Austin Berg, Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about the verdict in the trial of former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan. Criminal defense attorney Michael Leonard also joins John to talk about the verdict. What were the big takeaways from the verdict?

U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL5) joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s decision to pardon former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, his thoughts on the first few weeks of the Trump administration, the influence Elon Musk is having on government, and his recent op-ed in the Tribune about the future of Gaza.

Leonard Goodman, Chicago criminal defense lawyer who represented Rod Blagojevich, joins John Williams to talk about his op-ed in the Tribune and his belief that the former governor deserved to be pardoned by President Trump.

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

Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about the markets continuing to hold steady, the strength of the market right now, the economic uncertainty that still exists, the effort to lift state SALT limits, an area in the market that looks good to him right now, and what you need to know as we head into tax season.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the intense flu period we are in right now and what we need to know to protect ourselves. Dr. Kopin also answers your medical questions.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Governor JB Pritzker’s future political plans, the first three weeks of the Trump administration, if he believes we should get rid of the penny, and the Chicago City Council debating a $1.25 million settlement for Dexter Reed, who was fatally shot by police in March of 2024.

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

State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) joins John Williams to talk about his ‘Bears Act’ legislation that would tie public funding to a sports team’s success. Rep. Morgan also comments on the breaking news that President Trump might pardon former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.

Emmy-award winning journalist Brandon Pope, of WCIU, joins John Williams to break down the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef. What do we need to know?