Capitol Cast: Illinois

The Illinois State Fair opens Aug. 8. It's been a cultural institution in Illinois since 1853. John Sullivan, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, joins other officials in talking about what's new and improved this year, what the fair means to many people, and some new developments in the agriculture industry today.

Round table discussion: Gov. J.B. Pritzker challenges the Trump administration on two fronts: Title X funding and legislation protecting immigrant children. Meanwhile a political battle brews over whether Sterigenics can reopen its facility in Willowbrook. Peter Hancock, Rebecca Anzel and Jerry Nowicki discuss.

In 1862, Illinois lawmakers ratified the so-called "Corwin Amendment," a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would have preserved slavery in the Southern states. Now, Republican state Sen. Jason Plummer is pushing a resolution to rescind the state's ratification.

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed two landmark pieces of legislation, a bill legalizing recreational marijuana; and a $45 billion capital improvements program. Sound from both bill-signing ceremonies and a discussion with Capitol News Illinois reporters Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki.

Interview with John Sullivan, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, talking about the historically wet spring planting season and its potential impact statewide. Round table discussion with Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discussing the week's political news.

The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up its 2019 regular spring session after passing a budget with $1 billion in new spending,a $45 billion capital improvements plan and sweeping legislation on recreational marijuana, reproductive health rights and much more. Analysis from University of Illinois at Chicago political science professor Christopher Mooney, and a roundtable discussion with the Capital News Illinois team of Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Rebecca Anzel.

As lawmakers head into the final week of the 2019 session, all of the big issues remain on the table: the budget; a capital plan; graduated income taxes; and possible legalization of recreational marijuana, to name just a few.

Roundtable discussion of legislative efforts to legalize recreational marijuana, a proposal to put betting windows inside major league sports stadiums, and pressure on lawmakers to liberalize the state's abortion laws.

Interview with Illinois state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch who talks about his bill to require diversity on Illinois corporate boards of directors, and about the social justice and equity agenda in general at the Illinois Statehouse.

The Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment allowing for a graduated income tax in Illinois. Now it's on to the House, where rounding up 71 votes could be difficult.