Pressroom Archives: August 01, 2024 through December 31, 2025
| DATE | THUMBNAIL | TITLE | DESCRIPTION | DOWNLOAD ASSETS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/30/25 |  | NEW LAWS-EDUCATION | Illinois lawmakers responded to President Trump’s crackdown on immigrant communities with new legal protections for students and guidelines for schools that will take effect Jan. 1. Lawmakers also passed focusing on the use of AI in education. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast/audio/video: No. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/29/25 |  | IMMIGRATION | Staunton restaurant owner preparing for deportation after his claims that he will face violence from drug cartels in Mexico are rejected. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 600 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/29/25 |  | DOJ SUES ILLINOIS | The Trump Administration sued Gov. JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul seeking to block a new Illinois law that limits federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and allows residents to sue federal agents for alleged civil rights violations. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 400-600 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/26/25 |  | NEW LAWS-LABOR | Illinois workers with a newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit will soon have additional access to job-protected, unpaid leave. Another measure prohibits use of AI in employment decisions if that use results in discrimination due to race, religion, sex and age. A look at these and other labor laws. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 700-800 words. Photos: File. Broadcast/Audio/video: No. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/23/25 |  | SCOTUS GUARD | The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois to protect federal officials carrying out mass deportations, leaving control of Guard deployments with the state. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 600-800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: ASAP. | print assets |
| 12/23/25 |  | NEW LAWS ROUNDUP | Nearly 300 Illinois laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. A look at Illinois’ grocery tax, a small single-use plastic toiletry bottles phaseout, a “squatter bill, carbon sequestration limits and other laws taking effect. Reporters: Brenden Moore and Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,400 words. Photos: File. Broadcast/Audio/video: No. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/22/25 |  | FARM GRANTS | Past recipients of Illinois’ Local Food Infrastructure Grant say the investment has had ripple effects, allowing them to share knowledge and equipment with other local food producers. Reporters: Maggie Dougherty, Tom O'Connor. Word Count: 2,400 words. Photos: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Graphics: Interactive map. ETA: Monday, Dec. 22 at 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/19/25 |  | RECONCILIATION CASES | The Illinois Commerce Commission struck tens of millions of dollars from Ameren and ComEd requests to recover excess expenses. Consumer groups say customers should not be responsible for "wasteful" spending by the electric utilities. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word Count: 600 - 800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets |
| 12/19/25 |  | ENERGY SHORTFALLS | Illinois’ electric grids may soon face power shortages and further price increases as fossil fuel plants go offline and data centers fueling the rise of artificial intelligence demand ever-increasing amounts of power. Capacity prices also rose in northern Illinois as state regulators published a new report this week. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Length: 1,700-1,800 words. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/18/25 |  | ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION | The first public meeting of the Illinois Accountability Commission reviewed videos, photos and testimony of use of force by federal agents. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 800-1000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/18/25 |  | VOTER ROLLS LAWSUIT | The U.S. Justice Department filed suit today against the state of Illinois seeking access to its complete, unredacted voter registration database. DOJ is suing at least 19 other states for similar access. The Illinois State Board of Elections says it is asking Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office to handle the case. Report: Peter Hancock. Length: 300 - 400 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/17/25 |  | ISBE BUDGET | The Illinois State Board of Education will receive an update on the state's revenue picture and discuss its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/16/25 |  | TRANSIT BILL SIGNED | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill to fund and reform public transportation in the Chicago area and throughout the state. The bill includes few tax increases and makes several changes to how the transit boards will be run. It also outlines potential new rail lines and other projects the bill could make a reality. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 700 - 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: VOSOT. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 12/16/25 |  | OPEN ENROLLMENT | Open enrollment for Obamacare health plans in Illinois is being extended to Dec. 31. Officials at Get Covered Illinois, the state-run marketplace, say they want to give consumers more time to get help shopping for plans that meet their needs. The announcement comes as premiums are set to skyrocket after enhanced federal subsidies expire at the end of the year. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 300 - 400 words. Photo: Stock/File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/16/25 |  | TRUMP AI EO | President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday challenging state laws that regulate AI, including a half dozen in Illinois. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word Count: 600-800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Tuesday at 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/15/25 |  | STAR BONDS | A once dying mall in Southern Illinois is getting a mighty makeover, thanks to $112M bond deal — created by the state and backed by local tax money — but the project has hit a speed bump. Officials in Marion say the massive redevelopment is on track, but one of the three main developers has already dropped out, facing a slew of lawsuits. Reporter: Janelle O’Dea and Beth Hundsdorfer, Illinois Answers Project and Capitol News Illinois. Word count: 3,000-4,000 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast/audio/video: No. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/12/25 |  | FARM AID | The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the $12 billion relief program that President Trump announced to aid farmers who've suffered losses due to trade disruptions is insufficient. Jerry Costello also says he's concerned about the long-term impact that Trump's trade policies could have on the future of American agriculture. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Stock/File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/12/25 |  | WARRANTLESS ARRESTS | A federal appeals court will allow the extension of a Biden-era consent decree governing the use of warrantless immigration arrests, but hundreds of immigrants slated for release under a lower court’s order will remain detained under the opinion. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word Count: 900-1,000. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/12/25 |  | AID IN DYING | Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill Friday legalizing medical aid in dying for terminally ill adults in Illinois. Illinois will be the 13th U.S. territory and first Midwestern state to allow terminally ill adults to self administer end-of-life medication prescribed by a physician. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word Count: 900 - 1,100 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 12 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/11/25 |  | EMIL JONES DPA | State Sen. Emil Jones III entered a deferred prosecution agreement on Thursday that will leave him without a bribery conviction in his public corruption case and avoid a second trial that was slated to begin next month. If Jones fulfills the agreement, charges will be dropped in December 2026. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 900-1,100. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. | print assets |
| 12/11/25 |  | NEW POLICE LAWS | New laws regulating the police and gun owners are taking effect on Jan. 1. They include requirements for safely storing guns around children, a new background check process for police departments before hiring officers, and getting rid of the statute of limitations in child human trafficking cases. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 600-800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/10/25 |  | PESTICIDE DRIFT | More than 700 Illinois schools are within a quarter-mile of crop fields, yet state law doesn’t require pesticide applicators to notify them before spraying. Advocates say a new notification proposal would give educators and park staff time to move children indoors and reduce exposure. Reporter: Investigate Midwest. Word Count: 2,200-2,500 words. Photos: Provided. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA 1 p.m. | Please republish using assets and guidelines from Investigate Midwest. |
| 12/09/25 |  | IMMIGRANT PROTECTIONS | Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation banning civil immigration arrests in and around state courthouses, allowing people to sue immigration agents for violating their constitutional rights and enacting broad new protections for immigrants at daycares, hospitals and college campuses. Reporter: Brenden Moore Word Count: 500–700 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/08/25 |  | SENATE ECONOMIC PLANS | The three top Democrats running for U.S. Senate recently released their economic proposals to address cost-of-living issues that have become top concerns for voters in 2026. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,275 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. ETA: 7:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/05/25 |  | NUMERACY PLAN | Students in Illinois, like their peers nationwide, routinely score lower on math assessments than in reading and writing. The Illinois State Board of Education hopes to close that gap through the development of a comprehensive "numeracy" plan aimed at boosting students' math skills. Experts offer different views about whether the problem is rooted in American culture, or if it's the result of how math is taught in the U.S. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 1,200 - 1,300 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/04/25 |  | DHS FORCE LITIGATION | A federal judge on Thursday slammed an attorney for the Trump administration for arguing that a class certification in a case over federal immigration agents' use of riot contol weapons should preclude future claimants now that plaintiffs have moved to dismiss the case. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 600-800. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/04/25 |  | COMED DISCOUNT | ComEd launches a new discount program for low-income customers within 300% of the federal poverty line. The program was created in alignment with the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word Count: 400-600 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets |
| 12/03/25 |  | ILLINOIS AMERICA 250 | UPDATED 12/10 at 9 A.M.: Illinois announces statewide initiatives to commemorate 250th anniversary of America. The programs will seek to showcase local stories and feature diverse voices from across Illinois. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 400-600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/03/25 |  | GRAYSON TRIAL UPDATE | Attorneys for former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson are seeking a new trial. Any outlet republishing this story MUST credit Dean Olsen AND Illinois Times in the byline and atop the story as it will appear on our website. Reporter: Dean Olsen, Republished from Illinois Times, with permission. Word Count: 800-900 words. Photo: File. Broadcast/Audio/video: No. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/02/25 |  | 7th CIRCUIT IMMIGRATION | The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday afternoon over whether approximately 400 or so U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainees should be released to electronic monitoring. A federal judge had ordered their release last month, but after the Trump administration appealed the ruling, the 7th Circuit halted the mass release and scheduled arguments.Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 800-1000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/02/25 |  | VACCINE BILL | Pritzker signs a bill allowing the state to issue its own guidelines on vaccines following recent changes to federal immunization guidelines. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word Count: 600-700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/01/25 |  | FEDERAL CUTS REPORT | A report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute found federal budget cuts could reduce economic activity in Illinois by $10 billion each year by 2029. A look at the report and state agency reports on tariffs. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 1,000-1,100 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1 | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/26/25 |  | AMEREN RATES | Ameren reveals expected rate increase for typical residential customers to come January, following ICC ruling.Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 600 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/26/25 |  | BUDZINSKI HOUSING | U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski intervenes on behalf of residents in Springfield housing dispute, sending a letter to building management asking for answers on bedbugs, mold and security concerns. Advocates fear HUD cuts will make situations like this one more common. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 1000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: Embargoed until Wednesday, Nov 26th. | print assets |
| 11/24/25 |  | HOUSING FUNDING | The Illinois Answers Project reports on the Trump administration’s dramatic cuts to the money available to help pay for housing for people in need, including those with mental illness or disabilities. | Please republish using assets and guidelines from Illinois Answers Project |
| 11/22/25 |  | K-12 BUDGET | The Illinois State Board of Education gets an update today on requests it has received for new funding next year. ISBE has been receiving input from stakeholders and the public as it prepares to submit its formal budget request to the governor and General Assembly. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 600 - 800 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 11/22 at 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/21/25 |  | MADIGAN DISBARRED | Nearly six decades after becoming a lawyer, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been disbarred following his convictions on federal corruption and bribery charges earlier this year. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1000 words. Photo: File. Reader: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Noon | print assets |
| 11/20/25 |  | ICC RULINGS | The Illinois Commerce Commission dramatically cut rate hikes proposed by residential gas utilities Nicor and Ameren in separate rulings yesterday. The orders also terminated or rejected proposals for renewable alternatives and carbon offsets that environmental advocates said brought questionable environmental value. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word Count: 600 - 800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/20/25 |  | ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION | Gov. JB Pritzker appoints two new commissioners and key staff to the Illinois Accountability Commission, which is still ramping up as the federal immigration campaign "Operation Midway Blitz" winds down. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word Count: 300 - 500 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/19/25 |  | RIOT CONTROL WEAPONS STAY | The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the Trump administration’s request to stay a Chicago federal judge’s injunction restricting immigration agents’ use of riot control weapons and other force against protesters and members of the public who don’t pose a danger. The decision, published Wednesday afternoon, says Judge Sara Ellis’ injunction order is “overbroad” but warns to “not overread today’s order.”Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 500-700 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/19/25 |  | COMPTROLLER FORUM | Four Democrats running for comptroller participated in a candidate forum on Tuesday night where they debated tax policy and what the state can do better to pay its bills. Some candidates also tried to position themselves as the most progressive candidate in the primary. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 600 - 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/19/25 |  | PRITZKER MEETS POPE | Gov. JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where the two discussed immigration in Chicago and Pritzker extended an invitation for the pope to visit Illinois. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word Count: 400 – 500 words. Photo: Provided. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/19/25 |  | MENTAL HEALTH JAILS | Illinois is turning to local jails to treat mentally ill defendants. Some early results offer hope — and warnings. Pilot programs in Kankakee and McHenry counties provide mental health care to defendants, from smaller jails, who have deemed unfit for trial and are awaiting a state hospital bed. Partners wishing to republish this story must do so directly from the Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 1,200 - 1,300 words. ETA: 11/19 at 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 11/18/25 |  | COLLEGE ENROLLMENT | Enrollment at public universities in Illinois grew to 189,791, the highest since 2015. The Pritzker administration attributes that to increased investments in higher education, including more funding for MAP grants. But enrollment declined at some university campuses, and it declined among international graduate students. Deputy Gov. Martin Torres will discuss. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Stock/File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11//18/25 |  | DUCKWORTH AIDE | UPDATED 11/19/25 at 9:30 a.m.: A staffer for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth was dismissed after allegations that he misrepresented himself to ICE officers. In a letter dated Monday, Duckworth tells Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons the staffer acted alone. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/18/25 |  | DIGITAL IDS | Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch of digital IDs and driver’s licenses, which will be available in Apple Wallet beginning Wednesday. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word Count: 400 - 600 words. Photo: File/Stock. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/18/25 |  | HARMON FINE | The State Board of Elections made a final decision on Tuesday about a nearly $10 million fine assessed to Senate President Don Harmon for improperly receiving millions of dollars of campaign contributions in 2024. The board previously deadlocked last month, which left attorneys arguing over next steps. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 600 - 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/17/25 |  | HOSPITAL BED WAIT LIST | Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation found. The condition of those waiting deteriorates as each day passes, families and lawyers said. Partners wishing to republish this story must do so directly from the Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 5,000. ETA: 2 p.m. | Please republish using assets and guidelines from Illinois Answers Project |
| 11/15/25 |  | APARTMENT RAID | Capitol News Illinois will republish a story by ProPublica that digs deep into the federal government's raid on a Chicago apartment complex and debunks the feds' narrative of the raid. Partners wishing to republish this story must do so directly from ProPublica and must get permission for photos from mediarights@propublica.org. Word Count: 5,000 words. ETA: Saturday at 9:00 a.m. | Please republish using assets and guidelines from propublica.org |
| 11/14/25 |  | SNAP RESUMPTION | SNAP benefits have resumed as normal with the end of the federal government shutdown, but the Illinois Department of Public Health says the lapse caused unnecessary hardship. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 300-500 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/14/25 |  | TRANSIT BILL DETAILS | Beyond funding and reforms for Chicago-area public transportation agencies, the transit bill passed by the General Assembly is loaded with plans and new requirements on a wide variety of issues from expanding train service throughout Illinois to regulating local development projects. This story digs into the other details of the bill beyond funding and Chicago. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 1,400-1,800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/13/25 |  | DUCKWORTH IMMIGRATION | The Department of Homeland Security launched a probe into U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth staffer accused of misrepresenting himself. The staffer visited Staunton restaurant owner Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval at the St. Louis office after his detention. A Metro East attorney has filed a petition to block Ayuzo's deportation. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer/Janelle O'Dea. Word Count: 1,200 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/13/25 |  | DURBIN DEFENDS SHUTDOWN VOTE | U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin defended his support for the deal to end the recent government shutdown, saying he couldn’t justify “playing with people’s lives” as millions missed paychecks and benefits. Durbin pushed back on critics within his party and said his decision was coordinated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word Count: 500–700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: SOT/Radio/Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader SOT radio CC |
| 11/13/25 |  | SPENDING CUTS | Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order in September asking most state agencies to submit a list of spending cuts and ways to reserve 4% of their budgets this year. The cuts were due to the governor at the end of October, but have not been released. House Republicans will hold a news conference to discuss it. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 600-900 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/13/25 |  | HIGHER ED FUNDING | University students and faculty plan to call on the Illinois Board of Higher Education to back a plan for overhauling higher education funding in the state. They are also urging IBHE to press the Pritzker administration to release approximately $25 million in funding that lawmakers approved in the FY26 budget. The advocates plan to speak during IBHE's monthly meeting, being held in Elgin. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/12/25 |  | BROADVIEW SIX ARRAIGNMENT | House candidate Kat Abughazaleh and five others facing federal charges for conspiracy to impede law enforcement officers while protesting conditions at the Broadview ICE facility will enter pleas during an arraignment hearing today in Chicago. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 900–1200 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/11/25 |  | BAILEY UPDATE | Darren Bailey said he will remain in the Republican primary for governor following the deaths of his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in a recent helicopter crash in Montana. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word Count: 500–600 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/10/25 |  | ILLINOIS DEMS SHUTDOWN | Several key Illinois Democrats are at odds with Sen. Dick Durbin over his decision to side with Republicans on legislation to reopen the federal government. Gov. JB Pritzker and candidates running for Durbin's seat say Democrats should oppose any plan that does not include healthcare subsidies to lower premiums. It's the second time this year Dubin has angered Illinois Democrats over a budget vote. Reporter: Ben Szalinski Word Count: 800-1,200 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/06/25 |  | RIOT CONTROL WEAPONS | A federal judge on Thursday will rule on whether her temporary restraining order prohibiting federal immigration agents from using riot control weapons like tear gas and pepper balls without justification or warning should be converted into a preliminary injunction. The ruling follows an all-day hearing Wednesday, during which nearly a dozen witnesses testified about having been hit with such weapons, while parts of U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino's recent filmed deposition were played in court. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1200-1500 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/07/25 |  | MOELLER INTERVIEW | The recent suspension of federal SNAP benefits and upcoming changes to federal rules governing Medicaid both present challenges to state policymakers. State Rep. Anna Moeller, who chairs the House budget committee on health and human services, talks about those challenges in a podcast interview with CNI. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 500 - 700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: Audio + Video Podcast. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets audio podcast video podcast |
| 11/06/25 |  | UPDATED TRANSIT FUNDING | The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority approved new funding estimates for the next three years after lawmakers passed legislation the board says will eliminate the fiscal cliff. The estimates mean layoffs and fare increases are not required in 2026. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word count: 500-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/06/25 |  | CLEAN SLATE ACT | Legislators passed ‘Clean Slate’ bill during last week’s veto session after failing to do so in past years. If signed by the governor, the legislation would automate sealing of eligible conviction records for over two million Illinois residents. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 1,050-1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/05/25 |  | BROADVIEW CONDITIONS TRO | A federal judge is expected to issue a temporary restraining order late Wednesday afternoon that will govern how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must change how it runs its processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman's decision comes after a day of arguments Tuesday in a case filed over what he called "unnecessary cruel" conditions in the ICE facility. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 600-800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/05/25 |  | PRISONER MAIL | Family members of prison inmates and legal aid groups urged the Illinois Department of Corrections to either cancel or significantly alter the agency's new program of scanning inmates' incoming mail during a public hearing Tuesday. The department says the program is needed to cut down on drugs and other contraband entering prisons but critics say there's little data to back that up, and they claim it's a civil rights violation. IDOC implemented the policy under emergency rulemaking authority, but it is now in the process of adopting a permanent rule. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 900 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, radio CC, broadcast reader. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 11/05/25 |  | MEDICAL ASSISTED DEATH | State lawmakers passed a bill to legalize medical aid in dying for Illinois adults with terminal illnesses. If signed by the governor, the law will allow mentally capable patients to self-administer end-of-life medication with the review of two physicians and two witnesses. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Length: 600–800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/05/25 |  | BILL ROUNDUP | A look at some of the other bills that passed during the fall veto session, including a measure allowing the Illinois Department of Public Health director to issue state-specific vaccine guidelines. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word count: 600-800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 11:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 11/04/25 |  | BROADVIEW ICE CONDITIONS | A Chicago federal judge on Tuesday is hearing from detainees past and present in the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement facility in Broadview. A lawsuit filed last week alleged horrific conditions in the facility and attorneys for a putative class of plaintiffs are asking for a temporary restraining order. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 900-1200 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/04/25 |  | TAX CHANGES | State lawmakers passed a bill to decouple several state taxes from the federal government after Congress passed a domestic policy plan earlier this year that could cause the state to lose revenue from several corporate taxes. The changes are projected to largely eliminate a deficit projected in fiscal year 2026. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-900 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/04/25 |  | PRIMARY FILING CLOSES | The weeklong candidate filing period for Illinois’ March primary election closed Monday, locking in the field for statewide, congressional, and legislative races. No Republican candidates filed for state treasurer and the party did not attract well-known candidates to run for other statewide offices. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 650–850 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/03/25 |  | INSURANCE BILL FAILS | A bill to give the Illinois Department of Insurance authority to regulate premiums charged for homeowners insurance failed to pass out of the House in the waning hours of the veto session. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Mike Hastings, says he will try again in the 2026 session. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/03/25 | | NOVEMBER SNAP FUNDING | The Trump administration said Monday it will partially fund SNAP benefits for the month of November using contingency funds but will not tap into additional USDA funds to provide full benefits coverage. The emergency SNAP funds are expected to cover half the normal benefits. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word count: 400-600. Photos: File. Audio/video: No. Broadcast: No. ETA: 3pm. | print assets |
