John Williams

The first time an Ethics Oversight Committee has existed in Chicago, its chair, Alderman Michele Smith (43rd Ward) joins John Williams to explain the lobbying ban for private interests of elected officials in Illinois. And, Alderman Smith tells John why she resonates with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s abrupt dismissal of CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

John Williams has a few final notes about the latest on the firing of CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Ceres Cafe. And he invites listeners to tell him what the best invention of all time is in their opinions. Then, Dave Druker of the Secretary of State’s office joins John to talk about the new DMV hours tailored towards Real ID applicants. And he answers more listener questions. And on its 40th anniversary, John reminds listeners of the stampede disaster […]

Max Zelenka took care of his great uncle, Tom Boyle, who owned a beloved shop in Wrigleyville named Yesterday. He joins John Williams to talk about the legacy Tom left at the shop, which famous people like Jimmy Kimmel have even checked out.

Water Reclamation District Commissioner Candidate Todd Stroger joins John Williams to share why he decided to put his name in the hat again for 2020. Then, Todd fills John in on the astronomical (to us) salaries board members of Chicago Water Reclamation earn.

A Harlem, New York high school student worked hard to graduate early with the dream of pursuing a dermatology degree, but she worries that she’ll be able to pay for Spring semester of college. Rae joins John to explain solutions for people like that bright young woman. And she answers another stream of listener questions.

Secretary of State Press Secretary Dave Druker returns to the John Williams Show to answer more of your questions on applying for the Real ID. Here are all the questions Dave answered last time he joined us.

John Williams kicks off the show with the latest on Mayor Lightfoot’s firing of CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson. Listeners call in with their theories of what led to it, and with their answers to our NewsClick today. Then, John shares some musings about his condo board position, which listeners react to in shock. John also has an observation on car charging stations at grocery stores. Listeners share their knowledge on that. And Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan responds to a […]

Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan joins John Williams to discuss a Reddit post that explored the benefits of divorce on student loans. And, as always, Rae answers a slew of listener questions about how they can take advantage of loan forgiveness.

John Williams invites Best Reviews Editorial Manager Jacob Palmer on the show to share some of the best Cyber Monday deals he’s found and is writing about. Then, DePaul sophomore David Krupa joins the show to explain why he is running specifically in the 13th Ward for Committeeperson, where House Speaker Mike Madigan has a significant amount of bipartisan power. Dometi Pongo, formerly of WGN Radio News, and now an MTV News Host, joins John Williams to describe how he […]

STOP-IT Initiative Against Human Trafficking is a program of The Salvation Army. Its project manager, Elyse Dobney, describes the program, its goal and how she helps to protect exploited people, either from sex or labor trafficking. Foreign visitors are not the only group susceptible to human trafficking. You can help the effort by donating to John’s very own virtual Red Kettle.   

John Williams invites a listener to participate in his weekly Mega Pros Monday quiz, which is based on facts that relate to Chicago. Today, John tested the Chicago Christmas knowledge of one Lou from Lockport. See the questions below and listen to see how you did in answering them, compared with Lou.   1. He was born on Christmas day. A) Sox Manager Rick Renteria (1961) B) Cubs Manager David Ross. 2. This is Chicago’s Christmas song, Chicago’s Mel Torme […]

David Krupa is a DePaul University sophomore running for 13th Ward Committeeperson in an effort to lessen the power of House Speaker Mike Madigan in the ward. When David joined John in October, he explained what Madigan’s office did to harm his campaign for Alderman. And he talks about some of the issues he wished to address.

Dometi Pongo was a news anchor at WGN Radio until he moved to New York to pursue a MTV News career, and he talks about the process to becoming a MTV News anchor late last year. Then, Dometi editorializes on one breaking story of the morning.

Best Reviews Editorial Manager Jacob Palmer has a range of items you’ll find great deals on, on this Cyber Monday. Those include the  much-coveted Nespresso, beautiful jewelry and more.

John Williams starts the show with a playback of this week’s Mincing Rascals episode, which was taped early in light of the Thanksgiving holiday. And John wants to know what you’re thankful for this year. You text us with your answers. Then, Chicago Tribune Restaurant Critic Phil Vettel joins the show to talk about last-minute Thanksgiving dinner reservations you can still make, and his review of Good Fortune in Logan Square. John checks in with you on your favorite Christmas […]