Capitol Cast: Illinois

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis speaks to Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki about the new historic makeup of the high court, the court's living quarters and other issues facing the institution.

Republican legislators in the General Assembly have chosen new leadership in both the House and Senate. Sen. John Curran and Rep. Tony McCombie each met members of the media after their wins. Listen to their interviews on the latest edition of Capitol Cast. Peter Hancock's coverage of McCombie's interview is here: https://www.capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/mccombie-to-take-reins-of-house-gop-caucus Jerry Nowicki's Curran interview is here: https://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/ArtMID/718/ArticleID/2482/preview/true

An interview with Dr. David Olson of the Loyola University of Chicago Center for Criminal Justice regarding the impending end of cash bail in Illinois. The Center's research can be found here: https://loyolaccj.org/pfa.

With millions of dollars flowing into Illinois judicial elections, Douglas Keith of the Brennan Center for Justice discusses the impact of money in judicial politics and other options for judicial selection.

Judge Elizabeth "Liz" Rochford speaks with Capitol News Illinois' Jerry Nowicki and Peter Hancock about the race for Supreme Court in the state's 2nd District. The interview was conducted Sept. 15. Her opponent is Mark Curran, a former Lake County Sheriff. An interview with Curran can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/supreme-court-2nd-district-an-interview-with-mark-curran/s-XutPvD61LLL?si=2955636a94cd472dab13cd295bb77481&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran speaks with Capitol News Illinois' Jerry Nowicki and Peter Hancock about the race for Supreme Court in the state's 2nd District. The interview was conducted Sept. 30. His opponent is Elizabeth "Liz" Rochford, a 19th Judicial Circuit judge. An interview with Rochford can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/supreme-court-2nd-district-an-interview-with-elizabeth-rochford

Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Republican challenger Thomas DeVore face off in a forum hosted by the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors.

Capitol News Illinois continues our candidate interviews with Appellate Court Justice Mary Kay O'Brien, who is running for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court.

Capitol News Illinois interviews Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Burke, a Republican who is seeking a full 10-year term on the bench.

A discussion of a constitutional amendment that will come before voters in the November general election.

An interview with Democratic secretary of state candidate and state Rep. Dan Brady. The interview with his challenger, Democrat Alexi GIannoulias, is here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/secretary-of-states-race-an-interview-with-alexi-giannoulias

An interview with Democratic secretary of state candidate Alexi Giannoulias. The interview with his challenger, state Rep. Dan Brady, is here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/secretary-of-states-race-an-interview-with-dan-brady

Comptroller Susana Mendoza speaks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki and reporter Peter Hancock about her record in office and what she would plan to do with another term. An accompanying interview with candidate Shannon Teresi can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/comptrollers-race-an-interview-with-shannon-teresi/s-jrVQ9cZqyOH?si=fd8890f0b4c84cceb1b2a61882c2ea14&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

McHenry County Auditor Shannon Teresi speaks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki and reporter Peter Hancock about her plans for the office of comptroller should voters elect her. An accompanying interview with Comptroller Susana Mendoza can be found here. https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/comptrollers-race-an-interview-with-susana-mendoza/s-jbgB6YHwY6D?si=fd8890f0b4c84cceb1b2a61882c2ea14&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

A joint interview with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Sen. Darren Bailey, candidates for Illinois governor, conducted by the Illinois Associated Press Media Association Editors.

State Rep. Tom Demmer, the Republican candidate for state treasurer, speaks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki about what he would do with the office if elected by voters on Nov. 8. Nowicki's interview with Treasurer Michael Frerichs is here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/treasurers-race-an-interview-with-michael-frerichs/s-jIpCmDULysk?si=268ce78872574f51981312c7eb7d6dec&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs speaks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki about what he's done in his two terms as treasurer and what his plans are for a third. He'll face Republican Rep. Tom Demmer in the Nov. 8 general election. Nowicki's interview with Frerichs' challenger, Tom Demmer, is available here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/treasurers-race-an-interview-with-republican-rep-tom-demmer/s-36odKcR7RVw?si=268ce78872574f51981312c7eb7d6dec&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

The 2022 general election campaign season got into full swing with political events at the Illinois State Fair and the first gubernatorial candidate forum. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the major themes and issues to watch.

Gov. JB Pritzker sits down for a one-on-one interview, and Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki takes a look at the election-night speeches of Pritzker and his GOP challenger Darren Bailey.

Secretary of state candidate Alexi Giannoulias talks to Capitol News Illinois about his plans to modernize the secretary of state's office should voters elect him to it. He also talks about his union support and time as Illinois Treasurer and in the private banking field. Further coverage of the race from the Chicago Tribune is below. Democratic race for secretary of state has one candidate trying to resurrect his political career and two trying to take their next step: www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elec…um-story.html Valencia, Giannoulias repeat accusations of ethical lapses during forum for Democratic secretary of state candidates: www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elec…4m-story.html $20 million in loans to felons: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-04-01-ct-met-giannoulias-bank-loans-20100401-story.html

Secretary of state candidate Anna Valencia talks to Capitol News Illinois about her plans for the office should voters give her the Democratic nomination. She has plans for an Illinois Civic Corps, modernizing the office and tightening ethics laws. She touches on the contentious nature of a race in which her husband's lobbying career has been in the spotlight. Further coverage of the race from the Chicago Tribune is below. Democratic race for secretary of state has one candidate trying to resurrect his political career and two trying to take their next step: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-sos-dems-race-20220612-qfq2y6seobhwtegdr7epdounum-story.html Valencia, Giannoulias repeat accusations of ethical lapses during forum for Democratic secretary of state candidates: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-secretary-of-state-democrats-ethics-20220527-n3ytxclwy5dupajabnlrj7pm4m-story.html

Illinois Secretary of State candidate David Moore talks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki about his plans for the office should voters choose him to replace outgoing Secretary of State Jesse White. It's the first of three interviews with Democratic SOS candidates that Capitol News Illinois will publish ahead of the Tuesday, June 28 primary election.