| 11/01/25 |  | BROADVIEW CONDITIONS HEARING | A federal judge on Friday scheduled an emergency hearing after detainees filed a lawsuit alleging the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in the Chicago suburb of Broadview is a "black box in which to disappear people from the U.S. justice and immigration systems.” The complaint, filed Thursday but publicized Friday, further alleges detainees have been denied basic hygiene products and medicine in the overcrowded facility in addition to not having access to legal counsel. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 800-1000 words. Photos: File. Audio/video: No. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 9 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/31/25 |  | IMMIGRATION CLINTON CO | U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents step up efforts downstate at Spanish-speaking court dockets and near a school. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer/Janelle O'Dea, Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 1,200 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/31/25 |  | TRANSIT FUNDING PASSES | Lawmakers passed a new transit funding plan after 4 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Reporter Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 1,200-1,400. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, reader. ETA: ASAP. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 10/31/25 |  | IMMIGRATION RESPONSE | The House sent a civil rights-related immigration response to the governor after the clock struck midnight on Oct. 31. We'll recap the measure and floor debate. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word count: 1,200. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. ETA: ASAP. | print assets |
| 10/30/25 |  | NEW TRANSIT BILL | Late Thursday, a new bill to fund public transit agencies across Illinois surfaced in the House. It appeared to have a new funding mechanism and support from the governor's office. We'll publish a story Thursday evening IF it clears the General Assembly. If the measure falls apart, we will follow up either Thursday evening or Friday morning. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word count: 1,000-1,200. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: Possible. ETA: 9 p.m. with updates TBD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/30/25 |  | ENERGY BILL | The Senate debated an energy bill Thursday night that appeared poised for passage. We will have a story when it passes. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,200-1,600. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 9 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT Radio CC |
| 10/30/25 |  | IMMIGRATION | Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that "unlawful" federal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago have grown "wider and more intense" than in previous weeks. He said that armed agents have targeted Latino and Black neighborhoods and even disrupted a children’s Halloween parade with tear gas. Pritzker called on the Department of Homeland Security to end the operations, accusing federal authorities of spreading fear among law-abiding residents and families. It comes as lawmakers work on a plan to respond to the raids. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 800-1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/30/25 |  | SNAP CUTS EO | UPDATED 10/31/25 at 3 P.M.: Illinois will dedicate $20 million to food banks as the Trump administration pauses Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs under the federal government shutdown. Over 1.9 million Illinoisians who receive SNAP benefits will be impacted by the cuts to the program. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word count: 500-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/30/25 |  | TIER 2 PENSIONS | A House committee is scheduled to hear testimony today on a bill to reform the state's Tier 2 pension system. It was adopted in 2011 as part of a strategy to reduce the state's unfunded pension liability but it is also widely criticized for providing poor benefits and possibly not meeting the federal Social Security safe harbor standard. The hearing comes on the same day members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers are rallying at the statehouse for increased investment in public schools. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: Thursday morning. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/30/25 |  | SCHOOL REPORT CARD | More than half of all students in Illinois scored proficient or better in English language arts under a new scoring system Illinois has adopted for its annual school report card. But only about 38% scored proficient or better in math. Meanwhile, the high school graduation rate reached a 15-year high last year while gaps between racial and ethnic groups are narrowing. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/29/25 |  | ENERGY BILL | The Illinois House will pass a package of energy reforms that could impact consumer bills across Illinois. The bill would create new incentives for energy storage, allow construction of new nuclear power plants and give regulators expanded authority over the state's electric grid. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 600-900. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: Pending debate. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT Radio CC |
| 10/29/25 |  | BOVINO GETS STAY | The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has put a hold on federal Judge Sara Ellis’ order requiring U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino to appear in court daily. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 500. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/29/25 |  | CANDIDATES INDICTED | Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh was among six activists (including another candidate, former candidate and officeholder for local office) indicted Wednesday for allegedly impeding federal immigration agents' work around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in Broadview. In September, they are alleged to have surrounded a government vehicle, banged on its windows and carved the word "PIG" on its side. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 400-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcsat reader |
| 10/29/25 |  | GRAYSON VERDICT | The trial of ex-Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson is headed to closing arguments today, and we will be prepared to republish a story and photo from the Illinois Times, should the jury reach a verdict today. You may reprint the Illinois Times story, but you MUST credit Illinois Times along with a note atop the story that it was originally published there. Reporter: Dean Olsen, Illinois Times. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. Word Count: 1183. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/29/25 |  | PRITZKER ON FARMING | Gov. JB Pritzker met Wednesday morning with farmers and agriculture officials in Taylorville to discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs and buying Argentine beef and soybeans on Illinois farmers. CNI was there and will provide pool photos for the media. No story at this time. Photographer: Jerry Nowicki. ETA: 4 p.m. | photos |
| 10/29/25 |  | PRITZKER OPPOSES TRANSIT | Gov. JB Pritzker is largely opposed to a public transportation funding bill introduced in the House on Tuesday night. The governor specifically sounded off on a billionaire tax and expansion of speed cameras, saying lawmakers have a lot of work to do on the issue. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-700 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/29/25 |  | ELECTIONS | The Illinois House on Tuesday approved a bill allowing lawmakers, constitutional officers, prosecutors, public defenders, county clerks, and election officials to request removal of personal information like home addresses from public websites and to use campaign funds for personal security upgrades. The measure follows a rise in threats and violence against public officials, including recent fatal attacks on Minnesota lawmakers. Meanwhile, a larger, more comprehensive elections bill stalled over concerns about changes to campaign finance provisions for state lawmakers running for federal office. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 300–500 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/28/25 |  | TRANSIT FUNDING | Lawmakers will unveil a new transit bill this evening for potential movement in this week's veto session. We'll dissect what's in the bill and how it affects taxes and fees. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Audio/video: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, Reader, Radio CC. Word count: 800-1,200. Photo: Yes. ETA: Tuesday evening. | print assets broadcst reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 10/28/25 |  | BOVINO HEARING | U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is expected to testify in Chicago federal court on Tuesday after U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered him into her courtroom following several alleged violations of her temporary restraining order on use of force against people protesting federal immigration enforcement activity. Bovino himself threw a canister of tear gas into a crowd last week, allegedly without warning — a direct violation of Ellis’ TRO. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1000-1200 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio: No. Video: No. Photo: TBD. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/28/25 |  | SNAP BENEFITS LAWSUIT | Illinois and many other states have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over plans to stop SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 if the federal shutdown remains ongoing. About 2 million people in Illinois are slated to lose benefits on Saturday as the program runs out of money. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 300-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/27/25 |  | REDISTRICTING SIDEBAR | U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is in Illinois to push Democrats to redraw the state's congressional lines. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Broadcast: No. Audio: No. Video: No. Word count: 600-800 words. Photo: Yes. ETA EOD. | print assets |
| 10/27/25 |  | ICE LICENSE PLATES | State Rep. and comptroller candidate Margaret Croke has drawn right-wing ire for sharing makes, models and license plate numbers of ICE vehicles, as the latest instance of Illinois Democrats being at odds with the federal government over immigration enforcement. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. 600-800 words. Photo: File. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/27/25 |  | ELECTION FILINGS | Candidates began filing petitions to run for office in 2026 on Monday amid chatter that the General Assembly is considering redrawing congressional maps. A roundup of candidate interviews, video and photos. Reporters: Ben Szalinski and Brenden Moore. Word count: 1200-1600. Photos: Yes. Audio/video: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 10/26/25 |  | BOVINO TESTIMONY ORDERED | U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino has been ordered to appear in front of a federal judge next week after video surfaced this week of Bovino throwing a canister of tear gas into a crowd of protesters in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood, which is heavily populated by Mexican immigrants. Also on Friday, attorneys for immigrant and civil rights told another federal judge that likely 2,000 of the roughly 3,000 arrested during Operation Midway Blitz should be released from detention and put on ankle monitors or another alternative to detention. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-900. Photo: File/provided. Broadcast: reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: Sunday at 8 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/24/25 |  | GAS RATE CASES | Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission are expected to decide two cases which could raise natural gas rates for 3 million Illinois customers. A draft decision from an administrative judge recommended that Ameren Illinois and Nicor Gas' original rate increase requests be cut by about 1/3 but consumer advocates think the ICC should issue further cuts in its final decision. Reporter: Andrew Adams. 600-800 words. Photo: File. Audio/video: No. Broadcast: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/23/25 | | CREDIT CARD FEES | A federal judge will hear arguments for summary judgment Wednesday afternoon in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois after the General Assembly in 2024 implemented a first-in-the-nation credit card swipe fee to raise state funds. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-900. Broadcast: No Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 10/23/25 |  | DEPLOYMENT EO | Pritzker signing an executive order to pursue accountability for the people of Illinois amid the federal deployments. This action is on hold indefinitely while the matter makes its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. 600-800 words. Photo: Yes. Audio/video: Yes. ETA 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/23/25 |  | IFT LEADERSHIP | New leaders of the Illinois Federation of Teachers say the state needs to put more money into K-12 public education, even if that means raising taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations. The union elected a new leadership team Saturday, Oct. 18, led by a new president, Stacy Davis Gates. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 1,400 words. Photo: file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/23/25 |  | BAILEY FAMILY CRASH | UPDATED 10/23/25 at 1:20 P.M.: Illinois Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey's son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren died in a helicopter crash in Montana Wednesday night, according to the campaign. The NTSB said it is investigating a crash in Montana. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 300-500 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: File. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/22/25 |  | GRAYSON TRIAL DAY 1 | Opening statements start this morning in the Sean Grayson murder trial in Peoria. Grayson, a Sangamon County deputy, is accused of murder in the death of Sonya Massey in 2024. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 800-1,000. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/22/25 |  | ILLINOIS REMAP | House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is privately urging Illinois Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map as a counter to mid-decade redistricting in GOP-led states. But there appears to be little appetite in Springfield for reopening the map — already one of the most gerrymandered in the country. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word count: 700-900. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/21/25 | | NATIONAL GUARD TRO | UPDATED 10/22/25 at 5:40 P.M.: The Trump administration on Tuesday agreed to a 30-day extension of a Chicago federal judge's restraining order preventing the deployment of the National Guard to Illinois to protect federal immigration agents and property. After the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the deployment prohibition, the administration last week appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the 30-day extension is meant to give the high court time to rule. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 400-600. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | UPDATED COPY print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/21/25 |  | GOP GOVERNOR | Video gaming mogul Rick Heidner enters the Republican gubernatorial primary, joining Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick and a few others. It comes less than two weeks before the filing deadline for the March primary. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 500-700. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/21/25 |  | HARMON FINE | The State Board of Elections will vote today on if Senate President Don Harmon’s campaign should pay a $10 million fine for violating fundraising rules. A hearing office recommended Harmon pay the full fine. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/21/25 |  | PRITZKER ECONOMIC CLUB | Gov. JB Pritzker will join The Economic Club of Chicago for a conversation moderated by Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune. (Focus TBD based on discussion.). Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word count: 500-800. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 pm | print assets |
| 10/20/25 |  | DHS PROTEST TACTICS | A federal judge on Monday will question two officials from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol after she called an emergency hearing last week concerned that the Department of Homeland Security was not following her Oct. 8 order forbidding harsh crowd control measures like tear gas and pepper balls, in addition to requiring agents' body cameras to be turned on. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1000-1200 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/20/25 |  | GRAYSON TRIAL | Jury selection begins in the trial of former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 1,000-1,200 words. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/20/25 |  | SNAP CUTS | Nearly 2 million people in Illinois who receive SNAP benefits will not receive them in November if the federal government shutdown persists beyond October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced. SNAP is entirely funded by the federal government and more than $350 million in benefits go out to Illinois residents each month. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/18/25 |  | NO KINGS PROTESTS | Tens of thousands rallied to reject recent large-scale immigration enforcement operations in Chicago, with locations around the state drawing hundreds more to protest the Trump administration’s most recent actions. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty, Brendan Moore and Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 1,000-1,200 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6 pm. | print assets |
| 10/18/25 |  | NATIONAL GUARD SCOTUS | The Trump administration is appealing its legal fight with Illinois and Chicago over National Guard deployment to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a Friday afternoon filing, the administration asked the justices to stay an Oct. 9 order temporarily blocking the deployment of troops to Chicago, after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals published an opinion Thursday upholding the district judge's decision. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/17/25 |  | GILLESPIE - ACA MARKETPLACE | State insurance officials are anticipating a big drop in the number of people buying health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Open enrollment for the 2026 plan year begins Nov. 1, but premiums are expected to skyrocket for many because the enhanced tax credits that have been in place since the pandemic are about to expire. Insurance Director Ann Gillespie is urging people to reach out for help before deciding to drop coverage. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, radio Cc, and reader. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 8 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 10/16/25 | | SENATE MONEY | The candidates for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's seat filed their quarterly fundraising reports. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi continued to lead the way, raising more than $3 million and spending an average of more than $450,000 per week on television advertisements. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton raised $1 million, but will likely require help from an outside PAC to compete. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 700-900 words. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/16/25 |  | PRITZKER GENERALS | Gov. JB Pritzker will meet today with former U.S. Major Generals, Admirals, and veterans to discuss the military's recent deployments to American cities. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 400-600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 10/16/25 |  | GOVERNORS RACE MONEY | 2026 candidates were required to file quarterly fundraising reports with the State Board of Elections by Wednesday. The reports show Ted Dabrowski leads the GOP primary for governor field after raising $1.5 million, but the party's 2022 nominee entered the race just days before the most recent fundraising deadline. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/15/25 |  | IMMIGRATION | In a series of resolutions, Democratic lawmakers condemned recent federal immigration raids that've sparked violent clashes between protesters and agents. While some legislative proposals are being discussed, lawmakers also acknowledged the state has limited authority to intervene in a substantive way. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word count: 600-800 words. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ET:A 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/15/25 |  | PRITZKER TAX SUMMARIES | UPDATED 10/16/25 at 1:39 P.M.: Gov. JB Pritzker released his 2024 tax summaries on Tuesday showing the governor made more than $10 million in taxable income last year. His running mate, Christian Mitchell, also released his tax returns. Pritzker is one of the wealthiest politicians in American history with a net worth of more than $3 billion. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/14/25 |  | AT&T MADIGAN DPA | Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza, who was accused of bribing ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, could see the charges against him disappear in a year under a new agreement with federal prosecutors. La Schiazza's trial ended in a hung jury last year, while a separate jury weighing Madigan's trial deadlocked on the single AT&T-related charge. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1500 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/14/25 |  | GROCERY TAX | About half of Illinois municipalities are creating their own grocery tax, according to the Illinois Municipal League. The communities are hope to more than half of Illinois residents. Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law in 2024 eliminating the statewide grocery tax in 2026. Funds from the tax went to municipalities, leaving many with holes in their 2026 budgets. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Graphic: Yes. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/14/25 |  | EDUCATION REPORT | A new report about the state of education in Illinois suggests overall, the state has made progress in key areas, from getting toddlers ready to start kindergarten to helping young adults earn college degrees or industry certificates before entering the workforce. But it also shows that despite billions of dollars in additional spending on K-12 education, proficiency rates in reading, writing and math have stagnated, and in some cases have declined, a fact that mirrors national trends. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 1,200 - 1,300 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/13/25 |  | MADIGAN TO PRISON | Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is set to report to prison at 2 p.m. after an appeals court earlier this month rejected his bid to remain free as he challenges his conviction. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 7:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/13/25 |  | LAWSUIT UPDATE | A federal appeal's court overturned part of a lower court's decision blocking the National Guard's activities in Chicago. Troops are still blocked from being deployed but remain on the ground in Chicago. Meanwhile protestors clashed with ISP over the weekend and other lawsuits continue after a whirlwind of hearings last week. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 300-600 word. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/13/25 |  | STORY & PODCAST: VETO SESSION PREVIEW | House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Senate President Don Harmon discuss their plans for this week's fall veto session. We'll distribute a podcast and story looking at the agenda for the fall session. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word count: 2,000 words. Broadcast: Full podcast. Audio: Podcast. Video: No. Photo: File. ETA 10 a.m. | print assets podcast |
