Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John Williams to talk about the ongoing war and the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iran, and to share his thoughts on the US soldier that was involved in the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro being arrested for winning $400,000 after allegedly betting on the operation.

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!

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 head down to the state capital of Illinois and chat with Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager, Visit Springfield! Amy talks about the ‘epic’ year in Springfield, the excitement for the Centennial Celebration for Route 66, some of the other highlights they have planned for late spring and early summer, and the best places to stay when you visit.

Axios Reporter and former WGN Radio host Justin Kaufmann joins John Williams to talk about Axios Chicago’s Best Chicago Duos tourney. Are Barack and Michelle Obama the greatest duo in Chicago history? But what about Bozo and Cooky??

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 award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals start the podcast this week talking about Darren Bailey, GOP candidate for governor, refusing to say that Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. Is it still viable to ask a candidate for office in 2026 about the integrity of the 2020 election? Next, the Rascals talk about redistricting efforts across the country after Virginia voters approved a new map that would would favor Democrats. Closer to home, Illinois is considering adopting a ‘millionaires tax’ to boost school funding and property tax relief. Where are the Rascals on the idea of raising taxes on millionaires? Also this week, FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic claiming false reporting about his drinking. Do the Rascals believe this lawsuit will go anywhere? Heading back to Illinois, Marj gets us up to speed on the Bears stadium negotiations.

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 John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says to make sure you get rid of the standing water on your grass, and discusses what you should know about mowing your lawn right now.

Dr. Tasha Arnold, Head of Alpha Schools, joins John Williams to talk about the opening of a Chicago school that will use AI for instruction. Dr. Arnold explains how the children will be learning, what a typical day at the school looks like, how instructors will teach the students, and the way AI makes school more efficient.

Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack, joins John Williams to explain why a ‘millionaires tax’ would be disastrous for the state of Illinois.

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