The Ben Joravsky Show

It was about a year ago that In These Times editor/writer Miles Kampala-Lassin was knocking on doors in Iowa gif Bernie. Looking behind and ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the leaders of Indivisible Chicago, Marj Halperin returns to talk about what's been done and what remains to be done for Democrats. Her message--enjoy the moment. But don't fall asleep after the inauguration--as in 2009. The midterms are closer than you realize.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One more day until Donald goes away. Also, Ald. Byron Sigcho- Lopez (25) Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson and CTU Vice President Stacy Davis-Gates from Monday's CTU Press Briefing. And breaking news from Heather Steans and Kelly "KC" Cassidy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defense lawyer and Reader writer Leonard Goodman talks about the impact of big money and corporate culture on the Dems. Even AOC.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 and union activist Mindy Isser makes her Ben Joravsky Show debut. Among other things, she shames Ben for shaming Trump voters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, political scientist David Faris had urged Democrats to play the game more like Republicans. By that he meant stop bring so gullible and naive. But after watching the insurrection and aftermath Faris had come to the conclusion that Party leaders have followed Trump off a cliff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this weeks Rundown. Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain asks whether the country has normalized racism and anti-Semitism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben weighs in on Biden's trillion dollar stimulus plan. CPS still wants teacher and students back in the classrooms. And our new House Speaker speaks--audio from state Rep. Chris Welch.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 Prinicipals Association, Troy LaRaviere returns to talk about everything from reopening the schools in a pandemic to how Democrats should respond to the MAGA insurrection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Public Schools continue their plans to return to the classroom and the CTU continues their plans to not. Unfortunate recreational cannabis licensing news. Mayor Lightfoot's restaurant plan. Chris Welch is the new Speaker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WVON talk show host Atiba Buchanan breaks down the case for convicting Trump. And the Republican attempt to defend him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, Monroe Anderson dropped by for his weekly appearance as MAGA insurrectionists, fired up by President Donnie, overtook the Capitol. This week he shows up as Democratic congressmen try to hold Trump accountable for his crimes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump impeached twice! The latest on the CTU vs the CPS. Emanuel Chris Welch is the new Speaker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Aldermen and women have asked for the resignation of Chicago Fraternal Order of Police's President. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podcaster Marc Sims has a lot on his mind. Specifically, race, politics & rock ‘n roll.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More of the same from Donald Trump and MAGA nation. A handful of students in Chicago have returned to the classroom. Is it still too soon? Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan did not get enough votes from his fellow Democrats in his re-election bid. What's next for Illinois Dems?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twentieth ward Alderwoman Taylor is not one to hold back. And in this interview she tells it like it is about all the week's events from Washington to Georgia to right here in Chicago. Just when things are looking bleak, she and Ben sing some Stevie Wonder to make things feel a little better.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet Al Harrington, aka--The King of Cannabis. For 16 years, he was an NBA star for the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets and other teams. For the last several years, he's been the CEO of Viola Brands, a cannabis company. He and Ben and Lisa Solomon talk all things reefer, including how Al's grandmother helped him realize the healing powers of a joint. Also, the need to cut Black entrepreneurs into the expanding marijuana market.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BONUS! The Political Know it Alls, Jacob Kaplan & Dan Pogorzelski, talk about the wider political ramifications about what went down on Wednesday, when Trump incited MAGA to storm the U.S. Capitol. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lays out her plans for teachers, staff and students returning to the classroom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In her weekly visit to the show, Rummana asks the question: What if the Trump-loving insurrectionists who besieged the U.S. Capitol were Black or Muslim? And then she takes it from there. Also, the great Rummana/Ben debate on Sylvie's Love.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben weighs in on MAGA lover/Senator Josh Hawley. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces her pandemic school reopening plan. The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President apologizes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An Oakland Illinois politician quotes Hitler and our elected leaders (along with Ben Joravsky) are floored. Find out which Democrat is running to the head of the Illinois house?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jaquie Algee covers all the news--from Trump inciting a riot at the U.S. Capitol to the great senatorial triumph in Georgia. Also, updates on the Women's March.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The aftermath from yesterday's chaos. Hear what our elected leaders in Illinois (left and right) have to say about the time Trump supporters stormed the nation's capitol! