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.

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to inform listeners about organic fertilizers for new plants at home. Lou talks about which products to use when transplanting existing trees and shrubs this spring. Lou also answers your home improvement questions.

Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.

Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter senior correspondent, joins WGN’s John Williams to discuss the death of Pope Francis and the impact he left behind. Heidi also talks about the next steps in electing a new pope.

Attorney Rich Lenkov, Capital Member, Downey & Lenkov, and co-host of “Legal Face-Off” on wgnradio.com, joins John Williams to talk about a few legal issues in the news today including the Chicago City Council voting to ban those who took part in the January 6th insurrection from holding a city job and if the mother of the suspected FSU shooter could be charged with a crime.

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

Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing, The Adler Planetarium, joins John Williams to talk about a team of scientists finding hints of life on on a massive planet that orbits a star 120 light-years from Earth.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about some healthy and delicious ideas for your Easter meal. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions!

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head over to the great state of Michigan and visit with Linda Hart, Executive Director of the Holland Area Visitors Bureau! Linda talks about what Holland is most known for, the Tulip Festival coming up in May, why they are a great vacation destination all year long, the best places to eat and drink when you visit, the wonderful recreation available including bike trails and water sports, the beautiful Oz sculpture garden, and the multiple events they have this summer!

Enter to win a weekend getaway to Holland MI here!

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, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start the podcast talking about the City of Chicago not approving a $1.25 million settlement to the family of Dexter Reed, who was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop. Do the Rascals think the city made the right decision? Teen takeovers are continuing to make news and the Chicago City Council seemingly have reached a compromise over a stricter curfew in the Loop. What do the Rascals think of these takeovers and the impact that lowering the curfew has on crime? Illinois lawmakers are debating a bill that would tighten homeschooling regulations in Illinois. Do the Rascals think the bill is reasonable? And finally, the Rascals talk about Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia being wrongly deported to El Salvador. Is this an attraction or a distraction?