The Ben Joravsky Show

The Sun-Times isn't delivered, Johnny C defies Queen Lori, and parental notification. Ben riffs on all. And Dave Glowacz, ace reporter for Inside Chicago Government, returns for another City Council Synopsis. Featuring Inspector General Joe Ferguson's departing advice to the aldermen, if they truly want to avoid a monarchy. 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.

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa--the dean of city council Democratic Socialists--returns to tell you everything you need to know about Mayor Lightfoot's bizarre comments at a recent meeting with Latino caucus members. Those comments include the claim that's she's a better mayor than Mayor Harold Washington (which is like Alex Caruso saying he's better than Michael Jordan) and that she's done a "fuck ton" for the Black wards. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Shor is the whiz-kid, pollster, computer-geek strategist who says the Democrats must move right in order to keep from being annihilated in upcoming senate and congressional elections. The conventional wisdom among Democratic centrists is that President Biden should do whatever the kid says. Political Scientist David Faris explains the shortcomings to Shor's analysis. And the problems for Dems if they do what Shor says. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019: Trump continues to needle Iran and we're 24 hours away from the Democratic Presidential debates. Mick Jagger's Ed Burke jab and what the hell did Alderman Carrie Austin do? Marijuana will officially be legal in Illinois. In These Times Writer Miles Kampf-Lassin talks all things politics. Grassroots Collaborative Organizer Amisha Patel brings in a mystery guest to talk minimum wage in Illinois.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm almost sheds a crocodile tear or two at his senate confirmation hearing. Ben riffs. Political strategist Delmarie Cobb explains why Rahm's nomination is such a betrayal to Black people. And SEIU's Candis Castillo returns to talk Chicago 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.

Dems line up to make Mayor Rahm Ambassador Rahm. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Colin Powell. And Kina Collins, Democratic candidate for 7th congressional district, talks congressional maps, her race against Danny Davis, why Rahm shouldn't be confirmed, violence in Austin and Harold Washington.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're calling this Ben's Back in Chicago Tuesday because...Ben's back in Chicago. Returning from Cali to find his city in crisis. Mayor Lightfoot having a showdown with FOP president Johnny Catanzara over vaccine mandates. Ben riffs. Also, Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch writer, returns to talk judicial slating--what do you have to do to become a judge in Cook County? For starters, donate $40,000 to the Democratic Party. Say what you will, but it's not as gross as pledging your allegiance to Trump--which is was what you have to do these days to get the Republican nomination to anything.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Jim Coogan returns to talk legal issues & politics. Specifically, the case against Alex Jones. Eastman's attack on the constitution and the latest on Texas anti-abortion law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica Chiarella wrote The Lost Girls, a thriller set in Chicago that is so good, Ben stayed up really late reading it. Not wanting to give anything away, let's just say this--he didn't see that ending coming. Jessica talks about the challenges of writing thrillers and who she's reading and why Chicago is good place for a writer to write. Listen to the interview and then read her book.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 18, 2019: Trump is set to kick off his 2020 campaign. Lori Lightfoot is in New York. illinois State Rep Rob Martwick returns to talk all things politics. Kristen Kaza of The Chicago Reader talks their block party and it's the return of the South Side Political Know it Alls Jerry Brown and Tom Shepherd.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the end of the week, which means it's time for Ben and Dr. D to riff on a week's worth of news. Only with the good doctor enjoying a much-deserved day off, Reader editor Salem Collo-Julin steps in. And so Ben & Salem riff on Mayor Lightfoot's showdown with MAGA man John Catanzara. Also Mayor Lightfoot's assertion that she's a greater mayor than the greatest mayor of all time. Plus, Salem has a thing or two to say about her beloved White Sox. And Ben talks about his almost 50 year love affair with the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great activist/scholar Timuel Black dies at age 102. Ben offers a tribute. Harish Patel returns to talk about guaranteed income. And Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns to talk about getting over COVID, vaccine mandates, Obama Center, budgets and more.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/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin has bad news about democracy. The Republicans seemed determined to get rid of it, democracy, that is. And the Democrats seem clueless as to how to stop MAGA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Reader turns 50! Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Jon Gruden. And Reader co-publisher Tracy Baim returns to talk journalism, Reader and Facebook. Monroe closes with a few thoughts about MAGA, Bannon and January 6.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Police and Kyrie Irving form a curious anti-vax coalition. Ben riffs. Alderman Andre Vasquez and Frank Avellone talk about proposed anti-eviction ordinance. And Tom Tresser and Jonathan Peck talk TIFs.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 take the deep dive on politics. Specifically, what's wrong with Democrats? Do they want to lose? Do they want to let MAGA take control of the world? In short, do they have a clue?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 runs down all the madness. Including Ellen Pompeo having the nerve to cuss out Denzel Washington. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 14, 2019: Trump's interview with Fox and Friends, Trump's interview with ABC and Elizabeth Warren's latest plan. Another Alderman doing jail time? Sun Times Columnist mark brown takes the deep dive. D'Frantz Smart talks politics in sports and Host of the Fight Podcast Sergio Vicente gives us tips on how to fight Donald Trump (politically)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 a fight between billionaires--Kenny G v. Governor Pritzker. Ben explains what Ken Griffin is really up to. Also, Mayor Lightfoot scapegoats Kim Foxx, again. DB comes in second to undecided in the latest Republican poll. And a word or two about the Bears, trying to soak taxpayers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts--of the Cubs owning Ricketts--goes to the border to keep people out. And it's not the Iowa border. Ben riffs. Marc Sims returns to talk crime and politics. And Adolfo Mondragon talks politics, crime and law. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NBA great Isiah Thomas offers some advice to antivaxxers like Kyrie Irving. And Monroe Anderson talks Pence, filibuster and insurrectionists. And state Rep. Lakesia Collins returns to talk about CPS inadequate response to COVID, Kim Foxx v. Lightfoot, and criminal justice. Also, both guests think Ben is too hard on Obama.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facebook melts down. Ben riffs. Or tries to. Marlon Chamberlain from Fully Free joins Lisa Soloman to talk restorative justice. And state Senator Robert Peters returns to discuss dog whistles, Ken Griffin. Bears looking for handouts and the hypocrisy of "free marketers".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 riffs on the sleazy Cuomo brothers of New York City; Tucker Carlson and white replacement theory; and cancel culture as a political tool of people whose culture almost never gets cancelled.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Benji the Bookie returns and gets a little political about anti-vaxxers in the NBA. Then he gets down to the business of prognostication, regarding Ben's beloved Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.