Capitol Cast: Illinois

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.

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.