The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The small but mighty group of Rascals start off the podcast talking about the markets and economy as the tariff wars run amok this week. Do the Rascals believe President Trump caved on his trade policy? Eric wonders why more Republicans haven’t stood up to the administration. Next, the Rascals discuss the big #HandsOff rallies that took place last weekend. Do the Rascals believe these demonstrations will move the needle? The Illinois House voted 114-0 to approve a bill that would raise the age of annual mandatory road tests from 75 to 87. Do the Rascals support this legislation? And finally, with people still talking about The White Lotus finale, the Rascals debate how long you have to wait before talking about spoilers.

Mick Mulvaney, NewsNation political and economics contributor and former acting White House chief of staff for the Trump administration, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s tariff plans, why he believes President Trump should fire trade advisor Peter Navarro, if he expects some of these trade deals to work out, and why the administration needs to put a win on the board right now.

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 we didn’t get much snow this winter, so don’t be afraid to water your evergreens. It’s also okay to start mowing! Also, what is the optimum cutting length?

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

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about when you should be able to talk about a TV event without having to worrying about spoilers. Eric also shares his unpopular opinion that there is no longer a need for All-Star games, his experience attending the #HandsOff rally downtown, and the city of Chicago’s request to vendors to accept 3% cuts to their contracts to help balance the city’s budget.

The one and only Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins joins John Williams to talk about the world-premiere performances of “A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” — a historic event produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago in partnership with Billy Corgan that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic record by The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy tells John about the new addition to the family, how this special show at the Lyric will work, why he’s a bit intimidated sharing a stage with members of the Lyric, how the songs will be interpreted during the show, and how this a very Chicago work. Tickets go on sale Friday and you can purchase them here.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about when you should get another COVID vaccine, why Medicare will no longer pay for weight loss medication, and the latest on the measles outbreak. Dr. Kopin also answers all of your medical questions.

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

State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) joins John Williams to talk about her proposed legislation that would put speed cameras using AI on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Senator Feigenholtz explains why she proposed this legislation and how we need to find a way to prevent the significant amount of traffic accidents on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. And what does the senator say to those that are worried about their privacy?

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about how the market is reacting today to President Trump’s tariff plans. What should you be doing with your money during these volatile economic times?