State Week

State Week: Bailey, Pritzker square off in their only debate 16.10.2026 28:59 ↓

Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican challenger met in the WTTW studios just weeks ahead of Election Day.

State Week: The Choate solution 02.10.2026 28:59 ↓

The Pritzker has announced a plan to greatly reduce services and employment at the southern Illinois mental health and developmental center.

State Week: Can Illinois meet its carbon goals? 24.09.2026 28:59 ↓

Illinois has an ambitious plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. But a new reports shows the state is not on pace to hit the goal. It offers recommendations to get back on track, but those would require some major changes. It's uncertain if the political will exists to make that happen.

State Week: Trump endorses Bailey; Chicago's mayor to seek re-election 17.09.2026 28:59 ↓

Republican Darren Bailey picked up the endorsement of President Donald Trump this week, whether he wanted it or not.

State Week: Legislative watchdog resigns amid scrutiny 11.09.2026 28:59 ↓

Lawmakers could consider changes to the office after the latest scandal resulted in a state representative stepping down.

State Week: The Chicago Bears stadium saga continues 04.09.2026 28:59 ↓

The team has yet to finalize a plan to stay in Illinois or move games to Indiana.

State Week: Concerns over Trump's mail voting rules 28.08.2026 28:59 ↓

Illinois has joined other states in a legal challenge against the president's order.

State Week: Politics at the Illinois State Fair 21.08.2026 28:59 ↓

Democrats and Republicans held their annual rallies at the fairgrounds in Springfield.

State Week: Campaign season is underway 14.08.2026 28:59 ↓

The Democratic and Republican nominees for governor appeared separately at the same event this week.

State Week: Speaker Welch responds 07.08.2026 28:59 ↓

House Speaker Emanual "Chris" Welch spoke to several media outlets this week, saying he was sorry for his actions and issued an apology.

State Week: Who's in the race for Chicago mayor? 31.07.2026 28:59 ↓

Several candidates are eyeing the position in the 2027 election.

State Week: The speaker faces fallout 24.07.2026 28:59 ↓

Former Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) resigned this summer after sexual harassment allegations came to light. But the Illinois House Speaker, Emanuel "Chris" Welch, is facing criticism for how he handled the the situation.

State Week: Trump continues to raise election security concerns ahead of the midterms 17.07.2026 28:59 ↓

The president again reiterated his allegations that elections are vulnerable to being stolen, but some see allegations as a bigger threat.

State Week: Ammons indicted, Benton resigns 10.07.2026 28:59 ↓

A pair of Illinois House Democrats were in the spotlight this week for different reasons.

State Week: A new fiscal year brings new laws 02.07.2026 28:59 ↓

On this episode, we discuss some of the new laws that took effect in Illinois.

State Week: A data center discussion 26.06.2026 28:59 ↓

On this episode, we talk about the controversy surrounding data center development and efforts to enact guardrails at the state level. Lawmakers left Springfield pledging to work on legislation that could address concerns over power usage, utility costs and more.

State Week: Illinois tackles the intoxicating hemp industry 18.06.2026 27:51 ↓

A new law puts rules on what had been an unregulated product.

State Week: Is the Chicago Bears' move to Indiana a done deal? 12.06.2026 28:59 ↓

The team didn't get what it wanted from Illinois lawmakers. But that doesn't necessarily mean the issue won't be reworked and reconsidered.

State Week: A session wrap-up 05.06.2026 28:59 ↓

Illinois lawmakers passed a budget and a flurry of other legislation in the final session days. But the Chicago Bears request for help with a new stadium was left on the table.

State Week: The final hours 29.05.2026 28:59 ↓

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to end its spring session Sunday. But there are a lot of issues left to consider.

State Week: Legislation moves forward as the session winds down 22.05.2026 28:59 ↓

With about a week left before adjournment, legislation is advancing at the Illinois statehouse.

State Week: Plenty of issues on the table 15.05.2026 28:59 ↓

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn the spring session at the end of May.

State Week: A status check on Illinois budget talks 08.05.2026 28:59 ↓

Lawmakers are scheduled to wrap up their session by May 31.

State Week: Illinois seeks to hold ICE accountable 01.05.2026 28:59 ↓

The Illinois Accountability Commission issued its final report into Operation Midway Blitz.