Capitol Cast: Illinois

Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki speaks one-on-one with Gov. JB Pritzker two days after the governor announced a bid for reelection. The interview includes a fact check on the governor's unemployment claims, discussions of potential pandemic mitigations and more.

Gov. Pritzker signs another criminal justice reform package and visits the White House to talk about infrastructure. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss those events and other news of the week.

The state gets a credit upgrade while its economy shows signs of improvement, and college athletes will soon start getting paid for use of their names, images and likeness. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the news of the week.

A conversation with University of Illinois-Chicago state politics professor Christopher Mooney on the recently adjourned legislative session.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill designating Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki take a look at the importance of that holiday as well as other news from the Statehouse over the past week.

As Illinois enters Phase 5 of the state's reopening, Gov. JB Pritzker reflects on how the state responded. Plus, the Capitol News Illinois team discusses the energy bill that will be debated next week, staff shortages at state parks, and other issues.

Gov. JB Pritzker talks about the accomplishments of the 2021 session, legislative redistricting and the prospects of an energy bill that would transition Illinois to a carbon-free power industry.

A look at the state of mental health care in Illinois, including discussions with experts and lawmakers.

Gov. Pritzker announces a path to full reopening while also revising his budget proposal by adding $350 million for K-12 education. And the controversies over redistricting continue at the Statehouse. CNI's Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Sarah Mansur discuss.

The Capitol News Illinois team discusses Gov. Pritzker's energy proposal, a new report on a COVID-19 outbreak at a veterans home, landmark health care reform legislation and emergency housing assistance.

State Rep. Tim Butler, the ranking Republican on the House Redistricting Committee, talks about the GOP's proposal for an independent redistricting commission.

What does the Illinois Treasurer do? We speak with Treasurer Mike Frerichs about his role in Illinois state government and some of the programs his office oversees.

The Illinois Senate was back in the Statehouse and passed some significant legislation while the House continued to hold remote committee meetings. The CNI team discusses some of the major developments.

Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki talks with Gov. JB Pritzker about the state's budget for the upcoming fiscal year, whether the pandemic has affected his relationship with lawmakers, and whether his use of executive authority over the past year has redefined the powers of the governorship.

On the anniversary of Gov. JB Pritzker's statewide disaster declaration, the Capitol News Illinois team discusses how the pandemic has affected everyday life in Illinois, and how close the state is to emerging from it.

The CNI news team discusses the election of a new Democratic Party state chairwoman, the state's staggering pension debt, pushes to reopen more activity in the state and other news of the week.

A new survey of Illinois school districts shows a large and persistent teacher shortage that is getting worse in many parts of the state. The Capitol News Illinois team takes a close look at the numbers statewide and in some particular regions.

Governor JB Pritzker delivered his third budget address since taking office and longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resigned from the General Assembly. The Capitol News Illinois team discusses the budget and the significance of Madigan's departure.

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, discusses the new House Rules, the new state party chairman and the future of the Republican Party in Illinois.

Acting Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II discusses the state of agriculture in Illinois, the emerging market for industrial hemp, the impact of COVID-19 on the ag industry and prospects for the new Biden administration.

Newly-elected Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaks with Capitol News Illinois' Peter Hancock about the challenges now facing the state and how he plans to approach his new job.

The Capitol News Illinois team breaks down the General Assembly's lame duck session and the election of a new House speaker.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed positive signs in Illinois as federal funding for state responses is about to run out. Troubling outbreaks occurred at state-run veterans homes and the attorney general joined a multi-state antitrust suit against Facebook.

The CNI news team breaks down the new surge in COVID-19 cases, how that's affecting the General Assembly and the results of the Nov. 3 general election that produced changes in the state Supreme Court and the Legislature.

As Election Day nears, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in Illinois. The Capitol News Illinois team discusses the upcoming votes for a graduated income tax amendment and two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court as well as a legislative push for statewide police reform.