The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

Between MAGA's claim that the election was stolen and Janice Jackson's assertion that the teachers union brought politics to Chicago's schools, Ben feels he's being gaslit. Also, Reader writer Maya Dukmasova talks about her expose on carjacking in Chicago. And Stacy Davis Gates--vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union--returns to discuss the politics of Janice Jackson, the outgoing CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. 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 on labor's agenda. The Republican attempt to portray themselves as the party of the working class. And a riff or two about Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 4, 2019. Trump's tax returns are back! Lori lightfoot hits the ground running and ProPublica Journalist Mick Dumke talks Tuesday's election. Union Man and Pension Guru Jeff Johnson returns and striking UIC Grad Student Anne Kirkner discusses her strike. Download Thursday'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.

United Working Families organizer Dixon Romeo returns to turn the tables on Ben--asking him the questions. The conversation ranges from suburban Republicans dictating whether Chicago has an elected school board to mayoral control of COVID relief money to LeBron James to Mortal Kombat. The latter being a subject Ben knows nothing about.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 news of the week. Which includes...two aldermen indicted, including a Daley. Oh, Chicago, you are special. Also, the Bears actually draft a Black man to play quarterback. And just when we thought it was safe to go outside--Bruce Rauner talks about running for governor. Plus, all the other news of the week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben riffs on President Biden's state of the union. Jacob Kaplan, of the Cook County Democratic Party, talks redistricting. And Daryl Jones of the Transformative Justice Coalition champions the John Lewis Day of Action, analyzes the impact of Republican election laws on Black voters, comments on Senator Tim Scott's "rebuttal" to Biden's state of the union, and manages to get in a dig or two about 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.

