The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals start today’s podcast discussing Senator Dick Durbin announcing that he won’t seek another term. Who do the Rascals believe is likely to make a run for his seat? And what will Durbin’s legacy be? The Rascals also discuss Governor JB Pritzker’s political future. Is Pritzker ready to make a run for president? The markets are having another seesaw week so the Rascals talk about how the new administration has been handling the economy. And what about the day-to-day chaos? What is sticking out the most to the Rascals right now? Finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending or not recommending this week?

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 says the weather has been tough this year, so what do you need to know about treating your lawn?

Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins John Williams to talk about the Trump administration’s big reset on student loans. Rae explains everything you need to know.

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

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

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the first season of Max’s ‘The Pitt,’ and if the ER scenes are actually what happens in the ER in real life. Then Dr. Kopin talks about pneumonia and what you should do to protect yourself.

Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins John Williams to talk about what features could be added to electric cars. Then Tom talks about why now is a good time to buy an EV.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the likelihood of Gov. JB Pritzker running for President and what his candidacy looks like.

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

Political historian Heather Cox Richardson joins WGN’s John Williams to discuss the current state of democracy and the responsibility of the American people in today’s political landscape. Heather and John then touch on Governor JB Pritzker and his future. Heather also talks about the upcoming Chicago Humanities Festival on April 27 at Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture.