The Mincing Rascals

Latest Episodes:

The Mincing Rascals 11.19.25: Head tax defeat, Epstein files, Mobile ID, Word of the Year Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, political pundit Marj Halperin, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about Illinois launching Mobile ID for iPhones. Are the Rascals on board with the new technology feature? Next, Mayor Johnson’s budget proposal failed to advance through the City Council’s Finance Committee with a key holdup being Johnson’s plan for a corporate head tax. Where are the Rascals on the head tax plan? Also, former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay a 3% surcharge on their income tax returns. The Rascals debate the merits of the idea. Another local story making news this week: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas teasing a mayoral run. Do the Rascals think she’s a legitimate candidate? Next, the Rascals turn their attention to the latest news on the Epstein files. What are the major takeaways from the imminent release of the Epstein files? And will this be a turning point for the GOP? Also this week, President Trump scolded a reporter by telling her, ‘Quiet, piggy,’ and admonished a reporter for asking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And finally, the Rascals submit their choices for 2025’s Word of the Year.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7822654/11-19-25_Mincing_Rascals_Mayor_Johnson_head_tax_budget_Maria_Pappas_Mobile_ID_Epstein_files_millionaire_surcharge_2025-11-19-231954.64kmono.mp3

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 11.12.25: Bovino leaving, Epstein emails, government shutdown Nov 13, 2025

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 the The Last Ward, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ leaving Chicago. The Rascals discuss the government’s immigration effort and how the last 6 weeks have played out. Now, what’s next? Earlier this week, President Trump posted about crime and vacancies on Chicago’s ‘Miracle Mile’ and called for more troops to be sent in. Do the Rascals believe the president was completely out of line? Both Democrats and Republicans have released thousands of emails from the Jeffrey Epstein estate that include multiple references to Donald Trump. What are the big takeaways from the release of these documents? Dick Durbin and 7 other senators sided with the GOP to end the government shutdown. Eric explains why caving was the wrong move. Austin believes this shutdown proves that the FAA should be privatized. And finally, we are officially not doing red light, yellow light, green light, but somehow there are recommendations!

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7811838/11-12-25_Mincing_Rascals_Border_Patrol_leaving_Jeffrey_Epstein_emails_Dick_Durbin_government_shutdown_2025-11-12-233438.64kmono.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

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The Mincing Rascals 11.5.25: Mamdani wins, Garcia exits, immigration enforcement Nov 06, 2025

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 the The Last Ward, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. The Rascals begin the podcast breaking down the top stories from yesterday’s elections across the country. Are we seeing a blue wave? Next, the Rascals discuss the latest on Operation Midway Blitz and today’s hearing about the tactics used by law enforcement to detain alleged criminals. Last week Governor Pritzker used an F-bomb when talking about the Trump administration. Where are the Rascals on the use of heated language? U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia announced this week that he wouldn’t seek another term and is drawing criticism for leaving the seat to his chief of staff. Does this political move pass the smell test? Austin gets us up to speed on some of Mayor Johnson’s personnel decisions after it was learned that the former DCASE commissioner resigned after an HR investigation regarding harassment allegations. 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/7801470/11-5-25_Mincing_Rascals_election_2025_Operation_Midway_Blitz_Pritzker_F_bomb_Chuy_Garcia_2025-11-06-001610.64kmono.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

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The Mincing Rascals 10.29.25: Immigration raids, Illinois redistricting, Sean Grayson guilty Oct 29, 2025

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 start this week’s show talking about Border Patrol and ICE conducting immigration raids throughout the Chicago area and a judge ordering Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino to give daily reports to her about immigration enforcement actions. Do the Rascals believe Bovino will abide by the court order? U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was in Illinois this week to push a redistricting effort that would give Democrats a 15-2 congressional advantage. Do the Rascals believe the effort in Illinois has any legs? Next, the Rascals talk about Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, being convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of Sonya Massey, who had called 911 about a possible prowler. Do the Rascals believe this was a fair verdict? The Rascals also mince about the term ‘illegal alien,’ the Trump administration bombing alleged drug boats, and a possible third term for President Trump. 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/7787675/10-29-25_Mincing_Rascals_Border_Patrol_immigration_raids_Illinois_redistricting_Sonya_Massey_Trump_third_term_2025-10-29-225615.64kmono.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

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Mincing Rascals 10.17.25: Live from Tangled Roots Brewing Company in Ottawa! Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the podcast comes to you from the Tangled Roots Brewing Company in beautiful Ottawa, Illinois! The Rascals break down the latest on the various ICE raids throughout the Chicago area, the ‘No Kings’ rallies scheduled to take place around the country, and JB Pritzker coming up big at the blackjack table in Las Vegas.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7771150/10-17-25_Mincing_Rascals_Live_from_Tangled_Roots_Brewing_Company_in_Ottawa_ICE_No_Kings_JB_Pritzker_2025-10-20-191450.64kmono.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

