The Ben Joravsky Show

Mayor Johnson hires a new communications chief. And that gets Pat and Ben debating the difference between propaganda and information. Next thing you know, Ben is explaining the mayor’s new TIF program. And with that they’re off. Pat Whalen is a comedian and the host of his own live show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems are tired. Ben riffs. Kim Foxx takes the deep dive on MAGA’s counter attack against Fani Willis, the Fulton County Georgia prosecutor. Willis indicted Trump for essentially attempting a coup. Trump’s allies countered by examining her sex life. It would be funny if the stakes weren’t so high. Kim Foxx is, of course, the Cook County State’s Attorney. Like Wlllis, she knows a thing or two about how MAGA loves to demonize high-profile Black women. 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 Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Chicago hates the mayor’s “base”. Ben riffs. Speaking of riffs…Denali Dasgupta returns to riff on ShotSpotter, moral victories (as opposed to real ones), Jason Lee, America’s perverse attitude toward immigrants and New York politics post George Santos. Denali is a political activist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teachers get asked the how-we-gonna-pay-for-it question. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Mark Robinson. In short, why do white voters have so much love for Black candidates like Robinson and Herschel Walker? Which leads to a larger discussion about segregation in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sun-Times runs a revealing story about how highways in Chicago were designed to lock Blacks away from whites. Ben riffs. Dr. Thaer Ahmad returns to talk about his 20 days working in a hospital in Gaza. Absolutely riveting testimony. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sox and Bears join forces in plea for handouts, Ben riffs. Attorney Caryn Lederer breaks down Supreme Court ruling in Colorado case. Caryn was one of attorneys representing plaintiffs who sued to remove Trump from ballot for violating the 14th amendment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris examines the backhanded way in which special prosecutor did Trump’s dirty work while acquitting President Biden of wrong doing. Talk about passive aggressive! Also, let’s face it, Democrats-Merrick Garland may be the worst Democratic AG ever. And a few words about sports moguls extorting public money from cities. 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 https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helen Shiller and her old friend and ally Billy “Che” Brooks explain to the youngsters not just the significance of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party. But how the assassination of Hampton ignited a political rebellion in Chicago’s Black communities. As lifelong Democrats voted in record numbers to elect a Republican over Edward Hanrahan. The youngsters are Brendan Shiller and Ben—yes, youngster Ben. Helen is the former alderwoman of the 46th ward and Billy was key member of the Panther party. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of last Tuesday’s Michigan primary, Andrew Ellison sifts through precinct results to put together the story. And it’s a foreboding one for Biden and Trump. Uncommitted pulls 13 percent against Biden. Haley wins 27 against Trump. Can Biden win the electoral college without Michigan? Can Trump win it without Haley’s voters? Andrew is a political strategist—aka, the second coming of Steve Kornacki. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain gives an eyewitness account of editorialgate. A few words about the Sox and the mayor. Also, the message from Michigan. And an unexpected riff on We Are the World.. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s countdown to the primary. Jacob and Ben talk judges. Some we like, some we’re irritated at. Well, at least Ben’s irritated at one in particular. Also, much conversation about the clerk of the court and state’s attorney elections. And a few words about the excuse the Supremes will concoct cause they’re too scared to do the right thing by kicking Trump off the ballot. Let’s put Judge Tracie Porter on US Supreme Court! Jacob is the executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything you need to know about the Academy Awards from Pemon Rami, the man who knows everything you need to know about the Academy Award. Including…who should’ve won but didn’t, and who did win but, c’mon, really? It’s all about being in the club—if you’re not in it, forget about it. Plus, much more. Casting director, writer and film historian, Pemon is the author of When Black Was Golden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council votes for ceasefire. Ben riffs.Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth explains why she voted yes. And Leni talks about the murder of a teenager near Senn High School in her ward. Leni is the alderwoman of the 48th ward on the north side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears and Sox decide to make love not war. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains Trump’s bizarre attempt to woo Black voters by bragging about his mug shot. Also, much talk about yesterday’s Michigan primary. And Mitch McConnell steps down, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.