Capitol Cast: Illinois

Plenty of issues are on the table for Illinois lawmakers when they return to Springfield this week for the start of the annual fall veto session. Ben Szalinski speaks with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Senate President Don Harmon about what to expect.

The showdown between the state of Illinois and the Trump administration escalated this week as federal judges issued restraining orders blocking the administration from federalizing National Guard troops in Illinois and barring federal law enforcement officials from interfering with peaceful protests or the news coverage of them. Peter Hancock talks with CNI's Jerry Nowicki, Ben Szalinski and Brenden Moore about the week's events.

Jerry Nowicki and Ben Szalinski discuss the latest developments in the federal immigration crackdown in Chicago, whether federal troops are on the way, and what, if anything the state an do about it.

Jerry Nowicki and Ben Szalinski discuss the news of the week, from Illinois' successful lawsuit to protect its federal funding, Darren Bailey's second governor campaign launch and Illinois' immigration information void.

Democratic values and institutions are coming under attack in the United States and around the world. In her new book, "The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies," University of Chicago political scientist Susan Stokes discusses why this is happening now and what citizens can do about it.

The list of potential Republican candidates for governor grew this week. Ted Dabrowski, who publishes the conservative newsletter Wirepoints, formally announced his candidacy. And the party's 2022 nominee, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, has made it known he plans to run again. Peter Hancock, Ben Szalinski and Jerry Nowicki talk about those developments. Also, the Illinois Supreme Court announced that Justice P. Scott Neville will become the next chief justice in October, succeeding Mary Jane Theis as head of the court.

Tensions are high in Chicago where President Trump has threatened to send in federal troops to control crime and step up immigration enforcement. Peter Hancock, Andrew Adams and Jerry Nowicki discuss what is known about the situation and where it could lead. Plus, Molly Parker explains why some farmers in southern Illinois cannot access a federal program intended to help them take farm land in flood-prone areas along the Mississippi River out of production.

Peter Hancock hosts a discussion about a proposed state constitutional amendment in Illinois to reform the redistricting process. Former Clinton administration Commerce Secretary and Chief of Staff Bill Daley and former Republican congressman and Obama administration Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood advocate for an independent commission to draw state legislative district maps, aiming to reduce partisan gerrymandering. They cite past failures, such as the 2016 effort thwarted by the Illinois Supreme Court, and propose a simpler process for 2026.

The CNI news team discusses major stories of the week, including the brief appearance of a recruiting billboard for the far-right group called the Proud Boys, Senate President Don Harmon appealing a $10 million fine for campaign finance violations, the expansion of protections for news organizations against SLAPP suits, and a new effort underway to put legislative mapmaking in the hands of an independent commission.

The Illinois State Fair marked the unofficial launch of the 2026 election cycle. Democrats and Republicans brought major names to the stage to help showcase their candidates and fire up their supporters. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Ben Szalinksi share their impressions of the events and discuss what it all signals about the campaigns ahead.