On today's show
– Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, and publisher of The Existentialist Republic on Substack; his latest piece is "Would the U.S. Be Better Off as a European Union-Style 'Country of Countries'?"
– Professor Steven D. Schwinn of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
– Terry Savage, syndicated personal finance columnist and author

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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On today's show &ndash; Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, and publisher of <a href="https://cmarmitage.substack.com/">The Existentialist Republic</a> on Substack; his latest piece is "<a href="https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/why-i-want-11000-members-of-the-us">Would the U.S. Be Better Off as a European Union-Style 'Country of Countries'?</a>" &ndash; <a href="https://law.uic.edu/profiles/schwinn-steven/">Professor Steven D. Schwinn</a> of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law &ndash; <a href="https://www.terrysavage.com/">Terry Savage</a>, syndicated personal finance columnist and author
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central), a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics.  

A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central), a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. &nbsp;
A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | October 27, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Nicole Foy, immigration reporter for ProPublica; she recently authored the investigative article, "We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days."

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Foy said ProPublica has documented more than 500 U.S. citizens detained, including more than 100 detained amid questions about citizenship or status; most of that group were people of color.
- The reporting identified more than 60 people who were filming when arrested and more than 70 children caught up in arrests. 
- Reported cases raise concerns about Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, use of force, and First Amendment rights to protest and record officers.
- Identification documents have not always prevented detention, and some people have struggled to recover documents or phones held by the government.
- Foy said body camera use remains uneven, and access to footage is uncertain amid long federal records-request waits.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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Joan Esposito is joined by <a href="https://www.propublica.org/people/nicole-foy">Nicole Foy</a>, immigration reporter for ProPublica; she recently authored the investigative article, "<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/immigration-dhs-american-citizens-arrested-detained-against-will">We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They&rsquo;ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days</a>."
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Foy said ProPublica has documented more than 500 U.S. citizens detained, including more than 100 detained amid questions about citizenship or status; most of that group were people of color. - The reporting identified more than 60 people who were filming when arrested and more than 70 children caught up in arrests.&nbsp; - Reported cases raise concerns about Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, use of force, and First Amendment rights to protest and record officers. - Identification documents have not always prevented detention, and some people have struggled to recover documents or phones held by the government. - Foy said body camera use remains uneven, and access to footage is uncertain amid long federal records-request waits.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
&nbsp;
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Nicole Foy of ProPublica: WCPT 820 Interview

Bill Scher

Nicole Foy

Pat Kreitlow

On today's show
– Bill Scher, politics editor at Washington Monthly; his latest articles are “Meet the Democratic Senate Candidates Who Are Overperforming. And Underperforming” and “Kansas? Montana? Mississippi? Where Will the Blue Wave Crest?“
– Nicole Foy, immigration reporter for ProPublica; she recently authored the investigative article, “We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days“
– Pat Kreitlow, founder and editor of Up North News

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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On today's show &ndash; <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/author/bill-scher/">Bill Scher</a>, politics editor at <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/">Washington Monthly</a>; his latest articles are &ldquo;<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/10/23/meet-the-democratic-senate-candidates-who-are-overperforming-and-underperforming/">Meet the Democratic Senate Candidates Who Are Overperforming. And Underperforming</a>&rdquo; and &ldquo;<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/10/20/kansas-montana-mississippi-where-will-the-blue-wave-crest/">Kansas? Montana? Mississippi? Where Will the Blue Wave Crest?</a>&ldquo; &ndash; <a href="https://www.propublica.org/people/nicole-foy">Nicole Foy</a>, immigration reporter for ProPublica; she recently authored the investigative article, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/immigration-dhs-american-citizens-arrested-detained-against-will">We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They&rsquo;ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days</a>&ldquo; &ndash; <a href="https://upnorthnewswi.com/author/patkreitlow/">Pat Kreitlow</a>, founder and editor of Up North News
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | October 26, 2026

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Rickey Hendon is joined by Willie Wilson, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor.

The interview focused on Wilson’s positions on Chicago taxes, education, economic development, and more. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Wilson opposes the proposed head and delivery taxes, arguing that businesses pass costs on to consumers and that added costs can hurt affordability and jobs.
- He said tariffs had increased his business costs by $800,000 to $900,000 per month and similarly raise consumer prices.
- He advocated suspending gas taxes and described funding repeated gas and food giveaways.
- He called for students to demonstrate reading, writing, and trade skills before advancing grades, and criticized school spending amid low attendance and enrollment.
- He argued Chicago should retain the Bears, citing their economic contribution and the potential benefits of hosting a Super Bowl.
- He presented himself as a pro-business mayoral candidate not beholden to unions or special interests. 

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Rickey Hendon is joined by <a href="https://williewilson2027.com/">Willie Wilson</a>, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor.
The interview focused on Wilson&rsquo;s positions on Chicago taxes, education, economic development, and more. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Wilson opposes the proposed head and delivery taxes, arguing that businesses pass costs on to consumers and that added costs can hurt affordability and jobs. - He said tariffs had increased his business costs by $800,000 to $900,000 per month and similarly raise consumer prices. - He advocated suspending gas taxes and described funding repeated gas and food giveaways. - He called for students to demonstrate reading, writing, and trade skills before advancing grades, and criticized school spending amid low attendance and enrollment. - He argued Chicago should retain the Bears, citing their economic contribution and the potential benefits of hosting a Super Bowl. - He presented himself as a pro-business mayoral candidate not beholden to unions or special interests.&nbsp;
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | October 27, 2026

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