The Ben Joravsky Show

Joshua Tepfer, attorney for the Exoneration Project, explains the case of Ronald Watts, a former Chicago police officer who allegedly ran a drug operation at the Ida B. Wells housing project for several years. If residents dared to protest, Watts and his partner would plant drugs on them and have them arrested. Over 100 convictions have since been vacated. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain closes out the year with her top 5 recommendations for 2021. Ben weighs in with a few of his obsessions. For a mediocre year, there was some good stuff in the universe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's riffing time! Ben & Dr. D review the week's top stories. Congressman Bobby Rush's legacy. Governor Pritzker & his Republican rivals. And the big story--Mayor Lightfoot's ceaseless fight with the Chicago Teachers Union. Oh, what a great city we would have if Mayor Lightfoot were as forgiving to the teachers as she was to Bobby Rush.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liberals pound away at the Chicago Teachers Union. Ben briefly riffs. And then Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa--the dean of City Council socialists--dissects the neo-liberal hatred of teachers unions. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, In These Times editor, talks about some of the more regressive responses to January 6. Bottom line--MAGA invades the U.S. Capitol. And the Right responds with laws intended to beat up on the left.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columnist Eric Zorn talks about getting COVID. And how "everyone will get COVID". And anti-vaxxers. And then throws a peace offering of sorts to Donald Trump. Also, a word or two about Dan Webb's report on Jussie Smollett and Kim Foxx. And a surprising revelation--at least it caught Ben by surprise--about his old bosses at the Chicago Tribune. Cheap, cheap, cheap. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As CTU votes for virtual classrooms in face of COVID outbreak, Mayor Lightfoot's health commissioner says COVID's basically no worse than the flu. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk January 6 anniversary. Also, writer/activist LeAlan Jones talks Congressman Bobby Rush and Black leadership in Chicago. And he explains why he thinks Stacy Davis Gates should run for Rush's seat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman Bobby Rush announces he's not running for re-election. Ben riffs. And Inside Chicago Government's Dave Glowacz starts the New Year right--with a City Council roundup. It includes council debate over police shootings, Anjeanette Young and open meetings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael "Skeet" Horton, one of the great youth basketball coaches in Chicago, talks about his shoe deal with Skechers, his life in and around Cabrini-Green, and what keeps him in the game. 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 to talk boxing, MMA & basketball. Ben criticizes the Paul brothers and Sergio--well, let's just say he doesn't back down. Plus, he has a word or two for the haters who doubt Ben's beloved and COVID-stricken Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the middle of another COVID surge, over 20,000 people pack the United Center to watch the Bulls. Ben was one of them. Clearly, Mayor Lightfoot is not the only one sending out mixed messages about the pandemic. Ben riffs. And podcast host Marc Sims returns to talk about what's on his mind. In this case--the link between self hate and crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben crosses COVID country as he flies home from California. Did the guy coughing on Ben's neck given him COVID? It's very scary out there, folks. And Monroe Anderson & Sergio Mims tag team on all the news of the year. Including an extended take on the Rhode Island Republican who lost her one Black friend cause of CRT. Can the news get weirder?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian & WCPT talk show host Scott Duff explains why it's best to find the humor in the madness. Either that or go insane. Plus, a few words about woke, Dave Chappelle and being the old guy on stage.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Washington Post fact checker lists the biggest lies of 2021 as spread by our leaders, including the election was stolen, the vaccine doesn't work, the attempted Trump coup and other assorted MAGA whoppers. And then he throws in a lie from the Dems to prove that he's not partisan. David Faris & Ben analyzes the tactics behind the lies. And the false equivalency of pairing MAGA's ceaseless attempt to gaslight America with relatively minor Democratic exaggerations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Bulls strong start to the season, it's time for Miles & and Benji the Bookie to reassess their pre-season predictions. In the case of Miles--he looks wise. In Benji's case--let's just say he has some explaining to do. Especially regarding his criticism of Mr. DeRozan, who's playing like a hall of famer. Ben takes an opportunity to rip coaches who thinking coaching means yelling at their players. And much more basketball talk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019: Pritzker signs more bills. Lightfoot wants more security for Lollapalooza. Another Chicago alligator story? Maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader returns. Margie Fritz-Birch of the Edgewater Historical Society and Mr. Bike Dave Glowacz is back.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 editor/columnist, and Ben enjoy a Muslim/Jewish Christmas. And then it's down to business--COVID, MAGA, RIttenhouse and then, for good news, the Beatles.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To pay tribute to the life and legacy of the great Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who died last week at the age of 91, Ben turned to William Brown, a director, actor and singer. Brown talks about falling in love with Sondheim's work years ago--when he was kid in West Virginia. He sings a song or two. And Ben does his best not to join in as that would be desecration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

