The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, political pundit Marj Halperin, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. There is a lot of news to get to this week! First, the Rascals talk about a civilian-led police oversight panel voting to approve a new policy that would ban CPD from being in a hate group. What do the Rascals think of this policy proposal? The Illinois Policy Institute is out with a new poll that shows only 28% of Chicagoans approve of the job that Mayor Brandon Johnson is doing. Eric wonders if these numbers are tied to the way the administration has been handling the migrant situation. Austin brings the numbers. The Rascals ruminate on why Johnson’s approval numbers could be so low. Chicago’s proposed ‘Mansion Tax’ will head the voters in 2024. The Rascals break down what the tax will mean to residents and business owners. On Monday, a city council committee voted to OK a quiet zone surrounding an abortion clinic in the West Loop. Do the Rascals think this proposed ordinance has any legs? The Rascals also discuss Marj’s recent Op-ed in the Sun-Times about the Israel-Hamas war. And finally, Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma challenged Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing yesterday. Thankfully, Senator Bernie Sanders was there to calm everyone down before things got out of hand. What do the Rascals make of the dust-up.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals start the show this week discussing the City Council fireworks surrounding Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city. Austin breaks down the council chaos and the incident between Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Alderman Emma Mitts. What do the rest of the Rascals think of another crazy week at city hall? Jury selection has begun in the Ed Burke corruption trial. The Rascals are surprised how few people in the jury pool have no idea who Burke is. Meanwhile, members of the Trump family are testifying in the New York civil fraud trial. A recent New York Times poll shows that President Biden is losing to Donald Trump in 5 of 6 key swing states. Do the Rascals think it’s time for President Biden to step aside? The Invest in Kids debate continues and John brings up Austin’s post on X about his encounter with U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky and wonders what his encounter has to do with Rep. Schakowsky’s stance on the Invest in Kids program. And finally, the Cubs fired manager David Ross and hired Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers for $8 million a year. Is any manager worth that much money?

Austin mention two groups on Facebook if you want to help migrants in Chicago. Here are the links to Refugee Community Connection and Chi Welcome.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals start off the podcast talking about the Michigan sign-stealing scandal and the NIL money that some college athletes are receiving. Is NIL good for college sports? The migrant situation in Chicago is still a mess. What is the city’s plan to take care of asylum seekers? Austin wonders why we haven’t heard much from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. The war between Israel and Hamas continues. The Rascals discuss why it’s very difficult to talk about this war. John believes Israel is losing the PR war, while Brandon wonders what the conflict is doing for the Biden administration. The House has scheduled a Wednesday night vote on a resolution to expel Rep. George Santos. Is an expulsion likely? Austin gives us an update on the “Invest in Kids” program that is still up in the air as the Illinois General Assembly is set to return to Springfield next week. And Cate brings to our attention the plight of migratory birds as they fly through big cities and collide with skyscrapers.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, political pundit Marj Halperin, and Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU. This week the Rascals talk about the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal. Brandon says, “Lock ’em up,” while Eric is disappointed in his beloved Wolverines. Also, who knew sign-stealing was illegal? Is this the end of Jim Harbaugh as head coach if the allegations prove to be true? Congressman Mike Johnson is the new speaker of the House. What do we know about him? The Rascals take a deep dive into his political beliefs. Also joining the Rascals this week is Axios reporter Monica Eng who discusses her reporting on why Ukrainian and Latino migrations to Chicago worked out so differently. What do the Rascals think of how the city is handling the migrant situation as we get closer to winter? And finally, the new movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon” opened last weekend and Marj wonders if popular culture is doing a better job of teaching history than our schools.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals this week talk about Rep. Jim Jordan’s quest to be the next Speaker of the House. John believes he eventually will be elected. What about the other Rascals? Also joining the podcast is Rummana Hussain, editorial board member and a columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times, who joins the Rascals to talk about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Also this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson decided against visiting the southern U.S. border. Was the plan to visit the border a good idea in the first place? And what about the decision to reverse course? The Rascals think that maybe Mayor Johnson should head to Washington D.C. instead. And finally, how about those Bears? What do the Rascals think of Tyson Bagent? Is it time to move on from Justin Fields? Brandon thinks the Bears will be looking for a new QB next year.

