John Williams

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

Connell McShane, anchor of “NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,” joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about President Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, as well as the votes in the Senate about the War in Iran and new UFO files.

Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about a new initiative that would provide $25,000 for first-time home buyers’ down payments if they have contributed two years of national service. Ambassador Emanuel also tells Jon if he believes the Bears would still be in Chicago if he were mayor, his working relationship with the governor of Illinois while he was in office, and what he wants to emphasize if he decides to run for President of the United States.

Dave Plier, WGN Radio host and Museum of Broadcast Communications Chairman, President & CEO, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the legacy of Stephen Colbert as he ends ‘The Late Show,’ how television and late night viewing habits are changing, the way many of these shows became more political, what exhibits you can currently see at the MBC, and CBS announcing next week that Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ set (along with his Emmy’s and archives) will be given to the MBC!

Kelly Amonte Hiller, head women’s lacrosse coach at Northwestern University, joins Jon Hansen and Andy Masur to talk about their powerhouse program, the excitement about hosting the Women’s Final Four this weekend, the wonderful opportunity for people to see lacrosse being played at the highest level, the pressure of being the number one seed in the Final Four, the athleticism and speed you’ll see from the players, and how the team is going to relish the moment of being in this position.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins Jon Hansen to talk about Memorial Day grilling upgrades! Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

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, filling in for John Williams, has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head to beautiful Mirror Lake State Park and visit with Bob Prosser, owner of Ishnala Supper Club! Bob tells Jon about the incredible views and landscape around Ishnala, why it’s a great place to unplug for a few hours, how long Ishnala has been around, the new spirit-free elixirs, and the importance of keeping traditions alive while also adapting to trends.

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

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker over the Bears stadium and other issues in Springfield. It’s Pritzker v. Johnson. Which side are the Rascals on? Next, the Rascals discuss Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong getting into it with a White Sox fan during the Crosstown Classic. What do the Rascals think of PCA’s behavior? Also this week, Governor Pritzker is getting some heat over his affordable housing initiative. Marj gets us up to speed on the controversy. Switching to national politics, the Rascals break down the results of recent primaries that proved that President Trump still has a hold on the GOP. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Nick Nagele, Co-Founder, Whiskey Acres Distilling Company in DeKalb, IL, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the release of their special limited-edition America’s 250th Anniversary bourbon. It’s truly history in a bottle! And keep your ears tuned just in case extra tickets are released for John Williams’ Speed Jokes Anniversary Party this June at Whiskey Acres!