race who openly declares he's not using the office as a stepping stone to higher office. He lays out his agenda. And Peter "PC" Cunningham, the brains behind Daley, Duncan & Rahm returns to talk why Arne Duncan is not running for mayor. Why it's hard to have a legitimate conversation about crime. Police retirement. Defund police. And this observation--"Culture drives politics, politics drives policy."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Jenkins is a juggler, activist, circus ring leader, and former aldermanic candidate--not necessarily in that order. He's also a passionate rescuer and trainer of dogs, particularly Pit bulls, who are bred to fight. He talks about saving and training "fight" dogs. There's much overlap between man's cruelty to dogs and his cruelty to other humans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Battle of the letters-to-editor in the Sun-Times. First, Kenneth Griffin, then a Sun-Times reader. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson & Sergio Mims, co-founder of the Black Harvest Festival, and the great debate. Is media unfair to Mayor Lightfoot? Is the left wrong on NATO? Are we on the verge of WW III? And a few thoughts about The Godfather.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 writer/columnist Rummana Hussain & Ben take a diversion from the madness of the day to discus Kanye, Mama's Boys, David Yurman, Missoni (spelled correctly), and why white people have a hard time telling one Indian-American woman from another. And, of course, the Kardashians. Resulting in one of the most blatant Manplaining moments in the history of podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergio Vicente, host of The Fight Podcast, and Benji "the Bookie" Hall return for a great debate. Who should be on the NBA top 75 players of all time and who should be left off. Also, will the Bulls ever be able to beat the good teams? Yes, when Alex Caruso returns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a week's worth of news it was! Michael Joseph Madigan indicted! Mayor Lightfoot allegedly brags about having the "biggest dick in Chicago!" George W. Bush, of all people, comes to town to denounce invasions of sovereign countries. And Jeanne Ives backs Darren Bailey, the (not a) hog farmer, over Richard "Money Man" Irvin in the Republican governor primary. Ben & Dr. D riff big time!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds indict former House Speaker Michael Joseph Madigan on corruption charges. True to form, Ben is all over the map. And then state Rep Kelly Cassidy--who took a stand against Madigan long before it was fashionable--returns to talk about his legacy. Good and bad.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vincent E. Norment--owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame--returns to consider the question: Is the NFL a racist organization, at least when it comes to the hiring Black coaches? Brian Flores, recently fired coach of the Miami Dolphins, says yes. Vincent and Ben talk about his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Arne Duncan announces he's not running for mayor. Now Mayor Lightfoot who had nothing but contempt for him can't love him enough. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Biden's state of the union and then joins LeAlan Jones--former Green Party candidate for senate--for a great debate about Ukraine. Also, Monroe & LeAlan weigh in on Duncan's decision not to run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben woke up to discover he'd been scooped by his scoop. That is, his interview with Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza had generated lots of coverage after Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune writer, wrote about it. Next thing you know, Mike Flannery's on the line. Ben riffs. And then Gregory Pratt, himself, talks about Alderwoman Garza, Arne Duncan not running for mayor, and his ongoing series about Mayor Lightfoot's text. Did the mayor's sharp elbows scare Duncan out of running against her? 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.

On March 10, 2019, Nadia Milleron's 24-year-old daughter, Samya Rose Stumpo, was one of 157 passengers who died when Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed on a flight from Adidas Ababa to Nairobi, Kenya. Nadia is waging a campaign to change Illinois law that will allow survivor's to sue Boeing, the manufacturer of the airplane that crashed, for punitive damages in wrongful death cases. It's a long and challenging struggle.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 set off a twitter fight with his tweet about relaxing COVID mandates. It got ugly. You don't want to be the "main character" on Twitter. The politics of mask mandates and COVID are changing as we head toward November's election. David explains. Also, the South Carolina Democratic primary pits a progressive against a Manchin type. David's recommendation--vote left Democrats!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Riffing time! As Ben & Dr. D look back on the news. But first! Maya Dukmasova makes a surprise appearance to promote March 1 First Tuesdays. Then back to the news, including: MAGA's twisted, very twisted, adoration for Putin; Governor Pritzker endorses Anna Valencia over Alexi Giannoulias in the race for secretary of state; Dr. D throws his hat into the ring for 11th ward alderman, and Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza reveals she's not supporting Mayor Lightfoot in 2023. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's not swearing day. Ben explains. State Rep. Lakesia Collins returns to talk about what happened last week on the floor of the General Assembly when she dared to tell Republicans to, please, put on your masks. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, talks all things Ukraine. Including the alliance of Trump & MAGA with Putin and against Biden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an obvious effort to boost ratings, Ben was hoping to be "canceled". Didn't quite work out that way. As he laments. Monroe Anderson returns. On the topic--backlash voting. Trump's love for Putin. Does Trump really endorse an invasion of Mexico, as he said on a podcast? Does MAGA? If MAGA hates lawlessness and loves property rights, why are they supporting the Canadian truckers? And pending war in the Ukraine. Plus, Ben & Monroe make a bet on Biden's Supreme Court nominee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Singer, song-writer Peter Jericho makes his debut. Talking about growing up as the "African kid" in Chicago. And then going back to Cameroon, his native country. A man of two continents, he explains what he means by his lyric: "You used to laugh at our funny names, now you want to Wakanda everything." 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--returns to talk censorship. As we ask the question--if MAGA hates censorship so much how come they're always trying to censor other people. Also, a few words about white people who want to use the N word. And, pay attention to All of Us Are Dead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Achy Obejas is a poet, translator, novelist, journalist, mother, baseball fan and now...repeat guest on our show! Today's conversation roams from protesting Canadian truckers to Joe Rogan to Free Speech to Achy's theory about "the proximity to Blackness" to the greatness of Roberto Clemente. And then it concludes with Achy's reading of her poem The President of Coca-Cola, a tribute to the great Ana Mendieta.