The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. This week the Rascals address the breaking news that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah Valley University in Utah. The Rascals share their initial thoughts. Next, the Rascals discuss ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ the Trump administration’s effort to ramp up federal immigration raids. The Rascals break down the latest immigration enforcement operations. This week, Chicago city crews cleared a homeless encampment in Legion Park. The Rascals discuss what should be done with these encampments and the unhoused people living in these conditions. Late last Friday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the new alderman of the 27th Ward would be Walter “Red” Burnett, the son of former 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett. Austin says Chicago is the only major city where the mayor directly appoints members of the City Council. Austin explains why this is anti-democratic. In other local news, downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly announced he would challenge Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Do the Rascals think Reilly has a chance to oust Preckwinkle? It looks like Darren Bailey will take on Gov. JB Pritzker again in the 2026 Illinois governor race. How are the Rascals feeling about Bailey’s attempt to unseat Pritzker? Okay, attraction / distraction: Epstein birthday book. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?