Podcast appearances and mentions of ben joravsky

South Park's creators show there are other ways to deal with King Donnie--other than kissing his ring. Ben riffs. Kevin Blackistone talks about the impact of media mergers on media independence. Also, the latest on Washington, DC football arena. Trump orders the Washington Commanders to change their name to the Redskins or he won't let them build a new arena. Mayor Bowser walks a fine line as she tries to keep the stadium deal alive without selling out everything she believes in. Finally, a few words about RG3, who apparently figured out what a sports talking-head must do to make a name for himself. Hint--it's the opposite of what the South Park's creators did. Kevin is a columnist for the Washington Post, a journalism professor and proud alumnus of the Chicago Reporter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm and Governor Shapiro have harsh words for Zohran Mamdani, but silence as kids starve in Gaza. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks Gaza, Israel, Dems and Mamdani. And why Netanyahu telling Trump he's nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize just may be the the most cynical act of suck up in the history of politics. Also, a few words about Epsteingate. Miles is in the middle of talking conspiracies when a passing thunder storm shuts down Ben's computer. Cue the X Files music. Miles is an editor and writer for In These Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently, Trump's Justice Department and Ghislaine Maxwell are playing footsie--got nothing but nice things to say about each other. Ben riffs. Monroe says what he thinks they're saying without them coming right out and saying. If you dig what I mean. Get ready for Espteingate to transform into pardongate. In the middle of our recording, the Wall Street Journal breaks another about Trump and Epstein story. "Justice Department told Trump in May that his name is among many in Epstein files." Damn, Murdoch's not scared. Tulsi Gabbard attacks Obama on behalf of King Donnie. Let's see how MAGA spins this stuff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another day, another story links Trump to Epstein. Ben riffs. Joanna Klonsky talks creeps in politics.. Trump being the face of this type. And Bill Clinton. Speaking of which--why do Dems still suck up to Clinton? And why didn't Merrick Garland release the Epstein files? What is the playbook pols follow to divert attention from their misbehavior? What does Mayor Rahm mean when he tells Megyn Kelly he will be the "strong man" America needs? There's so much to talk about, we don't get to WNBA players making their move to get paid more. Next time. Joanna is a political and communications strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Dr D cruise all over the place as they survey a week's worth of news. Including...Cleveland, where Mayor Johnson meets with other mayors. And Springfield, where Governor Pritzker runs for president and governor. And Kerry Wood Field, where aldermen play police in softball. And CTA trains, where Mayor Johnson tries to crack down on smoking. And MAGAland, where Megyn Kelly records her show. And a Chicago landfill, or wherever Mayor Rahm buried the Laquan McDonald video. And Kumbaya, a song Mayor Rahm swears he does not know. Though he also swears he never saw the Laquan McDonald video before he buried it. And the Sky bandwagon, which Ben jumped aboard, after he saw them get clobbered the other night. Proving that Ben will support any Chicago team, especially if it's losing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zohran Mamdani plans to build a grocery store in a food desert--mainstreamers lose their minds. Ben riffs. Mueze Bawany returns! And promptly compares Mayor Johnson to the Z-man. And explains why he's going to New York City to campaign for Mamdani. Also, he tries to convince Ben to give millennials a break--even if they no nothing about the parking meter deal. What's the worst sports deal in Chicago history and what's the worst political deal in Chicago. Why Chicagoans love bad mayors. And why Mueze is optimistic about the Bears. Mueze is a school teacher, a coach and an activist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump tries to bamboozle MAGA on Epstein by asking the court to unseal grand jury testimony. Is MAGA so dumb as to fall for this ruse? Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain weighs in. Also, "good" versus "bad" Muslims. A few words about Zohran Mamdani who answers the intifada question--again! Why do capitalists hate socialism so much? Finally, Ben welcomes Yuki Kawamura to the Bulls. Rummana is a 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.

Espteingate rises from the swamp--again. Ben riffs. David Faris offers his thoughts. Is there a list of clients? Did Epstein try to blackmail the rich and powerful deviants who flocked to his perverted world? Did he get murdered? Also, the cognitive dissonance of MAGA cultists who simultaneously despise the crimes of Epstein and worship the man who hung with him. Finally, did King Donnie really use the word enigma in a birthday card to Epstein? On a different front--the utterly wretched budget bill. Trump "punishes" the elite by giving them a big tax break. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for 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.

