Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joins John Williams to tell us what we need to know about REAL ID. Secretary Giannoulias recently launched a “Get A REAL ID” portal on the homepage of its website to determine if you need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins.

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

Liz Shulman, English teacher at Evanston Township High School and in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, joins John Williams once again to talk about the state of public education under the Trump administration, her thoughts on JB Pritzker wanting classrooms to be ‘screen-free,’ and the impact of AI and other technology on students.

Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins John Williams preview the upcoming Academy Awards to share his thoughts on the life and legacy of the great Gene Hackman.

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL 16) joins John Williams to talk about a wide variety of issues including the economy, the impact of tariffs, immigration, how DOGE is making cuts to the federal government, how his constituents have been affected by government cuts, if he believes Russia started the war in Ukraine, and why he believes America is in a good place right now.

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

Chief Trevor Herrmann, Hampshire Fire Protection District, joins John Williams to talk about his work on the force in Hampshire, the types of calls they typically receive, the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the long line of Herrmann’s who have worked for the Hampshire Fire Department, and why he’s happy to have spent his entire life in Hampshire.

Chief Douglas Pann, Hampshire Police Department, joins John Williams to talk about his career in the police force, the community support you see in a small town, how he has moved the department forward, the major issues they deal with on a daily basis, the emphasis on training officers, and the challenges of policing in 2025.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to tell us about another sweet treat about to take over the nation: The Chickpea Blondie! Dawn also explains the benefits of plant protein. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

Chris Collins, head basketball coach at Northwestern, joins John Williams and Dave Eanet to talk about the challenges the team has faced this season, how he is proud of the resiliency and fight of his players, the incredible leadership that the older players have shown this year, how deep the league has been this year, and the importance of the last three (two at home) games.