Capitol Cast: Illinois

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.