Ben and Dr D return! Just in time to talk nepotism. Or meet the new alderman—same name as the old alderman. And Comptroller Mendoza says she's running for mayor. Sorta. And JB selects a running mate--Christian Mitchell. Who may be acting Governor Mitchell, should JB run for president. Speaking of running for president, Mayor Rahm rewrites more history. And Raja leads in the money race in the senate campaign. And Ben apologizes to Laura Fine for saying she's from Wilmette. Not that there's anything wrong with being from Wilmette. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the name of budget reform, Michael Madigan's favorite alderman messes with Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette returns to explain the ins and outs of Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” How it impacts Medicaid, taxes, the deficit, food stamps, state and municipal taxes, ICE and military spending. Dylan is the vice president of Policy and Government Affairs for the Project On Government Oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lefty wins in New York, the Supremes go MAGA. Ben riffs. Denali explains the difference between New York and Chicago politics. And more. Raised in NY, Denali is a political activist in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump sues federal judges because he disagrees with their rulings. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan explains the difference between appealing a judge's ruling you disagree with and suing the judge for making that ruling. One is constitutional. The other is not. Unless, of course, the Supremes say—ah, the hell with the constitution, let's give the boss what he wants. Also, the Emil Bove threat. And governors versus Trump on the national guard. Jim is founding partner of Coogan Gallagher.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speaking for corporate Dems everywhere, Lawrence Summers says he's "profoundly alarmed" about the future of our country in light of Mamdani's victory--as if being alarmed isn't strong enough. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks about the "Iron Law of Oligarchy." That's Marc Andreesen's theory about democracy. Which is taken from a book Andreesen once read. Andreesen is a fabulously wealthy venture capitalist. His theory basically says that everything he believes is true because he believes it. About the only thing Marc Sims and Andreesen have in common is their first name. Also, the state of State. That's 115th and State on the far south side. Marc is host of Just A Few Questions, a Chicago-based podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zohran Mamdani, the young lefty, beats Andrew Cuomo, the old centrist, in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary. Ben riffs. Monroe talks about the irony of Mayor Eric Adams, a Black man, running an updated version of Bernie Epton's vote-for-me-before-it's-too-late campaign. Earthquake makes his Ben Joravsky Show debut--sorta. On how MAGA believes anything Trump tells them--even if it contradicts whatever he told them the day before. You gotta laugh, to keep from crying.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mainstream Dems seem madder at Mamdani than they are at Trump. Ben riffs. David Faris explains his latest theory, the Trump cycle. And how it applies to the bombing of Iran. Also, the fallacy of bombing as an alternative to negotiation. The MAGA split. The post hoc MAGA rationalization Machine for whatever stupid thing Trump comes up with. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for 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.

It was roughly ten years ago that Trump announced he was running for president. Everyone laughed. Turns out the joke was on us. Ben riffs. Ray Hanania explains the essence of Trump. Or at least what Trump wants. Then it's Ray on Israel, Iran, Gaza and why Arabs in the Middle East say they like Trump. A few words about Alderman RayLo. And another round of the ageless Ben/Ray debate--is a politician a racist if he "only" exploits fears and prejudices? Ray is a political consultant, comedian, publicist and columnist. You can read his columns on Substack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Dr D talk all the big political news of the week. But first--a word about basketball. Bulls, my goodness, what are you doing with the draft? Are you trying to lose? Sorry about that sports interlude. Now back to politics. The Young Turk makes a compelling point about Trump and creditors. Everyone thinks Dan Biss will win in the 9th. But don't count out Bushra Amiwala. Why do Evanstonians think they're better than Skokieans? Hint--money has something to do with it. Speaking of money...Governor Pritzker announces he's running for re-election. Apparently, he thinks being governor enhances his chance of getting elected president. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm continues his rhetorical war against the left. Apparently, he thinks hating Democratic voters is the best way to win the Democratic presidential nomination. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As soon as Trump drops bombs on Iran, the "no-war" wing of MAGA falls into line--just like we knew they would. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns! Talking about the Trump shit show--shoulda voted for Kamala, people. And America's fear and hatred of Black women. And why we never run out of money to bomb people, but call money spent on schools a waste. And how Mayor Johnson is doing a better job. And her opposition to snap curfews. Also--a shoutout to Jay Travis and a nice word about Alderman Hopkins. Welcome back, JT!