The Mincing Rascals

Latest Episodes:

The Mincing Rascals 8.19.26: CTU suing IPI, minimum wage, toll hike, Natalie Harp Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of the Steve Bertrand on Books podcast and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals start the podcast talking about the CTU filing a defamation lawsuit against the Illinois Policy Institute (as well as our friend / Rascals contributor Austin Berg). What do the Rascals make of this lawsuit? Also on the local scene, Chicago mayoral candidate Alexi Giannoulias proposed a $22 minimum wage, Governor Pritzker donated a bunch of money to his re-election campaign, and Darren Bailey wants to make the tollway free. The Rascals break it all down. Also making local news this week, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin filed a complaint with the Cook County inspector general accusing Treasurer Maria Pappas of intimidation and official misconduct after she sent him a series of profane tweets. Do the Rascals think that Pappas is a legitimate mayoral candidate? Nationally, a polling company folded after faking recent polls in Wisconsin and California. Do the Rascals think this is a big deal? In a speech this week, Senator Jon Ossoff mentioned President Trump aide Natalie Harp that has now put her in the media spotlight. Do we need to know more about Harp? And what about the rest of Ossoff’s speech? Is he a serious contender for the White House? The Rascals also wonder if President Trump would seriously consider using a nuclear bomb. On a lighter note, the Rascals end the show with red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending or slightly recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8602927/8-19-26_Mincing_Rascals_CTU_IPI_minimum_wage_toll_hike_Boykin_Pappas_rift_Jon_Ossoff_Natalie_Harp_2026-08-19-231227.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vROcpXMQ1I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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The Mincing Rascals 8.12.26: Pope Hat night, Karoline Leavitt leaving, Trump plane swap, Wisconsin election Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start the podcast this week talking about why Cate thinks the Air & Water Show is stupid and dangerous. What about the rest of the Rascals? Speaking of Chicago things, what did the Rascals think of yesterday’s Pope Hat Night at the Rate? Next, the Rascals talk about President Trump announcing that Karoline Leavitt will be leaving as press secretary. And what’s the latest on the drama over the reflecting pool? Also this week, the Washington Post broke the story of President Trump secretly switching planes in Turkey following intelligence reports of a credible threat from Iran. What do the Rascals make of the plane switch plan? Up in Wisconsin yesterday, David Crowley pulled off a victory over progressive Francesca Hong. Eric says the Democrats avoided a big problem with Crowley’s upset win. The Rascals also wonder why the polling has been so wrong in Michigan and now in Wisconsin. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8589909/8-12-26_Mincing_Rascals_Pope_Hat_Air_Water_Show_Karoline_Leavitt_Trump_plane_switch_Wisconsin_election_2026-08-12-234409.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boVMxtO57o4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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The Mincing Rascals 8.5.26: Chris Welch apology, rise of democratic socialists, Todd Blanche AG nomination Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals start the podcast this week talking about Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch apologizing for his actions that made a staffer uncomfortable and defending on the way he handled sexual harassment allegations against ex-Rep. Harry Benton. Do the Rascals believe his leadership is in peril? Next, the Rascals discuss today’s Tribune Editorial supporting school consolidation. Is public opinion about closing neighborhood schools changing? Last night, progressive Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. And Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong is coming under fire for a now-deleted tweet calling to ‘cancel Thanksgiving.’ Is the rise of democratic socialism good for the Democratic party? Also this week, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination. Is it likely that Blanche is confirmed by the Senate? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8564959/8-5-26_Mincing_Rascals_Speaker_Welch_apology_school_consolidation_democratic_socialists_Todd_Blanche_AG_2026-08-05-221059.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAlJiu-0zqg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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The Mincing Rascals 7.29.26: Dr. Fauci testimony, 2028 presidential race, school cellphone ban, city-owned grocery stores Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room. This week, the Rascals begin the podcast talking about President Trump’s speech at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. What do the Rascals think of Trump’s performance? The Rascals also discuss Dr. Anthony Fauci’s testimony before a Senate committee investigating the origins of Covid-19. What were the Rascals main takeaways from the hearing? Rahm Emanuel gave a lengthy interview interview with Politico this week as he continues to ramp up his profile ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Do the Rascals think that Rahm is a legitimate candidate for president? And I know it’s early, but who do the Rascals think will be the Democratic candidate for president in 2028? And what about JB Pritzker? Speaking of Governor Pritzker, this week he signed a “bell-to-bell” school cellphone ban into Illinois law. Do the Rascals like the law? Next, Austin breaks down his recent Substack entry, ‘How Chicago stops voters from deciding what matters.’ Also making news in Chicago this week, is the sudden closing of grocery stores on the South and West sides. Do the Rascals think city-owned grocery stores are a good idea? Finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8548083/7-29-26_Mincing_Rascals_Dr_Fauci_testimony_WHCD_Trump_Rahm_Emanuel_presidential_election_2028_cellphone_ban_city_owned_grocery_stores_2026-07-29-234323.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWogCir7jxo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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The Mincing Rascals 7.22.26: Chicago air quality, national anthem protocol, SAVE Act Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals begin the podcast talking a bit about the new book, ‘Regime Change,’ and the smoke-filled air that has been hanging around Chicago. Do the Rascals think Canada should shoulder the blame for the wildfires that are impacting the United States? Next, the Rascals discuss the viral video that showed a Cubs fan slapping another person for not standing during the national anthem. The Rascals also talk about two independent candidates for the 4th Congressional District who failed to acquire enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García. The Rascals discuss the daunting signature requirement to appear on the ballot as well as the way García abruptly announced his retirement. What about the upcoming mayoral election? Is businessman and perennial candidate Willie Wilson going to run again? Out in New Jersey, a software error allowed 400 non-citizens to vote. Does this change anyone’s opinion on the SAVE America Act? And what’s going on with the war in Iran and how President Trump is framing the conflict? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8534482/7-22-26_Mincing_Rascals_Regime_Change_Air_Quality_smoke_Cubs_fan_anthem_Chuy_Garcia_Save_America_Act_2026-07-22-234922.64kmono.mp3

