The Ben Joravsky Show

Political activist Michael Harrington went to high school and worked for Karen Lewis. He reflects on her life and her mayoral showdown with Mayor Rahm that wasn't. Ben & Michael agree--she'd have mopped the floor with him. Also, a word or two about the curious antics of North Side Dems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Steele returns to talk Limbaugh, Rachel Maddow, Sam Cooke & Larry King--among other things. He's the real deal.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 for another rundown. Among the things on her mind are lying politicians, out-of-town journalists acting like they know Chicago, and the Black Panthers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Ted Cruz ditches Texas for Cancun as his constituents freeze without heat. And when the shit hits the fan, who does he blame? His daughters. Ben asks--do you believe him? Also, lotsa of local news--including Madigangate updates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is it about Dems that makes them bullies? Ben asks that question about New York Governor Cuomo. Should he be made to give up that Emmy? Also, budget & Madigan news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary journalist Monroe Anderson talks about the brilliant lawsuit brought by the NAACP and Congressman Bennie Thompson against the Crime Brothers--Trump & Giuliani. If it takes an anti-KKK law from 1879 to bring justice in the 21st century, well, so be it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden holds a townhall in Wisconsin. Ben hopes this means Democrats are already looking forward to 2022 midterms. And listener Frank drops in to help Dr. D with the latest political news.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 council Democratic Socialists, annotates Mayor Lightfoot's recent interview in the New York Times. Also, he says the real Machine in Chicago is not what you think. And a few words on gerrymandering and Republicans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Republican senators let Trump walk. What a bunch of wimps. Also, the New York Times falls in love with Lori, like they fell in love with Rahm & Richie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terry Cosgrove, Julie Hamos and Paula Purdue were young Democratic activists in the `70s when they joined forces to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Now they're wise and seasoned--looking back on why it didn't pass. Hint--money exchanged hands. Also, a few words about Phyllis Schlafly and her connection to the movement that produced Trump. 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 about the life and legacy of Karen Lewis, who died this weekend. Also, a word or two about returning to school in a pandemic.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 analyzes the Senate impeachment trial, breaking down the case for President Trump's conviction. It would be a slam dunk in almost any court in the country, but...The "jurors"--Republican senators--are letting everyone know, through their disdain and indifference to the evidence, that they will never vote for conviction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep Kelly Cassidy talks about what's ahead in Springfield now that Chris Welch has replaced Michael Madigan as house speaker. Also, a word or two about her purple hair and her unsuccessful bid for state senate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jacobin editor & writer Michah Uetricht wrote the book on Karen Lewis and CTU. He talks about her legacy. From there the conversation moves to Twitter and Neera Tanden. Not sure how--but it does.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 Neera Tanden efforts to erase all memory of her days as a Twitter fanatic. Also, teachers go back to school.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monroe Anderson analyzes the first two days of the Impeachment trial. Also, his own Mt. Rushmore of Chicago political giants.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The impeachment trial begins and guess what? President Donnie's lawyer is awful. Also, Mayor Lightfoot sends teachers & kids back to schools. God help us all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben remembers the late great Karen Lewis. Oh, if only the powers that be who are lauding her now that she's passed, were this supportive when she was alive. Also, Mayor Lightfoot and high school basketball. Clearly, she's not been listening to the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive director of the The Friends of the Parks, Juanita Irizarry returns to talk about the Obama Center coming to Jackson Park, General Iron coming to the Southeast Side, and environmental racism in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a perfect world, Ben & Maya would convene their monthly First Tuesdays show at the Hideout bar. But, alas, we're in the middle of a pandemic. Which begs the question--if it's too dangerous to meet in a bar, is it not too dangerous to open Chicago's public schools? And what are the politics of the standoff between Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Teachers Union. These are some of the questions Ben & Maya Dukmasova discuss with Yana Kunichoff, reporter for Chalkbeat Chicago, and Gregory Pratt, reporter for the Chicago Tribune, in a show recorded February 2.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pro Publica reporter Mick Dumke has been writing about or living among Republicans for years. So he knows a thing or two or three about the widening divisions in the GOP as Marjorie Taylor Greene tries to seize control. Also, a riff or two on Mayor Lightfoot and the aldermen.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 for her weekly Rummana Rundown. On the list of topics--Republican efforts to make AOC look as outrageous as MTG. Gimme a break. Also, the controversy at the Golden Globes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will defamation lawsuits force Fox TV to change its evil ways? Ben riffs on the $2.7 billion lawsuit filed by Smartmatic. More schools & pandemic news. Janice Jackson gets off a funny wisecrack. And a Mayor & her Aldermen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosts of the The Heartland Mamas Podcast, Murri Briel & Heidi Henry are a couple of left-of-center Democrats who have been battling Congressman Adam Kinzinger for years. Now they're watching him win praise for being one of the few Republicans to defy the MAGA cult that's taken control of the GOP. What's going on? Also, how does Mayor Lightfoot's battle with Chicago's teachers play in the Heartland?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guess who sent Ben a fundraising email? Marjorie Taylor Greene--that's who. Ben reads the email, so you don't have to. Also, Mayor Lightfoot lays down the law. Get back in that petri dish classroom right now, teachers! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago journalist Dave Glowacz--who writes the Inside Chicago Government website--returns with clips from the latest City Council meetings. Ben and Dave annotate the aldermanic orations the way literary scholars break down a baffling modernistic poem. What are they really saying when they talk about crime, taxes, TIFs and each other?