The Ben Joravsky Show

Sun-Times editor/columnist returns to talk about colorism in movies, bully bosses, In The Heights, the Cubs awful new uniforms and why random hipsters love the Sox.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben moderates a townhall meeting of north side activists with 48th ward Alderman Harry Osterman on the issue of a police oversight board. Or, more specifically: Will one be created in the face of opposition from Mayor Lightfoot? It doesn't look that way. But Osterman reminds optimistic and does his best to avoid saying anything critical of the mayor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot publicly bullies Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor. Even Mayors Daley & Rahm didn’t go that far—publicly. Ben riffs. Then Alderwoman Taylor returns to talk about what happened. And why she wants an apology from the mayor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Washington Post columnist Kevin Blackistone returns to talk about the effort to save The Chicago Reporter, a publication dedicated to improving race relations. Also, Kevin & Ben riff on the saga of Kwame Brown's fight against trash talking bullies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor goes toe to toe with Mayor Lightfoot. Ben riffs on it. Monroe Anderson & Miles Kampf-Lassin tag team on conversation about voting rights, NYC mayors race, lefty outreach to Black voters and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Obama cautions Dems to take what they can get on voting rights—which is nothing if they follow his advice. Ben riffs. Dennis Kosuth from the nurses union on a pending strike. And Alderman Raymond Lopez returns to talk crime, police oversight and the politics of dealing with Mayor Lightfoot.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 cover all the national news. Manchin, Sinema, AOC and more. Where are we going and what should Democrats do.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 2019: Mitch McConnell, the Mueller Report and Illinois gets closer to recreational marijuana legalization. Chicago Reader Writer Maya Dukmasova and our dear friend Marc Sims returns AND it's all things Trump's legal woes with Ace Attorney Jim Coogan of Dwyer and Coogan. 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.

Ben & Dr. D run through the week’s madness. That includes Mayor Lightfoot’s Jack Nicholson imitation, Bears make like Jackie Gleason, Dusable drive gate 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.

Chicago takes a step toward school board democracy and the Sears Tower gets so scared, it jumps into the lake. Ben explains. And Laurie Glenn and Juanita Irizarry return to talk about Dusable Drive, elected school board, the buyouts at the Tribune 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 befits one of the world's smartest analysts of movies, Sergio Mims has an opinion on just about everything film-related. On the heels of last week's show about the best records of `71, Sergio takes the deep dive on the great movies of 1971. From French Connection ("racist") to Clockwork Orange ("ahead of its time") to Shaft ("overrated").See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Zorn takes the buyout at the Tribune. Ben takes it from there. Monroe Anderson talks Trump, Putin, and Biden. And Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago's Principals Association, talks critical race theory, anti-vaxxers, Eric Adams and collective bargaining rights for principals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot writes an email to staffers that’s straight out of The Shining. Or Pink Floyd. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks elected school board. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa covers all the local issues from Dusable Drive to mayoral mind games. Also, New York City mayor’s race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the last 20 or so years, Mick Dumke--ace investigative reporter--has been telling anyone who would listen that the best year for popular music was 1971. And now with media outlets picking up on his theme--c'mon, Apple, don't act like you thought it up on your own--Ben convinced Mick to go on the record about the best records. It didn't take much convincing, folks. Ben & Mick geek out with their list. Listen to learn which one gives a shout out to The Carpenters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 30, 2019. Bye bye Rosenstein and Biden's speech in Pittsburgh. Bye bye Rauner and our Chicago Reader Colleague Maya Dukmasova returns to talk politics. Ben's Green Party friend and Firefighter Sam Holloway joins us and we welcome Radio Host Doris Davenport. 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.

Ben & Dr. D take the deep dive on the week’s news. Everything from re-opening to Michael J. Madigan to fraudulent Republicans to conniving politicians to everything!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben sort of weighs in on the mayoral race in NewYork City. Miles Porter on baseball & Miles Kampf-Lassin on national politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President Harris tells Guatemalan refugees "don't come" to the USA. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Trump. And political strategist Jason Lee returns to talk, among other things, about voter suppression in Texas and what the Democrats can do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did Donald Trump wears his pants backwards? Ben breaks down the evidence. And Dave Glowacz returns for another Chicago City Council update from the May meeting. We play clips of the debate and riff on what it's all about. Everything you need to know about what's going on in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

