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, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head to northwestern Illinois and visit with Ken Williams, Mayor of Oregon, Illinois! Mayor Williams talks about the small town charm of Oregon, how far Oregon is from the Chicago area, the stunning rolling hills, the beautiful drive along the Rock River, the best places to eat in the area (including a place that will take you right back to the set of ‘American Graffiti’), the variety of places you can stay during your visit, the unique shopping at the antique mall, why a trip to the Nachusa Grasslands is a must, where you can see pretty fall colors, and all the events that are planned for the fall.

“Jungle” Jay Christie, Owner, Safari Lake Geneva, joins John Williams to talk about what type of animals you can see when you visit, how Safari Lake Geneva differs from a traditional safari or a zoo, the way you can visit some of the smaller animals on foot, the best way to book an outing, and why it’s the perfect outing for all ages.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner tells John what you should know about protein bars, a new study that shows how alcohol and soda are associated with more hair loss, what type of milk she says is best, and the new trend of ‘fibermaxxing.’ Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about why he believes the National Guard should come to Chicago to help curb violence. Corey also tells John the progress he’s making in the effort to build his opportunity center on the South Side and why he’s walking across America to raise awareness and funds for his cause. You can donate to the effort here.

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, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute and The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about President Trump possibly sending the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime. Do the Rascals think deploying the National Guard to the streets of Chicago is a good way to deter violence? Austin wrote a piece for City Journal that suggests state leaders should change the law to allow municipalities to enter Chapter 9 bankruptcy to clean up the city’s finances. Do the rest of the Rascals think bankruptcy is a viable option? Marj recently wrote an opinion piece in Crain’s about a new Chicago Fire stadium at the 78, and explains why she still has some reservations about the project. There were a lot of distractions this week from the Trump administration including the ban on flag burning, Fed governor removal, the Cracker Barrel logo controversy, etc. The Rascals break them all down. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joins John Williams to talk about President Trump saying he wants to send the National Guard to Chicago to combat violence. AG Raoul explains what conditions would need to be met for the National Guard to be deployed to the city, the benefits of ongoing collaboration with federal law enforcement, what might happen if the National Guard did come to Illinois, and why he’s not opposed to help from the federal government to fight crime.

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 is loving the cooler weather and how it’s perfect for seeding right now.

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry talks about the legislation being proposed in Illinois that deals with end of life options for terminally ill patients. What exactly is medical aid in dying?

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]. And let’s give a rousing ‘huzzah’ to the great Dave ‘dung beetle’ Eanet, for his wonderful contributions to Speed Jokes through the years. We’ll miss ya!