Let's Meet in the Middle
- Jen McMillin
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Hey there, sunshine crew. I’m Jen McMillin, and you’re listening to Sunshine Strategies Radio—the podcast where we help families and communities across Illinois get informed, get inspired, and get involved.
This week, we’re kicking off with a personal story. One that’s been sitting heavy on my mind—and maybe yours, too.
☀️ Segment 1: "Meet in the Middle" — A Reflection and Invitation
In politics—and really, in most heated conversations—you’ll often hear the phrase “meet in the middle.” It’s usually meant as a call to compromise, a way of saying, “stand somewhere between the right and the left.”
President Joe Biden has been called one of the best at this. He’s made a career of realigning his values to build consensus. And—credit where credit is due—he often means it when he says his views have evolved.
But what if we’re missing the point entirely?
What if the “middle” isn’t just the halfway spot between two noisy factions? What if it’s not compromise, but origin?
What if the middle ground is the original ground—the place where we the people stood long before political parties ever claimed us?
That idea has been echoing in my mind lately. Especially if you, like me, have wondered: Have we simply forgotten how to be American, not as red or blue, but as a whole?
We forget that when we cheer on our volunteer fire department, that’s American. When we support our local library or public school—that’s American. That’s government.
And yet, on the other side of the coin, we complain about our taxes or blame “the government,” forgetting—those things are American too. They serve a greater purpose. We serve a greater purpose—together.
Here’s where we’ve lost the thread. The middle we need isn’t a mushy compromise—it’s a shared center. A purpose. A community. A sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves, and with each other.
For me, calling myself “American” didn’t come naturally. I didn’t grow up going to township meetings or debating school board candidates around the dinner table. My political identity was shaped more by party than by place.
But I’ve always been a history nerd—and that’s where my civic journey started. Not from practical politics, but from learning about who we were and who we meant to be.
And I believe that’s one of our biggest problems today: we’ve forgotten how to be American together.
That’s why I said yes when my friends in Logan County introduced me to Will Westmoreland and asked me to help host an event called “Meet in the Middle.”
Will’s idea was simple and powerful: come together in the middle of the U.S.—in Illinois, in Logan County—and talk about the real issues facing rural communities. Not to argue. Not to posture. But to build relationships and community.
That’s government too. We just forgot.
It might sound ambitious, but I truly believe we the people—myself included—can help rebuild a better definition of what it means to be American. And if we ever want to heal from the years of neglect, underfunding, and division, we’ve got to start there.
And as my old friend Abe once reminded us: this government is of, by, and for the people.
That’s us. We’re government, too.
So come join us.
🗓 Sunday, July 14th | 📍Lincoln Park District, Logan County, IL | ⏰ 12–4 PM Meet in the Middle: Cultivate Community
We’ll have food trucks, kids’ activities, local resources, and—most importantly—good people gathering for good reasons. You don’t need a party label. Just a sense of possibility.
Come stand in the middle with us.
🗞️ Segment 2: This Week’s National Headlines
Now, let’s talk about what’s happening across the country—and why it matters to you.
🌊 1. Devastating Flooding in Texas Historic flash floods in Central Texas have taken over 110 lives, including children at a summer camp, and left dozens missing. The storms, tied to Tropical Storm Barry’s remnants, even brought flash flooding to parts of Chicago.
Why it matters: This tragedy underscores our need for climate resiliency, stronger forecasting systems, and better emergency preparedness—not just in Texas, but nationwide.
🎯 2. U.S. Strike on Iranian Nuclear Sites The U.S. military struck Iran’s Fordow enrichment site, reportedly setting back Iran’s nuclear program by years. Tehran confirmed “serious damage.”
Why it matters: It’s a huge escalation in Middle East tensions that could affect global diplomacy, oil prices, and security here at home.
📉 3. Federal Workforce Layoffs Under Trump President Trump’s second term is already reshaping the federal government. More than 275,000 federal jobs are being cut—roughly 12% of the civil service. Agencies like the EPA and the National Park Service are especially impacted.
Why it matters: This could reshape how government serves us all—from air safety to clean water. It’s not just a D.C. problem. It’s a hometown issue.
📰 Segment 3: Illinois Headlines You Should Know
Now let’s zoom in on Illinois, where things are just as real—and just as important.
🚨 1. River North Mass Shooting – 4 Dead, 14 Injured Gunfire broke out during a rap album release party in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Four people are dead. Fourteen injured. The suspects are still on the run.
Why it matters:This is yet another example of rising violence in nightlife districts, raising urgent calls for prevention, intervention, and justice.
📉 2. SNAP & Medicaid Cuts Threaten Illinois Families A new federal bill could strip food and health benefits from hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. Gov. Pritzker says over 330,000 people could lose Medicaid.
Why it matters:If D.C. won’t step up, Illinois must—and fast. Families need food and care, not finger-pointing.
🏠 3. Illinois Slashes Housing Program FundingEven with homelessness more than doubling in the past year, Illinois is cutting housing funds—$14.6 million from core programs, $25 million less in rental aid.
Why it matters:We need to move toward housing stability, not away from it. The gap is growing, and vulnerable families are falling through.
🎉 4. A Bit of Good News: Illinois iLottery Winner Scores $650,000One lucky player matched all five numbers in the July 7th Lucky Day Lotto midday draw. Nearly $700,000 in total prizes were awarded statewide.
Why it matters:Every now and then, fortune favors the regular folks—and we could use more of that energy these days.
🎧 Closing Thoughts
Before we go, just a reminder: democracy isn’t a building in Washington—it’s the work we do together, right here at home. It’s our libraries, our school boards, our local parks, and our neighbors.
If you’re tired of the noise—of the blame game, the shutdowns, the shouting—come stand in the middle with us this Sunday. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to show up.
This has been Sunshine Strategies Radio—where civics meets heart.
🌻 Stay kind. Stay curious. And keep planting good seeds.I’m Jen, signing off until next time.
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