William Bike just wrote a great book called The Forgotten 1970 Cubs. It's about the Cubs team that's no longer forgotten, if for no other reason than William wrote a book about them. Get ready for the deep dive on Leo Durocher, Ernie Banks, Joe Pepitone, and much, much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 6, 2019: More 2020 POTUS candidate madness! Ben's thoughts on Lori Lightfoot and the One Central city development deal. Former Sun-Times owner Edwin Eisendrath talks D-Day. President of The Chicago Federation of Labor talks fair work weeks and minimum wage in Illinois and Activist Anne Shaw joins us for a discussion on Asian-American politicians.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 returns for another rundown. She's got lots to say about Naomi Osaka, the press, bigotry against Muslims & Jews and all sorts of other stuff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker suggests he may not run for re-election. Chicago voters express their love for Mayor Lightfoot. Illinois Republicans cry like the hypocritical babies that they there are. Ben & Dr. D riff on these and other stories from the week that was.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The state senate takes a teeny-tiny step towards replacing the appointed school board with an elected one and corporate & editorial Chicago loses its collective mind. Ben riffs. Also, Grace Pai on the need to teach Asian-American history to grade schoolers. And Micah Uetricht--Jacobin editor--talks about Democratic Socialism and Chicago politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The New York Times prophesized tough times for Democrats in New Mexico. And then Melanie Stansbury mopped the floor with her Republican opponent. Ben riffs on how the Times handled it. Also, Kina Collins talks about running against Congressman Danny K. Davis. She must be doing something right. No sooner had she announced her candidacy, then FOX TV ripped her as a dangerous radical, right up there with AOC. Finally, Josina Morita, candidate for Cook County Commissioner, talks, among other things, about teaching Asian-American history so there's not so much ate against Asian Americans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats all over the country are saying they're tired and burnt out on politics. Poor babies. While Republicans are as fired up as ever. Ben riffs. And WVON talk show host David Seaton returns to talk everything from health care to voter suppression to Naomi Osaka.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barbara Arnwine--president and founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition--discusses the challenges facing our democracy as Republican legislators pass voter-supression bills in states throughout the country. The Republicans are trying to discourage Blacks, Latinos, younger voters and women from voting in next year's midterm elections. Arnwine explains what can be done to stop the MAGA power move.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 discuss the weeks news. That includes various bills in the General Assembly; Mayor Lightfoot's on-and-off-again proposal to limit liquor sales; and the mayor's beach reopening. Plus, 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.

