The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

Ben & the Doctor riff on the week's news. And, oh, what a week it was. Obama meets with Pritzker. Republican candidates for governor fight for Kenny G's donations. Only in Chicago is it unfair to accuse Mayor Rahm of covering up video of Laquan McDonald's murder. And John Catanzara says you can't fire me, I quit. To run for mayor?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shia Kapos writes a great column for POLITICO Illinois Playbook about Democratic double standards. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, returns to talk about Democratic Socialism. Specifically, India Walton's loss in Buffalo. Has the Republican propaganda turned America against Socialism like they turned it against "political correctness" "woke" and "liberal"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Ben booked political strategist Jason Lee to return to the show, they planned to talk about voter suppression in Texas, Georgia and other Republican states. And then Daunte Wright was shot in Minnesota and Chicago released the video of a police officer shooting Adam Toledo. And suddenly the conversation changed to policing, politics, Democratic inability to discuss crime and Republican eagerness to frighten white voters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A post from Heidi Van Lier inspires Ben to riff about her father--the great Norm Van Lier. Then it's on to the political business of the day. Starting with Monroe Anderson and Ben talking about the exoneration of two men who spent years in prison after being falsely convicted of the murder of Malcolm X. Then South Bend councilmen Henry Davis Jr. returns to talk about criminal justice. In particular, the Kyle Rittenhouse case. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Johnny Catanzara, president of the FOP, quits to run for mayor. Can't make this shit up. Also, Sam Holloway returns to talk politics from a lefty perspective. And Dave McCarver, Democratic chieftain from Lee County, explains what Dems must do to win in 2022. Hint: Don't make the same mistake you made in 2010, when you cowered.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer/activist Rebecca Sive talks about women in politics, the MAGA backlash and a few bright sides to Tuesday's elections. Also, a word or two about her latest book, Make Herstory Your Story. 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 returns to talk Jenna Ryan and the concept of internalized white privileged. Also, is the Tomahawk Chop a little too cultish? And while we're asking questions--how come entitled people in Chicago think they have the right to be entitled? And how about this? Rummana at a Bob Dylan concert?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Trump vs The Squad. That damn alligator is out of the lagoon. Election Lawyer Adolfo Mondragon gets candid. Co-Host of the Girl Talk Erika Wozniak on Trump and MORE and The South Side Political Know it Alls return to talk the news of the day, Alderman Carrie Austin and MORE! RIP--Jerry Brown.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. Including billionaire Ken “Kenny G” Griffin’s pledge to spend whatever it takes to defeat billionaire Governor Pritzker. Also, Chicago finally gets ready to build a casino. Guess who will pay for it, suckers?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyle Rittenhouse squeezes out a tear or two when he takes the stand. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks Rittenhouse and crime. And Litesa Wallace--Democratic candidate for congress in the 17th district--returns to talk about her campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks to Lenny Bruce! Ok, not really, Lenny Bruce. But Ronnie Marmo, the actor, who plays the great comedian in a one-man play that Marmo wrote called "I'm Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce." Marmo talks about Lenny's impact on other comics, cancel culture, Dave Chappelle, being an Italian actor playing a Jewish comedian and a lot of other things. You can see the play--directed by Joe Mantegna--at the Mercury Theater.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyle Rittenhouse takes the stand. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about the case against Trump and his insurrectionists. And Jacob Kaplan, executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party, talks politics. Specifically, what Dems should to offset MAGA's surge. And more...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 talk about Republican "moral panic" and how it's being used as a tool by Glenn Youngkin in his race against Terry McCauliffe for governor of Viriginia. The latest "moral panic" is critical race theory, which apparently scares otherwise moderate voters to vote MAGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Laurie Glenn and Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, return to talk politics. And somehow the conversation turns to a spirited discourse on the irony of powers in Chicago. In which well-connected people use their influence to get appointed by the mayor to boards where they act powerless. Of course it makes no sense--it's Chicago. Plus, 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 17, 2021--Ben & Dr. D have a lot to say about a week's worth of news. Especially, the attempts of politicians to fool the voters. Like a certain Republican "moderate" named Jesse Sullivan. And a certain Chicago alderman named Jim Gardiner.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...Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Will he or won't he? Huh? You gotta listen. And the CEO of McDonald's had something to say about young victims of crime so he sent a text to Mayor Lightfoot? Huh? It seems when entitled people want to say something, they go to the top. Which is why they're entitled. Speaking of Avis LaVelle at the park district, texting Kim Foxx. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron Rodgers takes a page from Bill Clinton's "depends what the meaning of is is" to convince people think he'd been vaccinated, when he wasn't. Ben riffs. And Sarah Bingaman, Indivisible activist from MAGA-land, talks about what Dems have to do to win over voters in a towns where people fly signs that say "Fuck Biden". Hint--jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. Let's hope Dems are listening...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Reader through a virtual party, featuring Kim Hunt, executive director of Pride Action Tank, Stacy Davis Gates, Alderwoman Rodriguez and Benny J. And we talked about the future of progressive politics in Chicago. Needless to say, the old guy was the most jaded of the bunch. Man, you can't take him anywhere...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA wins in Virginia and almost in New Jersey. Democrats panic. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about what went wrong for Dems and what they have to do to change course. And legendary Chicago activist Jitu Brown makes his podcast debut to talk about community empowerment. In short, don't move right, Dems, out of fear.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA takes its stand in Kenosha & Virginia, hoping to acquit Kyle Rittenhouse of murder and elect a Trumpster as governor. Dems look helpless. Ben riffs. And political strategist Andrew Ellison makes his debut to take the deep dive on congressional reapportionment. He gives Dems an A-. It might have been an A, but...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 returns to talk, among other things,Squid Games. Let the great debate begin. Also, was Katie Couric helping or hurting RBG by hiding her comments about Colin Kaepernick?. And, finally, what's with men and sports? How come they love the Bears so much that they ignore the World Champion Sky? Ben has another one of his infamous theories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019: Trump's stupid parade. The Illinois gas and cigarette tax. Maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader talks last week's debates. Gardening Guru and radio host Mike Nowak talks politics and parks. Preservationist Andrew Schneider shares some Chicago history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's week-summarizing time. With Dr. D in Alton, Atiba Buchanan--WVON talk show host--returns to engage Ben in a series of great debates. Topics include--congressional remap. White guy wins $10 million discrimination lawsuit. The Blackhawks scandal. Kyrie "flat earth" Irving. Dave Chappelle. 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 City Council passes Mayor Lightfoot's budget. Ben riffs. Also, an apology to Johnny C. Sorta. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, writer/editor for In These Times, returns to talk about, among other things, taxing the rich. It's popular, yet Dems just can't get it done. Miles explains why. Finally, a shoutout to the great Joakim Noah.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House Speaker Chris Welch returns to talk legislative maps, Ken Griffin, Lightfoot & Foxx and Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago Blackhawks hockey team finally fess up to covering up allegations of sexual assault during the 2010 playoffs. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson & Sergio Mims talk Kyle Rittenhouse trial, mask mandates, Chicago Reader, Harold Washington, Bernie Epton and Black Harvest film festival. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.