The Mincing Rascals

Latest Episodes:

The Mincing Rascals 4.1.26: Birthright citizenship, Sheridan Gorman, ABS Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Steve Bertrand, host of the ‘Steve Bertrand on Books‘ podcast. This week, the Rascals start the podcast discussing the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments on President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. Why is this issue so important to President Trump? And what do the Rascals think of President Trump sitting in on the arguments? Speaking of President Trump, his effort to put his name on things continues. What do the Rascals think of naming things for politicians who are still alive? The Rascals also debate if President Trump will try to cancel or delegitimize the midterm elections. And will the Democrats rally behind a singular message? Next, the Rascals discuss the murder of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman. Is it fair to say that Gorman would still be alive if Trump was in office rather than Joe Biden? Sports is also on the mind this week as MLB has incorporated ABS (automated ball-strike system) into games. Are the Rascals on board with the new technology? Also, Eric suggests 7 things that would improve the game basketball.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8071753/4-1-26_Mincing_Rascals_SCOTUS_birthright_citizenship_Sheridan_Gorman_murder_Loyola_MLB_robot_umps_2026-04-01-225053.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVnx8-Lo3fk?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 3.25.26: Sheridan Gorman murder, No Kings rally, City Hall firings Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack, and Steve Bertrand, host of the ‘Steve Bertrand on Books‘ podcast. This week’s John Williams-less podcast begins with the gang discussing the murder of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman. Next, the Rascals talk about Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke pushing back on the effort to name a special prosecutor to investigate the federal agents behind Operation Midway Blitz. This weekend there will be ‘No Kings’ rallies in cities across the country. Do the Rascals believe that one-day protests accomplish anything? Speaking of protesting, the CTU wants students to have a day off on May 1st to engage in civil engagement. Are the Rascals on board with the idea? There have been some firings at Chicago City Hall recently. Is the administration in disarray? And we are less than a year away from the next mayoral election in Chicago. The Rascals share some of their early thoughts. 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/8058881/3-25-26_Mincing_Rascals_Sheridan_Gorman_No_Kings_rallies_CTU_protest_City_Hall_in_disarray_Mayor_Johnson_2026-03-25-233421.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7vPmgTnaE4?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 3.18.26: Election recap, Iran war, Markwayne Mullin testimony Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals kick off the podcast talking about the results of yesterday’s Illinois primary. What were the major takeaways from the results? The Chicago Teachers Union wants students to take a day off of school on May 1st for civil engagement. Mayor Johnson supports this idea. Do the Rascals? Next, the Rascals discuss the ongoing war in Iran. The Rascals wonder what the results will be when the war ends. What does victory look like? President Trump DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin testified before a Senate committee today. Do the Rascals think Mullin will be nominated? John also reads an email from a Mincing Rascals listener about last week’s discussion on AI and journalism. Also this week, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcasters’ licenses over the Iran War coverage. Do the Rascals believe the media has covered this war fairly? 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/8043881/3-18-26_Mincing_Rascals_primary_election_recap_CTU_protest_Iran_war_DHS_secretary_AI_and_news_FCC_war_coverage_2026-03-18-221421.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3w-7EBTQPc?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 3.11.26: Iran war, Uber ride options, AI and local news Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8028698/3-11-26_Mincing_Rascals_Iran_war_RFK_JR_Uber_option_AI_and_local_news_Jesse_Jackson_Jr_Oscar_and_election_predictions_2026-03-11-232638.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwZI9yRCu1A?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 3.4.26: Iran attack, Texas primary results, honoring Jesse Jackson, Amazon drones Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, political pundit Marj Halperin, and Steve Bertrand, host of the ‘Steve Bertrand on Books‘ podcast. This week, the Rascals start the podcast discussing the U.S. attack on Iran. Do the Rascals think the attack was warranted? Next, the Rascals talk about DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee and saying that she was unaware of Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman who was shot by a federal agent. What do the Rascals make of Secretary Noem’s testimony. Switching over to national politics, the Rascals break down the U.S. Senate primary election in Texas. What were the Rascals biggest takeaways for the results? Former Presidents Clinton, Obama, and Biden will attend the Chicago memorial for Jesse Jackson. How should the city of Chicago honor the late civil rights icon? Should they rename Jackson Park? Midway Airport? Also this week, it was announced that Amazon drones will start delivering packages in a couple of the south suburbs. The Rascal debate the merits of the Amazon drones and the delivery robots that have been seen on Chicago streets. 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/8012423/3-4-26_Mincing_Rascals_Iran_attack_Kristi_Noem_Miramar_Martinez_Texas_primary_Jesse_Jackson_memorial_Amazon_drones_2026-03-04-231023.64kmono.mp3

