The Ben Joravsky Show

June 13, 2019: A Mayor Lightfoot city council meeting number 2 in review and TIF talk with Casey Toner of The Better Government Association. Union Man Ed Maher returns and it's the 10th Ward Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza.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 do their riffing thing. Including riffs on the Bears, WBEZ/Sun-Times, and our big scoop. Hint, we owe it all to Scott Waguespack, Dan Mihalopoulos and Linda Paul.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crain's asks who's going to pay for a new Bears stadium in Arlington Heights. Ben answers. Chinyere Farr talks Reader fundraising. And Jacob & Dan, the Illinois Political Know it Alls, return to talk politics from Chicago to Springfield to D.C. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez returns to talk policing, budgets, mayoral fibbing and the different rules for mayoral allies and independents in the city council. Also, it looks as though former alderman Richard Mell is teaming up with former Governor Blago, his Trump-loving son-in-law, to run someone against her.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears buy property in Arlington Heights. Ben says—good riddance. Monroe Anderson talks LeBron and vaccines. And south side activist Dixon Romeo talks Obama Center and gentrification.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben sets up shop in Cali. Nothing goes right. And Alderman Scott Waguespack, chair of the finance committee, talks budgets, mayors, Burke, Gardiner and why Mike Kelly had got to go.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 the California recall election and the lunacy of hard-core anti-mandate Republicans. It's enough to make him almost optimistic about the future. Also, he riffs on France's upset over Australia, the U.S.A. and submarines.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 4, 2019: Trump in the U.K. and Burke pleads not guilty. Lightfoot's new School Board and where on earth will Chicago put a casino? Maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader weighs in on Burke vs Lightfoot and Anthony Clarke talks his Congressional race against Danny K. Davis. Chicago Sun-Times Business Writer David Roeder talks his latest work and helps answer the casino question.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Victoria Williams, CEO of ACC of Illinois, and Vincent E. Norment, owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame, return to talk Bears. Victoria gives Vincent grief for not having enough faith in her beloved Bears. Vincent says Victoria has too much faith. Ben rants about the Bears not drafting Patrick Mahomes. And somehow they get around to talking about the upcoming game against the Browns. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's a week's worth of news for Ben & Dr. D to riff about. Including, Mayor Lightfoot's budget address, and her budget games, and a new candidate for assessor, and the love aldermen have for Mayor Rahm, and the love Chicagoans have for President Obama and much more. Including the latest Jesse "Sully" Sullivan news. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Words of wisdom about Nicki Minaj from an enlightened millennial. Andy Fox, from the city's office of Labor Standards, talks workers rights. And Dave Glowacz of Inside Chicago Politics returns for another segment of A City Council Synopsis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Historian Adam Carston talks about Mr. Kelly's the super cool Rush Street nightclub back in the `50s & `60s--when the small club drew Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, Barbra Streisand and other stars. 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 Mayor Rahm's made over $13 million since leaving office. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson on border security whipping Haitian refugees. Also, Miles Kampf-Lassin from In These Times talks about Biden's budget options and the cynical behavior of mainstream Dems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Horberg wins an Emmy! Ben pretends his show got one, too. And Nicole Cantello, president of the local EPA union, talks vaccine mandates. Also, Terry Cosgrove, CEO of Personal PAC, talks Texas abortion law. If Dems don't wake up, this could be the future... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Demographer Rob Paral goes over the early census reports to see what they say about what Chicago was, is and will be. One obvious conclusion is that Republicans are full of…well, let’s let Rob explain…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 takes the deep dive on The White Lotus. A show in which white people look really, really bad. No spoilers--as we are disciplined conversationalists--so you can listen even if you haven't watched the show. Also, the latest on Smollettgate, which keeps getting weirder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 22, 2019: Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson and Former Chicago Sun-Times City Hall Reporter Ray Hanania talk Trump, Pelosi, the great cover up of 2019 and the first 100 days of Chicago Mayors past. Download Wednesday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Investigative journalist and former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, David Sirota returns to talk Mayor Rahm. Specifically, why are Dems rewarding Rahm after he, among other things, buried evidence of murder? You can read David's work at The Daily Poster.