| 10/10/25 |  | BUDZINSKI ACA SHUTDOWN | U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski warned that thousands of Illinoisans could see steep health insurance cost increases if Congress fails to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expiring this year. The issue is at the center of the federal government shutdown, now nearing its third week. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: File. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/10/25 |  | ILLINOIS BUDGET PROBLEMS | A new report from Gov. JB Pritzker's budget office shows the state is on track to run a more than $200 million deficit in the current fiscal year. That deficit is expected to grow next year to more than $2 billion, setting lawmakers up for another year of difficult budget conversations. Complicating the picture is new requirements from Trump's domestic policy plan that could lower state revenues and force the state to increase spending. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,200 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/09/25 | | NATIONAL GUARD HEARING | A federal judge in Chicago is hearing arguments this morning in a case challenging the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard to Illinois. The judge indicated concern during an initial hearing Monday, but declined to immediately rule on the case while troops from the Texas and California National Guard traveled to the state, while Illinois National Guardsmen got into place. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 800-1000. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/09/25 |  | QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY | Gov. JB Pritzker makes an announcement about another tenant coming to the state's Quantum Technology Park on Chicago's near south side. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word count: 600-800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/09/25 |  | 1ST AMENDMENT LAWSUIT | A federal judge in Chicago is expected to decide today whether to grant a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration from interfering with the 1st amendment rights of people protesting the administration's immigration enforcement actions and deployment of federal troops as well as news organizations' rights to cover those events. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/08/25 |  | PRITZKER-TRUMP | In an extraordinary escalation of the animosity between President Donald Trump and Gov. JB Pritzker, the president said that Illinois’ governor and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “should be in jail.” A recap of that and other exchanges. Reporter: Brenden Moore. Word count: 700-900 words. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/08/25 |  | ICE UPDATE | UPDATED 10/10/25 AT 12 P.M.: A roundup of Texas National Guard troops arriving, a judge’s ruling that ICE violated a consent decree, Trump’s comments that Illinois leaders should be arrested, and recent court scrutiny of ICE narratives. Reporters: CNI Team. Word count: 1,200-1,600 words. Broadcast: Reader (on one of the issues). Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/08/25 |  | BOST SUPREME COURT | The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning in a case evaluating whether US Rep. Mike Bost has legal standing to sue over Illinois’ mail-in voting laws. Bost argues he can suffer injury by counting late-arriving ballots after an election, but the court will only rule if Bost is able to challenge the laws. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/07/25 |  | TRANSIT UPDATE | State lawmakers will return to Springfield next week with public transportation reform in the Chicago area at the top of their agenda. The transit agencies face a budget shortfall in 2026 that threatens to cause service cuts if new funding isn't provided. Lawmakers are still working to reach an agreement on how to pay for it. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,600-2,000 words. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 10/06/25 |  | RESTRAINING ORDER DENIED | A federal judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order on Monday afternoon, but she also gave the federal government until Wednesday at midnight to respond to the state’s request for an injunction. We'll cover the status hearing and a corresponding news conference from Gov. JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and others. Reporters: Hannah Meisel, Brenden Moore. Word count: 700-1,000. Photo: Screenshot. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: End of Day | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/06/25 | | ILLINOIS SUES NOEM | After the Trump administration gave orders deploying the National Guard to Chicago this weekend over Gov. JB Pritzker's objections, the state of Illinois and city of Chicago filed a federal lawsuit over the action on Monday morning, warning it "will cause only more unrest, including harming social fabric and community relations and increasing the mistrust of police," in addition to economic harms. This follows an escalation in federal immigration actions in the city and suburbs. Pritzker is holding a press conference at 2 p.m. Reporters: Ben Szalinski, Hannah Meisel and Brenden Moore. Word count: 700-900. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: Yes (after 2 p.m.) ETA: TBD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/04/25 | | NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT | UPDATED 10/5/25 at 2 P.M.: Trump tells JB Pritzker call out the National Guard or he will following a shooting Friday in Brighton Park. Meanwhile, sights 'n' sounds from Broadview on Saturday. Word count: ~800 words. Broadcast: No. Photos: Yes. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/03/25 |  | CHICAGO TRANSIT FUNDING | Trump on Friday froze $2.1 billion in Chicago transit funding on the third day of the federal government shutdown, continuing his pattern of targeting Democratic cities. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty. Word count: 500-600 words. Broadcast: No. Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/03/25 |  | MADIGAN APPEAL | Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan won't be avoiding prison while his appeal plays out, per a ruling from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. The fallen Democratic power broker is scheduled to report to federal prison on Oct. 13 for his 7.5-year sentence after a jury convicted him on bribery and other corruption charges earlier this year. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 400-600 words. Photo: Yes. Graphic: No. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/02/25 |  | TRANSPORTATION FUNDING | Illinois unveiled its latest six-year, $50.6 billion infrastructure plan for the state’s roads, bridges, railways, airports and more. A look at what it covers and how its funded. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Photo: File & Graphics. Word count: 600-800 words. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/01/25 |  | STRATTON ECONOMIC AGENDA | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton released her economic agenda for her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign. The platform seeks to bring many of her achievements from Gov. JB Pritzker's administration to the federal level. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/30/25 |  | QUANTUM GROUNDBREAKING | Gov. JB Pritzker will join scientists, entrepreneurs and developers at a groundbreaking for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a business and research park on Chicago's far south side. The project has received significant state funding. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD | print assets |
| 09/30/25 |  | IMMIGRATION LAWSUITS | Illinois cannot yet file suit against the federal government for an apparent plan to send federal troops to Chicago, Attorney General Kwame Raoul said, but if boots hit the ground, President Donald Trump “should expect a legal challenge here.” It would be the latest in a bevy of lawsuits that the state has filed against the Trump administration in relation to immigration. Reporters: Jerry Nowicki and Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,700 words. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/29/25 |  | PRITZKER ICE RESPONSE | Gov. JB Pritzker will hold a news conference this afternoon to respond to a weekend of protests in suburban Broadview and Border Patrol agents walking through downtown Chicago. Pritzker is expected to condemn the federal actions and discuss how the state might respond to any illegal actions by federal authorities. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/29/25 |  | ICE SHERIFFS | CNI survey of one in four Illinois sheriffs finds that many sheriffs have reservations about the TRUST Act, a state law that keeps them from cooperating with federal immigration agents. Reporters: Medill, Maggie Dougherty and Tom O’Connor. Word Count: 3,900 words. Photo: Yes. Graphic: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/26/25 |  | ICE MEETING FOLLOW UP | Sen. Dick Durbin and Illinois' Democratic members of Congress did not receive a meeting with ICE leaders that was schedule for Friday that Durbin teased earlier in the week. Lawmakers also hoped to conduct congressional oversight on the Broadview ICE facility where more skirmishes broke out again Friday. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/25/25 |  | BAILEY ANNOUNCEMENT | Former State Sen. Darren Bailey officially launched his campaign for governor on Thursday with three stops around Illinois. Bailey is making a second attempt for the office after losing to Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022. He enters the race as the immediate front runner. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,200 words. Broadcast: Reader, VOSOT, radio CC. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 09/25/25 |  | AG ROUND UP | Attorney General Kwame Raoul won a preliminary injunction from a Rhode Island federal judge to block a Trump administration policy to withhold FEMA funding from Illinois because of its sanctuary policies. At the same time, Raoul has filed another lawsuit against the Trump administration over a policy to eliminate funding to Planned Parenthood. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-700 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 11:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/24/25 |  | ICE MEETING | Illinois Congressional Democrats are hoping to meet with U.S. Homeland Security officials this week, Sen. Dick Durbin told reporters. The lawmakers are seeking answers from DHS about immigration enforcement in the Chicago area. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/24/25 |  | VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS | The Illinois Department of Public Health broke from federal guidelines and is recommending all adults and many children receive COVID-19 shots this fall. IDPH is also recommending people follow prior CDC guidelines on MMRV vaccines that was recently changed by the federal government and that all Illinoisians should receive a flu shot. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/23/25 |  | DEVORE LAW LICENSE | Southern Illinois lawyer Tom DeVore, who rose to prominence filing dozens of lawsuits against Gov. JB Pritzker's administration during the COVID-19 pandemic before losing as the GOP candidate for Attorney General in 2022, will have his law license suspended for 60 days, per an order from the Illinois Supreme Court. The suspension arises from misconduct involving a sexual relationship with a law client. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/23/25 |  | BUDGET ORDER | Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Tuesday requiring state agencies to identify a 4% spending reduction this year over fears of a recession. Pritzker warned that a slowing economy that he blames on President Trump will hurt state revenue and the state should be proactively prepared. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: NO. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/22/25 |  | VOTER DATA GOP STATES | Some Republican states are denying the US Department of Justice's requests for sensitive voter data, similar to Illinois' stance earlier this month. We'll republish and localize a story from Stateline.org that looks at what other states are doing. Reporter: Stateline.org (and Jerry Nowicki). Word count: 2,000. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets To republish the original story, visit stateline.org. |
| 09/19/25 |  | PHOTOS: EDGAR REMEMBRANCE | Photos from the Capitol visitation for former Gov. Jim Edgar, which took place at the Statehouse Friday, Sept. 19. Photographer: Jerry Nowicki. Five photos and cutlines will be distributed. | photo assets |
| 09/19/25 |  | ENERGY BILL | Senators debated a sweeping energy reform bill during a subject matter hearing Thursday. After more than a year of negotiations, advocates and lawmakers are pushing to pass the measure in October. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 600-800. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/18/25 |  | NEWSPAPER SALE | Updated 9/19 at 9:48 a.m. A southern Illinois newspaper chain has been sold to an out-of-state buyer, testing a new state law that requires media companies to provide public notice to the state and their employees four months before a sale happens. Experts and the sponsor of the law react to the law's effectiveness and whether it was followed. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assetes |
| 09/18/25 |  | IMMUNIZATIONS | Illinois has joined a growing list of states that are issuing their own guidelines for immunizations that could supersede those of the CDC. Gov. Pritzker issued an executive order last week authorizing health care providers to administer vaccines that are approved by a new state-based Immunization Advisory Council. Pritzker says the move is a response to recent shakeups at CDC and a change in FDA approval for some uses of COVID-19 vaccines. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/17/25 |  | FEDERAL FUNDING RELEASED | Illinois is receiving grant funding that was previously allocated to the state to build more electric vehicle charging stations along interstates. The grant funding was allocated during the Biden administration, but a second round of grants was withheld this year by the new Trump administration. Illinois sued to release the funds and a judge ordered the Federal Highway Administration to release grants to the states. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/17/25 |  | IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT | Federal officials are beginning to ramp up immigration enforcement throughout the Chicago area as Kristi Noem participated in a raid in Elgin while a top Border Patrol official announced his controversial team has arrived in the city. The ramp up comes as President Donald Trump again threatens to send the National Guard to Chicago as his feud through TV cameras with Gov. JB Pritzker continues. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/16/25 |  | PRISON MAIL | A legislative oversight committee formally objected today to an emergency rule that allows the Department of Corrections to withhold physical mail from inmates and instead deliver scanned copies. The objection does not prevent the rule from remaining in effect, but lawmakers indicated they will closely scrutinize the process of writing a permqnent rule. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 500-700 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/15/25 |  | PRITZKER POLITICAL VIOLENCE | Gov. JB Pritzker responded to criticism he faced last week about comments he has made calling for protests against Republicans and blaming President Trump for inciting political violence. Pritzker said Trump has failed to call for calm as the governor condemned political violence. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/14/25 |  | JIM EDGAR OBIT | Former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar has died after battling pancreatic cancer. Reporters: Hannah Meisel and Jerry Nowicki. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Word count: 1,000-1,500 words. ETA: ASAP. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/12/25 |  | CUNNINGHAM OUT | One of the top Democrats in Springfield announced he will not run for reelection. Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, is known for taking the lead on energy-related issues and is the Democratic co-chair of the oversight committee that reviews executive rulemaking. Advocates say his absence will change the landscape of several important topics at the legislature. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/12/25 |  | DABROWSKI ANNOUNCEMENT | Ted Dabrowski, the president of conservative research publication Wirepoints, officially announced Friday he will run for governor in the 2026 Republican primary. He is officially the third candidate to enter the field and has already raised a substantial amount of money. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/11/25 |  | TAX SALE LAWS | Illinois is the only state that has yet to reform its tax sale laws after the Supreme Court found unconstitutional a process that can cost homeowners their residences. We'll republish an Illinois Answers story on the matter. Reporter: Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 1,500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4:30 p.m. CNI is distributing this content on behalf of the Illinois Answers Project. We encourage you to reach out to the Illinois Answers Project directly for any content or republication questions. | republish at illinoisanswers.org |
| 09/10/25 |  | D.O.C MAIL | UPDATED 9/16/25 at 1:45 P.M.: The Illinois Department of Corrections has enacted an emergency rule change to begin scanning mail to prevent contraband from entering its prisons by way of letters and books for the people in custody. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/09/25 |  | CHIEF JUSTICE | P. Scott Neville has been chosen as the state's 123rd chief justice, succeeding Mary Jane Theis, whose three-year term as chief ends in October. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 400-500 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/09/25 |  | BAILEY FOR GOVERNOR | Darren Bailey will run for a second term as governor, according to a source close to the campaign. Bailey was the 2022 Republican nominee who lost by double digits to JB Pritzker. Aaron Del Mar from Cook County will be Bailey's running mate. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-700 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/08/25 |  | HEALTH FUNDING | We'll republish and localize a story from Stateline.org about Illinois' lawsuit against the federal government's withholding of CDC grants. Illinois sued to block the termination of grants, allowing it to keep its funding. Other states did not sue and had their funding withheld. Reporter: Stateline.org (CNI contributions by Jerry Nowicki). Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets To republish the original story, visit stateline.org. |
| 09/05/25 |  | FARMING RICE | Blake Gerard, one of America’s northernmost rice farmers — and Illinois’ only commercial rice farmer — shows that change is possible when the rains and floods keep coming, the same floods that drowned his corn and soybeans. A second-generation farmer, Gerard took a risk more than 30 years ago, planting a crop that had never been grown in this region. He did it largely on his own, and his success stands as a rare climate change story of resilience in American farming. Reporter: Julia Rendleman, Molly Parker, Lylee Gibbs. Length: 3,300 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/04/25 |  | MONARCH YOUTH CENTER (broadcast only) | The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is opening a new youth center in central Illinois. The center will house 30 young teens that are in the care of IDJJ. The facility aims to change how the state cares for young adults by using smaller residential centers with educational and behavioral health services. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: VOSOT/Radio/Reader. Audio/Video:Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 09/04/25 |  | FARM SUBSIDY WOES | Southern Illinois farmers keep growing in flood-ravaged fields year after year because federal subsidies soften the losses but not enough, while programs meant to help them move to higher ground have been underfunded and mired in bureaucracy. Under Trump, those programs are expected to weaken further. A look at a farmer's struggles. Reporters: Molly Parker, Julia Rendleman. Length: 4,500 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/03/25 |  | VOTER ROLLS UPDATE | The State Board of Elections says it will not release the state's unredacted voter registration file to the Trump administration, citing state laws that prohibit such disclosure and the privacy concerns of Illinois voters. DOJ is seeking the complete file, saying it needs the information to determine whether Illinois is complying with federal laws regarding maintenance of voter registration rolls. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 700 - 900 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/03/25 |  | NASCAR TOURISM | Illinois' tourism campaign includes millions of dollars for event sponsorships, including an upcoming Metro East NASCAR race. A look at state spending on NASCAR events, including the Chicago Street Race, and how it fits in the state's tourism campaign. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,200-1,300 words .Broadcast: No. Photo: Yes. ETA 10:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/02/25 |  | PRITZKER FEDERAL RESPONSE | Gov. JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul are scheduled to hold another news conference Tuesday afternoon to respond to some sort of federal law enforcement action in Chicago this week. Reports have indicated ICE will ramp up immigration enforcement in the city this week. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/29/25 |  | REDISTRICTING | Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood discuss their new effort to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in Illinois to put the state legislative redistricting process in the hands of an independent commission. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 600-700 words / 13 minutes. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: Podcast. ETA: 2:30 p.m. | print assets podcast (audio) podcast (video) |
| 08/28/25 |  | ASSAULT WEAPONS SCOTUS | A national gun rights organization is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Cook County's ban on assault weapons. The Firearms Policy Coalition is appealing a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in June that upheld the ban. The appeal comes as the 7th Circuit is still considering the statewide ban that Illinois lawmakers approved in 2023. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/28/25 |  | BUDGET IMPASSE 10-YEAR | Ten years ago, the Illinois legislature and then-Gov. Bruce Rauner were at an impasse over approving a state budget, a battle that drug on for two years. As state funding dried up, social services agencies and nonprofits were hit especially hard, impacting the state's most-vulnerable citizens. Those groups that survived used federal funding to stay afloat, but now, a decade later, vital funding is being threatened once again by massive cuts by the Trump administration. Reporters: Casey Toner (Illinois Answers), Hannah Meisel and Molly Parker (Capitol News Illinois). Length: 4,700 words. Photos: Yes. Graphics: Yes. Audio/video: No. Broadcast: No. ETA: 6 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 | print assets |
| 08/27/25 |  | LICENSE PLATE READERS | After announcing an audit to assess whether license plate reader camera company Flock was complying with state law, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias found that the company violated state law. The company improperly managed data and shared information with federal border enforcement. The company operates in more than 90 cities around Illinois ,at least one of which has already cancelled its contract with Flock. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/26/25 |  | CASH BAIL ORDER | President Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at pulling federal funding from states like Illinois with cashless bail laws. It's not clear what the order means for Illinois, though it does not change state law. Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats behind the law respond. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/25/25 |  | CHICAGO MILITARY DEPLOYMENT | Gov. JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul will hold a news conference this afternoon responding to President Donald Trump's threat to deploy the military to Chicago. State leaders are expected to detail how they plan to push back against Trump's plan. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/25/25 |  | VOTER ROLLS | The Justice Department is now giving Illinois election officials until Sept. 1 to hand over the complete, statewide unredacted voter registration database. The board had asked for additional time to research the legal issues involved, but DOJ said the state doesn't need much time because the legal issues are clear. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 500 - 600 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/25/25 |  | DCFS TIMELINE | The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has released a timeline covering the last year of Mackenzi Felmlee's life, which shows there were 10 caseworkers assigned to the girl, or about one a month, as Mackenzi steadily declined in health. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 800~1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/22/25 |  | METHODIST BILLBOARD | The United Methodist Church regional conference out of Springfield is purchasing a billboard with the message "Hate Divides ... Love Unites" for the same spot where the Proud Boys' billboard was. It will be up in a few days. Reporter: Molly Parker. Word count: 500 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/22/25 |  | BILL SIGNINGS | UPDATED 8/22/25 at 1PM: Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills this week. They include a bill banning students from being assessed municipal fines for disciplinary issues and other legislation boosting access to reproductive health care in Illinois. Reporter: Peter Hancock & Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/22/25 |  | SLAPP LAWSUITS | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a measure into law on Thursday that was spurred by a former government official’s lawsuit against the Chicago Sun-Times. Senate Bill 1181 explicitly protects non-investigative news reporting against “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” otherwise known as SLAPP lawsuits. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word Count 600-700. Photo: File . Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/21/25 |  | INSURANCE REGULATION | Insurance industry officials defended themselves this week from criticism over skyrocketing rates for homeowners' coverage, and warned of possible consequences if Illinois puts new constraints on their ability to set rates for homeowners and auto insurance. Officials testified before the Senate Insurance Committee. Gov. Pritzker has criticized the recent hikes in homeowners' rates and is urging lawmakers to act during the upcoming veto session while Secretary of State Giannoulias is hosting a series of town hall meetings on auto inurance rates. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/20/25 |  | HARMON APPEAL | The State Board of Elections heard an appeal from Senate President Don Harmon on Wednesday, who argued a nearly $10 million fine he was assessed was improper. Harmon's campaign committee was fined by the board for improperly accepting millions of dollars of contributions during the 2024 campaign. Harmon argues limits on contribution amounts should not have been in place for his campaign. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/19/25 |  | BILLBOARD DOWN | The Pride Boys recruiting billboard that was erected near a high school in Clinton County, Illinois, was taken down Tuesday afternoon. Local officials credited public pressure for the action. Reporter: Molly Parker. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/19/25 |  | REDISTRICTING REFORM | A campaign to reform state-level redistricting, with backing from former federal officials and well-connected election lawyers, launched Tuesday. Its backers say the effort needs 3 to 4 million dollars and more than half a million signatures to get a constitutional amendment on the 2026 general election ballot. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 400-600. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/19/25 |  | BEEKEEPERS | Bee loss is a persistent issue throughout the state. It’s not uncommon for beekeepers to lose over half of their colonies each year — primarily during winter — due to disease, competition, poor nutrition or limited resources. That’s a trend mirrored across much of the Midwest and the country. A look at state beekeeping statistics. Reporter: Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,400. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 08/18/25 |  | PROUD BOYS BILLBOARD | UPDATED 08/18/25 at 5:40 PM: A billboard rising from a Clinton County cornfield near Breese carries an advertisement recruiting for the Proud Boys, which has touched off outrage in the small southern Illinois community. Reporter: Molly Parker. Length: 600-700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. ETA 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/18/25 |  | RAOUL VOCA LAWSUIT | Attorney General Raoul has joined another multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration. This one seeks to enjoin a new administration policy of withholding funds under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) from states whose policies on immigration do not conform to the administration's priorities. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 400 - 600 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/18/25 |  | BILL SIGNINGS | UPDATED 08/18/25 at 5:40 PM: Gov. JB Pritzker signed more than 260 bills Friday and vetoed two more. Among the signatures: a bill to create a statewide public defender's office and a bill allowing lawsuits against businesses that expose businesses to toxic substances. Among the vetoes: a bill that would have let the state treasurer manage an investment fund for nonprofits. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 600-800 traditional copy, list of one- to two-sentence briefs on additional bills. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/15/25 |  | VOTER DATA | The state released limited voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice this week, but the DOJ says the moved does not comply with its original request. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/14/25 |  | GOP - NATIONAL MESSAGE | Illinois Republicans say there's room for them to be more competitive in the 2026 elections, noting that Donald Trump won almost 44% of the vote in 2024. But they will have to counter the Democrats' messaging about Donald Trump's domestic policy agenda, and they will have to overcome a congressional map that is heavily gerrymandered against them. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: 800 - 1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/14/25 |  | GOP CANDIDATES | More Republican candidates for statewide offices announced their plans to run for office in 2026 as Republicans gathered at the State Fair. Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski announced he will soon launch a campaign for governor while former state party Chair Don Tracy announced he will run for U.S. Senate. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 08/13/25 |  | DEMS - JEFFRIES | The man who hopes to be the next speaker of the U.S. House slammed President Donald Trump in a speech to Illinois Democrats this morning while also saying Democrats need to stand up for middle class values. U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries was the keynote speaker at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association's annual brunch, a traditional event that precedes the Democrats' day at the Illinois State Fair. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/13/25 |  | DEMS AT FAIR | Democrats unofficially began the 2026 campaign season at the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday outlining the message they believe will help them win campaigns in 2026. Candidates vying for the state's open Senate seat believe they each have a message that will set them a part in the field while Gov. JB Pritzker believes voters will trust Democrats in 2026. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 08/12/25 |  | SENATORS IN SPRINGFIELD | U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth are in Springfield today to discuss the impacts of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Durbin will appear with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski before he and Duckworth meet with leadership of Memorial Health. The events are at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., so story will move ASAP upon completion. Reporters: Peter Hancock and Ben Szalinski. Word count: 600-800 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 08/12/25 |  | SONYA MASSEY BILL | Gov. JB Pritzker is slated to sign a bill filed in response to the shooting death of Sangamon County resident Sonya Massey. The measure affects police hiring. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Wordcount: 500-700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, CC. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT Radio CC |
