The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast talking about President Trump blaming Ukraine for the war with Russia. What do the Rascals make of Trump’s statements? Today, Governor Pritzker delivered his 2025 State of the State and budget address while also slamming the Trump administration’s similarities to Nazi Germany. What were the biggest takeaways from JB’s speech? A state representative wants to create a Illinois Department of Government Efficiency. Do the Rascals believe Illinois needs a DOGE? Also, I may have been dreaming, but I think I heard Brandon say Stephen A. Smith would be a great presidential candidate. Let’s get to some local stories. Mayor Johnson’s $830M borrowing plan for infrastructure projects was delayed today at the City Council. What are the Rascals thoughts on Johnson’s plan? And finally, it’s time for some Red Light. Yellow Light. Green Light. What are the Rascals recommending, sort of recommending, or not recommending this week?