Storms, Sentences, and Standing Up for Democracy

Welcome to Sunshine Strategies Radio—your weekly dose of family-friendly news and civic storytelling from the heart of Central Illinois! I’m Jen McMillin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Each week, we break down the biggest headlines from around the country and right here at home, in a way that kids, parents, and grandparents can all understand. We also shine a light on the people and places working to make our communities stronger, kinder, and more democratic.

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Sunshine Strategies is a local nonprofit dedicated to civic education, community building, and helping families take small actions that lead to big change. We believe democracy works best when it works for everyone—and that starts with understanding what’s happening and how we can get involved.

So grab a snack, gather the family, and let’s dive into this week’s stories!

This week:

• Why tensions are rising between the U.S. and Iran

• What’s happening in Los Angeles, and why it matters for immigration across the country

• A major corruption sentencing hits close to home in Illinois

• A tornado touches down in Jacksonville

• Plus: fun things to do this weekend with your family

• And one simple way you can help strengthen American democracy this week

With all the negative news in the world, today I want to start with a bit of magic.

A funny thing has happened to us humans over the years—and I’ve spent a long time trying to put it into words. I think working with kids most of my career helped me notice it.

As children, we’re naturals at seeing magic. The first fireflies of summer. The way a parent’s kiss really does seem to make a scraped knee feel better.

But as we grow older, we stop noticing the magic. Or worse, we convince ourselves it was never really there. Few of us realize the truth: most magic isn’t magic at all. It’s attention. It’s care. It’s meaning.

And the wild part? We can create that kind of magic ourselves.

Let me explain. Historians—especially the sentimental ones, like me—are some of the last humans trained to see it.

Take our friend, Abraham Lincoln. He’s often remembered as a man surrounded by these “magical” moments. But the truth is, the road to those moments was rough and lonely. In 1860, still an “underdog” candidate, Lincoln was on the circuit again, traveling across Illinois to gather support for his cause—often far from his family, with little certainty that any of it would work.

Now imagine: you’re Mr. Lincoln, riding alone between towns, stumping and shaking hands. You’re tired. You’re doubting yourself—whether you're smart enough, brave enough, humble enough to ask others to believe in you. The work is heavy. The future is unclear.

And then, through the dust, headed to the state fairgrounds for a rally, you see it.

A flag.

Not just any flag. A huge flag. Hand-sewn. Draped with intention.

At first, Mr. Lincoln likely assumed it was for some visiting dignitary, or perhaps a gift to the brand new Republican Party. But he soon learned that this beautiful piece of history was sewn by his friends, from neighbors in Middletown.  The women of that community came together to create the flag in his honor; so that they saw what he was doing. That even when they couldn’t see him, in nowhere Middletown—they believed in his fight to preserve the nation.

Lincoln would later recall it as one of the most touching moments of his life. And yes, some say he cried.

Because these women, in a time of great uncertainty, looked at a looming national disaster and saw one good, decent man trying to stop it. So they made one of the largest flags ever sewn—and delivered it to his rally in the neighboring city.  Later that evening, his supporters took it down, wrapping it around his shoulders.

Feel that?

That’s the kind of magic I mean.

But here’s the historian’s secret: that moment didn’t appear out of nowhere. It started with a spark—probably from just one or two women—who found the time, gathered the materials, and stitched something extraordinary by hand. A flag like that doesn’t sew itself. Magic like that takes work.

I know—because they kept the flag. It lives at the Lincoln Heritage Museum now, and I’ve seen it up close. The deep red fabric. The carefully stitched stars. It took months to prepare.

And I guess what I’m trying to say is this: in our fast, modern world, we’ve forgotten that even miracles sometimes need a little human shove.

That’s why I stop to help when I can. Why I share a flower with a sad friend. Because sometimes, in that tiny act of care—it feels like magic.

And just last weekend, I got to be part of another one.

At the #NoKings protest at the Illinois State Capitol, I was helping the organizers and preparing to speak when I noticed a woman holding a beautiful old flag. It was mounted on a polished chrome pole. The fabric was weathered, its white stripes faded to gold.

She smiled and waved me over.

"How do you get to speak?” she asked, gently. “I brought my flag, and I wanted to share why."