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keith Forsyth was a 20-year-old "freak" back in 1971, when he and other anti-war activists broke into the FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania and made off with various reports. That enabled them to eventually expose the secrets the FBI didn't want you to know--like COINTELPRO. He tells his story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Nicki Minaj because of her cousin's friend's swollen testicles. Or something like that. Ben riffs. Also, Monroe Anderson takes a victory lap for correctly predicting the California recall election. And Sergio Mims--co-founder of the Black Harvest Film Festival--offers his opinions on everything from Larry Elder to Jordan Peele. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks about the life and times of Veronica Wolski, who went from Bernie to QAon. Also, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy returns to talk about her counter attack against the anti-choicers. Also, a word or two about Republican "moderates". And David Weiss--AKA, Mr. Facebook--our correspondent in L.A., talks about the California recall election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President of the Chicago Principals Association Troy LaRaviere returns to talk about the opening of school. Or, Chicago's abysmal lack of preparation. Also, he offers advice to Los Angeles principals. And his thoughts on anti-vaxers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday May 16, 2019: Bill de Blasio come on down, you're the next 2020 POTUS candidate! Mayor Rahm and casinos in Chicago. Sun-Times Editor Evan Moore on the news of the day and his Go Defenders podcast. Lightfoot's to do list in her first 100 days as mayor, Union Woman Kim Ortiz AND President of the American Federation of Government Employees, Nicole Cantello. Download Thursday's Ben Joravksy Show!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 talks about 9/11, white liberals, the new anti-abortion law in Texas, and other issues of the day. She poses the question: If it's white Christians who have outlawed abortion in Texas, why do so many white liberals call it Texas Taliban--as though Muslims did the outlawing?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...There's a new candidate for governor in the Republican primary. Meet Jesse "Sully" Sullivan, who is going to try to be the first resident of California to be elected governor of Illinois. How is that possible? Also, they take the deep dive on the other Republicans in the race. All of whom are looking the other way at the new law in Texas that essentially outlaws abortion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another Republican is set to run against Governor Pritzker. Ben riffs. City Council Finance Committee Chief of Staff Anne Emerson talks about the abusive language of Alderman Jim Gardiner. Some of which was directed at her. And attorney Adolfo Mondragon returns to talk about police and prosecutors and civil liberties and Bill Clinton and Mayor Rahm. El Dragon tells it like it is!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times reporter Evan Moore and freelance writer Jashvina Shah talk about their newly published book, Game Misconduct: Hockey's Toxic Culture and How to Fix It. They used to love the game. But it's racism, misogyny and violence eventually pushed them away. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last night was the opening episode of Ryan Murphy's ten-part saga on Clinton & Lewinsky. Ben asks who's more deceitful: Bill Clinton or Donald Trump? Monroe Anderson's answer: Trump! Political strategist Jason Lee returns to discuss the madness in his home state of Texas. Will Republicans be rewarded at the ballot box for essentially outlawing abortion? And then Jason discusses the rift between Chicago police and Cook County prosecutors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political science professor David Faris takes the deep dive on the tragic absurdity of the United States' 20-year war in Afghanistan. Starting with 9/11 and going through Biden's withdrawal. Actually, he starts with the Soviet invasion in 1979. Like I said--the deep dive. Must listening, if you want to know...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. D saves the day. Ben riffs. Political activist Bruce Williams returns with his analysis of California's governor recall election. Bottom line--looking good for Democrats. And attorney Jim Coogan breaks down the abortion law in Texas, the Supreme Court's ruling on that law and what it means going forward. And while he's here, one brief word about the White Sox. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 29, 2019: Robert Mueller has spoken. What happened at Lori Lightfoot's first City Council meeting? Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson and Host of "Humanity in the Headlines" Atiba Buchanan talk Mueller, Trump and more AND it's our favorite grassroots activist Amisha Patel of Grassroots Collaborative with her mystery guest talk the latest on their Lincoln Yards lawsuit. Download Wednesday's Ben Joravsky Show!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, though not limited to, the opening of school, bullies in the City Council and anti-vaxxers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court lets Texas get away with basically outlawing abortion. Ben riffs. And firefighter Sam Holloway returns to talk about the "astro-turf" rebellion against vaccine mandates. Also, Miles Kampf-Lassin on the pitchfork rebellion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times columnist/editor Rummana Hussain confronts the issue: How do you respond to an anti-vaxxer who says something absurd? Do you shame them?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Republican hypocrisy is so outrageous you have to laugh. