WCPT's William Muck and Jill Wine-Banks talk to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), candidate for U.S. Senate, shortly after WCPT and Heartland Signal's 2026 U.S. Senate Candidate Forum.

WCPT's William Muck and Jill Wine-Banks talk to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), candidate for U.S. Senate, shortly after WCPT and Heartland Signal's <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/joan-esposito-live-local-progressive/2026-u-s-senate-candidate-forum">2026 U.S. Senate Candidate Forum</a>.

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: U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL)

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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Dr. Willie Wilson: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview 

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Rickey Hendon is joined by Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). 

The discussion focused on improving safety for CTA workers and riders, with dedicated transit police presented as a key solution. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- McCoach said three transit workers had died in the past 90 days and emphasized that workers and riders need safer conditions.
- She said the contract is up in December, but her immediate priority is safety; the mayor’s budget, as she understood it, included no additional transit security.
- She reported that 50 sheriff’s deputies had been deployed and fewer than 200 CPD officers were assigned to cover the bus and rail system. She said the unions support a dedicated transit police force and questioned renewing the CPD contract without consulting them.
- McCoach cited improvements from the sheriff’s department and said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart was expected to provide recommendations on dedicated transit police in December. 

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 Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the<a href="https://www.atu308.org/"> Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308</a>, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).&nbsp;
The discussion focused on improving safety for CTA workers and riders, with dedicated transit police presented as a key solution. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - McCoach said three transit workers had died in the past 90 days and emphasized that workers and riders need safer conditions. - She said the contract is up in December, but her immediate priority is safety; the mayor&rsquo;s budget, as she understood it, included no additional transit security. - She reported that 50 sheriff&rsquo;s deputies had been deployed and fewer than 200 CPD officers were assigned to cover the bus and rail system. She said the unions support a dedicated transit police force and questioned renewing the CPD contract without consulting them. - McCoach cited improvements from the sheriff&rsquo;s department and said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart was expected to provide recommendations on dedicated transit police in December.&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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Pennie McCoach of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308

Chris Fitzsimon

Bruce Rheins

On today's show
– Chris Fitzsimon, host of the Stories from the States podcast; a radio version of the podcast now airs on WCPT Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Central
– Bruce Rheins, former CBS Los Angeles deputy bureau chief

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; Chris Fitzsimon, host of the <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stories-states">Stories from the States podcast</a>; a radio version of the podcast now airs on WCPT Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Central &ndash; Bruce Rheins, former CBS Los Angeles deputy bureau chief
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: U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL)

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