Episodes

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez & Loreen Targos, his campaign manager and wife, make their first return since becoming parents to triplets. So, first of all--congratulations, Byron & Loreen. Now, let's get down to business! They've got a lot on their mind. Including...Congressman Jesus Garcia (they oppose him and vice versa), Mayor Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. Also, Loreen, a scientist for the EPA, talks about efforts to rebuild the federal agency in the wake of Trump's cutsSee Privacy Policy a...

Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain talks foreign affairs. Specifically, the struggles of local pols to figure out the world beyond our borders. Also, we break down the lawsuit recently filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting over a nude scene filmed more than 50 years ago. Finally, a few words about Elizabeth Holmes & and the art of conning people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ bulldog reporter Dan Mihalopoulos has the story about a former political operative for Speaker Michael Madigan going into cannabis business. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz, of Inside Chicago Government, returns to analyze the latest City Council antics. Get ready for a deep dive on TIFs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Pence finds classified documents in his home. Oops. Ben riffs. As does Monroe. Who has a lot more on his mind besides Pence. Such as...Ron DeSantis' effort to erase history by cancelling African American AP history. And replacing it with his (DeSantis') fantasy of the "happy slave" and the "loving `masta'". Also, a few words about crime and the mayor's race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The number one movie in America is The Glass Onion, a satire that mocks greedy tech billionaires. Has America turned a corner? Ben riffs. Defense attorney April Preyar talks Safe-T act. Specifically, a ruling by a judge in Kankakee that it’s unconstitutional. And a few words about her latest case—a products liability suit against hair products that may be linked to Black women getting cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot and the city council have decided to demolish the Tribune’s Freedom Center printing press and replace it with a casino. Preservationist and rail-fan Horace Nowell explains what will be lost. It’s not exactly paving paradise—just destroying the soul of the city. Here’s the site for more info on Horace’s Tribune model railroad: tribunemodelrailroad@gmail.comAnd here’s the site for his upcycled newspaper boxes: Windycityracks@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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We've got a mayoral debate to review. But first...Ben has a few things to say about lawyers dumb enough to take on Donald Trump as a client. And then...the debate! Dr. D has all the clips from last night's televised debate that are worth hearing. Well, at least the clips in which one candidate insults another. Crime, police, mental health and the Bears are just a few of the topics that we look at. Bottom line--Brandon Johnson stakes out the left. Paul Vallas goes for the MAGA vote. Lori Lightfoot tries not to run against herself. And Chuy Garcia goes for the middle of the road.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben binges on The Dropout. Now he’s obsessed with America’s love for liars. And Tribune city hall reporter Gregory Pratt returns to talk mayor’s race. Also his tweet about “relatively normal” voters. Somehow the conversation turns towards Mayor Rahm. Where else?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On December 6, Ben & Maya took First Tuesdays to the Promontory nightclub in Hyde Park. Their guests were Alderwomen Leslie Hairston & Rossana Rodriguez and Joe Winston, director of the documentary: Punch 9 For Harold Washington. On the agenda: mayors, aldermen, corruption, political bullies, and why Hairston and Rodriguez disagreed on Bring Chicago Home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Proceeds from the Illinois gas tax are falling cause so many people are buying electric cars. What's Elon got to say about that? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson has a lot to say about a lot of things. Including...the lunatics have taken over the asylum. If, by asylum, you mean congress. And, if, by lunatics, you mean MAGA. Should we believe the spin out of the Washington Post that Marjorie Taylor Green has matured? Short answer--only if you're really gullible. George Santos moves to the right in the hopes that MAGA will save him. Which raises this question. Who's the bigger liar--Trump or Santos? Finally, a word or two about the Bears hiring Kevin Warren.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional January 6 committee accuses Trump of insurrection and urge feds to prosecute. Now MAGA has to figure out how to react. Ben riffs. And DuPage County Democratic Chair Ken Mejia-Beal returns. What's on his mind? Plenty. How did Dems win in DuPage County? What will Republicans try to do in the coming year to offset those gains. Short answer--more scare tactics. Also, out of nowhere, Ken's Mount Rushmore of comedians. Much love for Bill Burr.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Lightfoot does something no other mayor could do—extend the Red Line south of 95th. Ben riffs. And political strategist Rickey Hendon returns! Talking Willie Wilson and the white vote; his feud with Ja’Mal Green; phonegate; his dance with death and more. Including his tribute to the mayor. Stick around to hear Rickey sing a song by the Intruders. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been quite a week. Starting with...Mayor Lightfoot's campaign offers extra credit for Chicago public school students who work on her campaign. Lots to unpack there. And a breakdown of JB Pritzker's second inauguration. And a few words about Pete Ricketts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brendan Shiller spent 20 or so years on the front lines for criminal justice reform as a lawyer in Chicago. And then he said the hell with it--and moved to Vegas to make his career as a poker player. The son of former Alderwoman Helen Shiller, Brendan makes his Ben Joravsky Show debut, talking about why he needed to take a break from Chicago. Also, how to reduce crime. And how to make money at the card table. Key advice--don't chase the cards. And...a few words about Chicago's casino.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Manny Ramos--investigative reporter for the Illinois Answers Project--talks SBF & FTX. That is--Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, his rogue crypto company. Or--how did this wheeler dealer, recently arrested for fraud, convince the Lightfoot administrate to celebrate using his money to run a financial training program for poor people. Financial advice from Bankman-Fried? What's next--bank security from Jesse James? Also, a few words about escalating real estate prices in Woodlawn, South Shore and other ...

