Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Democratic State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. He discussed his expected transition to Congress, policy priorities, and campaign efforts ahead of the November election.

Key points
- Ford plans to pursue Medicare for all, expanded health care and prescription-drug access, affordable housing, senior housing, and infrastructure funding for the 7th Congressional District.
- He is developing a bipartisan tax credit for businesses that hire college students as interns and plans to push bills previously advanced by Danny Davis.
- He supports Democrats pursuing broad policy changes rather than incremental health-care reforms.
- Ford is campaigning for Congress through social media, events, churches, schools, and door knocking while encouraging early voting.
- He expects Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to become House speaker if Democrats regain the House

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 Illinois Democratic State&nbsp;<a href="https://lashawnkford.com/">Rep. La Shawn Ford</a>, <a href="https://fordforcongress.com/">candidate for Congress</a> in the 7th District of Illinois. He&nbsp;discussed his expected transition to Congress, policy priorities, and campaign efforts ahead of the November election.
Key points - Ford plans to pursue Medicare for all, expanded health care and prescription-drug access, affordable housing, senior housing, and infrastructure funding for the 7th Congressional District. - He is developing a bipartisan tax credit for businesses that hire college students as interns and plans to push bills previously advanced by Danny Davis. - He supports Democrats pursuing broad policy changes rather than incremental health-care reforms. - Ford is campaigning for Congress through social media, events, churches, schools, and door knocking while encouraging early voting. - He expects Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to become House speaker if Democrats regain the House
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 featured interviews from "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 featured interviews from "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 &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 (Featured Interviews)

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

WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: La Shawn Ford

On today's show Rickey Hendon fills in for Joan and his guests are
– Willie Wilson, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor
– Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
– William Muck, professor of political science at North Central College

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 Rickey Hendon fills in for Joan and his guests are &ndash; <a href="https://williewilson2027.com/">Willie Wilson</a>, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor &ndash; Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) &ndash; <a href="https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/profile/wjmuck">William Muck</a>, professor of political science at North Central College
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 with guest host Rickey Hendon | October 22, 2026

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC). 

The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections.
- Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach.
- The DLCC’s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles.
- Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania could shape policy, redistricting, election administration, and the party’s future candidate bench.

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, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dlcc.org/">Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee</a> (DLCC).&nbsp;
The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections. - Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach. - The DLCC&rsquo;s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles. - Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania could shape policy, redistricting, election administration, and the party&rsquo;s future candidate bench.
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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Heather Williams of the DLCC: WCPT 820 Interview

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Chris Mann, Democratic candidate for attorney general of Kansas.

Mann discussed his priorities as a Democratic candidate and contrasted them with incumbent Kris Kobach’s record. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: 
- Mann described his background as a police officer, prosecutor, and attorney representing victims of drunk driving. He cited the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police endorsement, the first for a Democrat in at least 25 years.
- He said many small law enforcement agencies need more support from the attorney general’s office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
- He identified rising domestic violence homicides, underfunded shelters, and youth suicide as key concerns, noting that suicide is the leading cause of death for Kansas children ages 10-17.
- Mann said consumer fraud losses exceeded $30 million in the first half of the year, including increased losses to government-impersonation scams. He proposed public education, coordination with law enforcement partners, and work with telecom and email providers.
- He also called for stronger support for farmers and businesses, and for pursuing federal funds allocated to Kansas.
- Mann said his day-one priority would be refocusing the office on public service and community safety. He criticized Kobach’s record on voting restrictions and said Kansas had not received federal funds he believes it is owed.

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, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by <a href="https://chrismannforkansas.com/meet-chris/">Chris Mann</a>, Democratic candidate for attorney general of Kansas.
Mann discussed his priorities as a Democratic candidate and contrasted them with incumbent Kris Kobach&rsquo;s record. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:&nbsp; - Mann described his background as a police officer, prosecutor, and attorney representing victims of drunk driving. He cited the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police endorsement, the first for a Democrat in at least 25 years. - He said many small law enforcement agencies need more support from the attorney general&rsquo;s office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation. - He identified rising domestic violence homicides, underfunded shelters, and youth suicide as key concerns, noting that suicide is the leading cause of death for Kansas children ages 10-17. - Mann said consumer fraud losses exceeded $30 million in the first half of the year, including increased losses to government-impersonation scams. He proposed public education, coordination with law enforcement partners, and work with telecom and email providers. - He also called for stronger support for farmers and businesses, and for pursuing federal funds allocated to Kansas. - Mann said his day-one priority would be refocusing the office on public service and community safety. He criticized Kobach&rsquo;s record on voting restrictions and said Kansas had not received federal funds he believes it is owed.
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 Candidate Interview: La Shawn Ford

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