She reminded me of my great-grandmother—silver curls, quiet dignity. I told her the speaker list was loose and that I’d help her get a chance to share.

Moments later, I introduced her to the crowd and held her flag as she spoke.

What she told us stunned me.

The flag I was holding had once flown over her home with her husband, a WWII veteran. But before that, it had belonged to her father-in-law. He had carried it over the English Channel during the war.

I wish I had her name. I wish I knew more details. But even without them, in that moment—holding that flag heavy with history, standing beside her—it felt magical.

And I know we made it magical, together.

🎙️ SEGMENT 1: NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT — TROUBLE ABROAD & AT HOME

Let’s start overseas. This past week, tensions between the United States and Iran escalated after a U.S. military drone strike killed an Iranian militia leader in Syria. In response, Iranian-backed groups launched attacks on U.S. facilities in the region. The White House says it’s trying to avoid a larger war — but military families are on high alert.

Why does this matter here at home? Because many of our neighbors in Central Illinois serve in the National Guard or have loved ones stationed abroad. What happens overseas doesn’t stay overseas — it impacts our communities, too.

And speaking of the National Guard...

In Los Angeles, the National Guard and U.S. Marines were deployed this week in response to massive immigration protests after thousands of asylum-seekers were detained. The protests began when federal immigration agents conducted sweeps in sanctuary neighborhoods, sparking outrage over due process and family separations.

Many Americans are calling this a civil rights crisis. People are taking to the streets demanding that our immigration system reflect fairness, dignity, and human rights.

If your kids are asking questions, this is a good time to talk about what it means to seek safety — and how America has long been a nation of immigrants and helpers.

🎙️ SEGMENT 2: ILLINOIS IN FOCUS — JUSTICE, STORMS, AND RESILIENCE

Here in Illinois, a political chapter has officially closed. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 12½ years in federal prison for his role in a years-long bribery and racketeering scheme involving ComEd. Madigan held power in Springfield for nearly four decades. Prosecutors said he ran what amounted to a “criminal enterprise” from within state government.

For many families, this is a reminder that even powerful people must be held accountable. Corruption hurts all of us — especially when it siphons resources away from schools, services, and infrastructure.

In Jacksonville, Illinois, a powerful EF-2 tornado touched down late Friday night, damaging homes, knocking out power, and causing several minor injuries. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and volunteers showed up in full force the next morning to help with cleanup. Local schools and churches opened their doors to provide shelter and food.

If you want to lend a hand, Jacksonville Community Emergency Response is accepting donations of bottled water, work gloves, and basic supplies. Check our show notes for the link.

🎙️ SEGMENT 3: WHAT’S GOOD — FAMILY FUN IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Now, let’s lighten things up a little with a few family-friendly events for next weekend:

🌽 Lincoln’s New Salem Bluegrass & BBQ Fest (July 5–6): Live music, delicious food, and historical reenactments for the whole family. Near Petersburg, IL. 🎨 Peoria Riverfront Arts & Farmers Market (Saturday morning): Shop local, snack on summer peaches, and check out kid-friendly crafts. 🚴 Springfield’s Bikes & Bites Family Ride (Sunday): Free bike decorating at 10 a.m., then a gentle ride down the Interurban Trail. Helmets required, smiles guaranteed!

🎙️ SEGMENT 4: TAKE ACTION — ONE THING YOU CAN DO THIS WEEK

This week’s One Thing for Democracy is simple but powerful:

📬 Call your Member of Congress and ask them to protect SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Why? Because SNAP helps feed millions of kids, seniors, and working families — and it’s currently at risk of being cut in budget talks.

Here’s what you can say:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent. I’m calling to ask [Rep/Senator’s Name] to protect SNAP and make sure families in Illinois don’t go hungry. This program keeps kids healthy, seniors independent, and communities strong.”

Takes less than two minutes, and it matters.

🎙️ OUTRO

From global conflicts to backyard storms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember — being informed is the first step. Taking small actions, showing up for our neighbors, and staying connected to the truth… that’s how we build a better future, one day at a time.

Thanks for tuning in to Sunshine Strategies Radio. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and check out sunshinestrategies.org for more resources, events, and ways to get involved.

Stay safe, stay kind, and stay curious. Until next time — this is Jen, signing off.