| 08/12/25 |  | TEST SCORES | The Illinois State Board of Education will vote Wednesday to adopt a new system of cut scores for state assessments that are supposed to reflect more accurately how students are performing in reading, writing and math. Virtual news conference at 1030 today. Information embargoed until 3:15 p.m. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 400-500 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3:15 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/11/25 |  | GOP CANDIDATES | The field of candidates in Democratic primaries is shaping up, but so far very few Republicans are running for statewide office. No notable names have announced plans to run for governor or U.S. Senate and several statewide offices have no publicly known candidates running in the 2026 primary. The political parties will unofficially kick off the 2026 campaign cycle at the State Fair this week. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,600. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 08/08/25 |  | MADIGAN SENTENCING | A judge on Friday ruled that former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan must report to prison while he appeals his conviction on corruption charges. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 600. Reader: No. Photo: Yes. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/08/25 |  | KRISTI NOEM VISIT | Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Illinois on Friday for the second time this year. Noem addressed questions about ICE's policing tactics as Illinois lawmakers consider a bill that would regulate what federal agents can wear and how they must identify themselves in the field. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/08/25 |  | LOCAL NEWS | Forty Illinois local news entities operating 120 outlets are receiving $4 million in state tax credits under a new law designed to encourage the retention and hiring of journalists. Reporter: John Volk, Medill Local News Initiative. Word count: 800 words. Photo: Yes. Graphics: Yes. Broadcast: No. ETA: Noon. | print assets |
| 08/07/25 |  | TEXAS DEMS - FBI | Gov. JB Pritzker brushed aside concerns that FBI agents could be deployed to arrest Texas Democratic lawmakers who have fled to Illinois to delay a vote on a mid-decade redistricting plan. His comments came amid escalating tensions in the redistricting controversy. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) announced the FBI had agreed to locate the absent lawmakers. But Pritzker said the lawmakers are not violating any federal law by visiting Illinois. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/06/25 |  | BUTTER COW | The Illinois State Fair butter cow will be unveiled at 3 p.m. We'll move a couple of photos and a short, 300-word look at the cow and a few fair details. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 300-400 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 08/05/25 |  | DOHERTY SENTENCING | Longtime lobbyist Jay Doherty, the former director of the influential City Club of Chicago, is scheduled for sentencing Tuesday for his role in a yearslong bribery scheme targeted at ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Doherty is the final of the "ComEd Four" to be sentenced after their convictions on conspiracy and business records falsification charges; the majority of their bribery convictions were thrown out earlier this year. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/05/25 |  | MCO DELAYS | Denials and delayed reimbursements by Medicaid managed care organizations in Illinois are landing small providers, such as rural hospitals, in financial turmoil, all while MCOs pull in profits and fail to meet patient care metrics established by the state. Reporter: Rachel Heimann Mercader, Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 1,500 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | Please republish using assets and guidelines from The Illinois Answers Project |
| 08/04/25 |  | BILL ROUNDUP | Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed more than 100 bills, including measures to ban carbon sequestration in parts of central Illinois, implement changes to fire and police pensions in Chicago and ban artificial intelligence chatbots from acting as therapists. Package of briefs on these and other bills. Reporter: Ben Szalinski & Andrew Adams. Word count:1,400-1,800. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/04/25 |  | TEXAS DEMS | Gov. JB Pritzker welcomed a contingent of Texas House Democrats who flew to Chicago Sunday night as part of a strategy to delay a vote in Austin on a mid-decade redistricting plan designed to give Republicans an additional five congressional seats in next year’s midterm elections. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 400-500. Photo: Yes (Hannah Meisel). Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Monday morning. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/01/25 |  | GENDER CARE LAWSUIT | Illinois is part of a multi-state lawsuit challenging executive orders and other directives by the Trump administration that significantly limit gender-affirming care for people under age 19. Attorney General Kwame Raoul argues the federal government is criminalizing doctors for providing medical care and the orders violate states' rights. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/01/25 |  | ALL-STAR GAME | Gov. JB Pritzker and other state officials joined the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred to announce the 2027 MLB All-Star Game will happen at Chicago's Wrigley Field. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 200-400 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/31/25 |  | MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Thursday that would implement universal mental health screens in third grade through high school beginning in the 2027-28 school year. Pritzker and state education leaders say law, which is the first of its kind in the nation, will be an important tool in better preventing mental health problems. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-500 words. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: Video. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 07/30/25 |  | DCFS TIMELINE | For weeks, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has refused repeated requests for a timeline of their involvement with Mackenzi Felmlee's death. Prosecutors said Wednesday they aren't opposed to the release of a detailed timeline in the case. Legislators react. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 07/30/25 |  | INSURANCE REGULATION | Gov. JB Pritzker, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and top General Assembly leaders are calling for more regulation of the insurance industry. Giannoulias is seeking to remove non-driving factors from the equation the calculates car insurance while Pritzker and legislative leaders accuse State Farm of not being transparent about why they are increasing home insurance rates in Illinois. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,100 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/29/25 |  | DOJ ELECTIONS | The Justice Department is asking the Illinois State Board of Elections for detailed information about its compliance with federal laws requiring maintenance of voter registration rolls. The request a complete copy of the statewide voter registration list. The request comes as a federal judge in Chicago is preparing to rule on a lawsuit by the conservative activist group Judicial Watch that accuses the state of failing to comply with requirements under the National Voter Registration Act. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/29/25 | | DCFS CASEWORKER | UPDATED 07/29/25 at 8:30 PM: The former caseworker for Illinois foster child Mackenzi Felmlee, who died more than a year ago, has a troubled past, according to information cleaned from orders of protection and search warrant applications in the case. DCFS still has not released a report detailing what happened to Mackenzi. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 2,000 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 07/28/25 |  | GUN BILLS | Gov. Pritzker signed two gun-related bills into law today, including the Safe Gun Storage Act requiring gun owners to keep weapons securely stored and out of the hands of children. A second bill requires law enforcement to trace the ownership of all weapons that are seized or taken into custody from a crime scene. The latest gun restrictions come as the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing arguments in a challenge to the state's most significant new gun control measure, the assault weapons ban that was enacted in 2023. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: VSOT. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 07/25/25 |  | ROBIN KELLY INTERVIEW | CNI sits down with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly in a one-on-one interview to talk about her campaign for Senate and her work in Congress. Kelly is up against two other Democrats, include one backed by Gov. JB Pritzker, which marks the third time Kelly has sought a political position against someone Pritzker supported. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,200 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: Full interview. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets video audio |
| 07/24/05 |  | MCCLAIN SENTENCING | Longtime Springfield lobbyist Mike McClain, a former state representative and close friend of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, is scheduled for sentencing Thursday for his role in a yearslong bribery scheme targeted at Madigan. McClain is the third of the "ComEd Four" to be sentenced after their convictions on conspiracy and business records falsification charges; the majority of their bribery convictions were thrown out earlier this year. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1500-1800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/24/25 |  | MEDIA LITERACY | The University of Illinois Springfield studied how school districts in Illinois are teaching media literacy. The study found inconsistent application in the absence of statewide enforcement and funding. Reporter: Jason Piscia and Ann Strahle, UIS. Word count: 1,600-1,800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 07/23/25 |  | QUANTUM EXPANSION | Another company announced it would build a state-of-the-art "quantum computer" in Chicago as the list of tenants at a state-backed research park dedicated to the nascent technology grows. Gov. JB Pritzker, a longtime quantum booster, is set to speak at a quantum conference in Chicago. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print asset broadcast reader |
| 07/23/25 |  | REDISTRICTING RESPONSE | As Texas lawmakers consider redrawing Congressional districts to add more Republicans seats to Congress, Gov. JB Pritzker was asked if Illinois would consider any counter measures to add more Democrats. The governor said Texas is "cheating." Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print asset broadcast reader |
| 07/23/25 |  | VOTER ROLLS | The Justice Department is weighing in on a federal lawsuit that accuses the Illinois State Board of Elections of failing to properly maintain its voter registration rolls, in violation of federal law. The department filed a "statement of interest" in the case earlier this month, around the same time it launched legal actions in other states seeking access to complete statewide voter registration databases. A decision in the Illinois case could come next week. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/22/25 |  | HOUSING CREDIT | The latest federal domestic policy bill expands funding for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which one report suggests could allow tens of thousands more affordable rental units to be built in Illinois. Advocates say the federal expansion means Illinois should enact its own tax credit to allow development to increase further. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 07/21/25 |  | PRAMAGGIORE SENTENCING | Former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore is scheduled for sentencing Monday morning more than two years after her conviction as part of 2023's "ComEd Four" trial. She is the second of her co-defendants to face sentencing for their roles in bribing longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1500 words. Broadcast: Reader. Photos: Yes. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/21/25 |  | SQUATTER BILL | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Monday that allows police to trespass and remove squatters at a residence or other place where a person is prohibited from living. The bill was signed after a state lawmaker complained about police's inability to remove squatters who moved in next door to him. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/21/25 |  | DCFS DEATH | A state agency has failed to provide details of a foster child's death more than a year later, despite a state law that requires such transparency. DCFS says it can hold up reports and a timeline until a criminal investigation and trial are completed. Critics call for reforms. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 2,600 words. Broadcast: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 5:45 a.m. | print assets |
| 07/18/25 |  | COOK COUNTY DEMS | Cook County Democrats are deciding today who to slate for endorsements in the 2026 primary elections, including whether to support any candidates for two open statewide offices, U.S. senator and state comptroller. We'll cover the meeting and the decisions made. Reporter: Andrew Adams . Word Count: 700-900 words. Broadcast: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/18/25 |  | UPWARD MOBILITY | Higher education is still a key to higher earnings in Illinois, but a new study shows that disparities still persist in access to higher education as well as career earnings in adulthood. The study shows people from lower-income backgrounds continue to earn less in adulthood than their wealthier peers, even after earning similar degrees and going into similar fields. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: Podcast and YouTube (appx 15 minutes) - Interview with Sarah Cashdollar, lead author of the study and associate director of the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC). ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets video podcast |
| 07/17/25 |  | INSURANCE REGULATION | Gov. Pritzker is calling on lawmakers to enact stricter regulation governing homeowners' insurance. His comments came after Bloomington-based State Farm announced it was raising rates in Illinois by an average 27.2%. According to the Consumer Federation of America, Illinois has relatively weak regulation, compared to other states, and in recent years has had the second fastest rising insurance premiums in the country. But a State Farm spokesperson defended the rate hikes and said additional regulation won't help consumers. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/16/25 |  | MENDOZA ANNOUNCEMENT | UPDATED on 7/17: Comptroller Susana Mendoza will not run for another term. We’ll cover her announcement today. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/16/25 |  | SENATE FUNDRAISING | Number are in showing how the Democrat candidates for U.S. Senate are raising money ahead of the 2026 primary. One TV ad is already out in the race eight months before the primary while JB Pritzker and other Democrats are throwing money behind Juliana Stratton. But Robin Kelly who has previously gone to battle against Pritzker says money won't determine the race. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 900 - 1,500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Graphic: Yes. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 07/16/25 |  | HEMP INACTION | The legislature failed to act on hemp again due to disagreement on whether hemp should continue to be regulated separately from cannabis. Pritzker and the cannabis lobby sided against Rep. LaShawn Ford and the hemp lobby, stalling efforts to bring consensus on how hemp should be legally defined. Reporter: Simon Carr & Isabella Schoonover, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 2,300 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 07/15/25 |  | ILLINOIS SOLAR | President Donald Trump's attacks on the renewable energy industry and Congress' repeal of several tax credit programs have rocked Illinois' solar sector. The state has spent several years incentivizing solar developments in order to meet its climate goals, which industry insiders say insulates the state from some of the effects of the federal policy reversal. Still, consumer advocates warn that the president's policy will increase energy prices. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 1,200-1,400 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: NO. Photo: file. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/14/25 |  | HOOKER SENTENCED | Former Commonwealth Edison executive John Hooker is scheduled for sentencing Monday morning more than two years after his conviction as part of 2023's "ComEd Four" trial. He is the first of his co-defendants to face sentencing for their roles in bribing longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 800-1000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/14/25 |  | TARIFF EXECUTIVE ORDER | Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order on Monday in response to tariffs implemented by the Trump administration. The order requires state agencies to come up with plans to mitigate the effects of tariffs on certain topics. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/14/25 |  | RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI INTERVIEW | U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi sat down for a one-on-one interview with Capitol News Illinois to discuss the state's Senate race as well as where Krishnamoorthi stands on top issues in the race. Endorsements for Krishnamoorthi and one of his opponents also rolled in on Monday. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: ~1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets video interview audio interview |
| 07/11/25 |  | SENATE CANDIDATE MESSAGES | The three Democrats running for Illinois' open Senate seat held events around the state this week highlighting the negative impacts they believe the new domestic policy plan will have on Illinois communities. The candidates are taking a message to voters they hope will separate themselves in the primary field. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: VOSOT (double SOT). Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 07/11/25 |  | MCCLAIN SENTENCING REC | Federal prosecutors on Thursday recommended a near-six-year prison sentence for ex-Springfield lobbyist Mike McClain, a longtime friend and confidant of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. McClain and the other "ComEd Four," convicted in 2023 on charges they attempted to bribe the powerful speaker, are scheduled for separate sentencing hearings starting next week. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1000. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: Friday Morning | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/10/25 |  | HOSPITAL FUNDING | Hospital officials in Illinois say many local hospitals will be forced to reduce services, lay off staff or close entirely as a result of Medicaid cuts that are part of President Trump's recently passed domestic policy law. A.J. Wilhelmi, CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, explains how the cuts will occur. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/08/25 | | SNAP CHANGES | The new domestic policy bill signed last week by President Trump makes changes to the food assistance program SNAP. Among the changes are work requirements that could reduce benefits for many Illinoisians and new requirements that states must cover more costs of the program. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/07/25 |  | CHRISTIAN MITCHELL INTERVIEW | Capitol News Illinois talked one-on-one with JB Pritzker's new running mate, Christian Mitchell. Mitchell discussed his vision for the campaign and how his priorities align with Pritzker's, as well as the experiences that he believes have prepared him to be lieutenant governor. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,200. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: yes/ Photo: yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets Video Audio |
| 07/04/25 |  | HOUSING FUNDING | The FY26 budget cuts tens of millions of dollars of funding to housing programs, including the governor's signature program designed to end homelessness in Illinois. The budget cut comes as homelessness continues to rise since the state program was created. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,200-1,400 word. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 7/4/25 at 5 a.m. | print assets |
| 07/03/25 |  | MEDICAID CUTS | The budget bill passed by the U.S. Senate this week would reduce Medicaid spending in Illinois by 20%, or about $48 billion over the next 10 years. That's according to an analysis by the nonpartisan research organization KFF. Much of that, about $6.73 billion, would be in rural areas where a larger share of the population is covered by Medicaid. The bill now awaits action in the U.S. House. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 07/02/25 |  | FY25 REVENUE | Final revenue numbers for FY25 were released on Wednesday, showing the state brought in more than $700 million of revenue than lawmakers originally budgeted for. The focus now turns to the FY26 budget that took effect Tuesday and the challenges ahead for state government. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 07/01/25 |  | BILL SIGNINGS | Gov. Pritzker is scheduled today to sign two bills related to health care, including one that puts more controls on pharmacy benefit managers. Signing ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Peoria. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: VOSOT. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 07/01/25 |  | PRITZKER'S RUNNING MATE | Gov. JB Pritzker selected Christian Mitchell as his running mate for the 2026 campaign. Mitchell is a former state representative and lieutenant governor who currently works at the University of Chicago. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print asset broadcast reader |