December 10,2021: It's that time of the week where Ben & Dr. D try to make sense of things that don't make sense. Like...the logic, or illogic, of the Republican candidates for governor. They don't actually have any ideas of how to fight crime. But they want to use crime to scare suburbanites into voting for them. Also, Mayor Lightfoot's texts. What do they say about Mayor Lightfoot? And, finally, the latest on Smollettgate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columnist Eric Zorn reveals he and his family have COVID. Ben riffs---and immediately books Eric for the show. And political strategist Delmarie Cobb returns. Among the topics--Black anti-vaxxers v. white ones. What motivates each group? Also, the message Dems send by making Mayor Rahm ambassador to Japan. And Delmarie's crystal ball.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, and political junkie. She's also a friend of Ben from way back when. They start out talking about Boomerang, her latest collection of poetry. And wind up taking the deep dive on everything from the politics of abortion to what the Democrats have to do to save America and beat MAGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obviously, the country as a whole has decided to take a page from the NBA and keep on rolling in the face of the latest COVID outbreak. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson describes a pending civil war. And jazz professor/trumpet player Charles Ellison returns to talk Trane. Specifically, John Coltrane's "striving for unobtainable excellence". Not to be missed!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monkeys blindly avenge dogs. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, returns with much on his mind. The "learned helplessness" of Dems. COVID as wedge issue against Trump. Manchin the Republican. And what's with workers buying Christmas presents for their bosses?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain and Ben explain why they're not jumping for joy with the guilty verdict for Jussie Smollett. A word or two about reportorial rivalries, the mayor's texts and the rampant hate of the Republican Party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday August 2, 2019: Ben riffs on the latest TIF deal. Lori Lightfoot and Lollapalooza. Pritzker signs another bill. The Rummana Rundown with Sun-Times Editor Rummana Hussain. Ace Attorney Jim Coogan unpacks Trump's legal woes. Special Education Teacher Anleeta Buchanan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much news, so little time. Ben & Dr. D take the deep dive on the news of the week, including Ken "Kenny G" Griffin showing his dissatisfaction with MAGA. Hey, AGA, if you take the man's money, you got to dance to his tune. And Mayor Lightfoot does an experiment in casino promotion that also determines just how gullible Chicago voters can be. And so much more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Elon Musk, the world's richest man. Even though Elon Musk doesn't give a hoot about MAGA. Ben riffs. And Alejandra Cancino, investigative reporter for the BGA, talks about her excellent expose about the city's plans to "transform" Cabrini-Green. So many broken promises. And Raymond Richard, born and raised in Cabrini, explains why he thinks the Plan for Transformation was really a plan to move Black people out of Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Matt Topic has earned a reputation as the man who makes Chicago's mayors reveal the truth. How does he do that? By suing the city. Did you really think mayors would tell the truth unless someone made them? In particular, Matt talks about the great FOIA fight it took before Mayor Rahm finally released the video of the murder of Laquan McDonald.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The headline in the BGA newsletter says it all. "Cabrini-Green Residents Were Promised 2,500 Construction Jobs. They got 40." As promises broken by Chicago mayors, this one may be the champ. Ben riffs. And shoutout to Alejandra Cancino, the reporter who wrote the story. Also Monroe Anderson returns. Talking Mark Meadow emails, Rand Paul hypocrisy, Fox-TV and Donnie Jr. cowardice and capitalism. We cover it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some of the wealthiest men in Chicago come before the City Council looking for help making even more money than they already have. Ben riffs. Also, updates from special correspondents Eric Zorn and Linda "not married to Billy" Paul. And state Rep. Delia Ramirez returns to discuss her run for congress. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris explains how the three Trumpsters on the Supreme Court are joining forces with justices Thomas and Alito to eradicate Roe and eventually, if they have their way, outlaw abortions in America. How did we get here and where to go? Also, a breakdown of the Clinton factors--as in Bill--and how he's been a disaster for Democrats.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019: Mueller Testimony, Mueller Testimony and Mueller Testimony talk with Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson and Professor/Author David Faris. Wednesday's city council meeting spells more bad news for Alderman Ed Burke. Sun Times Obituary Writer Maureen O'Donnell and Ben remember Chicago Archivist Michael Flug.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben roots for Jussie's acquittal. And gets kicked out of the columnist club. He riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin from In These Times, returns. Topics...Is the adoration of wealth more powerful than looking out for each other? What Biden should do? And how Dems should respond to the hostility and threatened violence of Republican elected officials. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are some things to be thankful for, even when the political news is awful. Ben riffs. And Michael Gerardi, the man the critics call Chicago's Neil Young, makes his debut. Talking about surviving the madness of the times. It helps to sing a song every now and then.