Capitol Cast: Illinois

CNI Editor-in-Chief Jerry Nowicki reports the week's news from around Illinois.

The state of Illinois will start the new year facing a projected $3.2 billion budget shortfall while demands continue to grow for funding of education and pensions. There are also growing concerns about the adequacy of the state's power grid as Illinois continues its push for a carbon-free energy system.

CNI Editor-in-Chief Jerry Nowicki reports the week's news from around Illinois.

Illinois officials are bracing for the possibility of mass deportations when the new Trump administration takes office. Chicago will become home to a new quantum computing center. And a new state flag may be in the works for Illinois. The CNI team discusses the news.

The Illinois State Board of Elections has certified the final results of the 2024 election. And the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues in Chicago following testimony this week from former city Alderman Danny Solis. Peter Hancock discusses those stories with CNI reporters Andrew Adams, Ben Szalinski and Hannah Meisel.

In this May 16, 2018 wiretapped phone call, lobbyist Nancy Kimme tells former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime friend and alleged co-conspirator Mike McClain about unexpected opposition to a project in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood.

In this May 31, 2018 wiretapped phone call, House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime friend and alleged co-conspirator Mike McClain told lobbyist Nancy Kimme that he felt there was “something fishy” about a land transfer project they were trying to get done.

CNI Broadcast Director Jennifer Fuller reports the week's news from around Illinois.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are sizing up the challenge of dealing with a projected $3.2 billion dollar budget shortfall for the state’s new fiscal year that starts July 1. Guests include Senate Democrats' appropriations lead Elgie Sims Jr. of Chicago, Deputy Senate Republican Leader Sue Rezin of Morris, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel of Evanston, and Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain of Peoria. Capitol News Illinois reporter Peter Hancock provides an overview of the fall veto session’s news with host Jak Tichenor.

Illinois Democrats are adapting to two new realities: A looming $3.2 billion budget deficit and a second term for Donald Trump. The Capitol News Illinois Statehouse team breaks it down - and introduces our latest hire.