The Ben Joravsky Show

Filmaker Steve James talks about his latest documentary—A Compassionate Spy. It tells the story of Ted Hall, a brilliant scientist at Los Almos who actually did what the fantasies accused Robert Oppenheimer of doing—turning nuclear secrets over to the Soviets. It’s also a love story, featuring Joan Hall, Ted Hall’s wife, who was a poet and linguist and street smart woman from Chicago. One of Steve’s best films. 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 and Ben break it all down, including…Jerry Reinsdorf speaks. Do we agree with what he says? Why Bronzeville didn’t develop like Wrigleyville. Heated Hyde Park debate over asylum speakers. The Republican primary—is there any voter Delmarie can even remotely see herself voting for? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Hinton, investigative reporter for Block Club, joins Ben to explain or try to figure out what’s going on the news. Including…Garde World’s $29 million tent deal with the city. Interim police superintendent Fred Waller takes the fall for Sox Park shooting. Does Trump have a first amendment protected right to stir MAGA to threaten judges and witnesses? And should the US Senate have a dress code? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sox Park shooting exemplifies why it’s best to hold off on judgment until you know all the facts. Ben riffs. Radical firefighter Sam Holloway returns with a lefty’s take on Trump, Dems and fascist threats. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Johnson Administration inks a $29 million contract with a bunch of Right Wingers from Florida to build tents for asylum seekers. Ben tried not to lose his mind as he riffs. Why can’t we put Chicagoans to work? State Rep Kam Buckner weighs in on the deal. A few words on the end of cash bail. A few suggestions for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. And Kam tackles the Bears. Are they trying to destroy Justin Fields’ career? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tupac didn’t say the line Mayor Johnson said he said and boomer journalists have (too) much love for Dr. Arwady. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks White Sox threat to leave Chicago, crime, schools, Friday swim club and…golf? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several aldermen vote against accepting a federal grant to help cover the cost of taking care of asylum seekers. Ben tries to explain the inexplicable. Monroe Anderson talks Jann Wenner, West Point affirmative action, Hunter Biden and Republicans on UAW strike. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first Republican presidential debate was a case study in cowardice and deceit. And Roosevelt University political scientist David Faris has a field day, breaking it all down. Including their dancing, dodging denials on climate change, Trump’s coup and abortion. What a bunch of clowns. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA has a presidential debate last night, without the emperor. Ben riffs. Alderman Carlos Ramírez Rosa, Mayor Johnson’s city council floor leader, discusses the first 100 days of Mayor Johnson’s Administration. Including the Bring Chicago Home referendum, treatment not trauma, when he will reopen mental health clinics, photo ops with Mayor Rahm and firing Health Commissioner Arwady. Also, a word or two about Tupacgate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two Chicago lefties—Mueze Bawany and Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle—talk Bears. And it’s not good. Cause the Bears are awful. And Mueze is in pain over that cause he’s a lifelong fan. And Matt is delighted because he’s a—dare I say…he’s a Packers fan. He’s so happy that he composed a song special for this episode called—The Bears Suck. Which he sings. Then they start talking race and politics in the NFL. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Criminal defense attorney April Preyar joins Ben to run down the week’s with of news. Has Stacy Davis Gates replaced Kim Foxx as the Black woman MAGA loves to hate? No cash bail goes into effect Monday—what will happen? Does Jussie Smollett have a point? Yes, he’s back in the news. And liberals are conservatives who’ve been arrested. 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 Rummana Hussain ponders the summer’s big question: Why do men hate Barbie so much? Well, not all men. But MAGA men and MAGA wannabes, like Bill Maher. Is Barbie’s success a precursor of a Democratic victory? And does the Bear’s success indicate people have a healthier attitude toward therapy and treating mental illness? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Basketball analyst D’Frantz Smart returns to talk all things hoops, including…the WNBA’s strange attitude toward pregnant players, why the Lakers got swept, and the saga of Ja Morant. And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reader music writer Leor Galil explores the issue few Chicago leaders want to face—is Lollapalooza worth the time and trouble of turning over prime lakefront park space for a four-day music festival? Who benefits from the festival? Who pays the price? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Traditionally, the city’s northwest side has been controlled by an alliance of conservative Democrats and Republicans. Michael Rabbitt is trying to change that by challenging Jim Gardiner for Democratic committeeman of the 45th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.