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

The Mincing Rascals 7.15.26: Ballot access rules, ICE bodycam requirements, the county succession movement Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg (on his birthday), Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack and Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. The Rascals begin the podcast by talking about government transparency regarding the health and welfare of our elected officials, in light of Senator Mitch McConnell’s recent hospitalization. The group then touches on the ballot-access rules concerning Chicago politicians ability to get their name on the ballot in election years and the pro’s and con’s of the requirements and possible loopholes in the process. Next, The Rascals discuss ICE agent body-cam initiatives that may or may not be as strictly enforced as the public has noticed and the accountability of immigration officers using deadly force. To close out the conversation, the group talks about the county succession movement and the gerrymandering of the state of Illinois, the Father Pflager allegation saga, and a ‘Red light – Yellow light – Green light‘ round to end today’s show.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8517299/8517299_2026-07-15-225839.64kmono.mp3

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

The Mincing Rascals 7.8.26: Mayoral race, Mitch McConnell health, World Cup controversy Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals begin the podcast asking Steve Bertrand his thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling on transgender athletes. Next, the Rascals talk about the city of Chicago considering renaming Northerly Island for Pope Leo. Do the Rascals think this is a good idea? And what about a new law in Rhode Island that will put limits and staffing ratios for self-checkout lanes at grocery stores. Are the Rascals on board with this? Should Illinois consider this? A new candidate threw her name in the ring for the Chicago mayoral race. What do the Rascals make of Dr. Lisa Nee decision to run for mayor? And what about Mayor Brandon Johnson? Would he make a runoff? Nationally, questions are growing about the health of Senator Mitch McConnell, who was hospitalized in June. Does the public deserve an explanation about his health? Or what about the health of any public servant? Scandal plagued Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner still hasn’t made a decision on his political future. Eric explains why it’s important for Democrats that Platner drop out of the race. The USMNT lost to Belgium in the World Cup this week after President Trump lobbied FIFA to lift Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card. The Rascals wonder if the government should have stepped in on this issue. Briefly switching back to local news, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement and the Rascals wonder why he decided to announce in the middle of the summer. Finally, it’s Rascals recommendation time! What should you be reading, and eating this week!

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8498746/7-8-26_Mincing_Rascals_SCOTUS_transgender_mayoral_election_Graham_Platner_Mitch_McConnell_Larry_Snelling_World_Cup_controversy_2026-07-08-235346.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY-iiLHaN3Q?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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The Mincing Rascals 7.1.26: Supreme Court decisions, Chicago mayoral election, assault weapons ban, super-speeder law Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals kick off the podcast by discussing and dissecting the Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes, mail-in ballots, and presidential power. Next, the Rascals talk about Laura Washington’s piece in the Tribune about Chicago mayoral candidates who are also running for other political offices. Should Chicago mayoral candidates be allowed to run for two offices at the same time? Moving back to the Supreme Court, the justices announced yesterday that they will consider a challenge to Cook County’s assault weapons ban. A new Illinois law that goes into effect in 2028 will require speeders to install limiters in their vehicles. Do the Rascals believe this is a good idea? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8487565/7-1-26_Mincing_Rascals_Supreme_Court_decisions_birthright_citizenship_Chicago_mayoral_candidates_Super_Speeders_assault_weapons_ban_2026-07-01-233305.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKQUnAO8X4s?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

The Mincing Rascals 6.24.26: World Cup fever, SAVE Act, gun violence prevention Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start the podcast with a case of World Cup fever (well, except for Cate)! And how excited are the Rascals for the, um, the semiquincentennial? Now, switching to much more important matters, the Rascals discuss the ongoing drama over the reflecting pool. Today, President Trump said he won’t sign a bipartisan housing bill unless the SAVE Act is passed. Why did Trump not sign the bill that the administration was celebrating just yesterday? We also get a little refresher on what exactly is in the SAVE Act. Locally, it was a violent weekend in Chicago and faith leaders are urging the city to create a Department of Gun Violence Prevention. Are the Rascals on board with the proposal? And finally, it’s time or red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8474411/6-24-26_Mincing_Rascals_World_Cup_reflecting_pool_SAVE_ACT_Department_of_Gun_violence_prevention_2026-06-24-233411.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B8ywecslH0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

The Mincing Rascals 6.17.26: Grant Park cross burning, UFC controversy, Obama Center opens Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals start the podcast this week talking about the man who allegedly burned a cross in Grant Park. What do the Rascals make of this crime? Next, the Rascals tackle the controversy surrounding comedian Nate Bargatze’s appearance at the UFC fight at the White House. Locally, the Rascals discuss the likelihood Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks another term, the latest on Chicago’s parking meter deal, and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8461543/6-17-26_Mincing_Rascals_cross_burning_Nate_Bargatze_UFC_Mayor_Johnson_parking_meters_Obama_Center_opens_2026-06-17-235943.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz3bc6iBTFg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]