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary Chicago journalist Monroe Anderson tries not to laugh as he analyses the defense Trump's lawyers have mustered. Also, he takes a stab at defending the mayor's eagerness to send those teachers back to the classroom in the middle of a pandemic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben analysis the creative defense concocted by President Donnie's lawyers to persuade MAGA senators to acquit him. Not that it will take much. And then there's the latest episode in the long-running city hall soap opera--a mayor and her aldermen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago has made it back to phase 4 in Governor Pritzker's 5 phase strategy to safely re-open Illinois, Ben talks his new column all about the (soon to be) former Senator Heather Steans and Rahm Emanuel is still being considered for a position in Joe Biden's cabinetSee 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 Kamf-Lassin takes the deep dive on the need for Biden to go strong with a Bernie'-style stimulus plan. Also,he riffs on Gamestop traders. Time for a financial transaction tax, people!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 fashion. Specifically, tight-fitting yoga pants with a see-through bootie. Thank you, Karen, for the info. Also, Mayor Lightfoot goes on MSNBC with a clever political move to turn liberal north siders against the teachers union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2016, Courtney Copeland, was shot and killed in Chicago at the age of 22. His mother, Shapearl Wells--host of the podcast, Somebody-- has spent the last several years trying to get the truth from city officials as to what the police did in the final moments of her son's life. And how Courtney's life might have been saved if he'd been treated him differently. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Erika Weaver is a public defender and school board member from downstate Matoon, who ran for congress as a Democrat in the 15th congressional district. She lost to a Republican named Mary Miller, who's best known for saying, and I quote, "Hitler was right.". Heckuva job, voters. Weaver talks about the challenges of trying to win over Trump voters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Washington Post writer Mark Guarino has been covering the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 18-year-old who killed two people this summer during riots in Kenosha. He reviews the characters in the case and explains how Rittenhouse had become a folk hero to MAGA.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 for her weekly rundown to ponder the question: What should we do about the wackos in the Republican Party? Also, what do the Woody Allens of the world mean when they rail against cancel culture. 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.

Ben breaks down the Gamestop story. Basically, gazillionaires want socialism for themselves and capitalism for everybody else. Also, Ben & Dr. D have the great Congressman Adam Kinzinger debate. Finally, is Mayor Lightfoot too tough to work for?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podcaster/activist Sameena Mustafa may have moved to Cali. But she's got Chicago on her mind. Also, the dangers of Trumpism and the limits of centrist Dems to fight back strong.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben annotates the fundraising request of Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as she launches her campaign for governor of Arkansas. A mystery guest drops in to explain to Mayor Lightfoot why teachers don't trust CPS to make the schools safe for reopening. And Ben breaks down the latest effort by Rahm "I wanna be a columnist" Emanuel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Konstantine Anthony is an labor activist and city council member in Burbank, California. He talks about trying to organize gig economy employees. And the counter punch of Proposition 22.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tulsi Gabbard weighs in on law and order. And Ben weighs in on Tulsi Gabbard. Also, Ben asks--why should teachers trust CPS if CPS can't clean the dead mice out of schools. And Monroe Anderson takes on MAGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Holloway is a Chicago firefighter of the leftist persuasion. He weighs in on the dangers of reopening schools without vaccinating employees and why we allow the vaccines to be controlled by profit-seeking companies. Also, his early reaction to the Biden presidency.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rupert Murdoch, of all people, whines about being cancelled. That sparks Ben to reflect on the life of Walter Bernstein, who really was cancelled. Also, if it’s so important that we reopen the schools, why won’t the mayor see to it that school employees are immediately vaccinated?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Co-founder of the Black Harvest Film Festival, Sergio Mims knows as much or more about movies than any man alive. So when he talks--you better listen! And he's says that Regina King's One Night in Miami is one of the best movies of the year. Also, he has lots of love for Sylvie's Love. So stop hating, haters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For many years, Sue Ontiveros was a columnist/editor for the Sun-Times who specialized in standing up for the underdog. Now she's fighting to save the High Ridge YMCA from being closed. There's something wrong with a city that can't keep neighborhoods fortified with places people can swim, take classes and socialize. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gregory Pratt is the Tribunes’ City Hall reporter. He’s also the recently elected president of the paper’s Guild. He talks about how the union is facing dire cuts from Alden Capital, the hedge fund that owns it. He appeals to civic-minded Chicagoans to help save the paper. And briefly talks about his political coverage, demonstrating why daily newspapers are so crucial.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 covers all the week’s topics, including fashion at the inauguration. The monochrome look is in. But not as much as Bernie’s mittens. Was the whole thing an exercise in propaganda? Also,a preview of White Tiger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of Brian Urlacher pulling a fast one on President Donnie, Ben ranks MAGA's top ten favorites in the state. Dr. D does not make the list. Also, the latest on efforts by CPS officials to shut those teachers up and get `em back in a classroom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary talk show host Ken Davis returns and he's got a lot on his mind. From Biden to science to CTU v CPS to taking Trump off of Twitter. And, surprise, surprise, how moved he was by the inauguration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben reviews the ups and down of the inauguration, complete with a poem he wrote. And Chicago Public Schools shows its compassion for teachers by bringing out the HR guy. Finally, speaker Welch shows he knows how to play the game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two weeks ago, Monroe stopped in for his weekly visit as MAGA, instigated by too much Trump, ransacked the Capitol. Today he shows up as Joe Biden is sworn in as president. What a difference two weeks make. What lies ahead? Monroe makes more predictions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.