Capitol Cast: Illinois

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.