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben gives his thoughts on Georgia's election. The rift between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools continues. Meet Governor Pritzker's new Downstate Czar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben was getting ready for his weekly chat with Monroe about relatively mundane things like the Democratic victories in Georgia, when the shit hit the fan in D.C. MAGA protesters stormed the capital and seized control of Speaker Pelosi's office. What follows is the escalating disbelief of two old friends, who thought they'd seen it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's call to Georgia. Mayor Lightfoot meets AnJeanette Young. The Mayor and the Chicago Teachers Union start the new year on a bad foot. Troy LaRaviere delivers a powerful message to the CPS. Dave Glowacz returns with a review of December's Chicago city council meeting.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 a special Rummana Rundown. The good and the bad of 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great Craig Hodges talks Bulls, Jordan, Krause and pretty much everything else in the basketball universe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Albert Berger has produced such great movies as Cold Mountain, Little Miss Sunshine, Nebraska, Election and Ruby Sparks. He and Ben cover everything from the future of movies to Cooley High. One of the greatest movies--ever!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Which news story will capture the coveted honor of most Hellish Story for 2020? There's only one way to find out! Let the countdown begin...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author of The Edge of Sports blog and sports editor for The Nation, Dave Zirin joins Ben to talk about the year that was. Also, Zirin explains why he finally decided enough’s enough and walked away from his once beloved New York Knicks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monroe Anderson has been talking Trump, Trump, Trump for the last four years. Are we coming to the end of the Trump era? Doesn't look like it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are the Republicans going to pull a coup next week to snatch the election from Biden and give it to Trump? Also, Ben riffs on the Big Three.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Davis Gates--vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union--asks the big question: Should Chicago's public school teachers trust CPS to get it right when it comes to reopening the schools in a pandemic? Also, SDG on MJM.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The president says dance and the Republicans start tapping. Ben talks about the control one Donald John Trump has over the Republicans. Also, what happened to Mayor Lightfoot's meeting with Anjanette Young?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mick Dumke & Ben take the deep dive on Chicago and its mayors. Can't-miss conversation from two political geeks, who probably know too much about Chicago politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Savage is superstar columnist who's specialty is advice on sex. But the man also knows his politics. National and local. He grew up in Chicago. He's funny and brash and really smart.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 breaks down the top stories of 2020 and looks into her crystal ball to predict what's coming around the bend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's our countdown of the top 10 Chicago/Illinois stories of 2020. Numbers 10-6. Be the first to know!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedians Rachel Joravsky (Ben's daughter) & Cody Wilkins talk comedy in the pandemic, and their new podcast "Ain't Nobody Checkin' For Me". What's so funny about 2020?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Right before the holiday season, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker delivered a COVID-19 press briefing and learn more about this year's 10 ten local news countdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has Trump lost his mind? Or is there a purpose for his madness? Monroe Anderson--Chicago's foremost authority on all things MAGA--weighs in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is President Trump channeling his inner lefty with his stimulus check demands? Mayor Lightfoot hires an investigator to investigate herself. All part of her attempt handle the political fallout of the Anjanette Young video.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The red line extension in Chicago has made a significant step toward securing about 1 BILLION dollars in federal funds. Learn more about our 2020 countdown special "The Ten Gates of Illinois Hell"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is William Barr the worst attorney general in U.S. history? Hard to say--the competition's fierce. Trial lawyer Jim Coogan returns to the show to makes the case by running through some of Barr's most egregious maneuvers on behalf of Trump. Starting with his handling of the Mueller Report.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seriously, 600 dollars?? More fallout from the release of the Anjanette Young video as Top Chicago Lawyer Mark Flessner resigns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If Democrats want to build support beyond cities and suburbs, they should listen to activists like Sarah Bingaman of Indivisible Illinois, who tried to win over voters in Trump country where "Pritzker sucks" signs reign. Speaker Michael Madigan's not too popular either.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 Miles Kampf-Lassin on Mayor Lightfoot and the release of the AnJanette Young video, the future of the Democratic Party, dastardly Republicans and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.