State Week

Illinois has seen a massive increase in spending on judicial campaigns. Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week approved prohibiting dark money groups, who don't identify their donors, from making financial contributions in those races.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has already announced he'll run for another term in 2022. This week, the state's wealthiest resident and hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin added some intrigue when he told Crain's Chicago Business that he will bankroll a challenger. He gave no indication which candidate he'd support. Our panel talks about what that means for the upcoming governor's race and how the trend of record campaign spending is likely to continue.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker headed to Europe this week where he hopes to encourage more green energy investments in Illinois and promote the state's commitment to combat climate change.

Newly drawn political districts approved Thursday have already led one incumbent Republican congressman, Adam Kinzinger, to announce he won't seek another term. We'll also discuss other legislation that made it through the Illinois General Assembly. Host Sean Crawford is joined by Statehouse Editor Hannah Meisel, Professor Emeritus Charlie Wheeler and Chicago Tribune Chief Political Reporter Rick Pearson.

There was a court ruling and more legal challenges to Illinois Democrats' effort at crafting new state legislative and congressional boundaries. Our panel discusses the latest happenings surrounding the once-a-decade redistricting process and why Republicans are likely to wind up on the short end.

Democrats are seeking to add to their partisan edge with the proposed district boundaries, which could help determine congressional control.

We get an update on COVID rates and the Pritzker Administration's efforts to get more state employees vaccinated. The GOP is attacking Democrats on a well tested topics: crime. And a new congressional district could soon be unveiled.

The NFL's Chicago Bears announced this week an agreement to purchase the former Arlington International Racecourse in the northwest suburbs. The decision could potentially lead the team to move away from Soldier Field. Gov. J.B. Pritzker downplayed any rumblings of state financial incentives to keep the Bears in Chicago or help build a new multi-billion dollar facility.

A new vaccine requirement for teachers and health care workers, as well as university employees and students, is now in effect. For those who choose to avoid getting the shots, they will need to be tested weekly. But the testing rollout has been bumpy. Also, some are pushing back on the mandate, with some even going to court.

The Illinois Senate this week approved the state's new energy package and the governor quickly signed it into law. It saves a pair of nuclear plants, and the jobs and tax base they provide, along with placing Illinois on a path to a renewable energy future. It also shined light on how the leaders of the state can work through complicated issues to reach a deal. Our panel also discusses the current situation with COVID-19, as a vaccine mandate is set to take effect.