John Williams

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker over the Bears stadium and other issues in Springfield. It’s Pritzker v. Johnson. Which side are the Rascals on? Next, the Rascals discuss Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong getting into it with a White Sox fan during the Crosstown Classic. What do the Rascals think of PCA’s behavior? Also this week, Governor Pritzker is getting some heat over his affordable housing initiative. Marj gets us up to speed on the controversy. Switching to national politics, the Rascals break down the results of recent primaries that proved that President Trump still has a hold on the GOP. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Nick Nagele, Co-Founder, Whiskey Acres Distilling Company in DeKalb, IL, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the release of their special limited-edition America’s 250th Anniversary bourbon. It’s truly history in a bottle! And keep your ears tuned just in case extra tickets are released for John Williams’ Speed Jokes Anniversary Party this June at Whiskey Acres!

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. Looking to sell an old coin that you have around the house? What about that gold that you’ve been meaning to sell? Do you have some World War II or World’s Fair memorabilia? How about a signature from former Mayor Harold Washington? Brian answers your questions!

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

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, who joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says to keep your eyes out for fungus colonies with the recent hot, humid weather.

It’s time to “Ask a Plumber.” Center Guard Plumbing’s Mike Epping joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to answer listener questions about water leaks, cleaning faucets and drains, replacing hoses, and toilet flushing.

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

Joabe Barbosa, an avid runner originally from Brazil who is a Roosevelt University doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about being a great ambassador for the city as he continues to run the streets of Chicago, and the good news he received on his effort to remain in the United States.

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, Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head west and visit with Marya Pennington, Marketing Director for Visit Billings, Montana! Marya tells Jon about the incredible landscape in Billings, how Billings is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, why Billings is a great place to connect with history, the great arts and culture scene in the area, the fabulous restaurants and bars to visit, where you can stay when you spend time in Billings, and the major events they have planned for the summer.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about how concerned we need to be about hantavirus and Ebola, how some people on weight loss medication are seeing ‘muscle wasting,’ the importance of being able to talk candidly to your primary care physician, and when you should think about consulting a urologist.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the feud between Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on the Bears stadium and what’s going on in Springfield, why the Democrats need to get their act together ahead of the election, and his thoughts on the primary election in Kentucky and why it’s another test of President Trump’s muscle.