PM Springfield Interviews

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) joins Patrick to discuss DCFS failures in the death of Mackenzi Felmlee and what should be done to reform the agency.

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Chicago Tribune political writer Rick Pearson joins Patrick to discuss a new effort to change the way Illinois draws legislative maps and the dearth of GOP candidates for statewide office in 2026

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Noah Rothman of the National Review joins Patrick to discuss the situation in Gaza, what it means for Israeli support inside the U.S., and the Epstein scandal. 

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LaDonna Wilson, Director of Shrek: The Musical opening this weekend at The Muni, joins Patrick to talk about bringing the show to life and preparing for an outdoor show in the recent heat. 

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Patrick is joined by columnist and podcast host Matt Lewis to discuss the Epstein scandal and what it means for the Trump administration, the future of MAGA, and if Democrats have a message heading into 2026. 

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Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner joins Patrick to discuss failures at DCFS, gun legislation, and if any serious Republicans are planning to jump into statewide races. 

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Brenden Moore of Lee Enterprises joins Patrick as Governor Pritzker wades back into the redistricting debate, statewide races, and the mood of the Illinois GOP. 

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Scott Reeder of the Illinois Times joins Patrick to discuss failures at DCFS, the future of downtown Springfield, and why the GOP is becoming irrelevant in Illinois. 

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Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel joins Patrick to discuss the sentencing of former legislator and lobbyist Michael McClain in the "ComEd Four" case and if Michael Madigan will ever actually see prison time. 

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Chicago Sun-TImes sports columnist Steve Greenberg checks in from the Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas to tell Patrick whether the Illini are contenders for the College Football Playoff. They also discuss Wrigley Field hosting the 2027 MLB All Star Game and if the Cubs are contenders or pretenders. 

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State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) joins Patrick to discuss Governor Pritzker's redistricting comments and why politicians aren't serious about reforming DCFS. 

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Beth Hundsdorfer of Capitol News Illinois joins Patrick to discuss repeated failures by DCFS and why politicians aren't doing anything to reform the troubled agency. 

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Illinois Republican Central Committee member and Cook County GOP Chairman Aaron Del Mar, who is considering a run for governor in 2026, joined Patrick to talk about the state of the GOP in Illinois and why he thinks he could beat JB Pritzker head-to-head

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Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel joins Patrick to discuss the sentencing of the ComEd Four and what happens next as former Speaker Michael Madigan aims to stay out of prison. 

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Larry Hunter, the Interim Executive Director of WSIU-TV, which operates the former WSEC-TV in Springfield, joined Patrick to discuss federal cuts to public broadcasting and what it means to local programming. 

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WCIA TV Meteorologist Kevin Lighty joins Patrick to discuss dangerously hot and humid weather expected around central Illinois this week.

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Former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh joins Patrick to discuss the MAGA break over Jeffery Epstein, the Colbert firing, and if Republican politicians really believe what they're saying.

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State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who announced this week she won't seek another term next year, joins Patrick to discuss why she chose to step away and if she's running for Chicago Mayor in 2027.

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Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mike Murphy joins Patrick to discuss business struggles downtown, the tourist economy, and an event next month with the Chicago Federal Reserve President. 

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