Joabe Barbosa, an avid runner originally from Brazil who is a Roosevelt University doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about being a great ambassador for the city as he continues to run the streets of Chicago, and the good news he received on his effort to remain in the United States.

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, Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head west and visit with Marya Pennington, Marketing Director for Visit Billings, Montana! Marya tells Jon about the incredible landscape in Billings, how Billings is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, why Billings is a great place to connect with history, the great arts and culture scene in the area, the fabulous restaurants and bars to visit, where you can stay when you spend time in Billings, and the major events they have planned for the summer.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about how concerned we need to be about hantavirus and Ebola, how some people on weight loss medication are seeing ‘muscle wasting,’ the importance of being able to talk candidly to your primary care physician, and when you should think about consulting a urologist.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the feud between Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on the Bears stadium and what’s going on in Springfield, why the Democrats need to get their act together ahead of the election, and his thoughts on the primary election in Kentucky and why it’s another test of President Trump’s muscle.

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

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou tells Jon the importance of understanding what your homeowners insurance actually covers. Lou also explains why now is the perfect time to start getting your garage organized.

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

Former U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about why he favors the FAA’s restrictions on flights at O’Hare airport. The former congressman also tells Jon why he believes Mayor Brandon Johnson has failed the city and shouldn’t run for reelection.

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

Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the economic impact of President Trump’s visit to China, the fragile nature of the job market, if he’s concerned about the ongoing war in Iran and the possibility of stagflation, the three things he’s currently worried about in the economy, and the importance of continuing to contribute to your financial plan.

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about President Trump’s visit to China. What did President Trump achieve from the visit? Connell also tells Jon how Republicans are shifting their talking points on higher gas prices.