| 06/30/25 |  | HIGHER ED BILLS | UPDATED 07/01/25 at 11:45 a.m.: Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills dealing with higher education Monday morning. Among them: a new direct admissions program for qualifying high schoolers, ensuring college credits earned in high school dual credit programs and requiring more assistance for students filling out financial aid applications. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: VOSOT on direct admissions. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 06/30/25 |  | SHAWNEE TOURISM | Advertising campaigns are touting southern Illinois as a tourism destination.Reporters: Sonya Dymova & Maggie Dougherty, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1700 words. Photo: Yes. Audio/video: Video. ETA: 6:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/27/25 |  | PRITZKER'S FUTURE | Gov. JB Pritzker reflected with reporters on Thursday night about his decision to run for a rare third term as governor and what prompted him to seek office again. With lots of speculation that he might be interested in running for president in 2028, Pritzker argued the speculation is good for Illinois and said much of his decision to run again is based on staying in the fight against the Trump administration. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/26/25 |  | PRITZKER REELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT | Gov. JB Pritzker will formally announce his reelection campaign in a four-stop tour beginning in Chicago and ending in Springfield. We'll cover the Chicago and Springfield events and move a story by midday, updating with any information from the 6:30 p.m. Springfield event as needed. A broadcast story may move a bit later in the day. Reporter: Andrew Adams and Ben Szalinski. Word count: 1,000-1,500 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT. STORY ETA: 2 p.m. BRIEF: Distributed 9:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 06/25/25 |  | RAOUL-TRUMP LAWSUIT | Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined another multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time challenging its use of an obscure federal regulation to justify cancelling millions of dollars in grants and aid to states. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500 - 700 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/25/25 |  | DUST STORMS | UPDATED 6/26/25 at 9:45 A.M.: In May, the city of Chicago saw its first dust storm since the 1930s – the scope of which was similar to the storm that hit the portion of I-55 near Divernon in 2023, ultimately killing 8 people and injuring dozens more. In recent years, Illinois’ agricultural experts have started to consider factors such as conservation efforts and farming tactics used across the state as partial causes for the storms. However, Illinois’ proposed FY26 budget provides flat funding to soil and water conservation districts, which the agency says is not enough to fully fund the districts. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 1,600~. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/24/25 |  | WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT | High school and tech college students gathered in Peoria in April to showcase their talents in a competition that celebrates diversity in the skills trades in Illinois. Reporter: Maggie Dougherty/Medill. Word Count: 1700. Photos: Yes. Graphic: Yes. Audio/video: No. ETA: Tuesday, June 24th at 9:00 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/23/25 |  | PRB REFORM | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill to reform the Prisoner Review Board. The legislation comes after a high profile murder of a Chicago boy by a man released by the board. But some lawmakers say the bill doesn't go far enough. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/20/25 |  | SAFE SCHOOLS FOR ALL | Immigration rights advocates are hopeful Gov. JB Pritzker will sign a bill intended to protect noncitizen K-12 students from discrimination. the "Safe Schools for All Act" would prohibit schools from denying a student access to a free public education due to their immigration status. It would also prohibit disclosing, or threatening to disclose, the immigration status of students or their families. The bill is intended to buffer noncitizen students from the impact of recent or potential changes in federal law. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/19/25 |  | TROUBLED WATERS | About five dozen communities in Southern Illinois account for a third of sanitary sewer overflows in the last decade. Cahokia Heights at the heart of the problems. CNI is distributing this content on behalf of the Illinois Answers Project. Reporter: Janelle O'Dea, Illinois Answers. Length: 1,500 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 6:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/18/25 |  | GOP LAWSUIT | Legislative Republicans have filed a lawsuit challenging passage of a bill they say would completely alter the business and legal landscape of Illinois. The suit challenges passage of SB 328, which would allow out-of-state parties to file suit in Illinois courts against any company registered to do business in Illinois, even if the basis of the suit has no nexus to this state. The suit challenges the "gut-and-replace" process that's often used to pass major legislation, including state budgets. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/18/25 |  | TAYLORVILLE CASE | The parents of a 10 year-old girl with special needs who was sexually assaulted multiple times by another student in the Taylorville School District have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the school district violated their daughters rights under the 14th Amendment as well as under Title IX statutes. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 700 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/17/25 |  | QUANTUM DEVELOPMENTS | In last year's state budget, officials designated hundreds of millions of dollars of spending on the cutting edge quantum industry. Now, a year later, what are the latest developments in the state's efforts to court the industry? Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 1,000-1,100 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/16/25 |  | BUDGET SIGNING | Gov. JB Pritzker signed the FY26 budget on Monday. Totaling $55.2 billion, the budget is the largest spending plan in state history and includes a number of tax increases and one-time revenue to balance it. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,500-2,000 words. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 06/13/25 | | MADIGAN SENTENCING | UPDATED 6/13 AT 9:30 P.M.: Former House Speaker Mike Madigan, convicted on 10 of 23 corruption charges, including bribery, to be sentenced Friday in federal court in Chicago. Prosecutors have asked for 12 1/2 years, while the defense seeks probation. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 2,500 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/13/25 |  | TRANSIT CUTS | Transit agencies in Chicagoland are beginning to plan for cuts after lawmakers in Springfield failed to pass a funding bill before a procedural deadline last month. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1100 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2:30 p.m. p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/13/25 |  | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4012 | Illinois Lawmakers S40 E012: End of Session Reporter Roundtable - Capitol News Illinois’ statehouse reporting team joins host Jak Tichenor for a wrap-up of the 2025 spring legislative session. They break down how lawmakers managed to pass a state budget during what many called a “difficult year” and examine the major issues that didn’t make it across the finish line — including proposed reforms for energy policy and mass transit. Host: Jak Tichenor. ETA: 1 p.m. | public media commercial media audio / radio captions description |
| 06/13/25 |  | AFFORDABLE HOUSING | Chicago may allow widespread building of carriages houses, or accessory dwelling units, as an answer to the affordable housing crisis. This story is part of the 'Making it in Chicago' series. Reporter: Alex Nitkin for Illinois Answers Project. Length: 3500 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visuals: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6/13 at 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/12/25 |  | PRITZKER CONGRESS | Gov. JB Pritzker testifies to the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Thursday about Illinois' immigration laws, including how they work and how the state has managed the migrant crisis. Pritzker and other Democratic governors engaged in back and forth debates with Republican committee members who argued states like Illinois protect violent criminals. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,300 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: screenshot. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/12/25 |  | LICENSE PLATE DATA | Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Thursday his office is looking into reports that Texas police illegally used Illinois license plate reader data relating to a woman seeking abortion-related care. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 400 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/12/25 |  | AG BUDGET | Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office will receive a $15.7 million increase in its operating budget next year, which is slightly more than he requested. Raoul requested the increase to pay for what he said was his office's growing workload, including the cost of pursuing multiple lawsuits against the Trump administration. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/12/25 |  | PRITZKER TESTIMONY | Gov. JB Pritzker will testify to the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Thursday about Illinois' immigration laws, including how they work and how the state has managed the migrant crisis. Pritzker and other Democratic governors were summoned to the committee earlier this year as the Trump administration ramps up deportation efforts. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/11/25 |  | HIPPOTHERAPY | UPDATED 6/12/25 at 9:45 A.M.: State lawmakers passed a bill that mandates insurance companies cover hippotherapy, which is a form of therapy that uses horses to engage patient’s motor and sensory skills. Both children and adults with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities often use the service to achieve results they haven’t or can’t achieved in typical, indoor therapy settings. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/10/25 |  | JONES MADIGAN UPDATES | Prosecutors on Tuesday announced they're pursuing a retrial of state Sen. Emil Jones III after his April trial on charges of bribery and lying to the FBI ended in a hung jury. Also on Tuesday, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's sentencing hearing technically began ahead of the full hearing Friday. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/10/25 |  | ASSAULT WEAPONS | Gun right advocates are once again asking the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago to overturn the state's ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines. As both sides gear up for another round of oral arguments over the Illinois law while the U.S. Supreme Court has so far declined to review such bans. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word length: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: Possible VO. ETA: 4 p.m | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 06/10/25 |  | NO PENSION REFORM | Illinois lawmakers declined to move forward on wide-ranging pension reform this spring, frustrating Illinois labor unions. Instead, lawmakers approved smaller reforms in the state budget and for Chicago first responders. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000. Broadcast: reader/VO. Video/Audio: yes (video). Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 06/09/25 |  | CLEAN SLATE | The Clean Slate Bill stalled in the Senate in the final hours of the spring legislative session. Sponsor Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth has vowed to bring it back in the fall veto session and explains what went wrong. Reporter: Reilly Cook, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/09/25 |  | LICENSE PLATE READERS | A bill passed at the end of session would allow Illinois State Police to use automatic license plate readers when investigating crimes involving human trafficking and involuntary servitude. The bill also bars the information gathered from the readers to be accessible by the Freedom of Information Act. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6/9 at 7:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/06/25 |  | CIVIC FED BUDGET | The leader of the Civic Federation, one of Chicago's top non-partisan government research groups, says Illinois' budget misses the mark in a few key areas. Illinois lawmakers are also watching D.C. this month to see if actions by the federal government will force them to return to Springfield to adjust the budget. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/06/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4011 | Illinois Lawmakers S40 E11: Spring Session Wrap Up - Illinois lawmakers react to the newly finalized FY26 state budget, highlighting how federal funding cuts and inflation could impact residents across the state. The budget includes $800 million in new funding for K-12 education and pensions, but concerns remain over transit reform, infrastructure needs, energy policy, and the potential need to rebalance the budget mid-year. Host: Jak Tichenor. ETA: 10 a.m. | public media commercial media audio / radio captions description |
| 06/06/25 |  | POULTRY PROCESSING | A bill that would loosen restrictions and expand sales opportunities for small poultry farmers in Illinois is awaiting the governor's signature. Bills in the House and Senate were passed unanimously. Reporter: Grace Friedman/Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 900 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: Video. ETA: 6/6 at 8:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/05/25 |  | LEADERS - TRANSIT | Top Democrats and the General Assembly's leaders explain why public transportation reform did not happen this spring, and what comes next for state lawmakers on the subject as the agencies are now set to begin exploring cuts and layoffs after lawmakers' failure to find new funding sources. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,200-1,500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/05/25 | | HIGHER ED LEGISLATION | Gov. JB Pritzker got some of what he requested from lawmakers in the area of higher education. But many other proposals failed to get through the legislature, including his proposal to allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor's degrees in certain high-demand career fields. Lawmakers also did not vote on a proposal to overhaul the way public universities are funded in Illinois, although advocates say they will continue pushing for that measure. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photo: Stock/File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/05/25 |  | ALICIA’S LAW | One of the missions of the criminal investigations department of Illinois State Police would now be to conduct investigations into internet crimes against children if the governor signs Alicia’s Law, which passed both chambers in late May. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 700. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 6/5, 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/05/25 |  | STUDENT LOANS | State programs like SmartBuy help people with massive student loans purchase a home, but funding for the program is perilous. Reporter: Claire Murphy for Illinois Answers Project. Length: 3500 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visuals: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 9 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/04/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Illinois lawmakers passed numerous bills in the final hours of session. They include extending the start of a ban on "swipe fees" as a court case continues, creating a statewide public defender office and regulating metals in baby foods. Reporter: Ben Szalinski & Jade Aubrey. Length: 700-1,000. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/04/25 |  | SWIPE FEES | Illinois lawmakers have decided to delay a ban on “swipe fees” for another year as bankers are locked in a court battle with the state over the ban. The measure needs approval from the governor. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word count: 500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA 2:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/03/25 |  | ENERGY FAIL | After spending months in negotiations, a bill that would have instituted sweeping reforms to the state's energy industry failed in the final hours of the legislative session. This comes as energy prices spike across Illinois due to long-term problems with the state's electric grids. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 600-900 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: File. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/03/25 |  | CHATHAM CRASH | An 8-year-old boy died on Monday, the latest casualty of a crash at a Chatham daycare that claimed the lives of four other children. Still no charges filed against the car's driver. Updating investigation status. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 700 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/03/25 | | BOST SUPREME COURT | The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost challenging Illinois' mail-in voting law. Lower courts have previously ruled Bost lacked standing, meaning the court will likely rule on whether Bost has standing in court rather than on the legality of Illinois' law. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 06/03/25 |  | NATIVE BILLS | Illinois’ legislative session concluded without passage of a Native American K-12 school mascot ban, but another issue sought by Natives will make its way to the governor. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 800-900 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/03/25 |  | HAIR BRAIDING | A bill to end licensing of hair braiders in Illinois did not make it through the recently concluded session, likely running out of time. Where does the issue go now? Will it be back? Reporter: Isabella Schoonover, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 900 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets |
| 06/02/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | More than 150 bills moved through the General Assembly in the final week of the legislative session and will make their way to the governor, including measures touching on drug approval, college admissions and foster placement. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 800-900 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 10:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 06/01/25 |  | TRANSIT | A major Illinois Senate proposal to fund public transit stalled in the House amid opposition to a new delivery fee and real estate transfer tax. Without legislative action, Chicago-area transit agencies face severe service cuts starting in 2026. Reporter: Andrew Adams and Bridgette Fox. Length: Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 12:30 pm. | print assets |
| 06/01/25 | | MEDICAID OMNIBUS | The House passed a Medicaid omnibus bill Saturday night that is significantly smaller and less costly than in previous years, due mainly to the state's own budget constraints and the Trump administration's threats of sweeping cuts in federal spending across the board. Still, it contains provisions that could be hugely beneficial to some Illinois residents. And it sparked Republican opposition over provisions extending care to certain categories of noncitizens. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: ASAP | print assets |
| 06/01/25 |  | BUDGET PASSES | UPDATED 6/3/25 at 1 P.M.: We are following the state budget and will file a story about its passage immediately once it clears both chambers. Reporter: Ben Szalinski and Jerry Nowicki. Length: 1,900-2,100. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT. ETA: ASAP. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/30/25 |  | BUDGET INTRODUCED | Illinois lawmakers introduced a $55 billion budget that does not include broad tax increases, but does contain some specific tax increases in order to raise $1 billion of new revenue. Lawmakers are expected to pass the plan on Saturday. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-1,000. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: yes. Photo: yes. ETA: 10 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/30/25 |  | MADIGAN SENTENCING REC | Federal prosecutors are asking for a 12.5-year sentence for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, in addition to a $1.5 million fine. Madigan was convicted in February on 10 of 23 corruption counts, including bribery. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 800. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/30/25 |  | CLEAN SLATE BILL | Criminal justice reform advocates are making a third push for the Clean Slate Act, arguing the legislation will unlock economic opportunity for millions of Illinoisans and help solve the state’s labor shortage. Reporter: Reilly Cook/Medill. Word Count: 1,400. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/30/25 |  | MEDICAL AID IN DYING | House lawmakers approved a bill to legalize medically assisted suicide Thursday night. The procedure, in which a doctor prescribes lethal medication to terminally ill patients, has sparked heated ethical and policy debate among disability advocates, religious groups and doctors. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 700 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/30/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4010 | Illinois Lawmakers S40 E10: Spring Session Countdown - With just hours left in the spring session, lawmakers are racing to pass a state budget before the May 31 deadline. They must weigh federal funding cuts and calls for fiscal restraint against key priorities like K-12 education, economic growth, and middle-class tax relief. Other major topics include higher education funding, mass transit reform, and potential cuts to existing programs. | public media commercial media audio / radio captions description |
| 05/30/25 |  | PRESCRIPTION DRUGS | The Senate is expected to vote on two bills aimed at reining in the cost of prescription drugs. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act, which is backed by Gov. JB Pritzker, would prohibit some practices of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, that some argue drive up the cost of drugs. Another seeks to curb abuse of the federal 340B program, which is supposed to provide discounts to hospitals and clinics that serve low-income an uninsured patients. It remains unclear, though, how much savings the bills would generate or how much of those savings would be passed on to consumers. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 900 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: Print story to post Friday morning. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/30/25 |  | MEDICAL DEBT | Medical debt has become a key obstacle to upward economic mobility in Illinois, with many who should qualify for free care failing to receive debt relief. Reporter: Binghui Huang for Illinois Answers. Word Count: 2,500 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Graphics: Yes. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 05/29/25 | | COMPETING TRANSIT PLANS | Two different proposals to address a funding shortfall for Chicago-area public transportation agencies have been introduced in the General Assembly as lawmakers work toward a Saturday deadline to pass funding and new reforms. But the plans, particularly one that includes funding, are raising significant opposition from all kinds of stakeholders, especially as suburban residents would be subjected to new taxes. Reporter: Andrew Adams & Ben Szalinski. Length: 2,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/29/25 |  | GUN STORAGE | A bill requiring gun owners to keep their firearms in a secured, locked box whenever they know a minor, at-risk person or person prohibited from possessing a firearm can access the firearm cleared the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday. Republican lawmakers say an aspect of the bill challenges a recent Supreme Court decision and is unconstitutional. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 1000 words. Broadcast: Yes. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/29/25 |  | HORSE RACING | In the backstretch of the legislative session, Sen. Patrick Joyce is pushing to revitalize a gambling industry long on the decline: horse betting. Joyce's bill would undo veto power for Hawthorne Race Course and pave the way for a new "racino" in Decatur. Reporter: Simon Carr, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/28/25 |  | PRITZKER BUDGET PROMISE | Gov. JB Pritzker threatened to veto a budget that includes broad tax increases to balance it. His pledge comes as Republicans and business leaders grow concerned about tax increases that make their way into the budget as lawmakers work through the final days of negotiation. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/28/25 |  | OPIOID RESPONSE | Legislation requiring all Illinois public libraries to maintain a supply of opioid antagonists and train staff on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose passed the Illinois Senate unanimously 56-0 and now moves to the governor’s desk. Reporter: Isabella Schoonover, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Words: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/28/25 |  | CHILD CARE COSTS | The high cost of child care forces many Illinois parents to make tough decisions – ultimately stalling the chance for those families to advance financially and professionally. First of a series on obstacles to economic mobility. The Illinois Answers Project explores this topic as part of their 'Making it in Chicago' reporting project. Reporter: Madison Hopkins and Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers. Word count: 4000 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Photos: file. ETA: 9:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 05/27/25 |  | ANNA’S LAW | Illinois lawmakers passed a bill mandating police officers in the State undergo trauma-informed training on sexual assault. The bill is named after Anna Williams, a 22-year-old Illinois resident who drew up the bill with state lawmakers after her experience with law enforcement officials. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 900 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: File. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/23/25 |  | MOTHER BRIEFS | Four bills passed the Illinois General Assembly this week that seek to help pregnant women, mothers, and babies. If signed by the governor, one of the bills will give mothers paid time off when pumping breastmilk at work and another will ban toxic metals in baby food. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 1,200 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/23/25 |  | SLAPP LAWSUIT | The General Assembly passed a bill that would amend a law previously cited by the Illinois Supreme Court in a case involving a SLAPP suit against the Chicago Sun-Times. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 500-600 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: File. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/23/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4009 | Season 40 Episode 09: Budget Negotiations Continue - Illinois lawmakers passed several bills this week including reform for the Prisoner Review Board and banning carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer. But with one week left in the spring session, big issues like the budget and mass transit reform still remain. ETA: 1 p.m. | public media commercial media audio / radio captions description |
| 05/23/25 |  | BUDGET LOOK AHEAD | With one week to go in the legislative session, lawmakers are grappling with yet another curve ball from the federal government following the U.S. House passage of a budget bill that would drastically alter federal aid to states. A roundup of state reaction and a preview of the final week. Reporter: Ben Szalinski & Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,000-1,500 words. Broadcast: TBA. Audio/video: No. ETA: Noon. | print assets |
| 05/23/25 |  | DRIVERS LICENSE | A bill to increase the age that once Illinois senior driver’s hit, requires them to take an annual driver’s test, passed the Senate on Thursday. If signed by the governor, senior drivers won’t have to take the test annually until they turn 87 years old. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 500 words. Broadcast: VSOT. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: Noon. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/22/25 |  | ENERGY RATES | Electric bills are expected to jump by as much as 20% for millions of Illinoisans this summer. The spike was caused by uncertainty around future electric supply, an issue which is animating fierce debate in Springfield. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count 700-1,100 words. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: Yes/file. ETA 12:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/22/25 |  | ONE HEALTH | A bill creating the One Health Commission, which aims to increase collaboration and communication between disciplines on matter of public health and safety, passed out of the House on Wednesday and now awaits approval from the Governor. This comes three months after the National One Health Framework was established by the CDC in February in response to the both the COVID-19 pandemic and rising concerns about the bird flu. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count 900 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: File. ETA 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/21/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | A roundup of multiple bills that passed the Illinois House on Wednesday. More information to follow. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count 500+ words. Broadcast: No. Photo: Yes. ETA 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/21/25 |  | MATERNAL HEALTH | The Senate passed a bill requiring certain health care professionals to receive an hour of training on bias in maternal health care when they renew licenses. Reporter: Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count 1,000-1,200 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: Yes. ETA 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/21/25 |  | FOOD SOURCES | Two bills that would have required more stringent sourcing information from companies that supply food to the state did not make it through this session. Here's why. Source: Jennifer Bamberg, Investigate Midwest. Length: 3,150 words. Photos: Yes. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets |
| 05/20/25 |  | MAHOMET AQUIFER | A bill that bans carbon sequestration over, under, or through the Mahomet Aquifer passed out of the Illinois General Assembly and now awaits the Governor’s approval. The bill has been a point of contention in the Statehouse for the past two years, after it was found that a leak occurred during carbon sequestration carried out by ADM, a Decatur-based agriculture giant. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/20/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | A bill going to the governor's desk requires police agencies to do deeper background checks into a potential new hire's employment history after Sangamon County hired Sean Grayson despite troubles at prior police agencies. Grayson is charged with the murder of Sonya Massey. The House also approved a bill creating new safety standards at warehouses during tornadoes after a deadly tornado hit an Amazon warehouse in 2021. Reporter: Bridgette Fox & Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/20/25 |  | PFAS BILL | Rep. Mike Kelly has proposed a bill to eliminate the sale of PFAS in firefighter protective clothing. Numerous studies have shown that PFAS in clothes creates an increased risk of developing various forms of cancer in firefighters. Reporters: Reilly Cook & Grace Friedman, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1,000-1100 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/20/25 |  | TRANS HEALTH | For many families, like the Katharys from Indiana, traveling to Illinois for medical care is costly and exhausting — and their only option. An Indiana teen’s journey to access gender-affirming care in Illinois highlights how the state has become a critical refuge for trans youth amid a wave of nationwide bans. Illinois’ shield law protects patients, families and providers from out-of-state legal action as more youth cross state lines for care. Reporter: Carly Gist, Saluki Local Reporting Lab. Length: 3,300 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets |
| 05/19/25 |  | NAGPRA HEALING ILLINOIS | Illinois museums and universities are working to return Native American remains under updated federal NAGPRA rules. Institutions like the Illinois State Museum hold thousands of remains, many long labeled “culturally unidentifiable.” Tribal leaders and museum officials are collaborating to complete repatriation, but the process is time-consuming and emotionally complex. New federal deadlines have increased urgency, while state lawmakers and tribal nations push for respectful, timely returns that help heal the historical trauma caused by decades of mishandled Indigenous ancestral remains. Reporter: Bridgette Fox, UIS. Word Count: 2,150 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No Photos: Yes. ETA: 5/19 at 6:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 05/16/25 |  | MARY LINCOLN | Monday, May 19th, will mark the 150th anniversary of Mary Todd Lincoln being declared legally insane and committed to an asylum in Batavia. Historian Jason Emerson has compiled a new book that sheds new light on the nature of her illiness and her relationships with her family and few remaining friends. The book is "The Dark Days of Abraham Lincoln's Widow, as Revealed by Her Own Letters." Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: Story, 800-1,000 words; Podcast, appx. 30 minutes. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: Podcast. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets podcast |
| 05/16/25 |  | BOYCOTT BILL | UPDATED 5/19 at 2 P.M.: Rep. Rashid has proposed a bill to undo Illinois’ 2015 anti-BDS pension investments rule. Due to the bill’s controversial nature, it seems unlikely to make it through this year. Many legislators won’t speak on it. Reporters: Simon Carr and Sonya Dymova, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1,500-1600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/16/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4008 | Season 40 Episode 08: New Budget Projections and Committee Chairman Removal - As state lawmakers head towards their May 31 adjournment, House leaders sit down to discuss crafting a budget in a tight fiscal year. Meanwhile a Democratic lawmaker has been removed from his committee chairmanship with only two weeks left of session. | public media commercial media audio / radio captions description |
| 05/16/25 |  | DRIEHAUS AWARDS | CNI journalist Beth Hundsdorfer has won a Driehaus Foundation Award for Investigative Reporting for her work covering the tragic Sonya Massey shooting. | press release |
| 05/15/25 |  | HOUSING COMMITTEE | The House Executive Committee heavily debated a bill that would make adjustments to the crime-free housing laws in Illinois at length on Wednesday. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/15/25 |  | TRANSIT UPDATE | Two key lawmakers announced they are nearing a deal on reforming transit systems in the Chciagoland area. They expect the legislature to create a dedicated police force for transit in Chicago, but didn't commit to many specifics on how that proposal — or the broader $770 million budget gap facing transit agencies — will be funded. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 400-500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/15/25 |  | CRESPO REMOVED | Rep. Fred Crespo has been removed from the House Democratic Caucus, with House officials citing a lack of communication with Democratic leaders over Crespo's work as chair of an appropriations committee. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/14/25 |  | BUDGET REVISION | Gov. JB Pritzker's office has decreased FY26 budget projections more in line with the General Assembly's independent estimate as the administration blames economic uncertainty caused by the White House. The revision comes as lawmakers put the finishing touches on the budget over the coming two weeks. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: VOSOT, Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/14/25 |  | CRIME-FREE HOUSING | In some Illinois cities, shoplifting, calling 911 too many times or even being a victim of a crime can get you kicked out of your home. We’ll reshare an investigation from a partnership between Illinois Answers Project and The New York Times’s Local Investigations Fellowship. Reporter: Sindee King Pineda, Illinois Answers (to republish, visit illinoisanswers.org). Word count: 4,000 words. Broadcast: No. ETA: 1:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/14/25 |  | GAS RATE INCREASE | Ameren Illinois and Nicor Gas, which together serve more than 3 million natural gas customers in Illinois, are asking state regulators to approve a $7 to $10 increase to monthly residential gas bills, starting next year. The companies say that these increases will pay for required infrastructure upgrades, but consumer advocates and environmentalists argue the majority of the spending is unnecessary. Regulators will approve a final rate plan for 2026 by the end of the year. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 600-800 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/13/25 |  | IMMIGRANT HEALTH | State officials are still on track to close down a program that provides health coverage to more than 30,000 noncitizens, including many who are in the country without legal authorization. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules took no action Tuesday on emergency rules from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to close the program effective July 1 as part of Gov. JB Pritzker's plan to balance next year's budget. But the action comes as Congress is debating legislation to impose massive cuts in federal funding for Medicaid, which could have an even more significant impact on the budget. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/13/25 |  | FEDERAL FUNDING LAWSUITS | Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is joining other Democratic attorneys general in filing a pair of lawsuits challenging actions by the Trump administration tying public safety and transportation grants to immigration enforcement. More than $2 billion for Illinois is at risk, according to Raoul. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/13/25 |  | FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL | Fallen Aurora Firefighter Cristian Medrano was honored today at Illinois’ annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word Count: 500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, Raido CC, Reader. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 05/12/25 |  | HEALING ILLINOIS | Native Americans are focusing on improving their image and correcting historic wrongs as they make their presence felt in the Statehouse. Now, advocates are hoping to pass a bill that will ban Native American Mascots in K-12 schools. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word Count: 2,800 words. Photos: Yes. Audio/Video: Yes. Broadcast: Video Package. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets broadcast assets |
| 05/10/25 |  | LISAGOR AWARDS | CNI journalists Hannah Meisel, Molly Parker and Beth Hundsdorfer have been nominated for several Lisagor Awards. The Lisagor Awards celebrate journalistic excellence across Illinois and northwest Indiana. | press release |
| 05/09/25 |  | CLIMATE RESEARCH | After the Trump Administration dismissed all researchers working on the National Climate Assessment, climate scientists in the state of Illinois voiced concerns over the future of the report, which is mandated by Congress. Reporter: Isabella Schoonover. Word Count: 900-1000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/09/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4007 | Season 40 Episode 07: Higher Education Reform & Energy Policy - With less than a month left in their spring session, Illinois lawmakers continue to work on a state budget with concerns about economic uncertainty from the federal government. While a fiscal plan may be the highest priority, legislators are also looking at issues including higher education, energy generation, and Tier 2 pensions. Hosted by Jak Tichenor. | public media commercial media audio / radio captions description |
| 05/09/25 |  | STATE PARK NUMBERS | Illinois state parks drew more than 41 million visitors in 2024, which was the most in 15 years. The increasing number of visitors comes as many state parks have seen major upgrades in recent years. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/08/25 |  | CHICAGO POPE | Pope Leo XIV hails from the far South Side of Chicago. A college friend and colleague describes his friendship with the new pontiff. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/08/25 |  | IMMIGRANT HEALTH | An ongoing study at the University of Chicago suggests that the two Medicaid-like health care programs for noncitizens have been beneficial to Illinois hospitals. Preliminary data shows they contributed to dramatic decreases in the amount of uncompensated care those hospitals provided. The results come as Gov. Pritzker is proposing to end one of the programs, Healthcare Benefits for Immigrant Adults. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/08/25 |  | PRITZKER AUTISM | On Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order to protect people's personal autism-related data from possible federal data collection in response to the federal Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent threat to create a national autism database. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/07/25 |  | RAOUL - ED FUNDS | A federal judge in New York has issued an preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from withholding an estimated $77 million in pandemic-relief funds for Illinois public schools. Illinois is part of a coalition of 17 states suing to block the March 28 order from the U.S. Department of Education. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500 - 700 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/07/25 |  | NOEM VISITS ILLINOIS | Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield on Wednesday to criticize Illinois laws that prohibit law enforcement officials from working with federal immigration authorities and make Illinois a "sanctuary state." Her visit comes as members of Trump's administration have promised to crack down on states like Illinois and as Gov. JB Pritzker agrees to go testify for Congress next month on Illinois' immigration laws. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/07/25 |  | RAJA FOR CONGRESS | U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi announces he will run for U.S. Senate to fill Dick Durbin's seat after Durbin retires at the end of his term. Krishnamoorthi is the third Democrat to announce intentions to run for the seat. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/06/25 |  | CREDIT TRANSFER | A new report shows that while most students enrolling in a community college do intending to transfer to a four-year university and earn a bachelor's degree, few of them actually succeed in doing so. The report cites multiple barriers that prevent community college students from achieving their degree goals. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5/6 at 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/06/25 |  | ROBIN KELLY SENATE | U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly became the second Democrat to announce her candidacy for U.S. Senate on Tuesday. Kelly has represented a congressional district south of Chicago for the last decade and was briefly state party chair. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/05/25 |  | BUDGET UPDATE | An independent forecasting commission has increased revenue projections for the current and upcoming fiscal year despite growing economic uncertainty. The latest report comes as lawmakers work toward finalizing a budget by May 31. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/05/25 |  | NURSE STAFFING | Activists continue to push for a bill that would set minimum staffing levels for Illinois hospitals, especially Level 1 trauma centers. But bills in the House and Senate face an uphill battle for passage for the session ends. Reporter: Grace Friedman, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Wordcount: 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/02/25 |  | GEORGE RYAN DIES | Former Republican Gov. George Ryan, who served time in prison in connection with a bribery scheme, died Friday at age 91. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 600-800 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Yes. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/02/25 |  | COMMUNITY COLLEGE DEGREES | Two Democratic leaders in the Senate expressed strong disagreement this week over a proposal to allow community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees. Gov. Pritzker called for that proposal in his budget address in February, but so far the bill has stalled in the legislature. The disagreement between Sen. Cristina Castro, who chairs the powerful Executive Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, was aired during a hearing on an unrelated bill calling for an overhaul of state funding for public universities. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500 - 600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/02/25 |  | MAY DAY MARCH | Thousands participated in a May Day rally Thursday in Chicago, drawing attention to a host of social issues. Reporter: Sonya Dymova, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,100 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 05/02/25 |  | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4006 | Season 40 Episode 06: Budget Crunch, Transit Trouble & Farm Fixes - With just five weeks to go in the spring session, Illinois lawmakers are racing to finalize a state budget and address a $1 billion public transit shortfall. Rep. Robyn Gabel highlights the ripple effects of federal Medicare cuts on more than 800,000 residents. Rep. Charles Meier shares updates on agriculture bills aimed at expanding access to specialty crops like poultry. Sen. Robert Peters outlines new legislation to strengthen worker rights and increase affordable housing, while Sen. Sally Turner focuses on support for young farmers and the future of Logan Correctional Center. Hosted by Jak Tichenor. | public media commercial media radio/audio captions description |
| 05/01/25 |  | HIGHER ED FUNDING | The University of Illinois System is expressing strong opposition to a proposal to overhaul the way higher education is funded in Illinois. The proposal calls for adding $1.75 billion in new funding over 10-15 years and distributing it through a formula that would prioritize schools that are currently the most inadequately funded. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/01/25 |  | CHATHAM UPDATE | Illinois State Police hold press conference on Thursday regarding the crash at the YNOT Camp afterschool program in Chatham. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 05/01/25 |  | ISP MEMORIAL | The Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee held their annual memorial Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service for fallen officers on Thursday at the Illinois State Library. Nine law enforcement officers killed in 2024 were among those honored. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600 words. Broadcast: Yes (from the Medill Illinois News Bureau). Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 04/30/25 |  | CHATHAM STRONG | Chatham is coping with the loss of four children who died when a Jeep crashed into their after-school program while police continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Round up of fundraisers, vigils and community events. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer/Jade Aubrey. Length: 600-900. Broadcast: yes. Video/Audio: yes. Photo: yes. ETA: 5:00 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/30/25 |  | TRANSIT FUNDING | UPDATED 4/30/25: With Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in Springfield, lawmakers are getting closer to a deal on a bill that would reform public transit in Chicagoland. The transit agencies in the region face a $770 million budget gap next year, but lawmakers say that reform and oversight is required before the state will provide more funding. Reporter: Ben Szalinski, Andrew Adams. Length: 600-900. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 5:00 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/30/25 |  | JULIANA STRATTON INTERVIEW | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton sat down for a one-on-one interview with Capitol News Illinois to discuss her decision to run for Senate, priorities in the race and where she stands on key issues for voters in 2026. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800-1,200. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets video assets |
| 04/30/25 |  | PRITZKER TOWNHALL | Gov. JB Pritzker held a virtual townhall Tuesday night with other Democratic governors to mark 100 days of Trump's second term. Pritzker used the townhall to continue calling for mass protest days after a speech in New Hampshire drew national headlines. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 10:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 04/29/25 |  | CHATHAM ACCIDENT | Four people dead and six injured after a driver plows into a daycare in Chatham. Info about the driver, who is a state employee, and other details. State Police are considering charges. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 700-800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 8 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/29/25 |  | AFTER-SCHOOL FUNDING | UPDATED 4/30/25: Advocates for afterschool programs are scheduled to testify in favor of a bill that would earmark $50 million for those programs. Similar funding was included in this year's budget, but advocates complain it has not yet been distributed. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 7 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/28/25 |  | VA CHICAGO PROTEST | UPDATED 4/28/25: Illinois veterans, VA employees angry, protest expected Trump administration cuts Sunday in McHenry in northern Illinois. Reporter: Sonya Dymova, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1350. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/28/25 |  | DUCKWORTH ENDORSES STRATTON | Sen. Tammy Duckworth endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Monday in the 2026 Democratic primary for a seat to join her in the Senate. Stratton has now tallied endorsements from the state's top two Democrats with Sen. Dick Durbin not planning to make any endorsement in the primary for his successor. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-600. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: 11:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/28/25 |  | TUITION INCREASES | Tuition and fees have been steadily rising for years, and university officials said the cause is inadequate funding from the state. They're hoping a funding formula from the Senate eventually fixes things. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: Noon | print assets |
| 04/25/25 |  | PRITZKER ENDORSES STRATTON | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Friday received a powerful endorsement in her bid for U.S. Senate: from Gov. JB Pritzker. With the wealthy Democrat's backing and as the first candidate officially in the race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, Stratton becomes the early frontrunner. Reporter: Hannah Meisel & Ben Szalinski. Word count: 1000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader, radio CC. Audio/video: Audio. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC |
| 04/25/25 |  | LIABILITY INSURANCE | As insurance providers actively scale back the amount of coverage they’re willing to provide, Illinois foster agencies face a liability insurance crisis that threatens the services they provide to foster children. Reporters: Jade Aubrey. Word Count: 2,000 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. | print assets |
| 04/25/25 |  | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4005 | Season 40, Episode 05: Sen. Dick Durbin retirement - As state representatives return to Springfield, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announces he won’t seek reelection. Reaction to the announcement, budget updates, and other key issues are in focus this week. Note: Episode 4005 ran short this week, coming in at a total run time of 28:00. Because of this, the program's commercial and public media station versions will be the same .mxf file, with the same running time. | public media/commercial video audio/radio captions description |
| 04/24/25 |  | JONES MISTRIAL | A federal judge Thursday declared a mistrial in the case of state Sen. Emil Jones III on charges and lying to the FBI. The verdict comes after the jury deliberated for nearly 23 hours over four days and marks the end of the three-week trial. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 2500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: print story 6 p.m.; Reader: 5:45 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/24/25 |  | DURBIN SPEAKS | Sen. Dick Durbin is holding a news conference at his home in Springfield to talk about his decision to retire. He's also expected to answer questions about candidates interested in replacing him and his goals for his final two years in the Senate. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/24/25 |  | CRIMO; VENUE SHOPPING | The man who pleaded guilty to a mass shooting in Highland Park that killed seven and injured 48 others in 2022 was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences on Thursday. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, upheld a venue shopping law stemming from a challenge to an assault weapons ban that arose from the case. Reporters: Jerry Nowicki & Peter Hancock. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/24/25 |  | STRATTON SENATE | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will run for U.S. Senate in 2026 to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. She's the first major Democrat to announce her campaign, one day after Durbin announced he would retire. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word count: 400-600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/23/25 |  | MEASLES ILLINOIS | UPDATED 4/24 at 8:30 p.m.: Illinois confirmed its first case of measles on Wednesday. The CDC has confirmed 800 cases around the country. Reporters: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 400. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Yes. Audio/video: No. ETA: 8 p.m. | print story broadcast reader |
| 04/23/25 | | JONES JURY DEADLOCKED | The jury in the federal bribery trial for state Sen. Emil Jones III is apparently deadlocked on two counts after more than two days of deliberations in Chicago. The judge in the case, as required by case law, will tell jurors to keep trying. Reporters: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 800. Photos: Yes (file). Broadcast: Yes. Audio/video: No. ETA: 8 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/23/25 |  | DSP BUDGET | Advocates and legislators are pushing to raise base wages for DSPs above the amount in the governor’s proposed budget and are seeking to avoid the number of service hours being cut. Reporters: Maggie Dougherty & Tom O’Connor, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1600-1700 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 04/23/25 |  | DURBIN RETIREMENT | UPDATED 4/23 at 2 P.M.: Sen. Dick Durbin announced his retirement on Wednesday after months of speculation. Several Democratic politicians, including U.S. representatives and the Lieutenant Governor, could announce their interest in the seat soon. Reporters: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 800-1200 words. Photos: file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: Brief: 11:15 a.m. / Full story: 2:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/22/25 |  | PRITZKER ON LGBTQ | While some Democrats suggest the party should avoid focusing on LGBTQ issues, Gov. JB Pritzker is balancing his support for LGBTQ rights while also encouraging the party to focus on affordability issues. An LGBTQ policy expert weighs in on recent remarks Pritzker has made about the issue at an event in LA and in a national media interview. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000-1,300 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/21/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 8 | State Sen. Emil Jones III’s federal corruption trial is nearing its end as the jury deliberated for two hours Monday after hearing closing arguments. Prosecutors say Jones should’ve heeded “screaming red flags” while the defense claims a red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-FBI cooperator “set him up.” Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 9 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/21/25 |  | ATTORNEY GENERAL BUDGET | Attorney General Kwame Raoul is asking lawmakers for a $15 million budget increase as his office engages in nearly a dozen federal lawsuits challenging actions of the Trump administration. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/21/25 |  | SMALL FARMER SUPPORT | As the Trump administration cuts $17.8 million of Illinois’s federal agriculture funding, small farms in particular have been put in jeopardy. The Illinois legislature has taken some action to address the issue, but whether they’ll put their money where their mouth is is yet unresolved. Reporter: Simon Carr, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1,100 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: TBA. | print assets |
| 04/18/25 |  | SOCIAL SECURITY | After the Social Security Administration issued a policy change in March that would have ended filing for benefits by phone, Illinois AARP members sent thousands of letters to Congress. The plan was rescinded almost immediately. AARP called it a win for older Americans. Reporter: Isabella Schoonover/Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 600-700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/18/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 7 | State Sen. Emil Jones III continued on the witness stand Thursday in his federal bribery trial, telling the jury that the feds wanted him to wear a wire in their ongoing investigation into political corruption in Illinois. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,900 words. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 11:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 04/18/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4004 | Season 40, Episode 04: Capitol News Illinois Roundtable - With state lawmakers on spring break, Capitol News Illinois reporters join host Jak Tichenor to discuss the spring session so far. From the budget to homeschool regulation, funding for higher education and more, there are still numerous issues for lawmakers to address in the next few weeks. Note: Episode 4004 (which will be released on 4/18/25) ran short this week, coming in at a total run time of 25:00. Because of this, the program's commercial and public media station versions will be the same .mxf file, with the same running time. | public media/commercial video audio/radio captions description |