In his waning moments as a state senator, Darren Bailey feels compelled to read from the Bible. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Jerrod Carmichael at Golden Globes. And Jim Coogan joins the conversation to talk MAGA congressional investigations, Biden’s missing documents, and various crimes of Trump. Get ready for a MAGA witch hunt.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 help us figure out what’s going on with…Elon Musk, Kevin McCarthy, and Kyrsten Sinema. Also, why did congressional Dems cave on the national security budget? And why are Republicans so determined to destroy Medicare and Social Security?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mario Smith—Promontory Box Office Manager and Lumpen radio talk show host—makes his debut. And he’s got a lot to say. Namely, defending Chicago’s honor from Ben’s harsh critique. Tough challenge. Don’t get him started on the topic of Herschel Walker.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 quits as his pals try to find nice things to say about him. Ben riffs. Reader political writer Kelly Garcia returns to discuss all things local politics. Including...Burke & Fred Hampton; Jesus "Chuy" Garcia filing for mayor; and aldermanic races in 12, 1, 11 & 25. Also, the MAGA vote--will it go for Willie Wilson or Paul Vallas?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 did some homework for the show. He went through clippings to put together a list of Trump's alleged crimes. Or the various crimes and investigations centered on Trump's misbehavior. It's a long list. And Jim takes us through each one. Starting with E. Jean Carroll's accusation that Trump raped her. And concluding with the phone call Trump made to election officials in Georgia in which the president asked them to throw away Biden votes. Burning question of the day--how is Trump not yet in prison?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AOC is seen trolling MAGA. Ben riffs. And it's "popcorn and champagne" for Monroe Anderson as he gleefully analyzes Kevin McCarthy's pathetic attempts to beg MAGA to elect him speaker. For once Dems are disciplined and Republicans are falling apart. It couldn't happen to a viler bunch. Is there a difference between MAGA and a cowardly Republican? Here's a suggestion--elect Trump as the speaker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The reporters on the New York Times are on a one-day strike. Ben riffs. And former 46th ward Alderwoman Helen Shiller talks about her new book--Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win. It's about her life on the front lines of lefty and independent politics in Chicago since the 1970s. What a great conversation...Harold Washington, Richard Daley, the Jesus People and more. Does she have any regrets? You have to listen to find out...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Council Wars is always on my mind. Ben and Maya riff. And Chris Scott, Chief Political Officer for Democracy for America, has Georgia and the midterms on his mind. What went wrong, what went right. How should Democrats deal with overtly racist Republican tactics? And what to do about Ohio? Or—how to win the Dave Chappelle voter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.