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump bombs Iran. Ben riffs. Sara Haghdoosti describes the stakes with a personal touch. She has friends and or family in Iran and Israel. She explains the absurdity of the moment. Trump says he'll cut a new deal having ripped up the old deal. People still listen to Netanyahu as though he has any credibility. And armchair analysts act as though the innocent Iranians killed by bombs aren't real humans. Sara also cautions Democrats against cynicism. Sara is the executive director of Win Without War.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In his debate with Ted Cruz over Iran, Tucker Carlson discovers logic. Ben riffs. Skokie School Board Member Bushra Amiwala explains why she's running in the Democratic Primary for congress in the 9th congressional district. At age 27, she's one of youngest elected officials in the country. She talks about education, religious toleration, and the issues she learned in a very diverse--and proud of it--Niles North High School. She breaks down the district to illustrate why she thinks she can win.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D are back from their world travels, which means they're about to take you--oh, lucky listeners--on a political joy ride you'll never forget. Strap on your seat belts, people--it may get bumpy. Follow us as we head to the 9th congressional district. As Ben learns it's not just Evanston versus Wilmette. Then on to budgetville as Governor Pritzker signs a budget. Visit the land of "anticipated revenue". Make bets on who's getting taxed. Finally, over to Chicago, where a new poll shows good, or at least better, news for Mayor Johnson. And the aldermen debate curfews. And Mayor Rahm feeds a scoop to his favorite reporter. Hint--it's not Ben.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 Trump EPA's goals is to boost domestic auto sales. Cause you can't spell Environmental Protection without auto. Oh, wait, you can. Ben riffs. Ellie Hagen explains Trump's war on Environmental Justice. Apparently, he's okay with the word environmental and the word justice. But if you put them together, his MAGA mind explodes cause that's "woke"! Ellie used to be a scientist for the EPA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump throws himself a charade--I mean, parade. Ben riffs. Antonio Correa talks hypocrisy in America. Such as...MAGA's selectivity in enforcing immigration law. Send the Marines to LA, look the other way in Red States. Joe Rogan wimps out out on the Trump-Epstein connection. And the joke of Trump's parade--designed to throw fear into the hearts of Americans. Particularly those of the non-MAGA persuasioin. Also, Antonio and Ben dissect recent news bits.Antonio is a former Marine and The Ben Joravsky Show's Military Affairs correspondent--cause every podcast has to have one. He's also a senior digital strategist for Heartland Signal. Thanks for the audio clips, Heartland.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago's own Jasmine Wright asks a pertinent question and Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, goes full MAGA--turns out Jasmine was correct. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks national guard and Marines in LA, Trump's non-existent border "crisis", the Tribune's chronic wimpiness, and how Terry Moran updated the great Lu Palmer's adage. Fascism is enough to turn a mainstreamer into a real journalist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's goons tackle and cuff U.S. Senator Alex Padilla for the high crime of trying to ask Kristi Noem a question. Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin explains what Trumps is up to with his wars against Los Angeles, California, Democrats, Mexican-Americans and immigrants in general. How should Democrats respond? Also, a shout out to Governor Gavin Newsom who is at the forefront of the resistance in Cali. Alejandro is a political strategist and founder of the Nineteen Sixty Campaigns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Lock Up The Immigrants shows he has a soft spot for gangsters. Ben riffs. Alvin Tillery explains the politics of pardons, the Kanye-Trump connection, and how Trump embraces anti-Semites while pretending to fight anti-Semitism. And more. Al is the co-founder and CEO of 2040 StrategyGroup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump takes a stand for property owners—provided they are white and from South Africa. Ben riffs. Emeline Posner explains the bizarre inequities in Illinois property tax law that allow “investors” to buy control of someone else's property. It's an old and sordid flaw in a system that allows the strong to pray on the weak. It's also unconstitutional in light of a recent ruling by the supremes. Emeline is an investigative reporter for the Investigative Project on Race and Equity. For more information, read the article Emeline co-wrote with Carlos Ballesteros for Injustice Watch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Madigan approaches his sentencing date for”corruption”. Ben riffs. Kam Buckner joins the conversation, talking Madigan sentencing, Bears stadium (lots on that), RTA funding, and advice for Gov Pritzker. Also, who he supports in the senate race and a Juliana Stratton trivia contest. Kam is a state rep from Chicago and former offensive lineman for the University of Illinois. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk exits stage MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris sums up the legacy of Musk. Which smells like it sounds. Also, The Big And Beautiful Bill Act. Don't need bill if you have act. But don't tell Trump. And a dissertation on the low-information voter as opposed to the bad-information voter. And the problem with Dems falling in line. David is political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate. 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.

