Capitol Cast: Illinois

Michael J. Madigan, a dominant figure in Illinois politics for the better part of 50 years, was found guilty in federal court this week on multiple corruption-related charges. Peter Hancock, Hannah Meisel and Ben Szalinski discuss how it all came about and what kind of legacy he leaves behind in Springfield.

From lawsuits over immigration policy to threats of a possible trade war, state government officials in Illinois spent most of the week focusing on news coming out of the Trump administration. Peter Hancock, Ben Szalinski and Jade Aubrey analyze some of the major developments.

The Trump administration temporarily froze the flow of billions of dollars in assistance to state governments and nonprofits, sending state agencies into a panic until a federal judge stepped in. And the long-running corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan is now in the hands of a jury. Peter Hancock discusses those stories with reporters Ben Szalinski and Hannah Meisel.

Donald J. Trump's inauguration for a second term as president put many people in Illinois on edge, especially those in Chicago's immigrant community. Ashley Soriano, a reporting fellow from Northwestern University, talks to Peter Hancock about her reporting on Inauguration Day protests in the Chicago area. And Jerry Nowicki discusses the final stages of former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan's corruption trial.

Wayne Pitard, author of the book "Watchman, Tell Us: John J. Bird and Black Politics in Post-Civil War Illinois," discusses the life and legacy of one of the state's early civil rights leaders.

A tough week for House speakers as 103rd General Assembly comes to an end.

Peter Hancock talks to the reporters Ben Szalinski and Andrew Adams about the lame duck session, and with Public Affairs Reporting interns Jade Aubrey and Bridgette Fox about the 104th General Assembly's inauguration.

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.