The Republicans think they've embarrassed Bernie Sanders. Ben riffs. And Marc Sims returns to talk everything, including crime in Chicago. And Harish Patel on why we need to expand the earned income tax credit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben has some fun analyzing Mayor Lightfoot’s latest PSA. He loves those bits, ladies and gentlemen. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk about absolutely everything. Including anti-Semitism in America.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 one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. Ben riffs on the divisions in our country. Technologist Freddy Martinez, the activist who helped catalogue and promote the hacked emails of Mayor Lightfoot on, makes his debut on the show. He discusses hacking, redactions, transparency and why public officials keep secrets from the public. Finally, Vincent E. Norment, owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame, on the legacy of George Floyd. On a lighter note--Vincent make his NBA predictions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activist/researcher Saqib Bhatti explains the efforts by activists to convince Mayor Lightfoot not to spend about $485 million in federal COVID relief on paying back the banks. Apparently, President Joe Biden is with the activists. At the moment.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 discuss the issues of the day. Including cancel culture from the right cancelling Sinead O'Connor and Emily Wilder. Also Israel and Palestine. And Mayor Lightfoot's decision to give preference to reporters of color. Mayor Lightfoot must be doing something right if she's got Tucker Carlson and Tulsi Gabbard mad at her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much weekly news to cover--much of it having to do with Mayor Lightfoot. Ben & Dr. D take the deep dive on the mayor's Lolla commercial, her decision to give Black reporters a priority over white ones, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Including yet another reference to ongoing saga of La Russagate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even sports fans are talking about White Sox manager Tony La Russa and his "unwritten rules" of baseball. Ben and sports podcaster Miles Porter take the deep dive. And then Peter Cunningham--former advisor to Mayor Daley and Arnie Duncan--returns to talk crime, policing, education and mayoral issues.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atiba Buchanan--co-host of Buchanan & Seaton--returns to talk all things politics. Including Republicans, Trump, January 6 and Biden and Israel. And a word or two about Mayor Lightfoot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot announces she'll be giving journalists of color priority when it comes to doing one-on-one interviews. Ben says great idea. Now how about doing that when it comes to doling out economic development dollars to neighborhoods of color? Also, Sun Times reporter Tom Schuba takes us from A-Z on the hacked mayoral emails.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Delmarie Cobb returns to talk all things politics, including the Clintons, Mayor Rahm, police, Mayor Lightfoot, Bobby Rush and more. She's a political junkie, just like Ben.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans in Illinois want to end unemployment benefits because they say it's a disincentive to work. But when it comes to taking handouts for themselves, well, that's another story. Ben riffs. Also, 17th ward Alderman David Moore talks about his candidacy for secretary of state, his efforts to rename the outer drive for DuSable, and dealing with Mayor Lightfoot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Longtime California political strategist Bruce Williams breaks down the attempt by MAGA to recall Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Bruce explains the differences between this recall and the one in 2003 that replaced Gray Davis with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Also, the risks and rewards of the Democratic strategy not to field a candidate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 2, 2019. It's election day. Who will be our next mayor: Lightfoot or Preckwinkle? The Joe Biden allegations are not going away. Monday's Kim Foxx protest and Lori and Toni's last minute mayoral strategies. Runoff talk with the Chicago Reader's Maya Dukmasova. Remembering Chicago Legend Studs Terkel with Former Director of the Studs Terkel Archive. Tony Macaluso and Benny J takes the deep dive with Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Download Tuesday's Ben Joravsky Show!The Ben Joravsky ShowLIVE Tuesday - Friday 1-3p(CT)chicagoreader.comchicago.suntimes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political science professor David Faris returns, but this time our focus is on the breakout of war in the Middle East. He reviews the history of the conflict and explains how it plays out politically in the United States, Israel and Palestine.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 deep dive into the freaky week of leaky leaks that it was. Hackers hack Mayor Lightfoot’s emails. The mayor gives journalistic advice to Chicago’s journalists. Most of whom ignore it. As they should. 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.

On the eve of Saturday's Save Local News Rally, Ben explains the importance of the Tribune to Chicago. Yes, Ben, praises the Tribune. Speaking of the Tribune, Gregory Pratt, city hall reporter and president of the Tribune's union, returns to explain why he opposes the Alden hedge fund buying the Tribune. Finally, Heidi Henry & Murri Briel--aka, The Heartland Mamas--return to talk Kinzinger, Cheney, Biden infrastructure 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 day began with Trump's Republican cultists in Congress punishing Liz Cheney for joining them in repeating Trump's lies about the election. Ben riffs. Also, Maya Dukmasova talks about the hacking and publishing of emails from Mayor Lightfoot's staff. Turns out one of Maya's emails was in the bunch. Finally, Monroe Anderson returns to talk about Liz Cheney and the Trump cult that's become 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.

Demographer Rob Paral discusses the latest census numbers and what they mean politically. Where is Illinois experiencing the most population loss and growth? How will that impact the political map? And Ben riffs on how the Right play games with the census numbers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday March 28, 2019. The latest 2020 Democratic POTUS poll, ANOTHER Mayoral Debate?? The latest ad from Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Sun-Times Deputy Managing Editor Kathy Chaney, Union Man Ryan Kelly AND Striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Steve Lester! Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!!The Ben Joravsky ShowLIVE Tuesday - Friday 1-3p(CT)chicagoreader.comchicago.suntimes.comSee 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 about the Covid out break in India, Anti-Vaxxers, Kim Foxx and corruption in Chicago. Plus, the problem with Two Distinct Strangers.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 explore the week's news, including a run down of the resignations from Mayor Lightfoot's administration. And there were a bunch, starting with Janice Jackson, CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. Ben plays City Hall Human Resource director, and offers survival tips to incoming mayoral appointees. Hint: Suck up to the mayor. Also updates on Pritzker v. Lightfoot, Kim Foxx and much, much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben can't believe he's about to say what he's about to say. But...Congresswoman Liz Cheney is right. And Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns with more action-packed recordings of the Chicago City Council. Yes, the time has come for Ben & Dave to take the deep dive on what the city council and Mayor Lightfoot are up to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.