Another day, another Trump pardon. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a Trump pardon trivia quiz. Sample question...which pardoned felon was the sheriff who took $75,000 from business men for badges? As opposed to the married couple who defrauded banks into giving them $36 million in personal loans. And so on. The Sun-times says Mayor Johnson "fans flames of political war vs. Trump." Has the Bright One gone MAGA? Monroe deconstructs the headline. And makes a prediction about the next big Trump pardon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Mayor Lightfoot takes to the Hideout stage and find her inner Bernie Sanders. Hey, every ex-mayor has one. Okay, not Rahm. Or Daley. But still. Ben riffs. Gregory Pratt annotates Lightfoot's comments on such subjects as Gavin Newsom, Mayor Rahm, Lincoln Yards, the 2020 summer of disorder and the best way to deal with Trump. Also what did the mayor say to Greg when they ran into each other on the street. Greg is a reporter for the Tribune and the author of the City Is Up For Grabs, a book about Lightfoot's four years as mayor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump bunch at Homeland Security and ICE withhold arrest records from the "Dr. Phil" raids in Chicago. Ben riffs. And Mick Dumke explains what he's doing about it. In this case--tag teaming with Matt Topic, FOIA lawyer extraordinaire, to file a federal suit in an attempt to force the feds to turn over public records. Everything you need to know about ICE, Homeland Security, FOIA law and Dr. Phil. Okay, not him. But all the other stuff. Also, a few words about Bruce Springsteen's stand against Trump. Mick is an investigative reporter and editor for Block Club. 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.

Ben and Dr D dissect all the news that's worth dissecting. Including...Round II of Trump v Mayor Johnson. In which the Sun-Times sides with Trump. Man, liberals aren't what they used to be. Also, Mayor Rahm throws Joe Biden under a bus, even though Joe saved what's left of Rahm's career. Just call him Rahm the Ungrateful. Bears learn about TIFs. Hoping Arlington Heights funds their stadium. In election-related news, Raja plays humble. Casten endorses Biss. Kat gets threats. And JB sorta gets an endorsement. And welcome to the show, Aunt Nancy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A New York Times poll shows that the less voters know about Trump, the more they like him. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette talks waste and fraud. He's spent his working life in pursuit of bi-partisan solutions to waste and fraud and what has he received for his efforts as of late? His recommendations get ignored by the Trump administration and he's been vilified and maligned by Musk's cultists, of the human and robot variety. Dylan is vice president of Policy and Government Affairs for the Project on Government Oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Somehow MAGA Chicago took an already horrific hate murder of two Jewish people and made it worse. Ben riffs. Jeff Jenkins talks about federal budget cuts that have threatened the Midnight Circus, which he stages in parks throughout Chicago. Why would Trump cut funding for a circus that brings laughter, joy and kindness to people? It's part of his mindless cuts to The National Endowment for the Arts. Also, Jeff talks about Canines for Kindness, his dog-rescue program. He brings rescued and rehabilitated dogs--many of whom had been trained to kill or be killed--into schools to show children there are other alternatives to hate and cruelty. Finally, a tribute to Bear, the family dog who died the other day. If you want more information about Jeff's program, go to canines4kindness.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump plans a big ol' parade. Ben riffs. Charles Henderson returns to talk the state of America on Memorial Day. Including...Trump's newfound "pacifism". Why Kamala Harris lost. Would Biden have done any better? Royko's Boss. The GI Bill then and now. Congressman John Rankin's not-so-pretty legacy. And Ben's Rhode Island past. Charles is an Army Desert Storm vet and an activist in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D tell you everything you need to know about the week's worth of news. Including...Dolton wants to buy the Pope's house. Call it eminent domain, people. Jake Tapper promotes his book. Is he a salesman or a newsman? Property taxes going up. Trump trolls Mayor Johnson and the mayor trolls Trump. Ben wants too know--why won't MAGA show love for Brandon for bringing NASCAR to Chicago? Also, senate and congressional campaign updates. Is Dan Biss really an Evanstonian just cause he's the mayor of Evanston? Finally, the Doctor tells the story of his Grandpa Joe's words of wisdom about the sudden demise of Barney the St. Bernard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harvard proposes to replace one kind of diversity with another—anything to talk Trump into stop taking away their federal funding. Ben riffs. Monroe explains what Trump really means by diversity. Also, a few words about Original Sin, the new book about a Joe Biden's dementia. How can you cover up something that everyone sees? And why do reporters--like the authors of this book--let sources, who have nothing of significance to lose by being quoted, hide behind anonymous quotes? .See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago's population went up. Ben riffs. Alden Loury clarifies and explains the demographics. He goes on to annotate and explicate his Sun-Times column about his experience as a homeowner in Auburn Gresham on the South Side. His conclusion? "The tried-and-true beliefs we hold about American capitalism just don't apply quite the same for Black Americans." Alden is a columnist for the Sun-Times and an editor for WBEZ. 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.

