PM Springfield Interviews

PM Springfield Interviews

PM Springfield with Patrick Pfingsten (formerly known as Springfield's Morning News) dives deep into the stories shaping Springfield and beyond. With sharp analysis, candid commentary, and a steady stream of interviews with lawmakers, insiders, and newsmakers, this show is your essential guide to the political pulse of the Prairie State. Focus in on the interviews you want to hear with the PM Springfield Interviews podcast. Patrick Pfingsten talks with Springfield’s key newsmakers weekdays on 97.7 FM and 970 AM WMAY weekdays 3pm - 6pm with a repeat of hour one from 6p - 7pm. For more news anytime visit wmay.com

Episodes

July 16, 2025 14 mins

Chicago Tribune political writer Rick Pearson joins Patrick to discuss State Comptroller Susana Mendoza's decision not to seek re-election, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias' plans, and the woeful condition of the Illinois GOP. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Kyle Porter, who writes the golf newsletter Normal Sport, joins Patrick to preview this weekend's Open Championship. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Former State Senator and Regional Transportation Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard joined Patrick to discuss the funding cliff for Chicago area mass transit agencies and the efforts to raise taxes statewide to fill the hole.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Patrick to discuss Governor JB Pritzker's continued efforts to position him as a foil to President Trump. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady joins us to discuss political rhetoric and how Republicans turn their electoral problems around.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Andrew Egger from The Bulwark joins Patrick to discuss the controversy in MAGA land over the Epstein files and if it will have any real political impact. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra joins Patrick to discuss measles outbreaks in southern Illinois and across the country and why routine vaccinations have become so controversial. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Tiffany Mathis Posey, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois, joins Patrick to discuss the impacts of potential losses in $3 million of state and federal funding and what it means for kids in the Springfield area.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a Springfield native, joins Patrick to discuss a new report on how Democrats can better appeal to rural communities and how they overcome perceptions of the party among rural voters. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Chicago Tribune political reporter Olivia Olander joins Patrick to discuss failures in meeting the state's clean energy goals and if the Climate Equity & Jobs Act (CEJA) is working for ratepayers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

GOP strategist Collin Corbett joined Patrick for a discussion on why Republicans are struggling to find top tier candidates for statewide races in 2026. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Former State Representative and pollster Mark Batinick joins PM Springfield to talk about why Republicans are struggling to gain traction statewide. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Petrella joins to discuss a near-record campaign finance fine against Senate President Don Harmon and if Illinois will ever get serious about campaign finance and ethics laws. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth joins Patrick to discuss the impacts of the Republican tax and spending bill and immigration policy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Jamie Toole of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes joins PM Springfield to talk about the Prospect League All Star Game and issues between the club and the Springfield Park District. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Brenden Moore of Lee Enterprises joins Patrick to discuss Governor JB Pritzker's soft launch of a presidential campaign, if Darin LaHood is serious about running statewide, and if the GOP is in any position to compete in 2026. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Former White House spokesman and CNN contributor Pete Seat joins Patrick to talk about the "Big Beautiful Bill" and the political fallout for 2026. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) joins Patrick after the "Big Beautiful Bill Act" vote to discuss tax cuts, the deficit, and cuts to Medicaid. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner discusses Governor Pritzker's decision on a running mate, if the 2026 election will be competitive, and the status of transit negotiations. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

POLITICO congressional reporter Mia McCarthy joins Patrick to talk about the negotiations on the "Big Beautiful Bill" and how Republicans can still get it to Donald Trump's desk by July 4. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Latino USA

    Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S. centering Latino stories, hosted by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Maria Hinojosa Every week, the Peabody winning team brings you revealing, in-depth stories about what’s in the hearts and minds of Latinos and their impact on the world. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts. www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.