Looks like California Governor Gavin Newsom will face a recall. Leading Ben to lament why his beloved Dems have to be so arrogant. Also, Eee-Bow on geting cuffed and busted for--as far as we can tell--the high crime of driving while Black. And everyone's favorite former governor, Pat Quinn, returns to talk about the issues of the day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Census released the numbers. So, Ben riffs on what it means politically, Hint: Republicans up to no good. Also, Jaquie Algee of SEIU Health Care and Pastor William Fleshman talk about the John Lewis May 8 day of activism. And Martha Shockey of Indivisible in Georgia gives the lowdown on Republican efforts to regain their senate seats by undoing the good work of Congressman John Lewis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's sort of fun to hear someone's Oscar's predictions after the fact. Sergio Mims--co-founder of the Black Harvest Film Festival--is never afraid to speak his mind. So we're not surprised to hear that he may be in trouble with Twitter again. Also, he breaks down this year's Oscar race, slamming the year in movies and picking the winners. As always, he has a thing or two to say about the north side/south side divide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday March 26, 2019: Are conservatives celebrating the Mueller report too early? The latest Lightfoot/Preckwinkle poll numbers, a mini Aldermanic deep dive with our Chicago Reader Colleague Maya Dukmasova. Former Illinois Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidate Ra Joy talks the Mayoral runoff AND Teacher Anthony Clark weighs in on ALL things politics! Download Tuesday's Ben Joravsky ShowThe 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 cover the news of the day. Shootings in Chicago. Kim Foxx. LeBron James. And Caitlyn Jenner...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 all the news of the week, starting with...rumorgate. Lefties lose their minds over allegation that Mayor Lightfoot will step down, but Lori lovers overplay the victim card. As the mayor takes a page from Mayor Daley and shuts off Alderman Sigcho Lopez' microphone. Also, how Michael Madigan used his invincibility to make him even more invincible. Will Speaker Welch be different? The the latest on the MAGA men who want to run for governor. And more!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Ed Burke wins the coveted shameless-politician-of-the month award. Ben explains why. And the downstate pathologist, Dr. Pamella Gronemeyer, returns to talk about the movement for Medicare for All and other medical stuff. Including--why people resist the vaccine. Hint, the runner-up for shameless-politician-of-the month brainwashed them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans play the "victim card," blubbering like babies about Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Ben riffs on that. Also, legendary Chicago journalist Monroe Anderson and attorney Jim Coogan return to talk about the guilty verdict in the trial of Derick Chauvin for killing George Floyd. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the weekend, gossips in Chicago lost their minds over a fabricated rumor about Mayor Lightfoot. Ben takes the deep dive. Also, Senator Paul Strauss--the shadow senator for Washington, D.C.--explains why it's morally, ethically and politically necessary to make D.C. a state. Finally, Comptroller Susana Mendoza returns to talk about the state of state finances and her take on the shooting of Adam Toledo.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From May 2019. WBEZ Reporter Linda Lutton has a new beat...Chicago Neighborhoods! Hear about her journey to WBEZ, her history with Ben Joravsky and her latest work on South Side neighborhoods. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the footage of Adam Toledo getting killed by a Chicago police officer on everybody’s mind, we thought it would be a good idea to bring on Troy LaRaviere. He does not hold back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Joe Biden announces the end of the forever war in Afghanistan. Ben talks about the price we've paid for that war. Vincent E. Norment--owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame--drops in to continue the conversation on the different ways police treat Black and white motorists. And Matt Ginsberg & Cheryl Miller, mental health activists, talk about the reluctance of Mayor Lightfoot to re-open the mental clinics that Mayor Rahm so foolishly closed nine years ago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whenever a policeman shoots a civilian, you can take it to Vegas that someone will say—well, he’s no angel. Ben riffs on that message. Also, Adolfo Mondragon returns to talk about his campaign expenditure lawsuit. And Alderman Sigcho Lopez and housing activists--Lamont Burnett and Noah Moskowitz-- on the need for affordable housing in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben riffs on the modern day Civil War. A mystery guest stops in to correct something Ben said about the Democratic Party. And Keith Kelleher, former president of SEIU Healthcare, examines what went wrong and right in the unsuccessful effort to organize Amazon warehouse workers in Alabama. Keith knows a thing or two about building unions--he's been doing that for most of his adult life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander pays tribute to the late great boxing champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. It was 1990. Rick was writing for Sports Illustrated. He was in Italy, covering the World Cup. And...oh, let Rick tell the story. Also, what is it about our attraction to violence that draws so many people to boxing? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The day was Wednesday, April 10, 2019. One week after Lori Lightfoot was elected mayor. And Ben unloaded on the Lincoln Yards TIF deal. How much home grown marijuana is too much home grown marijuana? Monroe Anderson talked Trump, Trump and Trump, the Bernie Sanders question AND Ben unloaded on Lincoln Yards again with James Muhammad of SEIU Healthcare and Grassroots Organizer Amisha Patel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On April 6, Ben and Maya hosted a virtual First Tuesday, featuring Anjanette Young and Shapearl Wells. Young is the social worker whose west side house was raided by police. They burst through the front door with a no-knock warrant as Young stepped from her shower without clothes on. Then they handcuffed her and search her house only to discover they were at the wrong address. Wells is the host of Somebody, a podcast that investigates the murder of Courtney Copeland, her 22-year-old son.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 just in time to try and make sense of what makes no sense. The rise of Matt Gaetz as a force in the Republican Party. The underlying racism of Georgia's anti-voting laws. And a new and surprisingly benevolent view of Senator Joseph Manchin.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 local news. Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker have their differences. The curious politics of the elected school board. Why does the Illinois Policy Institute suddenly "care" about kids in Chicago. And Ben takes heat from the listeners cause he says Mayor Lightfoot's not as bad as Mayor Rahm. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Republicans have decided to win back the White House and the Senate by deterring Black people from voting. As opposed to proposing policies that would encourage Black voters to vote Republican. Now Corporate America has to decide which side it's on. Ben riffs on what's a stake. Also, Antonio Harvey--owner of Legends Brand--talks cannabis, normalization, the hypocrisy of the War on Drugs, taxing cannabis and, yes, NBA basketball with Ben & Lisa. Back in the 90s, Antonio played for the Trailblazers and Lakers. So, hoopers, stick around for the basketball conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.