Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza joins John Williams to talk about why she wants to be the next mayor of Chicago. Comptroller Mendoza tells John why she decided to get into this race, the major issues that she thinks that need to be addressed including the importance of growing the economic base of the city, how she plans to handle teen takeovers, what she would do to keep the Bears in Chicago, if she believes Chicago should be a sanctuary city, and why she wants to amend the SAFE-T Act.

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 make a short trip out to the southwest suburbs and visit with Donna Framke, Marketing Director, Village of Tinley Park, and Hannah Gacek, Community Engagement Specialist, Village of Tinley Park! Donna and Hannah tell John where Tinley Park is located, why the town is known for music, some big name artists coming through this summer, the great events they have planned coming up, and the best places to stay when you make the trip!

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the best simple (and healthy) snacks, and to answer all of your health and nutrition questions.

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

Historian Clay Jenkinson and John Williams look at the Bill of Rights and discuss the strengths, weaknesses and challenges presented by this 235 year-old document.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, and Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel. The Rascals kick off the podcast discussing CBS firing ’60 Minutes’ correspondent Scott Pelley. What is the biggest takeaway from this story? Next, are kinks beginning to show in President Trump’s armor? The Rascals break down some of the administration’s recent losses. Locally, the Obama Presidential Center is set to open later this month. The Rascals offer their initial observations of the structure (and Brandon gives his review after visiting last week). Sticking to local issues, the Rascals discuss the latest on where the Chicago Bears will eventually play their home football games. Also, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced a run for Chicago mayor. What do the Rascals make of her candidacy? And what’s the latest on the Broadview 6? Finally, it’s time for the Rascals Recommendations! What should you be watching, reading, listening to this week?

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 the lack of rain is causing lawns and gardens to dry out so keep watering!

Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins John Williams to talk about FHFA Chair Bill Pulte being named acting director of national intelligence replacing Tulsi Gabbard, what’s going on with mortgage interest rates right now, total U.S. credit card debt nearing an all-time high, and the VA finalizing a new program to help veterans avoid foreclosure.

David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio. You can call him at 855-56-David, or check out the Team Hochberg website.

Illinois Senate GOP Leader John Curran joins John Williams to talk about the failure of the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation that would give the Bears a pathway to stay in Illinois. What’s next for the Bears stadium saga?  

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