Illinois' political map has shifted dramatically in the 21st century with Democrats now dominating large cities and the suburbs, and Republicans holding small towns and rural areas. Two researchers at Southern Illinois University, John Jackson and John Foster, discuss that trend and the new paper they have just published. (Read the whole paper at https://news.siu.edu/2022/06/061522-Latest-SIU-Paul-Simon-Institute-research-analyzes-2020-election-provides-context-for-22.php)

All six Republican candidates for governor took part in a televised debate this week, discussing their stands on gun control, abortion and other issues. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss where the race is headed.

The Census Bureau says Illinois' population may actually have grown during the 2010s. Plus, DCFS Director Marc Smith is held in contempt again and gas station owners sue over signage they will soon be required to post on gas pumps. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Beth Hundsdorfer break down the news of the week.

Illinois politicians react to the leaked draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court is about to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Grace Kinnicutt discuss those developments and other news of the week.

A bill that infuses $2.7 billion into the state's beleaguered Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund has become one of the most hotly debated issues in Springfield. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss what it's all about.

Jerry Nowicki speaks with former federal prosecutor and current defense attorney Nancy DePodesta on what to expect in the trial of former speaker Michael Madigan, and why it's not likely to happen soon.

Former House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted this week on 22 counts of corruption involving a collection of schemes that federal prosecutors are calling "the Madigan Enterprise."

Gov. JB Pritzker announces the statewide indoor mask mandate will expire at the end of February, with some exceptions. The Capitol News Illinois team analyzes that issue and other news of the week.

The 2022 legislative session is hitting its midpoint while the state prepares to lift its indoor mask mandate. The Capitol News Illinois team discusses those issues and other news of the week.

A look at what's in Gov. JB Pritzker's budget address and the history behind his remarks.

A new survey suggests Illinois is suffering from a shortage of teachers and other educators. UIS Public Affairs Reporting program interns Andrew Adams, Taylor Vidmar and Grace Kinnicutt discuss their coverage of the issue.

On the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, we interview University of Illinois at Chicago professor Dick Simpson, whose upcoming new book is entitled "Democracy's Rebirth: The View from Chicago."

Gov. Pritzker strikes a deal to sell the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, then signs a bill repealing the Parental Notification of Abortion Act. Unemployment falls but COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Peter Hancock and Beth Hundsdorfer discuss.

The Better Government Association's Bryan Zarou and University of Illinois political science professor Brian Gaines talk with Peter Hancock about the redistricting process in Illinois and the upcoming oral arguments in three federal lawsuits challenging the new legislative maps. See congressional maps here:https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1DuemrWTVXzfvozXGm1Vts_nkTD5jXw9W&ll=41.61853807070015%2C-87.43130960460293&z=6 See IL House maps here:https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1L7I2r4gat9nRWx9wfaizpn7XkA7i1qL4&ll=38.1288129180679%2C-89.88881118842843&z=5 See IL Senate maps here:https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/viewer?mid=13Wihm7lY1g9OwCQhbQRJU4NVFGqv_2A4&ll=40.31227872643366%2C-89.54259714843751&z=6

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss Gov. JB Pritzker's trip to the U.N. climate conference, an Illinois Supreme Court case concerning ride hailing services, and the latest developments in the legislative redistricting court cases.

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss passage of new congressional district maps and other legislation during the recently-completed fall veto session.

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss an Illinois Supreme Court ruling on gun rights, efforts to repeal the state's Parental Notice of Abortion law, and continuing efforts to redraw congressional district lines.

President Biden visits Illinois to defend his vaccine mandates. Plus, Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the start of congressional redistricting hearings and the debate over qualified immunity for law enforcement.

Jerry Nowicki and Peter Hancock discuss President Biden's push for his Build Back Better Agenda, which includes an appearance by a top Biden advisor with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

Jerry Nowicki and Peter Hancock analyze the massive energy overhaul bill that passed out of the House during a one-day return to session. Plus, a tribute to the heroes of 9/11.

Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the just-completed special session, including the second round of redistricting, progress on an energy bill and lawmakers' reaction to Gov. JB Pritzker's vetoes.

Gov. JB Pritzker issues new vaccine and mask mandates in the wake of rising COVID-19 numbers while the General Assembly gets ready for a one-day special session on redistricting. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki analyze the week's news.

The Illinois State Fair served as the backdrop for Democrats and Republicans to launch their 2022 election campaigns. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki analyze how things stack up so far.

Have history and social studies education become too politicized? Jim Wolfinger, dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University, discusses new laws in Illinois and elsewhere governing what must, and must not, be taught in history and social studies classes.

Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki speaks one-on-one with Gov. JB Pritzker two days after the governor announced a bid for reelection. The interview includes a fact check on the governor's unemployment claims, discussions of potential pandemic mitigations and more.

Gov. Pritzker signs another criminal justice reform package and visits the White House to talk about infrastructure. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss those events and other news of the week.

The state gets a credit upgrade while its economy shows signs of improvement, and college athletes will soon start getting paid for use of their names, images and likeness. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the news of the week.

A conversation with University of Illinois-Chicago state politics professor Christopher Mooney on the recently adjourned legislative session.