| 04/17/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 6 | State Sen. Emil Jones III continued on the witness stand Wednesday in his federal bribery trial, telling the jury that he never intended to take money from the red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-FBI cooperator who reminded him of a “used car salesman.” Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 8 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/16/25 |  | RIGHT TO PLAY | UPDATED 4/18/25 at 11 A.M.: A bill that would give high school athletes a limited right to compete in non-school events or on non-school teams while also competing on a school team cleared the Illinois House and is now headed to the Senate. It is a scaled-back version of the "Right to Play" bill that was heard in a House committee in March. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 800 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader, VOSOT, radio CC. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 04/16/25 |  | STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER | UPDATED 4/17/25 at 10 A.M.: Lawmakers are moving forward legislation that would establish a statewide public defender office to help county public defenders meet demand for services. The bill would also reform how public defenders are appointed in Illinois. Eventually years from now, the office might also provide some public defense services in Illinois. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000-1,300 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/16/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 5 | In a surprise move Tuesday, state Sen. Emil Jones III took the witness stand in his federal corruption trial, making him only the second sitting state official in 20 years to do so. Jones' decision to testify in his own defense not only opens him up to potentially confrontational cross-examination, but it also extends the trial. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,400 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 7 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/15/25 |  | MINK STORY | Rep. Joyce Mason is championing a bill this session that would regulate mink farms. Opponents say the bill is an attempt to ban the industry, but proponents say it’s an attempt to protect public health. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 3,000. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: yes. ETA: 1:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/15/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 4 | Sen. Emil Jones III’s federal corruption trial is drawing to a close, but not before jurors heard more about an investigation into the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval, and a secretly recorded FBI interview wherein Jones allegedly lied about bribes. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 8:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/14/25 |  | HOMESCHOOL BILL UPDATE | A bill that would tighten homeschooling regulations in Illinois missed a key deadline Friday. However, its sponsor says it’s still alive — and she’s working on changes recommended by fellow lawmakers to get it passed. The bill has become one of the most divisive issues of the session, and its sponsor, Rep. Terra Costa Howard, says that a death threat investigation against her is ongoing with the Lombard Police Department. Meanwhile, homeschool advocacy organizations are urging their members to take a step back during the legislative break this week to pray and regroup. Reporter: Molly Parker, Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 1,200-1,300. Broadcast: VOSOT (Andrew Campbell). Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 04/12/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 3 | At State Sen. Emil Jones III’s federal corruption trial Friday, the jury heard from a former intern whose job with a red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-FBI mole is alleged to have been a bribe – and saw late-night texts from the senator. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,400 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 8 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/11/25 |  | PRB REFORM BILL | Senate President Don Harmon championed a bill that would make changes to the Prisoner Review Board that passed the Senate on Thursday. The reforms aim to protect victims and increase transparency about prisoner releases. Reporters: Jade Aubrey. Length: 900 words. Broadcast: No. Graphic: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/11/25 |  | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4003 | Season 40 episode 03: Illinois Lawmakers, host Jak Tichenor spoke with legislators about key issues at the Capitol. ETA: 1 p.m. | commercial media public media audio captions program description |
| 04/11/25 |  | HOUSE KILLS PAROLE BILL | A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted against a bill that would have expanded parole for people sentenced to lengthy prison terms while they were under 21 years old. The bill was declared dead as several Democrats joined Republicans in defeating the measure. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Graphic: Yes. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/11/25 |  | SENATE BRIEFS | Bills addressing cannabis odor in vehicles and safe gun storage pass the Senate. Senators also seek to protect public radio and TV stations on university campuses from censorship. Reporters: Peter Hancock and Jade Aubrey. Length: 900 words. Broadcast: No. Graphic: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: Noon. | print assets |
| 04/11/25 |  | JONES TRIAL DAY 2 | The federal bribery trial for state Sen. Emil Jones III continued on Thursday with FBI informant Omar Maani testifying he suggested to Jones they will need to find creative ways to make the $5K payment so it doesn't "look goofy." Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1200 words. Broadcast: Reader. Graphic: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 9:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/10/25 |  | SONYA MASSEY RESPONSE | The Senate passed a pair of bills this week in response to the death of Sonya Massey in Springfield last summer. The bills make reforms to police hiring processes and allow Sangamon County voters to recall certain elected officials. Reporter: Ben Szalinski and Peter Hancock. Length: 700-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: Np. Photo: Yes. ETA: 7 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/10/25 |  | NATIVE MASCOTS | The bill that would ban Native mascots from K-12 schools passed the House. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: SOT, radio CC, Reader. Photo: Yes. Video/Audio: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader SOT radio CC |
| 04/10/25 |  | STUDENT VISAS | The federal government has revoked the visas of some international students studying at universities across Illinois, but college administrators are sharing few details, including how many students have been impacted. The revocations are part of a broader federal crackdown playing out on campuses across the country. International students have faced abrupt visa cancellations in recent weeks, as the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration dragnet ensnares college students federal officials claim have violated visa rules. Across its vast network of public and private colleges and universities, Illinois hosts one of the largest international student populations in the nation, ranking fifth, with more than 55,000 international students, according to a 2024 Open Doors report. Reporter: Molly Parker, Saluki Local Reporting Lab (multiple contributors). Length: 1,700-1,900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: yes (Lylee Gibbs, Saluki Local Reporting Lab). ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/10/25 | | JONES TRIAL DAY 1 | State Sen. Emil Jones III's federal corruption trial kicked off in earnest Wednesday with red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-FBI cooperator Omar Maani on the witness stand. The jury will see more secretly recorded videos when Maani returns for day two of testimony Thursday. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1400. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/09/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS WEDNESDAY | The House passed bills on Wednesday eliminating driving tests for senior citizens, limiting the power of AI in health insurance decisions, and making it easier for women's pro sports teams to get help from the state in building a stadium. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-1,000 words. Broadcast: VOSOTs on AI and senior driving. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: file. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT Radio CC |
| 04/09/25 |  | COURT RULES ON REMAP | The Illinois Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that House Republicans waited too long to file a legal challenge to the state's legislative maps. House Republicans argued data from the last two election cycles showed the maps were illegally gerrymandered. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/09/25 |  | MAKERS MADNESS | The winner of Makers Madness, a bracket-style tournament where Illinoisans vote on which product is ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’ that year, will be announced today at noon at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/09/25 |  | DATA CENTERS | Data centers could hit the electricity grid and water conservation goals hard, according to legislators who are trying to regulate the business through SB2181 that will require companies to report water and energy consumption, as well as the IPA to write a yearly report on whether consumers are being impacted. Reporter: Leonardo Pini, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1550 words. Photo: file. Video/Audio: No. Broadcast: No. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/08/25 |  | PRITZKER - UK TRADE | Gov. Pritzker signed a "memorandum of understanding" today with U.K. Consul General Richard Hyde to promote trade between Illinois and the U.K. He said Illinois will always be a "stable" trading partner, despite the disruptions caused by President Trump's tariff policy. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500 - 600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/08/25 |  | FREEBURG MASCOT | A bill passed through the House on Tuesday that would, if signed into law, ban mascots that discriminate against disabilities. It would only affect one school district in Southern Illinois. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 500 words. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/08/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS 2 | The House passed dozens of bills on Tuesday, including legislation extending the statute of limitations on sex trafficking crimes, banning certain chemicals from cosmetic products and expanding dual language programs. Reporter: Ben Szalinski and Jade Aubrey. Length: 600-1,000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 7 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/08/25 |  | GRAYSON | A Sangamon County judge moved the murder trial of Sean Grayson to Peoria County on Tuesday. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 350 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Yes. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/08/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS 1 | The House passed dozens of bills on Monday, including legislation championed by Gov. JB Pritzker to make the college admissions process easier, a bill protecting access to abortion medication, legislation allowing student teachers to receive stipends and a proposal that would require insurance companies to cover general anesthesia. Reporter: Ben Szalinski, Jade Aubrey and Bridgette Fox. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: VOSOT. Audio/Visual: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 04/08/25 |  | NURSING HOME RATES | The nursing home industry is pushing legislation that has bipartisan support to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes. They say the current rate structure is based on their costs in 2017, before the pandemic, and the lack of any raise since then has caused a rash of nursing home closures across the state. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 9:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/07/25 |  | HANDS OFF | Thousands protested across Illinois as part of the nationwide “Hands off!” campaign on April 5th. Reporter: Sonya Dymova/Medill. Wordcount: 800-900 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/07/25 |  | EMIL JONES III TRIAL PREVIEW | The federal bribery trial of state Sen. Emil Jones III is set to begin Monday with jury selection. Jones is alleged to have accepted bribes from a red-light camera company executive. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Length: 1400 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/07/25 |  | DOWNSTATE TRANSIT | Public transportation agencies are facing their own funding challenges as lawmakers explore new funding and reforms to Chicago area public transit agencies. Downstate agencies are asking lawmakers to reform a funding formula to ensure a growing budget hole is filled. Without more funding, agencies say they will have to reduce service. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000-1,300 words. Broadcast: Reader, VOSOT, radio CC. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4/7/25 at 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 04/04/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 4002 | In the latest episode of Illinois Lawmakers, host Jak Tichenor spoke with legislators about key issues at the Capitol. | commercial media public media audio captions program description |
| 04/04/25 |  | SCOTT'S LAW | UPDATED 4/4/25 AT 1 P.M.: Drivers who failed to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles struck 27 Illinois State Police troopers last year, the highest number in five years. Illinois had the most Scott’s Law crashes involving state police, topping 2019 where 26 collisions were reported, including two fatal crashes. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 1200. Broadcast: yes. Video/Audio: no. Photo: yes. ETA: Embargoed until Friday, April 4th at 9:15 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/03/25 |  | DIRECT ADMISSIONS | Senate Dems held a short news conference today to discuss SB2448, a Pritzker initiative, that would create the direct admission program, described as a "one-stop shop" for high school students to apply to all Illinois universities through one program with virtually no admission fees. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 500. Broadcast: yes. Video/Audio: VO. Photo: yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 04/02/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined another multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time challenging cuts in public health grants. The Illinois State Board of Education says the Trump administration is withholding $77 million in previously-authorized pandemic relief funds for Illinois schools. Possible additional briefs from legislative committee hearings. Reporters: CNI Staff. Word count: 300-400 words/brief. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 04/02/25 |  | PRITZKER IN MEXICO | Gov. JB Pritzker spoke to reporters via phone from Mexico City on Wednesday as he concludes a trip design to spark economic cooperation between Illinois and Mexico. Pritzker's trip also comes as new tariffs take effect on Mexican goods. Mexico is one of Illinois' largest trading partners. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/01/25 |  | RAOUL PLANS | Attorney General Kwame Raoul all but ruled out the possibility of running for the U.S. Senate or Chicago mayor. In remarks to the City Club of Chicago, he also said he would not criticize Sen. Dick Durbin for his vote to allow a Republican budget package to move forward in the Senate. His remarks came as many high-ranking Democrats are eyeing Durbin's seat in the 2026 elections. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: Screen shot. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 04/01/25 |  | SKILLSUSA | Despite renewed interest in career and technical education, women and minorities are still underrepresented in the trades. A recent report by SkillsUSA Illinois, the state chapter of a nationwide group that advocates for CTE, looks at the apprenticeship and internship landscape available to young Illinoisans. Reporter: Jessie Nguyen and Bridget Craig, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1600. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets |
| 03/31/25 |  | COVER CROPS FUNDING CUT | Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed a 31% funding cut in a program that pays farmers to plant cover crops to help stop soil erosion and runoff. Reporter: J. Bamberg, Investigate Midwest. Word count: 1600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3/31 at 5 a.m. | print assets |
| 03/28/25 |  | DEV DISABILITIES MEDICAID | Developmental disability service organizations in Illinois are bracing for potential cuts to Medicaid from the federal government, warning that the people they serve won’t receive the interventions they need. Reporter: Erin Drumm, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,100-1,200 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/27/25 | | FEDERAL HEALTH FUNDING LOST | Two Illinois agencies were informed this week that the federal government was rescinding funding for programs Congress has already directed money to Illinois for. The funding reductions are the latest examples of the Trump administration freezing funding through executive action. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 word. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/27/25 |  | PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP | The Illinois State Board of Elections says voters here will not be required to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote or when casting a ballot in next week's consolidated elections, despite an executive order President Trump issued this week. Meanwhile, a national expert in election law says that executive order will almost certainly be blocked in court and is unlikely to be implemented anywhere. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/27/25 |  | SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SCHOOLS | In a bipartisan effort, Illinois lawmakers are working to ensure that victims of sexual assault in schools are automatically given the protection they need from their assailants. Reporter: Athan Yanos, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1250 words. Broadcast: No. Photos: File. Audio/video: No. Graphic: No. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 03/27/25 |  | SIU SURVIVAL | Southern Illinois University has faced years of falling enrollment and budget problems — and the town of Carbondale, which grew around it, has struggled as a result. Now both are bracing for deeper cuts under Trump, who has called for slashing funds that support research and labs, and for eliminating diversity programs that help schools like SIU make sure students not only enroll but also graduate. This column, by a reporter who’s also an alum and now teaches there, looks at what’s at stake for SIU and the hundreds of other regional public universities that provide access to education for marginalized students and keep rural communities like Carbondale going. The column is part of a series focused on rural issues co-published by Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica through its Local Reporting Network. Word count: 2,100 words. Photo: Yes (Julia Rendleman). Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3/27 at 5 a.m. | print assets |
| 03/26/25 |  | REDISTRICTING TIMELINESS | The Illinois Supreme Court hasn't said if it'll take up the redistricting suit brought by a House Republican leader, but it did ask both parties to argue if the case was timely. Replies from both parties are in. Reporter: Bridgette Fox and Ben Szalinski. Word count: 700-1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/25/25 | | RAOUL EDUCATION | Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging President Trump's executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600- 700 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/25/25 |  | NEW SALEM | The New Salem Historic Site in Petersburg, a replica of the once-thriving village where President Abraham Lincoln spent some of his 20s, holding a number of odd jobs and winning his first elective office, will get $8 million for repairs after a public campaign blaming the state for its deteriorating condition. Reporter: Erin Drumm and Athan Yanos, Medill Illinois News Bureau & Hannah Meisel, CNI. Word count: 1,600. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: VO. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: Tuesday Morning 3-25-25 | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 03/24/25 |  | PRITZKER VETOES BILL | Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed a bill on Friday that would require warehouse employees to know their quotas when they are hired. It is one of just a handful of bills Pritzker has vetoed since he became governor. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700. Broadcast: reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/24/25 |  | POTAWATOMI BILL | Gov. Pritzker signed a bill Friday authorizing a land transfer of Shabbona Lake State Park in DeKalb County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/24/25 |  | DCFS MISSING REPORTS | DCFS has failed to produce legally required public reports after examining what went wrong in hundreds of cases of child deaths and thousands of serious injuries. Reporter: Illinois Answers. Word count: 1500. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/24/25 |  | STALLED CONSTRUCTION | UPDATED 4/4/25 AT 12 P.M.: Buildings on Illinois’ college campuses were falling apart when lawmakers approved $2.9 billion for higher education construction as part of its 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The funding brought hope for long-overdue upgrades, but the slow rollout has left colleges in limbo. Five years later, half of the 16 promised projects are still tied up in planning. Reporter: Ryan Grieser (Saluki Local Reporting Lab). Word count: 1,500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 8 a.m. | print assets |
| 03/21/25 |  | DURBIN, PRITZKER TRAVEL THE STATE | Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Dick Durbin each made stops around Illinois this week to pushback against Donald Trump's agenda and warn about what they say would be detrimental impacts from Congressional Republicans' proposed budget plan. Both leaders specifically highlighted possible Medicaid cuts as a top issue. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/21/25 |  | PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS | UPDATED 3/25/25 at 12 p.m.: Project labor agreements have long been used to boost wages and set working conditions for construction projects using labor union standards – and have been criticized for doing just that. A new report analyzing PLA use in Illinois refutes those criticisms. Reporter: Bridget Craig, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets CORRECTIONS |
| 03/20/25 |  | COMMUNITY COLLEGE BACCALAUREATE | Gov. Pritzker's proposal to allow community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees was not taken up in a House committee Wednesday, but the chair of the committee says it may not be dead for the session. Rep. Katie Stuart says there are concerns about the impact it could have on programs already offered at four-year universities, especially those with high minority student enrollment. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/19/25 |  | HUMAN TRAFFICKING | ISP is trying to crack down on human trafficking in the state. If SB2323 passes, DCFS, DHS and the Law Enforcement Training Board will have new regulations, trainings and requirements. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 500-700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Visual: No. ETA: 6 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/19/25 |  | HOMESCHOOL BILL | A House committee today took up the Homeschool Act as hundreds of opponents packed the committee room, filled the hallways and gathered under the dome. The bill, filed by Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, follows reporting by Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica that found Illinois has some of the nation’s weakest homeschooling regulations, raising concerns that vulnerable children could fall through the cracks. Reporter: Molly Parker, Beth Hundsdorfer, Jade Aubrey. Word count: 1,000-1,200 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT (Andrew Campbell). Audio/video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 03/19/25 |  | CHOATE DOJ | UPDATED 3/20/25 at 11:15 A.M. - The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Illinois' treatment of people with developmental disabilities, examining whether the state provides adequate resources for community living and protects residents from harm in institutions. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer & Molly Parker. Word count: 900 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Visual: No. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/18/25 |  | CELL PHONE BAN | A Senate committee gave its endorsement today to a bill backed by Gov. JB Pritzker that would ban students from using cell phones during class time. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500 - 600 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3/19 at 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/18/25 |  | SEARCH WARRANT REFORM | A House committee considered a bill on Tuesday that will overhaul search warrant practices for Illinois police agencies. The bill bans no-knock warrants and comes six years after Chicago police accidently raided the home of a Chicago woman. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/18/25 | | FOSTER CARE LUGGAGE | Four years after the General Assembly unanimously voted to mandate foster children have luggage — not trash bags — when they're removed from their homes or moving between foster placements, a proposal to strengthen that law has stalled. But advocates are urging the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services move closer to full compliance. Reporter: Erin Drumm, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,100 words. Photo: File; embed. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 7:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/18/25 |  | COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLLMENT | Enrollment at Illinois community colleges grew 8.9% this semester, compared to a year ago, the largest spring-to-spring enrollment increase since the Community College Board started keeping records in the late 1990s. Headcount enrollment grew at 40 of the state's 45 community colleges. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 800 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 a.m. Tuesday | print assets |
| 03/17/25 |  | PRB LAWSUIT | One year after a released inmate from Stateville Correctional Center stabbed his pregnant ex-girlfriend and killed her 11-year-old son the day after he was let out of prison, the family sued the Illinois Prisoner Review Board both in Cook County Circuit Court and the Illinois Court of Claims. The lawsuit alleges the PRB was negligent to release Crosetti Brand despite having threatened the ex-girlfriend in January 2024. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 600-800 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/17/25 | | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS SEASON 40 (PROMO) | Illinois Lawmakers will provide weekly coverage of the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly throughout April and May. Download a 30-second tune-in promo for the season and access the season 40 program offer. | promo video promo audio program offer |
| 03/14/25 |  | INTERNET GAMBLING | On the heels of the explosion of legal sports betting in Illinois and nationwide, the emerging internet gambling industry has successfully pushed into a few states, and wants to get in on the state's market. A panel of lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon heard testimony on a proposal to legalize internet gambling, which has for decades operated illegally. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-900 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/14/25 |  | FAIR HOUSING | Fair housing organizations around Illinois that offer legal services and support for people facing discrimination are losing federal funding due to actions being taken, without warning, by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. This could leave renters and prospective homebuyers with fewer avenues in seeking justice. Reporter: Lily Carey/Medill. Word count: 1400 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/13/25 |  | IDFPR UPDATE | IDFPR rolled out a new online licensing system in October of 2024, aimed to help relieve and process the thousands of license applications they were swamped with. The initial rollout only applied to 3 license types, in Jan. they rolled out 4 more license types, and they met with the committee today to provide an update on what their next updates will entail. They said they plan to continuously rollout online applications for all license types by the end of 2025, and full online integration is aimed to be done in August of 2026. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 800-900 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/13/25 |  | PRITZKER EDUCATION | Gov. Pritzker delivers remarks at 9:40 a.m. to the Illinois Education Association Representative Assembly where he is expected to comment on mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education and President Trump's efforts to dismantle the agency. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/13/25 |  | AI HEALTHCARE | Rep. Bob Morgan is concerned about the use of AI by insurance companies to make consumer health insurance decisions as well as the use of AI for online psychotherapy. He has two bills dealing with the issues that passed out of committee this week. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 800-900 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/13/25 |  | PURSUIT | UPDATED 3/13/25 at 12:50 P.M. - A 100-mile police chase in Sangamon County reached speeds over 100 mph, ending in tragedy. The pursuit raises major concerns about law enforcement policies and public safety. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 2370 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets |
