Capitol Cast: Illinois

Capitol News Illinois
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Your trusted source for news and analysis of Illinois state government

  1. 2025 Year in review

    12/19/2025

    2025 Year in review

    The CNI news team discusses some of the major stories of 2025 including Illinois' battles with the Trump administration, the retirement of Sen. Dick Durbin, candidates lining up for the 2026 elections, the Chicago area transit funding crisis and the possibility of energy shortages on the horizon.

    26 min
  2. UIC historian Kevin Schultz discusses his book, 'Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals)'

    12/12/2025

    UIC historian Kevin Schultz discusses his book, 'Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals)'

    In his new book, UIC history professor Kevin Schultz analyzes the history of the word "liberal" in American politics, how it's meaning has changed, and how despite its contributions to modern American society, liberalism generally has been attacked from both the right and the left.

    29 min
  3. In search of a math solution

    12/05/2025

    In search of a math solution

    State education officials are developing a "comprehensive numeracy plan" to improve student math skills. Peter Hancock talks with Illinois State University education professor Beth MacDonald about why Americans seem to have so much difficulty with math. Plus, CNI reporter Maggie Dougherty discusses Illinois' plans to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and new legislation giving Illinois health officials more autonomy in directing vaccine policy.

    26 min
  4. Gas bills and Midway Blitz

    11/21/2025

    Gas bills and Midway Blitz

    The Illinois Commerce Commission this week approved rate hikes for the state's two major natural gas utilities, but not as much as the companies had asked. And federal court cases surrounding the Trump administration's "Operation Midway Blitz" in the Chicago area are continuing, even though the operation itself is reportedly winding down. Peter Hancock talks with CNI's Maggie Dougherty and Jerry Nowicki about the week's news.

    14 min
  5. Shutdown ends; 'Midway Blitz' winds down

    11/14/2025

    Shutdown ends; 'Midway Blitz' winds down

    A partial shutdown of the federal government ended this week when a handful of Democrats, including Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, broke ranks with their caucus and agreed to pass a continuing budget resolution. And the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement push in the Chicago area appeared to be winding down, but several federal court cases stemming from that operation are still being litigated. Peter Hancock, Ben Szalinski and Hannah Meisel discuss the week's events.

    24 min
  6. Federal turmoil challenges state policymakers

    11/07/2025

    Federal turmoil challenges state policymakers

    Rep. Anna Moeller, who chairs the House budget committee that oversees health and human services funding, discusses the challenges presented to state policymakers by the recent partial shutdown of the federal government, the suspension of SNAP benefits and upcoming rule changes for Medicaid beneficiaries.

    22 min
  7. Fall veto session roundup

    11/03/2025

    Fall veto session roundup

    The fall veto session turned out to be more eventful than many had expected as lawmakers passed legislation dealing with the Chicago mass transit "fiscal cliff," immigrant rights and energy policy. They also debated other issues that are likely to come up again in the 2026 regular session.

    25 min
  8. Will Illinois be pulled into the redistricting frenzy?

    10/24/2025

    Will Illinois be pulled into the redistricting frenzy?

    National Democrats have urged Illinois to join the congressional redist ricting frenzy to counter efforts in other states to gerrymander maps in favor of Republicans. But will Illinois go along? Meanwhile Gov. JB Pritzker has formed a commission to collect reports and monitor the activities of federal immigration agents operating in the Chicago area. The Capitol News Illinois team discusses those stories and looks ahead to events coming up next week.

    27 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Your trusted source for news and analysis of Illinois state government

Information

  • Creator
    Capitol News Illinois
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    316
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Capitol Cast: Illinois

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