Sound of the State

From deceptive crisis pregnancy centers to efforts from other states to weaponize digital data, Senator Celina Villanueva details the challenges surrounding reproductive care — and how Illinois is pushing back through landmark legislation designed to safeguard personal freedom and privacy.

From newsroom intimidation to national security transparency, Senator Steve Stadelman shares candid insights on the real-world pressure journalists face — and how Illinois’ new protections aim to defend the public’s right to know.

On this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Cristina Castro and Nick Nagele with the Illinois Craft Distillers Association discuss how a measure she recently passed supports craft distillers, enhances cocktails-to-go and streamlines the small liquor licensing process.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrate recent events in the Chicago area and Metro East that will create opportunities for growth in state's television and film production industry, education, and access to healthy food. Learn more in this edition of The Majority Report. 

State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. passed a measure during the recent Veto Session to assist those who have earned a second chance with the often complex process of sealing certain records that could be a burden to successful reintegration to their communities. Learn more about the Clean Slate Act, in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Ram Villivalam recently led a transformative measure through the Senate to ensure the world-class public transit system that Illinoisans deserve. Learn more about that legislation and what it means for the future of public transit in our state, in this edition of the News Brief.

From reducing access to health care and meals for public school students, to slashing options for student loan repayments, the federal administration’s budget makes devastating cuts across education – from preschool to college. State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a former teacher, joins the Sound of the State to discuss the impact HR1 has on our students.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus led legislation during the recent veto session to protect vulnerable communities and help create pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance. Learn more, in this edition of The Majority Report.

A popular option at Illinois restaurants could become permanent as part of a bill sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro to support small businesses. Plus, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. reacts to another bond rating upgrade received by the state. Those stories, and more, are in this edition of The Majority Report.

State Senator Adriane Johnson joins the Sound of the State to recognize the International Day of Climate Action and to discuss ways Illinois is taking action to promote a cleaner future through legislation addressing clean air and water standards, and more.

In this episode of Sound of the State, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford discusses the impact of head start programs, how early childhood education has changed over the years, and more.  Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford strongly believes education starts at birth. Listen to this episode of the Sound of the State podcast to learn why early childhood education is the foundatio...

State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.

As Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, Senator Robert Peters knows how vital workers are to our state’s success. From the Haymarket Riots to today’s workforce development, Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s labor movement. In this Labor Day episode of Sound of the State, he shares why Illinois is leading the way in labor rights and equity.

Newly signed laws sponsored by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus take actions to protect families in missing persons cases, ban unfair ticketing in schools, give NICU families a stronger start and address mental health workforce shortages. Learn more, in this edition of the News Brief.

No one should face barriers to care after experiencing sexual assault. Senator Julie Morrison joins the Sound of the State to explain how her new law requires hospitals to put survivors first—strengthening trauma-informed care, expanding nurse examiner training, and giving the Illinois Department of Public Health more authority to ensure hospitals meet their responsibilities.

From protecting our most vulnerable seniors to giving sexual assault survivors real support, addressing mental health for first responders, and ensuring workers’ rights are respected, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking action. This episode of the News Brief features newly signed laws from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, as well as Senators Suzy Glowiak Hilton, M...

From protecting organ donors at work to easing student debt, expanding e-waste recycling, and cracking down on crypto fraud, these newly signed laws from State Senators Christopher Belt, Omar Aquino, Linda Holmes, and Mark Walker put people and consumers first.

In this edition of the News Brief, four new laws focus on safety, health, and consumer protection. Senator Julie Morrison improves trafficking victim identification, survivor support, and justice access. Senator Paul Faraci safeguards the Mahomet Aquifer from contamination threats. Senator Javier Cervantes ensures dental insurers pay providers directly when requested, and Senator Steve Stadelman b...

Illinois lawmakers are stepping up to protect communities and ensure every voice is heard. Senator Turner’s new law improves police vetting to ensure only the most qualified officers serve. Senator Halpin gives local governments the power to enforce human trafficking training and issue fines to noncompliant businesses. Senator Loughran Cappel bolsters early childhood disability representation in s...

In this edition of the News Brief, we explore three new laws making a real difference in Illinois. Senator Julie Morrison expands Illinois State Police authority to investigate online child exploitation. Senator Robert Peters gives workers more retirement savings flexibility. Senator Laura Murphy ensures insurance covers medically necessary equine therapy. These changes put safety, financial secur...

From protecting vulnerable mental health patients from unregulated AI, to supporting working nursing mothers, to helping unhoused residents get back on their feet — Illinois is taking bold steps toward equity and access. In this episode, Senators Villivalam, Fine, and Simmons explain how their new laws will make life better for people across the state.

The Illinois State Fair is more than fun and funnel cakes — it’s a celebration of agriculture, youth leadership, and investment in our state’s #1 industry. Senator Doris Turner and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talk about upgrades to the fairgrounds, diversity in ag, and what the future holds for FFA, 4-H, and more.

From saving mothers’ lives to protecting consumers from car scams, this episode of The Sound of the State covers four new Illinois laws making a difference. Senators Preston, Feigenholtz, Castro, and Murphy explain how they’re addressing maternal health inequities, easing teacher shortages, improving firefighter safety, and holding unlicensed car dealers accountable.

This edition of the News Brief highlights legislation recently signed into law addressing survivor-centered care, family services, violence prevention, and affordable access to anesthesia during medical procedures.