The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals being this week’s show talking about the House hearing with the mayors of New York, Boston, Denver, and Chicago about their ‘sanctuary city’ status. What did the Rascals takeaway from the hearing? It’s been a rough week for the markets because of uncertainty over tariffs. Is this just going to be a bump in the road or are we in for a rough economic ride? And do the Rascals believe President Trump is aiming for a third term? President Trump addressed the nation last night. What did the Rascals make of the address? Do the Rascals think the Democrats acted appropriately during the address? Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is making the rounds again. What is his next move politically? Will he run for mayor again? Governor? Or will he go for Senator Durbin’s senate seat? The Rascals break it down. And finally, what are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending, Brandon!) this week?

Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about how he helps customers lower their internet, cell phone, and television costs. And as always, Harvey answers all of your tech questions!

Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of February 2025! What was your favorite joke this month? And as always, John brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s address to Congress tonight, why he is attending the address when some of his colleagues are sitting it out, his thoughts on the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and the future of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs joins John Williams to talk about his Op-ed in the Daily Herald that suggests that tariffs are a tax attack on American workers.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about a federal judge granting a new trial on some counts in the “ComEd Four” case, Brandon Johnson appearing in DC to testify on Chicago’s sanctuary city status, what to expect during President Trump’s address to Congress, and Rahm Emanuel’s political future.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the measles outbreak now spreading to 9 states, the importance of vaccinations, flu season reaching its peak, and former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

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

Kamron Cox, Assistant Director of Athletics, Strategic Initiatives, University of Illinois, joins John Williams to talk about NIL (name, image, and likeness) in college athletics, how much athletes typically get in NIL money, if NIL is good for college sports, and what we should know about the House v. NCAA settlement.

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou says that early spring is a great time to look at the trees on your property and consider trimming either on your own or hiring a professional. Lou also shares his thoughts on the Academy Awards.

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