State Week

Over the past week, Democratic Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth weathered Republican criticism at the same time her name is being put forward, among others, as Joe Biden's potential running mate. Governor J.B. Pritzker called on the Trump administration for a nationwide mandate for wearing masks to combat the coronavirus, while still not issuing such a mandate in his own state. More revelations are showing just who received federal PPP money. And House Speaker Michael Madigan calls for the

This week, a Clay County judge ruled that Governor J.B. Pritzker did not have the authority to issue executive orders to combat the spread of the new coronavirus after his initial order expired. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot warned the city that there would be conseqences for those who flout precautionary measures. Also, it's the start of a new fiscal year and several new laws went into effect July 1st. WTTW Chicago Tonight's Amanda Vinicky joins the panel.

This Friday marked Illinois moving to Phase 4 of Governor J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan, along with guidelines for in-person school attendance in the Fall. However, the governor says that the threat of COVID-19 remains and that restrictions could be tightened again if there is a resurgence of the disease. Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business joins the panel.

As the state gets closer to the Phase 4 stage of Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan, there are still concerns over the possibility of a surge in COVID-19 cases along with calls to speed up the process. Also, the state is making it easier to vote by mail for the upcoming election.

In the midst of nationwide protests and demands for police reforms, Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot expressed their support for possibly requiring police officers to be licensed by the state. Also, as Illinois continues to see a decrease in COVID-19 metrics in Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, other states are seeing a significant spike in cases and deaths. Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker signed off on an uncertain state budget. WBEZ's Tony Arnold joins the panel this

Protests and in some cities looting and destruction the past week in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of police have taken place nationwide and in Illinois. On this week's program, a discussion of the causes and consequences, and the reactions of the Governor and the Mayor of Chicago. The Chicago Sun Times ' Maudlyne Ihejirika joins the panel.

As Illinois enters Phase Three of "Restore Illinois", Governor Pritzker is responding to criticism and lawsuits surrounding his re-opening plan. Meanwhile, the Illinois General Assembly wrapped up its short special legislative session last weekend after passing a state budget. The panel also discusses a controversy over whether or not lawmakers will see their pay go up. Capitol News Illinois’ Rebecca Anzel joins the panel.

The Illinois legislature gathered in Springfield for the first time in weeks for a short special session. Among the issues facing lawmakers are further responses to the pandemic, rules for voting this November, and the state budget.

Governor J.B. Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" plan to slowly re-open the state's economy is facing resistance from several quarters. Meanwhile, the Illinois Legislature is preparing for an abbreviated session in Springfield next week. Mark Maxwell, Capitol Bureau Chief for WCIA-TV, joins the panel.

This week, Governor J.B. Pritzer announced a plan to re-open the state in stages and by region, depending on continued progress in limiting the spread of the new coronavirus. Capitol News Illinois’ Rebecca Anzel and reporter Bill Wheelhouse join the panel. Topics this week include how the governor's plan was received and what it means for residents and businesses. We'll also hear about a group of Illinois Democrats who want more information about personal protective equipment going to nursing