John Williams

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 has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take another short trip north and visit with Christine Rebout, Executive Director, Visit Edgerton! Christine tells us how accessible Edgerton is to many other areas in the Midwest, how people unwind when they visit, the terrific dining and drinking options in the Lake Koshkonong area, and the big festivals not to miss this summer! Want to win a weekend getaway to Edgerton. Visit the WGN Radio contest page for your chance!

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

Hamline University political science professor David Schultz and John Williams look at the Bill of Rights and discuss the strengths, weaknesses and challenges presented by this 235 year-old document. Today, John and David examine Amendments 3 and 4.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about two interviews that were making news this week: Scott Pelley’s interview with the New York Times and President Trump’s interview with Kristen Welker on ‘Meet the Press.’ What were the key takeaways from each interview? And how should the media be covering this administration? Graham Platner won the Democratic Senate primary in Maine and Cate believes this is a problem for the party. How about the rest of the Rascals? Next, the Rascals break down the latest drama surrounding the Bears stadium and the possibility the team moves to Indiana. Staying local, the Rascals discuss the transcripts from the controversial ‘Broadview 6’ grand jury proceedings. And finally, it’s time for the Rascals Recommendations! Oh, and we have some listener mail, too!

Noted Chicago attorney Christopher Parente, Partner, Cheronis & Parente, joins John Williams to talk about the release of the ‘Broadview Six’ grand jury transcripts. Christopher tells John why this case still matters, the misconduct by the U.S. attorney’s office, and why the prosecutors kept on coming back to the grand jury to push the case.

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 tells us how you can prevent fungus from overtaking your lawn while its hot and humid.

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 tells you how you can watch the World Cup (for free), what you need to know if you want to catch the hot White Sox, and the latest on the Paramount/Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

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

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the death of Bulls legend Stacey King, a new study that shows flu medications have the potential to reduce cognitive decline as well as premature aging in people living with HIV, and an experimental vaccine from Moderna and Merck showing promise in keeping deadly skin cancer from returning for years.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins Jon Hansen to talk about President Trump’s contentious interview with ‘Meet the Press,’ the reaction that President Trump received from fans at the Knicks vs. Spurs game, and to share his thoughts on the Bears possible move to Indiana.