The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

With MAGA all over the map--for instance, opposing IDs on airplanes but requiring them at the polls--Ben says the time has come for a MAGA for Dummies Handbook. Also, Dave Glowacz--of Inside Chicago Government--returns with more action-packed recordings of everyone's favorite legislative body: The Chicago City Council. 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, Republican Governors Brian Kemp and Greg Abbott got upset at Black people who were protesting their attempts to make it more difficult for Black people to vote in Georgia and Texas. So they started canceling cultures--that will teach Black people for not voting MAGA! Also, Steve Cohen & Paula Froehle--co-founders of the Chicago Media Project--talk about their latest films: A Concerto is a Conversation, Crip Camp and Allen v. Farrow. Concerto and Crip Camp are up for Oscars. Allen v. Farrow is one of the most thought-provoking documentaries of the year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Historians Elliot Gorn & Rosemary Feuer are part of a campaign to memorialize Mother Jones, the great 20th century labor leader and radical. Chicago has a history has of radical union and organizing efforts that's largely been forgotten. Is it too controversial to pay tribute to a radical leader? Gorn & Feurer discuss...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

March 20, 2019 was the day. Ben was riffing on Trump trashing McCain and our Elizabeth Warren poll results, In These Times Writer Miles Kampf-Lassin talks the 2019 Runoffs AND 38th Ward Alderman/Trump voter Nick Sposato joins us for one hell of an interview. Click the link and 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.

President of the Chicago Principals Association Troy LaRaviere returns to evaluate the condition of public schools in the wake of their pandemic reopening. The evaluation shows big differences between schools in white and Black communities. Also, on a totally unrelated topic...turns out Troy's an exceedingly knowledgeable fan of Prince. Thus, the great debate: What are the greatest Prince songs of all time?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 riff on everything from Allen v. Farrow to the Chicago City Council. Ben makes a confession--yes, he loved Woody Allen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dennis run through the week that was in Chicago and or Illinois politics. Mayor Lightfoot, Governor Pritzker, MAGA & more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden introduces his plan to spend trillions of dollars fixing roads and bridges and other stuff that everybody uses. And what do Republicans do? They oppose it. More evidence, as if any is needed, at the insanity of the MAGA GOP. Also, Maya Dukmasova--Reader writer--returns to talk policing, Derek Chauvin, Chuy Garcia and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They're counting the union organizing vote at the Amazon warehouse in Alabama. That gives Ben an opportunity to riff on unions, Amazon, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, unionizing the Reader, Mayor Rahm and more. Also, Jill Wine-Banks drops in to talk about the paperback edition of her book (Watergate Girl), Trump, Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, G. Gordon Liddy, Sidney Powell and the Derek Chauvin trial.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr. D return after a much needed week off and discover not much has changed. The world is still insane. And let's count the ways. Also, Rosie Rees--Indivisible Evanston activist--talks all things filibuster. Its history. How Republicans have used it as a tool to clobber Dems. And why Biden & the Dems should get rid of it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, Meyers Leonard--of the Miami Heat--made a colossal ass of himself by spouting off a deragatory comment about Jews, while playing a video game. We brought together podcasters Rachel Joravsky & Miles Porter to talk about antisemitism in sports. Is it prevalent or is Leonards a dumb-ass anomaly? Also, a word or two about the gaming culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed as Illinois Governor. He was later convicted of corruption, including attempts to sell a U-S Senate seat. He received a 14 year sentence and remains in prison. Reporter Dave McKinney covered it all as a statehouse reporter. Today he works for public station WBEZ in Chicago and he has launched a podcast titled "Public Official A" Dave and his Producer Collin McNulty were kind enough to join Ben Joravsky for this Blago tape special! A "must-download" piece of audio! WARNING: VERY FOUL LANGUAGE IS USED IN THIS PODCASTSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SPOILER ALERT: Benny J, Director of the Black Harvest Film Festival Sergio Mims and election lawyer/movie buff Adolfo Mondragon give their reviews of the brand new film "The Irishman" Go see the film and download this Benny J bonus interview...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Jason Lee grew up in Texas and worked several campaigns there. So he's a good source to explain the bizarre MAGA politics that grip that state in which Governor Abbott responds to a brutal freeze by blaming the Green New Deal. Also, the lessons of Georgia. And Ben riffs on why Nate Cohn is so annoying.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professor and author of "The Kids are All Left" ,David Faris returns to talk about the latest political news. Specifically, why are Dems so timid. Will they never learn from their mistakes?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A flashback to the summer of 2019--June 30, to be exact. Recreational marijuana legalization, reproductive rights, gaming legislation and more with (then) State Senator Toi Hutchinson and State Representative Jehan Gordon Booth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oscar Sanchez and many of his allies on the southeast side went on a hunger strike for about a month to protest the city gearing up to allow General Iron to move its metal crushing operation from an affluent north side neighborhood to their working class community. He explains why he did it and what's at stake for residents of an area that already deal with too much pollution.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leila Taylor is the author of "Darkly: Black History and America's Gothic Soul" You can learn more about her work at https://www.strandbooks.com/product/darkly-blackness-and-americas-gothic-soul/_/searchString/gothic%20soulSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA is always complaining about liberals preventing them from saying any dumb or insulting thing they want. They call liberals “snowflakes”and cry about “cancel culture”. But if you say something that offends their sensibilities, they look to cancel your culture. As they’re doing to Cardi B. Also, the latest news about Speaker Welch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain returns to discuss her latest column, on attempts to rewrite a Chicago City Council resolution about discrimination against Muslims in India. Also, she discusses the curious attitude that many white law enforcement personnel have about white suspects in violent crimes. Specifically, the man who allegedly shot eight people in Atlanta. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben reveals his theory as to why some people want the vaccine and others don't. Hint--the theory has something to do with Bernie Madoff. Also, guess who jumped to the front of the line to get the shot? Well, maybe...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The newspapers are filled with stories about how Putin's computer hackers were up to no good, trying to win the 2020 election for Comrade Trump. Ben remembers the last time they tried this--back in 2016--they were more successful. And CPS officials talk about reopening high schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez & Loreen Targos from the 25th ward return to tslk environment, General Iron and much more. Turns out Byron has a message to convey to Ben from Alderman Ed Burke, of all people. And Loreen thinks Leonard Goodman is right.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden is thinking of reaching out to former President Trump for help in urging MAGA to get a COVID shot. Ben wonders what price Trump will make Biden pay. Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker must be feeling the political heat cause he’s eager to reopen the state.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.