John Williams

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author the The Last Ward, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. The Rascals begin the podcast breaking down the top stories from yesterday’s elections across the country. Are we seeing a blue wave? Next, the Rascals discuss the latest on Operation Midway Blitz and today’s hearing about the tactics used by law enforcement to detain alleged criminals. Last week Governor Pritzker used an F-bomb when talking about the Trump administration. Where are the Rascals on the use of heated language? U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia announced this week that he wouldn’t seek another term and is drawing criticism for leaving the seat to his chief of staff. Does this political move pass the smell test? Austin gets us up to speed on some of Mayor Johnson’s personnel decisions after it was learned that the former DCASE commissioner resigned after an HR investigation regarding harassment allegations. Finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage (COD), joins John Williams to talk about the relationship he has with Innovation DuPage, some of the companies that they have supported, how many companies they have accelerated because of their work, the importance of empowering small businesses in the community to grow and thrive, and what separates this program from other business incubators.

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.

Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins John Williams to talk about interest rates dropping, why he’s so upset with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s “real estate tax debacle,” the strategy being used by D.R. Horton Homebuilders, his concern over inflation, the labor market, and credit card debt, and what his forecast is for the real estate market moving forward.

David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio. You can call him at 855-56-David, or check out the Team Hochberg website.

Anthony Bowers, Major, Divisional Youth and Candidate Secretary, Assistant Camp Administrator for the Salvation Army’s Wonderland Camp, joins John Williams to talk about the work he does with the Salvation Army, when he decided to join the Salvation Army, the most important part of the Wonderland Camp, how long the camp lasts, some of the activities that take place during camp, how many kids they accommodate, how much the camp costs, and the amazing transformation that happens to kids during their time at Wonderland Camp.

Your donations to The Salvation Army will help keep families in their homes, put food on their tables, and brighten the holidays for children. And all gifts stay local to the Chicagoland area. Last year, The Salvation Army provided nearly 1 million meals, 400,000 cases of emergency assistance, and over 160,000 bags of groceries to neighbors in need. Click here to donate to John’s kettle!

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected].

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Rep. Chuy Garcia announcing at the last minute that he won’t run for reelection leaving the door open for his chief of staff to win the seat. Eric also breaks down election day across the country. What are the races we need to be paying attention to? And what did Eric think of President Trump’s ’60 Minutes’ interview? Later in the program, John read an interview that Rep. Garcia did with Rich Miller where the congressman explains the timing of his decision.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the importance of getting vaccinated for flu and COVID (especially for the older population), and a new study that shows the risk of a heart attack triples within the first few weeks after a Covid-19 infection. Dr. Kopin also answers all of your medical questions.

Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John Williams and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of October 2025! What was your favorite joke this month? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]

Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about how he helps customers lower their internet, cell phone, and television costs. Harvey breaks down the battle between YouTube TV and Disney. To request a free Tech Check: [email protected] or call 312-307-1700.