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 2.25.26: SOTU recap, Stratton ad, ranked choice voting, Bears stadium Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week, the Rascals start things off by breaking down President Trump’s State of the Union. What were the big takeaways from the speech? Next, the Rascals discuss the new ad by U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton that shows supporters (including Senator Tammy Duckworth) saying, ‘F Trump.’ Do the Rascals believe this ad will be effective? Speaking of local elections, Marj wrote an Op-ed in the Tribune today about why she favors Ranked Choice Voting. Are the other Rascals on board with RCV? Also this week, there has been some more news about the possibility of the Bears building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The Rascals discuss the tax implications for Indiana residents if the Bears were to build a new stadium in the Hoosier state. Sticking to local elections, the Rascals talk about the Chicago Tribune’s non-endorsement endorsements. Or, as Eric calls it, ‘nondorsements.’ And finally, let’s not forget red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7997672/2-25-26_Mincing_Rascals_SOTU_recap_Juliana_Stratton_ranked_choice_voting_Bears_stadium_Hammond_2026-02-26-000112.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU2kmNEPPpk?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 2.18.26: Jesse Jackson, powerful Chicagoans, Colbert-FCC feud, Nancy Guthrie coverage Feb 19, 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 political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the death of civil rights activist and Chicago icon Jesse Jackson. The Rascals reflect on the complicated legacy of the long-time activist. Next, the Rascals debate Chicago Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans. Also this week, Stephen Colbert said bosses at CBS told him that he couldn’t interview James Talarico, who is running for the senate in Texas citing the ‘equal-time’ rule. What do the Rascals make of the Colbert-FCC-CBS drama? Nancy Guthrie is still missing and Eric believes the media coverage is way overblown. What do the other Rascals think? Getting back to local news, the Rascals discuss the debate between Cook County board president Toni Preckwinkle and Ald. Brendan Reilly. Does Reilly stand a chance in this race for board president? 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/7983859/2-18-25_Mincing_Racals_Jesse_Jackson_Powerful_Chicagoans_Colbert_FCC_Nancy_Guthrie_coverage_Preckwinkle_v_Reilly_2026-02-19-002159.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnJdn08raP0?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 2.11.26: SAVE Act, ICE reforms, Epstein files, Super Bowl halftime show Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

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 author of the The Last Ward on Substack, and recently retired newsman Steve Bertrand, host of the ‘Steve Bertrand on Books‘ podcast. This week the Rascals kick off the podcast talking about Chicago babysitting rates. Babysitters get paid how much?! Next, the Rascals discuss the SAVE America Act and the GOP push for voter ID. Should Democrats throw a bone to the GOP on this issue for ICE reforms? The Rascals also discuss the latest on the Epstein Files. Do the Rascals believe that President Trump committed any crimes? Switching gears to attraction / distraction. What to make of the latest news regarding the Super Bowl halftime show, the Olympics, and the racist video that President Trump shared last week. Locally, what about a Chicago City Council committee approving a revised ordinance that would authorize Chicagoans to use their cellphones to provide recorded evidence of bus, bike lane and crosswalk parking violations. Do the Rascals think this is a good idea? And before we leave, 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/7971723/2-11-26_Mincing_Rascals_ICE_reforms_SAVE_Act_Epstein_files_Super_Bowl_racist_video_parking_scofflaws_2026-02-11-232123.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KF7rP6JGD8?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 2.4.26: Senate race, government shutdown, Waymo, snowplow names Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast talking about JB Pritzker donating $5 million to Juliana Stratton’s senate campaign? Is this anything? Or nothing? And how are the Rascals feeling about the race to replace Sen. Durbin? Also, what’s going on with the government shutdown? What do the Democrats want? What do the Republicans want? The Rascals break it down. Next, the Rascals discuss Tom Homan announcing that 700 federal agents will be leaving Minnesota. What’s next for the Trump administration’s immigration efforts? Locally, Mayor Brandon Johnson wants Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke to prosecute federal agents for crimes they committed while working in Chicago. ‘Abolish Ice’ is a finalist in Chicago’s annual Name a Snowplow contest. Curiously, none of the anti-Brandon Johnson names made the cut. John thinks Johnson missed an opportunity to have some fun with the contest. Also, this week, State Rep. Kam Buckner has introduced a bill to bring autonomous cars to Illinois. Are the Rascals on-board with self-driving vehicles? And finally, the Illini Republicans posted a controversial image on social media depicting the recent federal agent shooting and killing of Alex Pretti. But, why?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7957784/2-4-26_Mincing_Rascals_Pritzker_Stratton_government_shutdown_ICE_Brandon_v_Burke_snowplow_names_Waymo_in_Illinois_2026-02-05-000624.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPsnpvfWBXk?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

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

Ramaswamy ad, polling accuracy, Chicago budget

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

New press secretary, midterm election, Chicago budget

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

Trump ads, Cornell rape case, Christa Pike

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

AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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

The Mincing Rascals 1.28.26: Alex Pretti death, paywall-free news, millionaire tax Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

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 author of the The Last Ward on Substack, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minnesota over the weekend. What were the biggest takeaways from the news this week? A Chicago teacher was placed on administrative leave after making a Facebook post supporting ICE. Do the Rascals think the teacher should have been put on leave? Also this week, the actor John Cusack wrote an op-ed in the Sun-Times about the need for paywall-free news coverage. Do the Rascals think newspapers should offer free content for major news stories? Next, the United Center will start selling THC drinks at concessions in early February. Where are the Rascals on offering THC beverages at the UC? Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again pushing for a progressive income tax. Do the Rascals believe this revenue proposal is a good idea? This leads into the race to replace Dick Durbin in the U.S. Senate. What candidate is likely to replace Senator Durbin? 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/7941923/1-28-26_Mincing_Rascals_Alex_Pretti_teacher_ICE_controversy_paywall_news_UC_THC_progressive_income_tax_2026-01-28-232823.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79OXwiSAuBI?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]