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 the week's news. Including...a $20 million valentine that Ken Griffin gave to Richard Irvin. A man that most voter in Illinois had never heard of until Griffin, the richest man in the state, chose him to be our next governor. Funny how democracy works. Plus, Chicago news. And Ben badly flunks his hip-hip test.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben makes a confession for which he must apologize. And then WVON-AM talk-show host David Seaton returns and then he and Ben promptly disagree about almost everything. Including, the NFL, Brian Flores, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Section-8, the Bears, Arlington Heights, Jennifer Lawrence and a few other things. They do agree that Sarah Palin is a phony. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron Rodgers whines that everyone's picking on him cause he's so anti-vax. Ben riffs. And Sam Holloway--firefighter and unapologetic leftist returns to talk liberty. Or--what MAGA means when they say liberty. Probably doesn't mean liberty for you. Also, the Democrats move right on COVID. As they generally do on just about any issue under pressure from Republicans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reporters seek Ben's comment. And Ben says no comment. Also, Monroe Anderson returns to discuss Kevin Blackistone's critique of the Super Bowl halftime show. Specifically, how the NFL uses superstar hip hop artists to deflect attention from Brian Flore's racial discrimination lawsuit. Jaquie Algee from SEIU Healthcare returns to talk about the Poor People Campaign. Also, a comment or two or three about Richard Irvin getting a $20 million campaign donation from Kenneth Griffin, the state's richest man. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson guilty of lying to feds and cheating on taxes. Ben riffs. And then WBEZ reporter Dan Mihalopoulos returns to talk Daley & corruption. Also, his ongoing investigations in sexual harassment and assault by lifeguards. In Evanston as well as Chicago. And it's law day on the show as attorney Jim Coogan returns. On the docket? Ginni Thomas, activist wife of Justice Clarence Thomas; Sarah Palin's defamation case v. The New York Times; and Remington settles with parents of children gunned down at Sandy Hook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeRoy Gordon talks about his long journey from Jiu Jitsu fighter to Chicago cop to Roy Flash Gordon, the pro wrestler to trainer. A thing or two about wrestling--fixed but not fake. 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--this time with some good news. Apparently, Democrats have at long last figured something out. At least, they're doing to Republicans what Republicans have been doing to them--gerrymandering them out of power in states like New York, Illinois and California. That sobbing you hear are Republicans crying. Also, should President Biden nominate Rep. Clyburn's candidate to the Supreme Court?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & the Dr. D race through the news of the week. Will Ken Griffin pull his support for Richard Irvin now that he bombed his press conferences? Will MAGA have any issues to use against Governor Pritzker now that he's rescinding the mask mandate? Also, the latest Mayor Lightfoot text leaks--who has she insulted this time? Finally, Mayor Lightfoot's pal from Wilmette decides to take sides in the Chicago Teachers Union election. Is that even legal?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker announces mask mandates off in March. Now what's MAGA going to cry about? Ben riffs. The great singer Devin Thompson returns to talk about Eric Clapton. Specifically, why do Baby Boomers love this man so much? And then Ben & Devin list all the local guitarists who are as good or better than Clapton. Also, Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa makes his debut. Talking about his story about a special education student who was sexually assaulted in a CPS bathroom. Now, the former student's getting a second legal assault by CPS lawyers. C'mon, Chicago, you've got to do better for your most vulnerable students.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergio Vicente--host of The Fight Podcast--returns just in time cause we have a lot to talk about. So let's get at it. Is Grayson Allen of the Bucks a punk for his cheap shot that broke Alex Caruso's wrist? Should Barry Bonds, Roger Clemons and Sammy Sosa get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, even though it's pretty obvious they were taking those steroids? And what does Dana White have against the great Francis Ngannou?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Mitch McConnell takes a 'stand" against MAGA. Hmm, what's he really up to? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks all things Joe Rogan. Asking and answering the question: Why do white people love to say the N word so much? Also, a word or two about Brian Flores.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 a year since the great Karen Lewis died. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch reporter, returns to talk about the politicization of crime. Or more specifically, Mayor Lightfoot's unsubstantiated asssertion that there's a correlation between remote learning and a rise in carjackings. Maya explains the concept of moral panic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It has come to our attention that some, though not all, white people have been behaving badly these days. Ben offers advice. And then...radio legend Richard Steele, aka, "The Read Deal", returns with his views of the world. Including, what's it feel like to be 80. Also, a word or two or three about Black people running as the Great White Hopes, Lightfoot v. Duncan and the new Bears general manager. 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 writer Rummana Hussain's got a lot on her mind. Starting with the showdown at the Supremes where we have to decide--are any of our justices telling the truth about Neil Gorsuch not wearing his mask? I don't think so. Also, a few words about the bizarre adoration for Hugh Hefner among male journalists. And random riffs on Eric Clapton and other aging classic rockers who feel compelled to fight the Vax.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 take a part the week's news. Including a primer on state budgets. And why Governor Pritzker frustrates Republicans. Not that anyone feels sorry for Republicans. And will Kenneth Griffin, the state's richest man, dump Richard Irvin as his gubernatorial candidate after Irvin bombs at answering basic questions from reporters? Particularly on abortion issues. Finally, Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns with clips from recent City Council meetings. Listen as your aldermen struggle with whether they truly want to be independent of an all-powerful Mayor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a headline, the Sun-Times calls Jesse Sharkey "wonky". Ben wonders what they're really trying to say about the Chicago Teachers Union president who just announced he's not running for re-election. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, returns to talk Sharkey & CTU. And Joe Rogan & Spotify. And Brian Flores & racism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.