Former Republican Rep. Mark Batinick, now a political pollster, discusses the GOP predicament headed into the 2026 cycle and how trans issues are resonating with voters of all stripes. 

Bill Scher, Politics Editor for Washington Monthly, joins Patrick to talk about the fallout of the Signal war plans disclosure, JD Vance, and if Democrats are getting played by Republicans. 

Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) joined Springfield's Morning News to talk about township consolidation, the condition of the New Salem State Historic Site, and the state budget. 

Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton), a doctor who represents parts of Sangamon and Logan County, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Medicaid, rural hospitals, and health care for illegal immigrants

Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Patrick to discuss inaction at the Statehouse and building drama over a state budget.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: The historic Bunn family farm in Springfield has been donated to Refuge Ranch, a Rochester-based nonprofit that utilizes equine therapy and now plans to expand its services.   Another of the fire-damaged buildings in the 400 block of East Adams Street in downtown Springfield is being demolished, but historic preservation advocates are pleased that the adjacent one will now be saved.   The Honey Baked Ham Company has set its sights on Springfield. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick this morning to discuss Governor Pritzker's rare veto, transit funding, and why nothing seems to be happening at the Statehouse.

National Review writer Noah Rothman breaks down the war plan texts released by The Atlantic on Wednesday and the potential fallout when he joined Springfield's Morning News. 

Matt Lewis, podcast host and columnist for The Hill & Los Angeles Times, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the controversy over war plans on Signal and if MAGA voters are having any second thoughts.

Former Congressman and former Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Bill Enyart weighs in on the national security concerns raised by using a chat app for war planning.

Lee Enterprises political reporter Brenden Moore joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss some of Sen. Dick Durbin's recent comments on re-election and who may be lining up to replace Durbin in the Senate.

Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss immigration legislation, the battle over homeschool regulation, and township consolidation.

Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune joined Patrick to talk about JB Pritzker's political future and if Republicans can muster a serious campaign for governor in 2026.

Peter Hancock of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick to discuss some of Governor JB Pritzker's top legislative priorities and the mood in the legislature midway through the spring legislative session. 

Scott Reeder of the Illinois Times joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss two Springfield news stories garnering significant interest and to talk about the future of Sen. Dick Durbin.

Tim Good, former Superintendent of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and historian, will speak at next Friday's Citizens Club of Springfield event sponsored, in part, by WMAY. He joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss race relations after the Civil War and their connection to Springfield. 

Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, student loans, and student performance in the state. 

Molly Parker, an investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois, joined Patrick to discuss the background of the new legislative battle at the statehouse over homeschooling. 

Semafor reporter Burgess Everett joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss JD Vance's 2028 moves, trouble for Chuck Schumer, and Dick Durbin's future.

Chicago Sun-Times Sports Columnist Steve Greenberg joined Springfield's Morning News to preview the NCAA Tournament. 

Former Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss GOP infighting and chances of a Republican winning any statewide races in 2026.

Chicago Tribune political reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Patrick Pfingsten this morning to talk about legislation on homeschooling, AI, health insurance for illegal immigrants and more. 

Chicago Sun-Times political reporter Mitchell Armentrout joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss mobile gaming regulation and if the legislature will fund a new stadium for the Chicago Bears.

University of Illinois radio voice Brian Barnhart joins Springfield's Morning News to discuss the Illini draw in the NCAA tournament and their chances for a deep run in March. 

Politico congressional reporter Mia McCarthy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the potential for a government shutdown and if Sen. Durbin will vote for the Republican continuing resolution. 

Robert Rosenthal of IlliniBoard.com checks in from the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis on whether the Illini can make a run in the conference tournament and what their prospects look like for the NCAA tournament. 

Ryan Mahan of the State Journal-Register joins Patrick to talk about Glenwood's appearance in the Final Four Thursday night.

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mike Murphy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the local business climate, DOGE and state government cuts, and how Springfield can grow.

DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick, the first Republican to jump into the race for Governor in 2026, joined Springfield's Morning News Thursday to discuss his campaign, public safety, and property taxes. 

Glenwood Boys Basketball Coach Todd Blakeman joined Springfield Morning News ahead of Glenwood's Final Four matchup Thursday night in Champaign.

Semafor congressional reporter Kadia Goba joined Patrick to discuss the House passage of a government funding bill, if the Senate can pass it, and the chaos reigning in Washington right now.

Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss DOGE, cuts to the VA, and tariffs.

Former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a Springfield native, joined the show Monday to discuss how Democrats are responding to a changing media environment and why they can't find a cohesive message against Donald Trump.

Former Republican National Committeeman for Illinois and potential 2026 candidate for Governor Richard Porter joined Springfield' Morning News to talk about DOGE, Illinois Republicans, and what would get him to run for the state's highest office.

Chicago Tribune political reporter Olivia Olander joined Patrick on Springfield's Morning News to discuss the heat Democratic politicians are receiving from constituents over their response to the Trump administration.

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss tariffs, state investments, and why he's bucking osme Democrats to invest in Israel.

Robert Rosenthal of IlliniBoard.com joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the frustrating Illinois basketball season and if the Illini can make a run in the NCAA tournament. 

Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the governor's budget dilemma, fentanyl, and redevelopment in Lincoln.

Former State Representative Mark Batinick, now a political consultant and pollster, discusses state spending, the politics of spending on immigrants, and if the GOP is in trouble in Illinois in 2026.

Capitol News Illinois Statehouse Reporter Ben Szalinski joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the results of the flag redesign vote and a potential big hole in Governor JB Pritzker's proposed budget.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, tariffs, and how Democrats are failing to fight back to Trump 2.0.

Chicago Tribune political writer Rick Pearson reacts to Donald Trump's speech, the insanity of our politics, and what's next for JB Pritzker.

Former Congressman John Shimkus joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss abandoning our allies in Ukraine and the loss of his former Chief of Staff, Craig Roberts.

Former Congressman Joe Walsh joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss tariffs and what Democrats should do to respond to Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress.

Lee Enterprises reporter Brenden Moore joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss transit funding, health care for illegal immigrants, and the Governor's new media strategy. 

Gina Gillmore-Wolter of the New Salem Lincoln League joined Springfield's Morning News Friday to talk about efforts to restore Lincoln's New Salem.

Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) joined Patrick this morning to discuss efforts to reduce the state's skyrocketing property tax burden.

Jodi Ogilvy of Hope joined Springfield's Morning News to talk about the organization's Black Tie and Black Jack "A Night of Hope" event on March 8.

Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark, the speaker at Friday's Citizen's Club program, joined Patrick to discuss improvements to the Fair and how to make it an attraction that meets the future needs of fairgoers. 

Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Governor Pritzker's proposal to allow community colleges to award some Bachelor's degrees