Qatar gives Donnie a $400M luxury jet. Ben riffs. Adolfo Mondragon returns! The professor is in the studio--law professor, that is. Take out your pens and notebooks and take notes as the lawyer who took constitutional law from President Obama talks habeas corpus, the emolument clause and ordo amoris. Also, a few words about JD Vance, the pope's MAGA brother and Babe Ruth. Adolfo is a lawyer in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr. D consumed all the news so you don't have to! You're welcome. Let's start with…the new parking meter deal, same as the old parking meter deal. Ben's advice to city hall reporters—call Mick! Mayor Lightfoot returns. Scrapheap Rahm dumps on Biden. The senate race update. Robert Peters wins over Bernie. And it's Wilmette versus Evanston in the race to replace Congresswoman Jan, aka The Big Schakowski. Apologies Coen Brothers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city forces whoever runs Trump Towers to open its sidewalks to the public. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks May Day protests and tariff madness--turns out there is no logic to MAGA's trade policy. And the great trade-off capitalism offers American workers: Lower wages for lower prices. Thanks to Trump there will be lower wages and higher prices. An ode to a four-day work week. Miles is a writer and editor for In These Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Miner, one of Chicago's great journalists, died this month. Ben pays tribute. Delmarie Cobb explains how the media really works in this town. It isn't always pretty. The blasphemy of Trump. Stephen A Smith asks Trump a question about Harvard. And Trump responds by talking about riots in Harlem. What? In this case, Trump knew what he was doing. Delmarie is a political strategist and media consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apparently, Trump's nominee for surgeon general is not nutty enough for MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris explains MAGA's strange double standard on vaccines. They hate Covid shots but are ok with flu shots. If MAGA hates mandates, why are they so passive about the Real ID? Is there any logic to anything MAGA does? A mea culpa about lefty illogic. Speaking of nutty illogic, Trump's recent pronouncement on tariffs. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his ownSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D get biblical. Well, they talk about the new pope. Or more specifically—is he from Chicago or Dolton or Holland, Michigan? Also, since when did Chicagoans get so religious? Fran Spielman asks Mayor Johnson the tough question: Did you lose weight by dieting or taking diet pills? And the Real ID. Is it real or fake? Finally, the update on the senate race. Who's in? Who's sitting on the fence? And what activities did Dick Durbin do in high school?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA says Trump should be pope. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks about the new hate. Out in the open. Even in Glenview. Maybe it's not so new after all. Also a guide to the north shore, including Evanston, Lincolnwood and Northbrook. Why do suburbanites feel entitled to access libraries, parks and beaches in Chicago, while keeping Chicagoans out of their towns? Rummana is a 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.

Trump calls Bezos to say--Jeff, old buddy old pal, don't mention the tariffs, if you know what's good for you. Ben riffs. Is a tax a tax if we don't think we're paying it? Sylvia Ewing talks strategies to follow to keep from losing your mind while saving the country. A few words about our the country's way of cutting off its nose to spite its face. A question for older Dems--how can we miss you, if you don't go away? Sylvia is Vice President of Journalism and Media Engagement at Public Narrative.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 100 days in office, Trump puts his conflicts of interest right in our face, almost like he's proud of them. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson asks what if the mainstreams covered Trump with as much as conviction and outrage as they cover Mayor Johnson. Then he asks why they don't. Hint—race and money have something to do with it. Also, teen curfew in Chicago. And Ben and Monroe see Sinners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr D take a trip to Hollywood and New Hampshire, following Governor Pritzker wherever he goes in his non-announced campaign for President. Along the way, they stop in Chicago to talk about Mayor Johnson's radio career. Then they go back on the JB beat. Did Pritzker's pals really say bad things about Lauren Underwood? Who fed that story to the press? And does Jimmy Kimmel really think he can out dance JB Travolta?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The question must be asked--is there a method to Trump's madness? Ben riffs. David Faris explains the theory of escalating to de-escalate. Which is the closest thing to a strategy Trump may have. Then he riffs on, in no particular order, Bill Maher's blues, political correctness, Godwin's Law, Jerome Powell, "liberation day" tariffs and the Black Mirror episode that sums up our times. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek and Slate. 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.