Capitol Cast: Illinois

The Capitol News Illinois reporting team takes a look at the state of state government in the final one month of the legislative session and recaps the week's developments in the ComEd Four trial.

An interview with Illinois' new state superintendent of schools, Tony Sanders.

The Capitol News Illinois team discusses the week that was in state government, including the trial of the "ComEd Four," Gov. JB Pritzker's mention of tax cuts and a pair of regulatory measures involving ride-shares and new nuclear power construction.

Capitol News Illinois' Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker of Lee Enterprises Midwest discuss their reporting on Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center and the impending changes at the facility with CNI Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki.

Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, talks with Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki about the budget proposal that Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled during his State of the State address Wednesday, Feb. 15

A look at the state budgeting process and what to expect when Gov. JB Pritzker gives his fifth state budget address on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

The Capitol News Illinois team welcomes new full-time reporter Hannah Meisel and Public Affairs Reporting intern Nika Schoonover. The reporters all also discuss what they are working on at the beginning of a new legislative session.

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.