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At last night's First Tuesdays show at the Hideout, people were asking Ben was he serious about apologizing to Jussie Smollett. Ben responds. Also, Monroe Anderson talks Jussie, John Thompson and segregation. And Peter Goldman, author and journalist, makes his debut to talk about his classic book--The Death and Life of Malcolm X. Topics explored--who killed Malcolm X? What role did the FBI, CIA and New York police play? Peter's verdict on the Netflix documentary. And sitting across a coffee-shop table from the great Malcolm X himself back in the `60s. Oh, to be the proverbial fly on the wall...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jussie Smollett takes the stand. What if he was telling the truth all along? Ben riffs. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa--the dean of council Democratic Socialists--takes us to the "map room". In short, everything you need to know about the city council ward re-mapping process. It's not pretty, folks.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, and Victoria Williams, CEO of ACC of Illinois, return to break it down. Sports, that is. Chicago sports, to be exact. Should the Bears fire Matt Nagy? Is Justin Fields the real deal? Are the Bulls just a mirage? Who's right and wrong in the Scottie v. Michael debate? And a few words about a few other things...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's news riffing time for Ben & Dr. D--aka, Demarvelous Dennis. And, a mystery guest with J.B. updates. Then it's down to business. Congressman Rodney Davis makes a decision. Mayor Lightfoot goes to Washington. The city council doesn't pass a map. Corporate/civic Chicago flips out about democracy. And Jussie on trial.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The headlines in today's papers could be the same headlines from two years ago. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova & Adolfo Mondragon, election law attorney, discuss the ward map battle in city council. Question of the day: Where are the precincts in Chicago that could be put together to support Ed Burke for alderman?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Durbin throws a party for Illinois congressman. And Republican Rodney Davis shows up to talk some trash. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Supreme Court and Roe. Look who's suddenly criticizing Plessey. And Ken Mejia-Beal, chairman of the DuPage County Democrats, returns to talk mid-terms, Newman v. Casten, abortion politics, how to beat those dastardly Republicans and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Jussie Smollettage trial begins. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, of Inside Chicago Government, returns to break down the latest City Council meetings. Topics include ward redistricting, policing and Alderman Walter Burnett's masterclass on how to butter up to the mayor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Publisher, activist, civil rights leader, Bennett Johnson has seen it all in his 90-something years of life. Best of friends with Mayor Harold Washington (going back to their days in college). Associate of Muhammad Ali. Good friends with the great writer Richard Durham. You name it, he's seen it. He tells all. Including what happened to Ali's gold medal. Hint--exactly what Ali said happened to it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Rummana and Ben start to review the day's issues, the story breaks from Kenosha--Kyle Rittenhouse acquitted. Apparently, murder is now legal in the state of Wisconsin. As hard as it is to discuss, we discuss. From there it's on to the exoneration of Muhammad Azis & Khalil Islam for the murder of Malcolm X. Only took 55 years. Finally, a word or two about Impeachment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday July 18, 2019: Donald Trump's stupid rally. Lori Lightfoot's 5 locations for a Chicago casino. Chicago Reader music Writer Leor Galil talks this weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival and Union Man/Pension Guru Jeff Johnson talks casino law, Mayor Lightfoot, pensions 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.

September 28, 2019: Dan Savage is an American author, media pundit, journalist, and LGBT community activist. He writes Savage Love, an internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice columnSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday October 22, 2021. Ben & Dr. D riff on the news. But first, a "mystery guest" takes a much-deserved victory lap. Then it's down to the business of everything from Pritzker to Lightfoot to Johnny C to Mayor Rahm to Jussie Smollett to Hoosiers and so on 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.

The verdict comes in just as we go on the air. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson & Lavonte Stewart break down the verdicts. And Monroe's theory--"Kyle Rittenhouse is the white OJ."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republican Keith Pekau announces he's running for Congress in the 6th district. But he's afraid to take a stand on Paul Gosar. Ben riffs. And Anna Feuer talks about efforts to form a union at the Art Institute. Finally, attorney Jim Coogan, fro Dwyer & Coogan, returns to talk about the Rittenhouse trial. Listen to Ben struggle to be dispassionate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former sports journalist Tom Shaer return to take the deep dive on Scottie Pippen & Michael Jordan. Specifically, just made the news, writing a book that rips Jordan. Why is Scottie so upset with MJ and does he have good reason? Tom spent a lot of time with the Bulls back in the day. And Ben? Well, he lives and breathes this stuff. He doesn't call them his beloved Bulls for nothing.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 explains the politics of inflation. Specifically, how Republicans will weaponize the issue over the next year. It won't be pretty. Especially, as centrists Dems, afraid of being called too liberal, abandon Biden's Build Back Better program. Also, an analysis of Virginia and New Jersey's governor's race. And a little good news, which you'll have to listen to hear...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, July 11, 2019: That gator is still in the lagoon. Ed burke and his "burner" phones. "In These Times" Writer Miles Kampf-Lassin talks Gator-Gate and more. Jake Lewis of The Chicago Federation of Labor returns to talks Epstein and Janus. It's the Ben Joravsky Show debut of Ismael Cuevas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.