On this episode, we discuss a credit outlook upgrade for the state, the first time that's happened in nearly twenty years. While it may signal financial improvement, Illinois still has a large structural deficit. Also, the Democratic Party of Illinois is in limbo as it awaits clarification on the chair's ability to raise money.

Illinois lawmakers returned to Springfield briefly this week to take up energy legislation. But efforts to reach a deal with power providers, municipalities and clean energy advocates stumbled. Some say a resolution can be reached soon, while others maintain the issue will drag out over the summer.The General Assembly was able to pass some other legislation. We discuss it all on State Week.

Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly passed a new budget, but Republicans refused to get on board. There were also partisan disagreements on many other issues, such as ethics and redistricting.

Illinois Democrats move ahead with remap.

Illinois lawmakers and the governor have a busy few days ahead as May 31 is the scheduled end of the spring legislative session. Along with a new spending plan for the next fiscal year, other key issues remain unresolved.

On this epsiode, our panel reviews hearings into the LaSalle Veterans Home and the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36 residents last fall.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week announced the long-awaited bridge phase will kick in May 14. He also indicated the state could move to a full re-opening of the economy in June.

On this episode, the panel discusses a new report that recaps last year's deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home, calling the response at the state-run facility "inefficient, reactive and chaotic."

Months after a bribery scandal rocked the halls of Illinois government, there is still uncertainty over what action, if any, lawmakers will take in response.

This week saw the release of video and other evidence of a Chicago police officer fatally shooting 13 year old Adam Toledo. Several top Illinois and city officials have weighed in. Chicago's mayor promised a new policy on how and when officers engage in foot chases.