On today's show
– Autumn Billings, assistant editor at Reason
– Thomas Hicks, former chair of the federal Election Assistance Commission; he was fired on July 9 when President Donald Trump dismissed all three serving commissioners
– David Hochberg, vice president of lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial

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; Autumn Billings, assistant editor at&nbsp;<a href="https://reason.com/people/autumn-billings/">Reason</a> &ndash; Thomas Hicks, former chair of the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eac.gov/">Election Assistance Commission</a>; he was&nbsp;fired on July 9 when President Donald Trump dismissed all three serving commissioners &ndash; David Hochberg, vice president of lending for&nbsp;<a href="https://56david.com/">Team Hochberg</a>&nbsp;at Homeside Financial
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 | September 17, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Jeffrey A. Winters, professor of political science at Northwestern University, and author of he 2026 book "The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy."

The discussion examined how oligarchic power is embedded in U.S. democratic institutions and possible reforms to the system.  Here is a brief summary of the conversation:
- Winters explained that the Constitution was designed to balance democracy with oligarchy after debt crises and farmer uprisings in the 1780s.
- The Senate, presidential veto, Electoral College, and Supreme Court were created as protections for wealthy interests.
- Winters proposes a 45-member Supreme Court, with half selected by legislators and half chosen by lottery from eligible legal professionals.
- Other reforms discussed: stronger corporate-ownership transparency, progressive taxation, wealth taxes, eliminating the Senate, and removing presidential veto power.

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 Jeffrey A. Winters,&nbsp;<a href="https://polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/jeffrey-winters.html">professor of political science at Northwestern University</a>, and author of he 2026 book "<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Blind-Spot/Jeffrey-Winters/9781668221532">The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy</a>."
The discussion examined how oligarchic power is embedded in U.S. democratic institutions and possible reforms to the system.&nbsp; Here is a brief summary of the conversation: - Winters explained that the Constitution was designed to balance democracy with oligarchy after debt crises and farmer uprisings in the 1780s. - The Senate, presidential veto, Electoral College, and Supreme Court were created as protections for wealthy interests. - Winters proposes a 45-member Supreme Court, with half selected by legislators and half chosen by lottery from eligible legal professionals. - Other reforms discussed: stronger corporate-ownership transparency, progressive taxation, wealth taxes, eliminating the Senate, and removing presidential veto power.
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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WCPT 820 Interview: Author-Professor Jeffrey Winters

Joan Esposito is joined by Bill Scher, politics editor at Washington Monthly; his latest article is "Will It Be a Blue Wave?" They also talked about his piece, "How To Build A Big Tent" and Republican attacks on Michigan Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed for his associations with left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker.   

Other key points:
- Candidates must tailor their positions to local electorates; progressive positions such as Medicare for All remain untested in some battleground states.
- Democratic polling is favorable, especially for the House, but most Senate races remain within the margin of error and should not be considered secure.
- If Democrats win the House, Hakeem Jeffries is viewed as the likely speaker because of his internal relationships and vote-counting ability, not necessarily his oratory.

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://washingtonmonthly.com/author/bill-scher/">Bill Scher</a>, politics editor at <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/">Washington Monthly</a>; his latest article is "<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/09/09/will-it-be-a-blue-wave/">Will It Be a Blue Wave?</a>" They also talked about his piece, "<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/09/01/how-to-build-a-big-tent/">How To Build A Big Tent</a>" and Republican attacks on Michigan Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed for his associations with left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker.&nbsp; &nbsp;
Other key points: - Candidates must tailor their positions to local electorates; progressive positions such as Medicare for All remain untested in some battleground states. - Democratic polling is favorable, especially for the House, but most Senate races remain within the margin of error and should not be considered secure. - If Democrats win the House, Hakeem Jeffries is viewed as the likely speaker because of his internal relationships and vote-counting ability, not necessarily his oratory.
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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WCPT 820 Interview: Bill Scher of Washington Monthly

Joan Esposito is joined by Stephanie Zimmermann, award-winningconsumer investigations reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times.  Zimmermann has recently written a series of articles under the banner, "Chicago's Baltic Bond: Lithuania, America and Democracy," which she talks to WCPT about. 

"I did a whole story answering the question, why Lithuania?," she said. "I mean, personally, I have a connection to Lithuania because I had a Lithuanian mother. There are about 60,000 Lithuanian Americans in the Chicago area. We have one of the biggest diasporas in the whole world." 

Zimmermann described Lithuania’s strategic vulnerability beside Belarus and Russia, concerns about NATO reliability, and strong public support for democracy among both older and younger Lithuanians.

She also talked about stories she's recently written on insurance claims ("Insurance industry makes millions each day claims go unpaid, analysis shows"), and the enforcement (or lack thereof) of restrictions on Chicago restaurant owners barring sidewalk string lights ("Lights out for a Roscoe Village cafe's outdoor dining — even as others shine on").

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

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Joan Esposito is joined by <a href="https://www.stephaniezimmermann.com/">Stephanie Zimmermann</a>, award-winning consumer investigations reporter for the <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/stephanie-zimmermann">Chicago Sun-Times</a>.&nbsp; Zimmermann has recently written a series of articles under the banner, "<a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/nation-world/chicagos-baltic-bond-lithuania-america-and-democracy">Chicago's Baltic Bond: Lithuania, America and Democracy</a>," which she talks to WCPT about.&nbsp;
"I did a <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-history/2026/07/22/stephanie-zimmermann-why-lithuania-chicago-longworth-media-fellowship">whole story answering the question, why Lithuania?</a>," she said. "I mean, personally, I have a connection to Lithuania because I had a Lithuanian mother. There are about 60,000 Lithuanian Americans in the Chicago area. We have one of the biggest diasporas in the whole world."&nbsp;
Zimmermann described Lithuania&rsquo;s strategic vulnerability beside Belarus and Russia, concerns about NATO reliability, and strong public support for democracy among both older and younger Lithuanians.
She also talked about stories she's recently written on insurance claims ("<a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/08/11/insurance-home-auto-industry-nonstandard-millions-claims-unpaid-analysis">Insurance industry makes millions each day claims go unpaid, analysis shows</a>"), and the enforcement (or lack thereof) of restrictions on Chicago restaurant owners barring sidewalk string lights (<a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/08/12/lights-roscoe-village-cafes-bacp-outdoor-dining">"Lights out for a Roscoe Village cafe's outdoor dining &mdash; even as others shine on</a>").
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | September 17, 2026

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive

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