John Williams

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, Jon Hansen has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a trip west and visit the scenic river town of Clinton, Iowa! Sarah Smith, Director of Placemaking and Tourism, Grow Clinton, tells Jon where Clinton is located, how the town is in the midst of a major revitalization, how they utilize their beautiful riverfront, the breathtaking views from Eagle Point Park, the rich history of Clinton, the great events they have coming up, and why fall is a great time to visit. Sarah reminds us that Clinton ‘is a hometown and a destination.’

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

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. Our small, but mighty podcast crew start the episode talking about Texas lawmakers coming to Illinois to avoid voting on a new legislative map that would favor the GOP. Governor Pritzker even went on with Stephen Colbert to talk about the issue! What are the Rascals takeaways? Next, the Rascals talk about Governor Pritzker signing a new bill that will boost the pensions of some Chicago police officers and firefighters. And finally, The Chicago Park District wants to move a portion of DuSable Lake Shore Drive underground. Do the Rascals like this proposal? If money were no object, how would the Rascals see the future of DLSD?

Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to discuss items that could be worth money. Brian talks about the value of items such as a Ryne Sandberg autographed bat, 1940’s silver quarters, and a Morgan dollar from the 1800’s! And as always, Brian urges you to ‘check it out before you throw it out!’

If you think you have items you’d like to have appraised, visit topcashbuyer.com or call (630) 969-9600

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

NHL Hall of Famer and Blackhawks great Jeremy Roenick joins Jon Hansen to talk about the centennial season for your Chicago Blackhawks, the rich history of the team, why he’s excited about the future of the Blackhawks, his charity Helping Hands Network, the work he is doing with Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery, and his spirit for every season, Whiskey in the Wild.

Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins Jon Hansen to talk about mortgage rates easing up, the impact of President Trump firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the overall health of the economy right now.

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.

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

Chicago Tribune chief political reporter Rick Pearson joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about Texas lawmakers coming to Illinois (and other states) to avoid a redistricting vote that would favor Republicans. Governor Pritzker says that it’s possible that Illinois may try to counter the GOP effort in Texas.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the dangers of wildfire smoke and what you need to know to protect yourself. Dr. Kopin also tells Jon about the importance of getting an early screening for colon cancer.