Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the economic impact of President Trump’s visit to China, the fragile nature of the job market, if he’s concerned about the ongoing war in Iran and the possibility of stagflation, the three things he’s currently worried about in the economy, and the importance of continuing to contribute to your financial plan.

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about President Trump’s visit to China. What did President Trump achieve from the visit? Connell also tells Jon how Republicans are shifting their talking points on higher gas prices.

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

Libbey Dean, White House Correspondent, NewsNation, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to tell us everything we need to know about President Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Austin Happel, Research Biologist at the Shedd Aquarium, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about a Chicago resident pulling an American eel from the Chicago River.

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 has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head on over to ‘the beginning of northern’ Michigan and visit with Brandy Miller, Executive Director, Pure Ludington! Brandy tells Jon where Ludington is located, the amazing outdoor experiences that are available, the charm of the community of Ludington, how everything in Ludington is walkable, why it’s a great spot for families, and the big events they have planned for this summer.

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 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 start with the attractions and distractions of Donald Trump from musing about Venezuela as the 51st state, the Capitol reflecting pool, downplaying Americans’ economic struggles and whether journalists should keep highlighting every off-the-cuff remark. The group compares today’s hantavirus scare to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and debate what public-health leaders got right and wrong about it all. Then, back home in Chicago, they dig into McDonald’s buying the naming rights to the Chicago Fire’s planned downtown stadium and if it makes marketing sense. The conversation shifts to why gas prices are so high, who profits at the pump, and how taxes and oil markets shape what drivers pay. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Two-time Emmy-nominated actor and Chicago native Matt Walsh joins John Williams to talk all about his role on Veep, improv, and why the show rewards a second viewing. Walsh shares stories from growing up on the South Side, his die-hard fandom for the Chicago Bears (but not a baseball team… yet) and testing material at college stand-up clubs. He also previews his Bluebird Improv show at The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building on Saturday, May 16th, a one-night-only show built entirely from audience stories. Tickets are available at https://www.fineartsbuilding.com/events/bluebird-improv/

After some crazy storms in the Chicago area, Green Attic Roofing co-owner/CEO Andrei Turea joined John Williams to discuss the signs you should look for before getting your roof checked out. Green Attic will also guide you through the insurance process, talk to the adjusters, and they offer solar as well. Listen for more below:

Visit GreenAtticRoofing.com for more info and to schedule a free estimate! You can also call them at 847-613-1731.