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk anti-covid madness. And then he sticks around to join Delmarie Cobb and Norman Solomon as they debate whether Mayor Rahm should be approved as ambassador to Japan. Delmarie and Norman are leaders in the movement against Rahm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A pro-liberty revolt is brewing against mandating the vax. Ben asks--where were these lovers of liberty when the government was making them take drug tests? And Stacy Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, returns to talk school opening, masking and vaccine policies and educational "reformers". Also, a little Bulls talk...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In These Times writer, Sarah Lazare talks about Testimony, the recently published novel she wrote based on a first draft her father, Peter Lazare, left behind after he had died. It's a dark mystery dealing with sleazy utility company magnates and corrupt regulators. And, well, if you want to know more, listen to Sarah talk to Ben about writing the novel, her father's legacy and the usefulness of powerful story-telling to convey dark truths.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Bears about to, gulp, begin another season, we turned to V & V, our football experts to make predictions: Vincent E. Norment, President of the Marijuana Hall of Fame, and Victoria Williams, CEO of ACC of Illinois. Put it this way--they're a lot of more optimistic then Ben, who's cynical & jaded after too many years of watching wretched performances by the Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 21, 2019: Lori Lightfoot's inauguration in review! Hosts of "Humanity in the Headlines" Atiba Buchanan and David Seaton talk Trump, Trump and Trump! Sun-Times Investigative Reporter Stephanie Zimmermann on her latest Watchdog car insurance rip-off investigation AND Host of "The Fight" Podcast Sergio Vicente talks how democrats can be better political fighters. Download Tuesday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh What a Week: "A Mayor and her Policemen"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Catanzara--president of the Fraternal Order of Police and one of Chicago's biggest Trump fans--compares mandatory vaccines to sending people to Nazi gas chambers. Sorry, MAGA, that's taking it too far. Ben riffs. In These Times journalist Sarah Lazare talks about the media and Afghanistan. Specifically, the habit of giving air time to the generals who got us into this war in the first place. Also, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi covers everything from TIFs to Trump Tower to your property tax bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben discovers a copy of the Wall Street Journal on his front porch. His world will never be the same. Monroe Anderson asks: Does Trump control MAGA or does MAGA control Trump? And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor of In These Times, has a question of his own: How can Democratic congressmen claim to be "moderate" when they're to the right of President Biden? Also, discussion of Afghanistan, budgets and vaccine mandates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben returns from a vacation in MAGAVILLE only to discover--nothing's changed! Also, attorney Leonard Goodman talks about the Obama Center. And Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, talks about Amazon in the parks. Apparently, no one in charge of the park district knows what's going on in the parks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political science professor David Faris returns to talk about the upcoming governor's recall election in California. Somehow or other Democrats in the country's most progressive state have left the door open for a radical Trumper to replace Gavin Newsome as governor. David us leads us through each excruciating step. Also, the latest on the politics of COVID and the infrastructure showdown in Congress.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, John Schulian was an award-winning columnist for the Sun-Times. Then he essentially said, the hell with this. And went to Hollywood and made his name as an award-winning screen writer. He joins Ben to talk sports and politics and newspapers, among many other things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 28, 2019: Pritzker's fair tax bill passed the house! Chicago Reader Columnist Maya Dukmasova returns to talk local politics. Sun-Times Reporter Tina Sfondeles gives us a Springfield legislation update and it's the long awaited return of the Illinois-Political-Know-It-Alls Jacob Kaplan and Dan Pogorzelski. Download Tuesday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On August 3, Cook County Chief Judge Evans joined Maya Dukmasova and Ben at their monthly talk show at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Among the topics of discussion—are Mayor Lightfoot & Police Chief scapegoating judges for shootings in Chicago? Also, Evan’s talks about his days as Mayor Washington’s floor leader during Council Wars. And he has a thing or two to say about his old fourth ward rival, President Toni Preckwinkle.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

July 23, 2021--Ben & Dr. D take the deep dive on a week's worth of news. Such as...Lollapooza in the face of a rise in Delta variant cases, police reform, JB running for re-election, the folly of the Olympics and the difference between pandemic, post-pandemic and post-post-pandemic. Take notes, everyone--cause it's all on the test.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates returns to talk ALL THINGS local politics, Bloomberg and what the hell happened in Iowa? 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor talks about the Obama Center and life in City Hall Mayor Lori Lightfoot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Black voters and politicians are flexing their political muscle. So MAGA responds with a backlash. Ben & Monroe discuss. Also, Michael Malcolm joins the conversation to talk cannabis, guns, crime and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.