Masks Down
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.
Feb 25, 2022•17 min
Capitol Cast: Illinois
Your trusted source for news and analysis of Illinois state government
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
Session Midpoint
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.
Feb 25, 2022•19 min
The governor makes his pitch
A look at what's in Gov. JB Pritzker's budget address and the history behind his remarks.
Feb 04, 2022•31 min
Illinois' Teacher Shortage
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.
Jan 17, 2022•11 min
The State of Democraccy
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."
Jan 07, 2022•21 min
News of the Week, Holiday Edition
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.
Dec 17, 2021•12 min
Redistricting Controversies
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/vi...
Nov 19, 2021•18 min
Climate, Supreme Court and Redistricting
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.
Nov 12, 2021•18 min
Fall Veto Session
Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss passage of new congressional district maps and other legislation during the recently-completed fall veto session.
Nov 01, 2021•15 min
Veto Session: Abortion, Guns and Redistricting
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.
Oct 22, 2021•12 min
Vaccine Mandates
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.
Oct 08, 2021•17 min
BIDEN'S ILLINOIS PUSH
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.
Sep 24, 2021•18 min
Powering Forward
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.
Sep 10, 2021•14 min
Special Session Roundup
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.
Sep 02, 2021•17 min
Covid Mandates and Redistricting
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.
Aug 27, 2021•19 min
State Fair and the 2022 Elections
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.
Aug 20, 2021•19 min
The Politics of Social Studies Education
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.
Jul 30, 2021•13 min
Pritzker on the Record
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.
Jul 22, 2021•22 min
Week in Review - July 16
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.
Jul 16, 2021•17 min
Credit Upgrade, Economy and College Sports
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.
Jul 01, 2021•20 min
Capitol Cast: Session in Review
A conversation with University of Illinois-Chicago state politics professor Christopher Mooney on the recently adjourned legislative session.
Jun 25, 2021•20 min
Juneteenth in Illinois
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill designating Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki take a look at the importance of that holiday as well as other news from the Statehouse over the past week.
Jun 18, 2021•15 min
Phase 5 Reopening
As Illinois enters Phase 5 of the state's reopening, Gov. JB Pritzker reflects on how the state responded. Plus, the Capitol News Illinois team discusses the energy bill that will be debated next week, staff shortages at state parks, and other issues.
Jun 11, 2021•17 min
Pritzker Reflects on 2021 Session
Gov. JB Pritzker talks about the accomplishments of the 2021 session, legislative redistricting and the prospects of an energy bill that would transition Illinois to a carbon-free power industry.
Jun 04, 2021•13 min
Illinois' Mental Health Care 'Crisis'
A look at the state of mental health care in Illinois, including discussions with experts and lawmakers.
May 11, 2021•14 min
Reopening, Education & Redistricting
Gov. Pritzker announces a path to full reopening while also revising his budget proposal by adding $350 million for K-12 education. And the controversies over redistricting continue at the Statehouse. CNI's Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Sarah Mansur discuss.
May 07, 2021•13 min
April 30 Week in Review
The Capitol News Illinois team discusses Gov. Pritzker's energy proposal, a new report on a COVID-19 outbreak at a veterans home, landmark health care reform legislation and emergency housing assistance.
Apr 30, 2021•16 min
An Independent Redistricting Commission?
State Rep. Tim Butler, the ranking Republican on the House Redistricting Committee, talks about the GOP's proposal for an independent redistricting commission.
Apr 16, 2021•19 min
What Does the Illinois Treasurer Do?
What does the Illinois Treasurer do? We speak with Treasurer Mike Frerichs about his role in Illinois state government and some of the programs his office oversees.
Apr 09, 2021•19 min
March 26 Week in Review
The Illinois Senate was back in the Statehouse and passed some significant legislation while the House continued to hold remote committee meetings. The CNI team discusses some of the major developments.
Mar 26, 2021•17 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android