Nicholas Sikora, Chief of Police, Elburn Police Department, joins John Williams to talk about his career in law enforcement, the importance of community policing, the great support they receive from the people in Elburn, what it’s like being the chief of police in Elburn, and the biggest challenge of running the police force right now.

Cassy Kutilek, Curator of Large Mammals and Carnivores, Lincoln Park Zoo, joins John Williams to talk about the zoo welcoming Hazina, a 6-week old eastern black rhinoceros!

Illinois Senate GOP Leader John Curran joins John Williams to talk about the suspect in the killing of a CPD officer being out on electric monitoring. Senator Curran explains that the prior to the implementation of the SAFE-T Act, the suspect in the shooting would likely have been detained for his previous crimes. Leader Curran also talks about the Supreme Court decision on voting rights and what it means for redistricting in Illinois.

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, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we are treated to another visit from the always delightful Stephanie Klett, President and CEO, Visit Lake Geneva! Stephanie tells John about the unique golfing experiences in Lake Geneva, and to preview some of the highlights they having coming up this summer including Liberty on the Lake. Also, worms!

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, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start this week’s podcast talking about the fatal shooting of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew. The suspect in the shooting, Alphanso Talley, had a long criminal record. Is the implementation of the SAFE-T act a reason that one officer is dead an another is critically injured? This week, a man attempted to shoot members of the Trump administration at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Is this a reason for President Trump to build a ballroom? Eric thinks the whole event should be canceled. Jon believes the left has a political violence problem. Do they? The Rascals have a spirited debate. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel told some jokes at the expense of Donald Trump a couple of days ahead of the dinner and now some are calling for him to be fired. Should he be fired for telling Trump jokes? Also this week, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted over a photo he posted on Instagram of seashells arranged to form the message “86 47” on a beach. Officials said the photo threatened President Donald Trump. Is this indictment anything? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week.

Matthew McLoughlin, Campaign Coordinator, Illinois Network For Pretrial Justice, joins John Williams to talk about the shooting of two CPD officers by and why a judge didn’t detain the alleged shooter for the previous crimes he committed.

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says you should never cut more than one-third of grass blade when you are mowing. With the grass really growing, Bob suggests maybe mowing the lawn twice a week.

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry says that it’s imperative to do your end-of-life planning while you are still capable and competent.

Attorney Rich Lenkov, Capital Member, Downey & Lenkov, and co-host of “Legal Face-Off” on wgnradio.com, joins John Williams to talk about former FBI Director James Comey being indicted over a photo of seashells that officials said threatened President Donald Trump.