Illinois lawmakers are returning for a short lame duck session starting Saturday and a new legislative session begins Wednesday. Capitol News Illinois reporters Peter Hancock, Andrew Adams and Ben Szalinski discuss some of the issues that could be addressed.

CNI Editor-in-Chief Jerry Nowicki reports the week's news from around Illinois.

The state of Illinois will start the new year facing a projected $3.2 billion budget shortfall while demands continue to grow for funding of education and pensions. There are also growing concerns about the adequacy of the state's power grid as Illinois continues its push for a carbon-free energy system.

CNI Editor-in-Chief Jerry Nowicki reports the week's news from around Illinois.

Illinois officials are bracing for the possibility of mass deportations when the new Trump administration takes office. Chicago will become home to a new quantum computing center. And a new state flag may be in the works for Illinois. The CNI team discusses the news.

The Illinois State Board of Elections has certified the final results of the 2024 election. And the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues in Chicago following testimony this week from former city Alderman Danny Solis. Peter Hancock discusses those stories with CNI reporters Andrew Adams, Ben Szalinski and Hannah Meisel.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are sizing up the challenge of dealing with a projected $3.2 billion dollar budget shortfall for the state’s new fiscal year that starts July 1. Guests include Senate Democrats' appropriations lead Elgie Sims Jr. of Chicago, Deputy Senate Republican Leader Sue Rezin of Morris, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel of Evanston, and Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain of Peoria. Capitol News Illinois reporter Peter Hancock provides an overview of the fall veto session’s news with host Jak Tichenor.

CNI Broadcast Director Jennifer Fuller reports the week's news from around Illinois.

Illinois Democrats are adapting to two new realities: A looming $3.2 billion budget deficit and a second term for Donald Trump. The Capitol News Illinois Statehouse team breaks it down - and introduces our latest hire.

The latest Illinois School Report Card shows proficiency rates in English Language Arts reached an all-time high last year, but math scores have been slow to recover since the pandemic. In this episode of Capitol Cast, CNI's Peter Hancock interviews State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders about plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to boost state math scores.

CNI Broadcast Director Jennifer Fuller reports the week's news from around Illinois.