Capitol Cast: Illinois

Illinois Secretary of State candidate David Moore talks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki about his plans for the office should voters choose him to replace outgoing Secretary of State Jesse White. It's the first of three interviews with Democratic SOS candidates that Capitol News Illinois will publish ahead of the Tuesday, June 28 primary election.

Illinois' political map has shifted dramatically in the 21st century with Democrats now dominating large cities and the suburbs, and Republicans holding small towns and rural areas. Two researchers at Southern Illinois University, John Jackson and John Foster, discuss that trend and the new paper they have just published. (Read the whole paper at https://news.siu.edu/2022/06/061522-Latest-SIU-Paul...

All six Republican candidates for governor took part in a televised debate this week, discussing their stands on gun control, abortion and other issues. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss where the race is headed.

The Census Bureau says Illinois' population may actually have grown during the 2010s. Plus, DCFS Director Marc Smith is held in contempt again and gas station owners sue over signage they will soon be required to post on gas pumps. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Beth Hundsdorfer break down the news of the week.

Illinois politicians react to the leaked draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court is about to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Grace Kinnicutt discuss those developments and other news of the week.

A bill that infuses $2.7 billion into the state's beleaguered Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund has become one of the most hotly debated issues in Springfield. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss what it's all about.

Jerry Nowicki speaks with former federal prosecutor and current defense attorney Nancy DePodesta on what to expect in the trial of former speaker Michael Madigan, and why it's not likely to happen soon.

Former House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted this week on 22 counts of corruption involving a collection of schemes that federal prosecutors are calling "the Madigan Enterprise."

Gov. JB Pritzker announces the statewide indoor mask mandate will expire at the end of February, with some exceptions. The Capitol News Illinois team analyzes that issue and other news of the week.

The 2022 legislative session is hitting its midpoint while the state prepares to lift its indoor mask mandate. The Capitol News Illinois team discusses those issues and other news of the week.

A look at what's in Gov. JB Pritzker's budget address and the history behind his remarks.

A new survey suggests Illinois is suffering from a shortage of teachers and other educators. UIS Public Affairs Reporting program interns Andrew Adams, Taylor Vidmar and Grace Kinnicutt discuss their coverage of the issue.

On the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, we interview University of Illinois at Chicago professor Dick Simpson, whose upcoming new book is entitled "Democracy's Rebirth: The View from Chicago."

Gov. Pritzker strikes a deal to sell the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, then signs a bill repealing the Parental Notification of Abortion Act. Unemployment falls but COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Peter Hancock and Beth Hundsdorfer discuss.

The Better Government Association's Bryan Zarou and University of Illinois political science professor Brian Gaines talk with Peter Hancock about the redistricting process in Illinois and the upcoming oral arguments in three federal lawsuits challenging the new legislative maps. See congressional maps here:https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1DuemrWTVXzfvozXGm1Vts_nkTD5jXw9W&ll=41.6185380...

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss Gov. JB Pritzker's trip to the U.N. climate conference, an Illinois Supreme Court case concerning ride hailing services, and the latest developments in the legislative redistricting court cases.

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss passage of new congressional district maps and other legislation during the recently-completed fall veto session.

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss an Illinois Supreme Court ruling on gun rights, efforts to repeal the state's Parental Notice of Abortion law, and continuing efforts to redraw congressional district lines.

President Biden visits Illinois to defend his vaccine mandates. Plus, Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the start of congressional redistricting hearings and the debate over qualified immunity for law enforcement.

Jerry Nowicki and Peter Hancock discuss President Biden's push for his Build Back Better Agenda, which includes an appearance by a top Biden advisor with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

Jerry Nowicki and Peter Hancock analyze the massive energy overhaul bill that passed out of the House during a one-day return to session. Plus, a tribute to the heroes of 9/11.

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the just-completed special session, including the second round of redistricting, progress on an energy bill and lawmakers' reaction to Gov. JB Pritzker's vetoes.

Gov. JB Pritzker issues new vaccine and mask mandates in the wake of rising COVID-19 numbers while the General Assembly gets ready for a one-day special session on redistricting. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki analyze the week's news.

The Illinois State Fair served as the backdrop for Democrats and Republicans to launch their 2022 election campaigns. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki analyze how things stack up so far.

Have history and social studies education become too politicized? Jim Wolfinger, dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University, discusses new laws in Illinois and elsewhere governing what must, and must not, be taught in history and social studies classes.