Illinois in Focus

Defense attorneys for the four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists convicted of bribing one of the state's most powerful politicians have asked a judge to drop the case. The four defendants, who have not be sentenced, want Judge Manish Shah to dismiss the indictment against them and issue an acquittal after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the federal bribery statute. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of a federal bribery statute that makes it a crime for state and local officials to accept gifts valued at over $5,000 from a donor who had previously been awarded contracts or other government benefits thanks to the official's efforts. The 6-3 decision could affect how prosecutors across the country pursue public corruption cases. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Greg Bishop reviews the response from the Illinois State Board of Election to concerns raised by the Illinois Election Integrity Project.

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With the national parties’ conventions over, it’s a mad dash to the general election finish line. Leaders from both of Illinois’ major political parties are laying out their get-out-the-vote efforts. Democrats officially nominated Kamala Harris for president last week in Chicago. Republicans nominated Donald Trump in Milwaukee last month. The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the ballot Friday that included keeping independent candidate Robert Kennedy on. Kennedy has now endorsed Trump, taking his name off battleground states’ ballots while staying on in states like Illinois where it could negatively impact Harris.

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Greg Bishop reviews some of the themes heard around last week's Democratic National Convention, including reaction from party leaders to concerns about the economy and border security.

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While Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker didn’t get selected to be Kamala Harris’ vice presidential candidate, he did get a primetime spot on the stage of the Democratic National Convention Tuesday. Chicago plays host to the convention this week where an array of speakers addressed Democratic delegates. Among the speakers on the national stage was former President Barack Obama. Before that and shortly after the states’ roll call giving Harris the official nomination, Pritzker took the stage and said Democrats are for lower taxes, higher wages, less inflation and more business growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Greg Bishop reviews some of the moments from the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago featuring several Illinois politicians on the main stage.

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Greg Bishop reviews some of the themes discussed at Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with the Illinois delegations.

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Greg Bishop reviews some of the questions and answers from Illinois Democrats during Tuesday's breakfast in Chicago as part of the Democratic National Convention. He also shares comments from Republican state representative candidates Leslie Collazo and Fredrick Walls.

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The mantra on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from Illinois' Democratic party leaders was “when we fight, we win.” Monday evening’s speeches included President Joe Biden seemingly passing the torch to Kamala Harris. Earlier in the day, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who was not selected to be Harris’ running mate, hinted at vying for a third term for governor.

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Monday begins the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and leaders from both parties in Illinois are outlining how they see the major event impacting taxpayers. Just as with the Republican National Convention last month in Milwaukee, the DNC in Chicago will cost taxpayers $75 million. Law enforcement agencies from around the area are on the ground with security perimeters around the United Center and McCormick Place. Tens of thousands of protesters are also expected. Rallying Democrats at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker previewed his plans to showcase the policies he and Democrats have enacted in the Land of Lincoln to those visiting Chicago.

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