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 of the Illinois Policy Institute. Today, the Rascals start off this week’s podcast talking about the Israel-Hamas war. Austin is concerned about some of the statements from the Democratic Socialist Caucus of the Chicago City Council and if Mayor Brandon Johnson will address them. Today, Mayor Johnson released his 2024 budget proposal. What do the Rascals think of the proposal? Also, Mayor Johnson recently announced he was planning a trip to the southern US Border. Is this a good idea? Or should Mayor Johnson be concentrating on problems here at home? Chicago continues to deal with an influx of migrants. Should Chicago remain a sanctuary city? An activist climbed Accenture Tower yesterday trying to raise awareness for a cause. Eric was disappointed in some of the coverage by some of the local media. Finally, the Rascals break down the drama happening in congress as House Republicans try to find someone to replace Speaker McCarthy.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. The Rascals discuss the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. What do the Rascals make of the congressional drama? The Trump civil fraud trial continues. Do the Rascals believe the former president will testify? Block Club Chicago did a story on CTA president Dorval Carter’s salary increasing 60% in eight years despite countless complaints of bad service. Is his job safe? Eric recently came across some data that shows the amount of robberies in Chicago was much higher in the ’90’s. Why are we hearing so much about how bad it is today when it was much worse in prior decades? The Rascals are also joined on this episode by Hannah Meisel, state government and politics reporter for Capitol News Illinois. Hannah talks about Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker imploring President Biden to provide more assistance in the state’s effort to handle the migrant crisis. Hannah also discusses Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith announcing his resignation this morning. Theresa Eagleson, who has led the state’s Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta also announced they were leaving. Is there anything behind today’s exodus? As we wrap up the podcast, Austin tells us that he’s headed out to see the Chicago Fire v. Inter Miami match, but unfortunately, he probably won’t get to see Lionel Messi. Also, the Bears are not a good football team and Brandon believes it is time to get rid of Justin Fields. Your thoughts?

This week’s Mincing Rascals was recorded in front of a live audience at The Second City on Tuesday, 9/26/23! Check out the photos here! The Mincing Rascals for this special show are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. The Rascals riff on a variety of topics including the migrant crisis, Chicago violence, cash bail ending, the possibility of a Chicago-owned grocery store, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez’s indictment, the mysterious shooting at Guaranteed Rate Field, and more! Audience members also get to ask some questions of the Rascals, too!

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, and Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU. The Rascals discuss the end of cash bail in Illinois. How will this provision of the SAFE-T ACT impact criminal justice? Mayor Brandon Johnson said he wants to open city-owned grocery stores to promote equitable access to food. Do the Rascals think this is a good idea? Also joining the Rascals this week is Axios reporter Monica Eng who tells us what she thinks of the possibility of a city-owned grocery store. Monica also discusses her reporting on Chicago’s effort to abolish the ‘subminimum’ wage. And remember, we are taking the Mincing Rascals on the road and there are still a few tickets left! The live taping will be at The Second City’s UP Theatre (230 W. North Ave.) next Tuesday, September 26, 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $45. You can buy your tickets here!

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago and the Chicago Blackhawks, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. Today, the Rascals kick things off with the most important story of the week…what happened to the Bears?! Oh, also Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing yesterday about book bans. What was the big take away from the Senate hearing? CTU President Stacy Davis Gates is continuing to come under fire for sending her son to a private school. Austin explains why this is so concerning, but Eric pushes back. Jon says he agrees with Eric. And Austin. Mayor Brandon Johnson has a plan to move migrants into tents. What do the Rascals think of this new proposal? Also, Mitt Romney announced he wouldn’t seek another term in the U.S. Senate because it is time for a new generation of leaders. Meanwhile a new Quinnipiac poll shows that 69% of all Americans think Joe Biden is too old to effectively serve another 4-year term as president. Is it time to put an age limit on those who want to hold public office? And don’t forget! The Mincing Rascals are taking the podcast on the road for a live taping at The Second City’s UP Theatre (230 W. North Ave.) on Tuesday, September 26, 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $45. This live taping of The Mincing Rascals is sponsored by Allied First Bank. Tickets are moving fast, so buy your tickets here!