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

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 10.15.25: ICE in Chicago, ‘No Kings’ protests, Mayor Johnson’s budget battle Oct 15, 2025

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 the The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals kick off the podcast breaking down the ICE activities throughout the Chicago area over the last week. What do the Rascals think are the biggest things we need to be paying attention to? Austin says if you can find a tamale vendor who had been convicted of a homicide, he will give you $1000. At the request of the Trump administration, Facebook suspended a popular Chicago ICE-sighting group. Marj calls this action, ‘sinister.’ Should social media companies be able to silence civil disobedience. The ‘No Kings’ protests are planned across the U.S. on Saturday. John thinks these protests are going to be the biggest we’ve seen. Mayor Johnson will outline his 2026 budget. The Rascals break down Johnson’s plan to close a $1.15 billion budget shortfall including a head tax proposal. 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/7764495/10-15-25_Mincing_Rascals_ICE_in_Chicago_No_Kings_protest_Chicago_Budget_Battle_Mayor_Johnson_2025-10-15-222035.64kmono.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

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

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 10.8.25: Texas National Guard arrives, Jesse Jackson Jr. running for Congress, shoulder driving clampdown Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County Sheriff’s Office stepping up enforcement for illegally riding on expressway shoulders. The Rascals offer their suggestions on what the punishment should be for illegally driving on the shoulder. The Texas National Guard arrived in the Chicago area this week. What is the most concerning aspect of this move by the Trump administration? And where do we go from here? Jesse Jackson Jr. is launching bid to return to Congress after serving 30 months in prison for campaign finance fraud. Do the Rascals think he has a chance to win the race? Today, Rolling Stone released their ‘Best Songs of the 21st century’ list. The Rascals debate the choices. 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/7752149/10-8-25_Mincing_Rascals_shoulder_driving_Texas_National_Guard_Jesse_Jackson_Jr_running_top_songs_Rolling_Stone_2025-10-08-223249.64kmono.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

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

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 10.1.25: Troops in Chicago, ICE raids, government shutdown Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals start the show this week talking about federal agents marching through downtown Chicago. Is there a long-term goal that the Trump administration is hoping to achieve by bringing these federal agents to the city? President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke in front of military officials yesterday. What were the Rascals major takeaways from the rally? Next, the government shutdown after Congress failed to reach a funding deal. Who is to blame? Does anybody really care? Also, the Rascals talk about the future of the Democratic party. Who will lead the party through these next few years and into 2028? And finally, it’s time for the red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7739678/10-1-25_Mincing_Rascals_fed_agents_downtown_ICE_raids_Hegseth_Trump_military_rally_government_shutdown_Democrat_future_2025-10-01-212818.64kmono.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

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

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 9.24.25: Kimmel returns, autism debate, fatal ICE shootings, dogs in restaurants Sep 24, 2025

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! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night after a brief suspension. What did the Rascals take away from Kimmel’s monologue? Next, the Rascals discuss the Trump administration linking autism to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy. Today, there was a fatal shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas. And new information is coming out about the fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Franklin Park. The Rascals react to the incidents. Alderman Timmy Knudsen is proposing an ordinance that would allow restaurants to decide if they want to allow dogs. Where are the Rascals on this? Are they in favor of this ordinance? 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/7728510/9-24-25_Mincing_Rascals_Jimmy_Kimmel_returns_autism_and_Tylenol_ICE_shootings_dogs_in_restaurants_2025-09-24-233710.64kmono.mp3

The Mincing Rascals

Senate race controversy, millionaire tax, hotel strike

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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

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AI meeting, parking meter deal, midterm election

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The Mincing Rascals 9.17.25: Mayor Johnson’s job, Charlie Kirk death, inflammatory speech Sep 17, 2025

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 begin the show this week talking about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appearance with Bob Sirott this morning. The Rascals break down Mayor Johnson’s job performance so far. Next, the Rascals talk about Governor JB Pritzker denying that he ever called Republicans, ‘Nazis.’ People have been losing their jobs over comments made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. The Rascals discuss the administration’s effort to crack down on ‘hate speech.’ And what have we learned about Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of Kirk? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week? BONUS: In case you missed it, Bob Sirott’s interview with Mayor Johnson follows the podcast.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7716155/9-17-25_Mincing_Rascals_Mayor_Johnson_Bob_Sirot_JB_Pritzker_Nazi_controversy_Charlie_Kirk_death_free_speech_hate_speech_2025-09-17-232955.64kmono.mp3