The Mincing Rascals

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

2026-07-08

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...

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