From June 15th - Bill Bernardoni sits down with longtime friend and former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger for a candid conversation on the war in Ukraine, the state of the GOP, and what it means to lead with integrity in polarized times. Kinzinger explains why he believes the Trump administration is failing in its approach to Russia, what the U.S. must do to maintain global leadership, and why cutting shipbuilding funds is a dangerous move in the face of Chinese aggression. He also weighs in on fellow former Congressman Joe Walsh’s political transformation, shares his own journey, and reflects on the costs of standing on principle. This conversation caps a powerful episode featuring Rodney Davis on tariffs and Washington politics, and Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler & Denise Evans on the life-changing Safe Passage program.

From June 15th - America’s News Hour goes local with Taylorville, Illinois Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler and Denise Evans to spotlight one of the most successful community programs in the nation: Safe Passage. Launched a handful of years ago, this initiative helps people battling addiction get same-day access to treatment instead of facing arrest, breaking the cycle of crime and substance abuse. Chief Wheeler explains how the program’s compassionate approach has reduced crime in Taylorville by more than half, while Evans details the vital follow-up work that keeps participants on track after rehab. With over 1,100 people helped so far, Safe Passage is proof that community-based policing can save lives — and make neighborhoods safer.

From June 15th - In Part 2 of our conversation, former Illinois Congressman and current U.S. Chamber of Commerce Director of Government Affairs Rodney Davis weighs in on presidential tariff threats against Apple, the right way to bring manufacturing back to America, and how the U.S. can incentivize reshoring without heavy-handed government mandates. Davis also reflects on the shrinking number of competitive districts, the rise of political polarization, and how both parties have flirted with their extremes. Plus, he shares a candid look at life after a quarter century on Capitol Hill, his new role at the Chamber, and why he has no plans to return to Congress.

From June 15th - Host Bill Bernardoni and former Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis, now Director of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dive into the politics and policies shaping Washington, starting with the future of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the wake of Elon Musk’s transition out of day-to-day operations. They then turn to tariffs — where the Chamber’s long-standing opposition to broad-based tariffs clashes with current White House policy — and the economic consequences for American consumers. Davis also reflects on representing one of the most competitive swing districts in the country and navigating today’s polarized political climate.

In the closing segment of our first episode of America’s News Hour, Bill Bernardoni shifts from national politics to community impact with Reynaldo Mesa and Jonas Cruz of Real Men Real Leaders. This grassroots organization in Garden City, Kansas, has spent 15 years empowering young men — and soon, young women — through leadership training, outdoor programs, and mentorship. Mesa and Cruz share how the group grew from tackling youth gang involvement to launching an alumni network and certifying over 80 boys in hunting safety. With a girls program set to launch this fall, their mission is clear: give kids the tools, confidence, and vision to shape their own futures, no matter their circumstances.

Check them out by visiting https://www.realmenrealleaders.org/

From June 8th - Host Bill Bernardoni continues the conversation on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with Faith Williams, Director of the Effective and Accountable Government Program at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO.org). Williams details why her organization went from hopeful collaborator to legal challenger, raising serious concerns about DOGE’s legality, its usurpation of congressional authority, and its shielded records under the Presidential Records Act. From the dismantling of USAID to lawsuits seeking transparency under FOIA, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the growing power struggle between Congress, the executive branch, and watchdog organizations.

From June 8th - In our very first episode, Bill welcomed Rachel O’Brien, Deputy Public Policy Editor at Open the Books, the nationwide watchdog group founded by the late Adam Andrzejewski. They discuss how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could tackle waste, fraud, and abuse in America’s biggest programs — without cutting benefits. Rachel shares eye-opening examples of billions in improper payments, the fight for transparency, and how citizens can use OpenTheBooks.com to track government spending from small towns to federal agencies. If you’ve ever wondered where your tax dollars really go, this conversation will open your eyes.

From June 8th - Former Congressman and presidential candidate Joe Walsh joins Bill Bernardoni for an unfiltered conversation about his stunning political shift — from Tea Party firebrand to card-carrying Democrat. Walsh opens up about why he believes the Republican Party is now “a MAGA party,” why Trump is a direct threat to democracy, and why he’s determined to help the Democratic Party move toward the middle. From Helsinki to Kamala Harris, from principled conservatism to political survival, this is a raw, candid look at politics in 2025 — and the future of America’s center-right.