On this episode, we speak with reporters from ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with Lee Enterprises and Capitol News Illinois.

Last year's Highland Park 4th of July parade was the scene of a mass shooting that left seven dead and injured dozens. State lawmakers responded with an assault weapons ban. Court challenges to the law continue.

The governor, who has touted the president and put his own ambitions on hold, held a fundraiser for Biden during his visit to Chicago. Biden heaped praise on Pritzker saying he "helped me more than anybody in America get elected last time."

The Pritzker Administration is limiting enrollment as a way to hold down costs. But is there a political price?

A law signed this week is believed to be the first in the nation prohibiting book bans at school and public libraries.

From early childhood to higher education, the new spending plan provides more resources.

Our panel discusses how a new spending plan made it through the Illinois legislature, an update on the Chicago Bears' efforts to move to the suburbs and Republicans in the state begin lining up behind presidential hopefuls.

Illinois lawmakers and the governor reached agreement on a new spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1. Also, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a scathing report on clergy sex abuse within the Catholic church.

The Illinois legislature has missed its scheduled adjournment date. So what happens next?

Revenue estimates have dropped in recent weeks, which could mean many groups seeking additional funding will wind up disappointed. They'll know soon as state lawmakers have set May 19 as their spring adjournment date.