John Williams

Joseph Vallez, Executive Director of the Bensenville Park District, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about their 4-H program at Fischer Farm, how the park district offers many different experiences even if you aren’t into sports, the beautiful White Pines Golf Course, the whole gamut of events at White Pines that aren’t golf related, and the new parks that have opened in the last couple of years.

Bensenville Mayor Frank DeSimone joins Jon Hansen (filling in for John Williams) to talk about the importance of community in Bensenville, some of the great events taking place in Bensenville over the next couple of months (including their incredible Halloween celebrations), how they take care of first responders, the revival of Bensenville’s downtown, how they have embraced being so close to O’Hare Airport, and why he wants to make sure every resident feels taken care of.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams (today, Jon Hansen) has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we escape to beautiful Michigan and visit with Brandy Miller, Executive Director, Pure Ludington! Brandy tells Jon about how Ludington is a beach town on Lake Michigan, why the sweet spot between summer and fall is the perfect time for a visit, the incredible opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing, the countless lodging options that are close to downtown or near Hamlin Lake, the expansion of the wineries in the area, and why it’s the perfect location for an easy long-weekend getaway.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about a recent Washington Post opinion piece saying that we should not lettuce any longer. What does Dawn think? Dawn also answers all of your food and nutrition questions!

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

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of the Steve Bertrand on Books podcast and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room (stay tuned for some BIG news from Brandon). This week, the Rascals begin the podcast honoring the life and legacy of the great Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. RIP. The Supreme Court backed President Trump’s executive order that would restrict mail-in voting. What does this mean for the upcoming midterm elections? Next, the Rascals discuss Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. What do the Rascals think of the U.S.-Canada trade war? Locally, a private group unveiled a plan to bring an express train that would bring travelers from downtown to O’Hare Airport in 15 minutes. Are the Rascals on board? Also, what’s going on with Enes Kanter Freedom and the WNBA? Why are we even talking about this? Power has finally been restored to most residents in Indiana. How has this been going on for so long? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending this week?

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with 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. Bob says that even though we are seeing cooler temperatures now, the forecast still calls for 90’s, so make sure to keep watering those lawns, trees, and shrubs.

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry talks about why he supports the ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ bill that will become law in September.

Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing, The Adler Planetarium, joins John Williams to talk about the next great telescope to go up into space and why you should care about it! Oh, and don’t forget about the partial lunar eclipse on Thursday! Michelle also gives us her review of ‘The Odyssey.’

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