The Ben Joravsky Show

There are two Chicagos that know nothing about the other. Rummana Hussain and Ben explain. Rummana is as editorial writer and columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Megan Jeyifo explains how Chicago’s been impacted by anti-abortion laws in Florida, Arizona, Idaho and other states currently controlled by MAGA. Megan is the executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Ben and Delmarie Cobb tear into the Bears and Mayor Johnson’s proposal to build a stadium on the lakefront. It may be the worst idea since…oh, you fill in the blanks. Forget the lakefront site—build it on 87th Street or just go to Arlington Heights. Then a few words about Gaza and abortion. Delmarie is s political strategist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N...

Lefties try to figure out where they stand. Ben riffs. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez talks about her fist year in congress. Dealing with MAGA. Who’s more obnoxious—Darren Bailey or Marjorie Taylor Green. And why she voted how she did on Ukraine, Israel, TikTok and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Mayor Johnson signs on to the Bears’ lakefront stadium. Ben riffs—more like a howl to the moon. Monroe adds his thoughts. More howling ensues. How can they throw money at the Bears when there’s no money for schools? Then it’s on to Trump and his hush-money trial. What’s more likely—Trump gets convicted or Bears build a stadium on the lake? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

NBC hires Ronna McDaniel. Ben riffs. Delmarie Cobb riffs as well. Then it’s onto the issues of the day. Voter turnout. Selective transparency. Bears and Sox maneuvers. Why the hate for Mayor Johnson. Plus, valuable lessons she learned from her mother. Delmarie Cobb is a political strategist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#...

Abdon Pallasch and Bob Herguth talk about their recently released 12-episode podcast—Underbelly: The Rebel Kind. It tells the story of Dave Rupert, a truck driver who winds up as an FBI mole, insinuating his way to the highest ranks of the Real IRA. Yes, the IRA, as in Irish Republican Army. Bob and Abdon—investigative reporters in Chicago—met Dave and one thing led to another and the FBI started...

Brendan Shiller talks about the life and legacy of Slim Coleman, the longtime activist and organizer who recently died at the age of 80. Stick around for the part where Brendan schools Ben on what really matters in a man’s life. Then a few words about police and their investigations of other police. Brendan is, in no particular order, a criminal defense lawyer, a political strategist, the son of f...

Ben’s beloved Bright One tells him that life is futile and he must give up hope, Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson then tells Ben he’s a sucker for paying to read the Sun-Times. Then they launch a conversation about why MAGA likes O.J. more than they like Biden. And why did white north siders turn on Mayor Lightfoot. And all sorts of other stuff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

The city council talks TIFs. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks Coleman Hughes, The View, Joe Rogan, men and doctors and whether we can truly be color blind. 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 .

The mainstreams in Chicago love to maximize lefty election losses and minimize their wins. As the continuing coverage of Tuesday’s primary proves. Ben riffs. Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle explains the obstacles facing lefties in dealing with the mainstream media. As the coverage of Bring Chicago Home proves. He also defends Chicago voters from Ben’s accusation that they are dumb. Matt is a political activ...

D’Frantz Smart talks all things women basketball. Including Dawn Staley, South Carolina, and Caitlin Clark. Also, why is the men’s college game struggling. And a few words about Ben’s beloved Bulls and Bucks coach Doc Rivers. D’Frantz is a former all-star for Whitney Young High School and one of the greatest point guards to come of Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...

Zack Kam is the ex-Marine who burned a flag at a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. After which several aldermen tried to punish Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. He tells his story from being a kid growing up in Southern California to a marine in Afghanistan to an activist in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s...

Rummana Hussain takes the deep dive on all things O.J. Simpson, who died just a few days ago at age 76. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Pat Whalen and Ben go through a week’s worth of news. Including, positive press for the Mayor, abortion, Gaza and Nick Sposato. Well, Nick was last week’s news. But Pat can’t resist. Pat is a comedian and impresario. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

O.J. dies. Ben riffs. Trial lawyer Jim Coogan talks all things law. Including…how Trump is using Johnny Cochrane’s legal strategy. Ironically, since MAGA will never get over the O.J. Simpson verdict. Also, an analysis of Trump’s hush money case. Starting next week. And a bold prediction. Also, a few words about Anatomy of a Fall. Jim is the host of the podcast Coogan Knows the Law. See Privacy Pol...

The day after Trump declares abortion is up to the stars, the Arizona supreme courts outlaws abortion. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson takes it from there. Also Aries Spears joins the show. Sorta… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Ben missed the eclipse. He riffs about it. Stacy Davis Gates talks mayors, media and basketball. Lots of basketball. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. 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 tells it like it is about the Bears and Sox teaming up for handouts to find their stadium. Ben riffs. And then attorney Adolfo Mondragon takes the deep dive on the Supreme Court’s Colorado ruling. Basically, the justices are saying—if Trump wants to defy the law and constitution, we won’t stop him. “They have one job—protect democracy. And they wouldn’t do it.” See Privacy Poli...

Everything Is lined up for Republicans to take control of the senate this year, but…They keep nominating MAGA lunatics as their senate candidates. Can the Republicans snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? David Faris examines that and other issues. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at h...

Ray Hanania and Ben talk all the news of this week and the news from the 1980s. As in…comparing the Lopez 16 to the Vrdolyak 29. Ray is, in no particular order, a Chicagoan, Revis high grad, Milt Rakove student, Air Force vet, former Bright One reporter, political strategist, Cicero spokesman, PR guru, comedian, pundit, proud Palestinian American and closeted conservative (don’t call him a Republi...

The mainstreams hype Mayor Johnson’s latest downtown TIF deal without showing love for the mayor. Ben riffs. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez talks about the Lopez 16 failed attempt to strip him of his housing committee chair. Then it’s on to how they took the 78 out of his ward. They really don’t like him. Byron is the alderman if the 25th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...

Kansas City voters reject handouts for Chiefs and Royals. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson considers—how would Chicago vote if given the chance? No wonder they don’t give you such chances, Chicago. Also, how would Ice Cube vote on bring Chicago Home? What? Yes, Ice Cube. Would any capitalist anywhere vote for anything that would increase his taxes to help poor people. Also, Monroe’s advice for white peo...

The city council debates free expression and flag burning. Ben riffs. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky takes the high road, as she breaks down the recent Democratic primary for State’s Attorney. When one candidate defeats another candidate by a sliver, there’s a lot to break down. For the record, Ben wasn’t as gracious. Joanna was a strategist for Clayton Harris, who was defeated by Eileen O’Ne...

The Illinois Supreme Court suddenly discovers the Ed and Anne Burke conflict of interest. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks democracy, the press and her friend the mayor. She asks: Why does the mainstream press in Chicago treat Right Wing operatives as legitimate news outlets? Is there a statute of limitations on mentioning that the mayor used to work for CTU? Also, a word or two about Mick Dumke...