| 03/12/25 |  | SCHOOL SPORTS | A House committee advanced a bill today that would give high school athletes the right to compete on school teams and nonschool teams, such as private clubs, in the same sport at the same time. Some critics worry such a policy could lead to conflicts between coaches and increase health and safety risks for students. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500-700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/11/25 | | AI IN HEALTH INSURANCE (broadcast only) | A bill that passed out of the House Insurance committee Tuesday, would allow the Illinois Department of Insurance to oversee companies that use AI to deny claims or insurance coverage. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. Video/Audio: Yes. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 03/11/25 |  | LOCAL ELECTIONS POLITICIZED | April 1 municipal elections are seeing many of same themes as 2024 races as partisan politics gets injected into what are supposed to be non-partisan races. CNI takes a look at how liberals and conservatives are trying to rally support for candidates. Reporter: Ben Szalinski & Bridgette Fox. Length: 1,000-1,200 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/10/25 |  | EDUCATOR SHORTAGE - RURAL | Rural Illinois schools face a deepening teacher shortage, relying on retirees, alternative certifications, and fast-track pathways to fill gaps. A new survey from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools shows school districts across the state still have difficulty filling many teaching positions. Reporter: Jessie Nguyen, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1128 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets visuals document |
| 03/10/25 |  | EDUCATOR SHORTAGE - MAIN | Illinois schools address a persistent teacher shortage through policy changes, alternative hiring measures, and state funding. A new survey from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools shows school districts across the state still have difficulty filling many teaching positions. Reporter: Jessie Nguyen and Jordan Owens, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1728 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets visuals document |
| 03/10/25 |  | EDUCATOR SHORTAGE - PAY | Illinois educators highlight low pay and poor working conditions as key obstacles to teacher recruitment and retention. A new survey from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools shows school districts across the state still have difficulty filling many teaching positions. Reporters: Jordan Owens, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 1173. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets visuals document |
| 03/07/25 |  | FENTANYL BILLS | Republican Senators championed four bills that aim to combat Illinois’ continued opioid epidemic in a statehouse conference on Thursday. Sponsored by Sen. Rezin, the two main bills would reclassify a fentanyl-related death from an “overdose” to a “poisoning” (SB1283) and consider a defendant a threat to public safety if they’re charged with handling 15 grams of fentanyl or more. Rep. La Shawn Ford is filing a duplicate of SB1283 in the House and plans to work with Rezin on the other. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/06/25 |  | CHERRY PIE DAY | Homeschool families gathered at the Capitol today to pass out cherry pies and voice their opposition to a bill that requires homeschoolers to register. Republicans line up support to oppose the bill. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 500 words. Broadcast: VOSOT, radio cc, broadcast reader. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 03/06/25 |  | CELL PHONE BAN | Gov. JB Pritzker is pushing a plan to ban cell phones during classroom instruction in Illinois. Pritzker proposed the plan during his State of the State address last month. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/06/25 |  | STATE FLAG WIN | The advisory state flag voting contest is done, and people about 43% of the people voted to keep the current state flag. It's just an advisory vote, but what's the reaction? Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Length: 500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/06/25 |  | NALOXONE IN LIBRARIES | Taking a cue from public library systems across the country -- including in Chicago -- a bill awaiting hearing in the Illinois House would require local public libraries to keep opioid antagonists like naloxone on hand and train library staff on how to administer it. Reporter: Ismael Belkoura (Medill Illinois News Service). Length: 1200 words. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: noon. | print assets |
| 03/05/25 |  | MEDICAID CUTS | A House budget committee held a hearing today on the impact that proposed federal budget cuts could have on Illinois' Medicaid program. The hearing came as the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid approaches. Democrats said the hearing was intended in part to bring pressure on the state's three Republican members of Congress to vote against the cuts, but GOP lawmakers on the committee called the hearing "performative" and purely political. Reporters: Peter Hancock and Jade Aubrey. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CCs VOSOT 1 & 2 |
| 03/05/25 |  | REVENUE ESTIMATE DIFFERENCE | The General Assembly's independent budget commission released new revenue projections that are hundreds of millions of dollars lower than Gov. JB Pritzker's budget proposal. The projection comes as as economists on the commission warn about economic uncertainty. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 03/04/25 |  | ENERGY PROPOSALS | After lawmakers only approved a slim package of legislation dealing with rising demand for electricity, several have proposed broader bills that would make new reforms to the state's energy landscape. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Photo: File. Word count: 600-900. Broadcast: VOSOT, from Andrew Campbell. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT Radio CC |
| 03/04/25 |  | FEDERAL FUNDING WITHHELD | The Trump administration has ended federal reimbursements for a pair of programs that support Illinois farmers and food banks. The funding has been withheld since Trump took ever. Gov. JB Pritzker recently sent a letter to Congress detailing $1.8 billion of federal funding being withheld from Illinois. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/03/25 |  | COMED COUNTS TOSSED | A federal judge on Monday granted a partial retrial on several bribery counts in the case of the "ComEd Four," who were convicted in 2023 of their roles in bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. But it's unclear whether prosecutors will go for a retrial option or just move to sentencing on the counts the judge left intact. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Photo: File. Word count: 700-900. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/03/25 |  | CRIMO PLEA | Robert Crimo III pleaded guilty today to all charges related to the July 4, 2022, mass shooting in Highland Park that left seven people dead. The shooting prompted passage of an assault weapons ban in Illinois that is currently before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and is likely to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court. Reporter: Ashley Soriano (Medill); Peter Hancock; Others. Photo: Stock/File. Word count: 500 - 800. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 03/03/25 |  | HOMESCHOOL BILL | A new Illinois bill seeks to increase oversight of homeschooling, responding to concerns that the state does little to ensure students receive an education and are safe from harm. The Homeschool Act follows a Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica investigation last year that found Illinois is one of the few states with virtually no regulations on homeschooling. The investigation revealed how the lack of oversight left vulnerable kids exposed to abuse while depriving them of an education. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer, Molly Parker. Word County: 1,000 words. Photo: Illustration. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 6 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/28/25 |  | BUBBLE ZONE | The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a case challenging a since-repealed Carbondale ordinance that created a buffer between anti-abortion activists and those seeking reproductive care. Coalition Life v. City of Carbondale sat on the court’s schedule for four months before justices declined to hear it, effectively ending the case. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, arguing the court should have taken it up, saying a prior ruling allowing bubble zone ordinances infringes on free speech. Reporter: Carly Gist, Saluki Local Reporting Lab. Length: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2/28 before noon. | print assets |
| 02/28/25 |  | BLACK MILITARY EXHIBIT | As Black History Month draws to a close, the Illinois State Museum this week honored Black military service with an event highlighting a new exhibit about forgotten Black soldiers. The exhibit also explores connections to Springfield's 1908 race riots. Reporter: Anthony Yanos, Leonardo Pini (Medill Illinois News Bureau) Length: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: N/A. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/28/25 | | TRANSIT REFORM | Leaders of Chicago-area transit agencies faced questioning from a House committee this week about their organization structures and how they provide service to northeast Illinois. The panel comes as the General Assembly considers public transportation reform before the agencies face a massive budget shortfall next year. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000-1,300 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/27/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | A summary of news conferences this morning: Illinois realtors are pushing for legislation to establish a savings program for first-time homebuyers to help them afford the cost of a down payment. It's part of a package of legislation realtors are backing to ease the housing shortage. Senate Republicans are pushing property tax relief legislation; House Republicans have a news conference scheduled to call for "relief for working families." Word count: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT (first-time homebuyers). Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/27/25 |  | BUDGET UPDATE | The director of the governor's budget office explained to a House committee on Thursday how the governor's office is handling uncertainty over the economy and federal funding. The discussion comes as President Donald Trump announced he will implement tariffs against Mexico and Canada next week. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/26/25 |  | NONCITIZEN HEALTH AUDIT | Illinois' first-in-the-nation programs that give Medicaid-style health coverage to undocumented adults aged 42 and up improperly enrolled nearly 7,000 people who either had social security numbers or were not supposed to have been eligible due to their age, according to a new state audit published Wednesday. Gov. JB Pritzker had already moved to defund the program not aimed at seniors due to cost overruns, which the audit estimated at $1.6 billion since 2020. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 900-1100 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/26/25 |  | FEDERAL FUNDS | Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois congressional delegation say the Trump administration is still withholding nearly $1.9 billion in federal funds from Illinois, including state agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. Meanwhile, the U.S. House just passed a budget resolution calling for roughly $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, which could threaten health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/26/25 | | ISBE BUDGET | The State Board of Education presented their budget request to an Illinois House committee Tuesday. Updates include how the board is navigating uncertainty about federal funding as state DEI initiatives remain unchanged. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: VO, READER. Video/Audio: yes. Photo: file. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 02/25/25 |  | PRITZKER RHETORIC PROPOSALS | Gov. JB Pritzker used his combined State of the State and Budget Address to sound the alarm on the damage he and other Democrats believe President Donald Trump could inflict on Illinois over the next four years, daring other high-profile Democrats to do the same as he invoked the rise of Nazi Germany in his speech. Meanwhile, the governor again pitched himself as a pragmatic progressive, proposing a host of ideas that range from further expanding abortion protections in Illinois to bipartisan ideas like banning cell phones in schools and local government consolidation. Reporter: Hannah Meisel, Jade Aubrey & Bridgette Fox. Length: 2800. Broadcast: No. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 02/25/25 | | CLEAN ENERGY STORAGE (broadcast only) | Democratic lawmakers say Illinois could be experiencing power shortages as early as 2030 if nothing is done. Now democrats are working on legislation that would allow the state to build batteries to store solar and wind energy. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast:VOSOT, radio, reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/25/25 |  | YOUTH LIFE SENTENCE | Illinois banned life without parole for most young offenders under 21 with laws passed in 2019 and 2023. But the change wasn’t retroactive, leaving behind people like Cleodious “J.R.” Schoffner. In 1998, he was sentenced to life under Illinois’ broad accountability theory after a convenience store robbery in Tamms left two dead. Prosecutors said Schoffner helped plan the crime, though he wasn’t the gunman. At sentencing, a judge acknowledged the unfairness of giving him the same life sentence as his cousin, who pulled the trigger, but Illinois law left no choice—it mandated life without parole. A bill introduced last legislative session to make the law retroactive didn’t advance. A new one has been put forth this session. Reporter: Ethan Holder, Julia Rendleman, and Molly Parker. Word count: 2,800 words. Photos: Yes. Provided by Julia Rendleman. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 02/25/25 |  | MINORITY TEACHERS | The Governor proposed continued funding for the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program, despite a lawsuit filed against Gov. Pritzker and the Chairman of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission that targets the MTI program. It claims the program violates the Constitution by not allowing application eligibility due to race. Reporter: Jordan Owens, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1050 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: Noon. | print assets |
| 02/21/25 |  | ASSISTED SUICIDE | More than 120 people attended a legislative hearing in Chicago to discuss a proposal to legalize "medical aid in dying," which is also called assisted suicide. Similar policies have been enacted in 10 other states. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/21/25 |  | FARM BILL | Illinois farmers are still anxiously awaiting passage of an updated federal Farm Bill, which is now more than a year overdue. Meanwhile, many are concerned about the financial impact that President Trump's proposed tariffs on America's biggest trading partners could have on their industry. Reporter: Ashley Soriano, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/20/25 |  | NATURAL GAS | Natural gas utilities serving downstate Illinois and the suburbs are asking state regulators to increase prices -- including a record-setting increase for the suburbs. Chicago's gas utility, meanwhile, will hear a decision into a closely watched state investigation into one of its programs. Reporter: Andrew Adams and Lily Cary/Medill Illinois News Bureau. Length: 800-1,200 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/20/25 |  | REAL ID | With the deadline for Real IDs approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias continues to urge Illinois residents to “Get Real.” In 75 days, Americans will need the Real ID to travel on domestic flights or to visit military bases and secure federal facilities. However, citizens do not have to use the Real ID if they have a valid passport. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/19/25 |  | BUDGET REACT | Reactions from Comptroller Mendoza, the Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, and Illinois Republicans on Pritzker’s proposed budget. Word count: 1,400-2,000 words. Reporters: Andrew Adams, Peter Hancock, Jade Aubrey, Bridgette Fox. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 02/19/25 |  | BUDGET MAIN | UPDATED 2/19 at 8:15 P.M.: Gov. JB Pritzker gave his seventh budget address on Wednesday. The budget relies on better-than-expected revenue numbers, but also more limited spending. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,300-1,700 words. Broadcast: reader, radio CC, VOSOTs, Video/Audio: yes. Photo: pool. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT/SOT |
| 02/19/25 |  | BUDGET BRIEF | Gov. JB Pritzker proposes his budget. We'll have a 300-500 word brief ready to move early in the day. Further coverage, including a fuller story, will be distributed later in the day in a separate file. Word count: 300-500 words. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Image: Yes. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/19/25 | | COMMUNITY COLLEGES | UPDATED 2/19 at 8:50 A.M.: Gov. Pritzker will call for a new initiative in his budget address to allow select community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees to help meet the needs of Illinois employers in key sectors. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/18/25 |  | ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT | With a new chair, the House Energy & Environment Committee will discuss its plans for this upcoming session on how to regulate energy -- and potentially give a boost to the renewable energy industry. Lawmakers were close to passing a package of energy legislation early last month, but only approved a "skinny" version of their original plan. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 600-900 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: late evening. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/18/25 |  | CANNABIS IN VEHICLES | A Senate committee advanced a bill that would eliminate the state law requiring cannabis to be transported in a vehicle in an odor-proof container. The bill follows conflicting Illinois Supreme Court rulings last year about the smell of burnt versus raw cannabis. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC, VOSOT. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/18/25 |  | REPUBLICAN BUDGET | Senate Republicans are sharing their desires/grievances related to the budget. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 500 words. Photo: yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/17/25 |  | SECOND PROTEST | A second protest was held outside the Illinois state capital today again, as part of the 50501 movement. This time, protest organizers staged a march, speeches, music, and a help desk for other protestors attending. The rally was again aimed at Trump, Musk, and the Trump administration, and a list of demands was published. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 600 words. Broadcast: VOSOT/Radio/Reader. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/15/25 |  | BIRD FLU | UPDATED 2/17 at 10 A.M.: Recently, an outbreak of the bird flu virus occurred in dairy cows, which led to 41 human infections. So far, the virus has infected 68 humans with only one related death and the IDPH, USDA, and CDC have issued several public warnings and guidelines in attempts to prevent the virus from reaching the level of a public health crisis. Jade Aubrey spoke with IDPH director Dr. Sameer Vohra about the protocols the IDPH is establishing in case the virus reaches a public health crisis level. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 800 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2/15 at 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 02/14/25 |  | SIL SHUTDOWN | The Soybean Innovation Lab's shutdown has stunted USDA research on a significant soybean disease, the Red Leaf Blotch (which is on the USDA and CDC's Select Agent and Toxins List). The research was in place to help identify what plants were resistant to it or how to combat it. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/14/25 |  | IDOT SECRETARY | The new secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation hopes to speed up projects around the state - even if it means "more disruption" to daily life. Her tenure at the department begins at the same time President Donald Trump's new administration causes doubt over the future of some federal funding programs. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 1,400 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/14/25 |  | MADIGAN TIMELINE (print version) | Michael Madigan was the most powerful man in Illinois politics for decades and now he stands convicted of 10 counts of corruption-related charges. But who is Madigan? How did he amass his power? What did he accomplish at the highest levels of state politics and government over his years in office? Reporters: Andrew Adams and Hannah Meisel. Word count: 5,500 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 02/14/25 |  | BUDGET PREVIEW | Gov. JB Pritzker will deliver his annual state of the state and budget proposal to lawmakers on Wednesday. The upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget will be one of the most challenging in years with a projected $3.2 billion shortfall and uncertainty over federal funding. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 10:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/13/25 |  | SANCTUARY CITIES | As the Trump administration has begun enacting mass deportations in recent weeks, activists and public officials in Chicago have been scaling up protections for immigrants. But beyond the Chicago area, the landscape of local immigration laws is more mixed, and some lawmakers in downstate Illinois are trying to block protections. Reporter: Lily Carey, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,000 words. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 02/12/25 |  | MADIGAN REACTION | A recap of how lawmakers and others are reacting to the partial guilty verdict of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporters: Ben Szalinski and Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,100-1,400 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 02/12/25 |  | MASSEY SETTLEMENT | Attorneys for the family of Sonya Massey announced they reached a $10 million settlement in the wrongful death case against Sangamon County and the sheriff's office. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast assets |
| 02/12/25 |  | MADIGAN VERDICT | UPDATED 2/12 at 9:15 P.M.: The jury in the trial of Michael Madigan and Mike McClain told the judge they were in unanimous agreement on 17 counts against the pair but deadlocked on 12 others. We'll have an update on what that means as it plays out. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,000-1,600 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: ASAP. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/12/25 |  | PRITZKER RESPONSE | Gov. JB Pritzker as emerges as one of the most outspoken Democrats in the nation against the Trump administration and has been a go-to voice for some national media outlets. The story explores Pritzker's communications strategy, how he has responded to Trump and what it means for his political future. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,400. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: File. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/12/25 |  | PRISON RESTRAINT-CHAMPAIGN | An Illinois Answers Project follow-up details changes happening in Champaign County as to how the county jail documents and reports the use of restraint chairs. Reporter: Grace Hauck, Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 2,400 words. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photos: Via Illinois Answers. ETA: 2/12 at 9 a.m. | print assets |
| 02/11/25 |  | RAOUL BUDGET | Attorney General Kwame Raoul plans to ask lawmakers for additional funding to cover the cost of ongoing and future litigation with the Trump administration. His office is already involved in several multi-state lawsuits challenging administration actions while defending the state against a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department. But his request comes at a time when the state is facing a revenue shortfall and other agencies are being asked to make do with less. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/11/25 | | SIL SHUTDOWN (broadcast only) | The Soybean Innovation Lab at UIU-C was shutdown because of USAID funding being halted. Its Director Pete Goldsmith talked about the impact it'll have (and already has) on global affairs, U.S. farmers and soybean research. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Broadcast: VOSOT/Radio/Reader. Video/Audio: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/11/25 |  | MADIGAN TIMELINE (web exclusive) | Michael Madigan was the most powerful man in Illinois politics for decades and now a jury weighs whether the political empire he built was a "criminal enterprise." But who is Madigan? How did he amass his power? What did he accomplish at the highest levels of state politics and government over his years in office? A new interactive timeline breaks down Madigan's 50 year career in public office. Reporters: Andrew Adams and Hannah Meisel. | not available for distribution |
| 02/11/25 |  | BLAGOJEVICH PARDON | President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the state's only governor to ever have been impeached. The pardon comes five years after Trump commuted Blagojevich's 14-year sentence, which allowed him to leave prison in Feb. 2020 after serving eight years. Reporter: Hannah Meisel and Bridgette Fox. Word count: 1000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 8 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/10/25 |  | KARINA'S LAW | Gov. JB Pritzker signed Karina's law on Monday, which is designed to remove guns from the hands of domestic abusers. The bill is named after a Chicago woman who was killed after obtaining a restraining order. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/07/25 |  | PRITZKER TRUMP | Gov. JB Pritzker spent much of the week reacting to news from Washington, including by calling representatives of Canada and Mexico as well as by touring businesses that could be impacted by tariffs. Pritzker was also tapped to co-lead a campaign for action on climate change at the state and local level. Reporter: Andrew Adams and Jade Aubrey. Length: 500-800. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 02/07/25 |  | THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED: ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: BUDGET MESSAGE PREVIEW (PROMO) | Illinois Lawmakers will provide weekly coverage of the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly throughout April and May. The season 40 premiere will provide analysis of the Governor’s Budget Message and will be available for broadcast Fri, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. A 30-second tune-in promo and the season 40 program offer are now available. | program offer promo (audio & video) |
| 02/06/25 |  | BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP | A federal court in Seattle holds a hearing at noon central time in a multi-state challenge o President Trump's order halting birthright citizenship. Illinois is a party to the suit. The hearing comes a day after House Republicans walked out of a session in which Democrats passed a series of resolutions condemning the Trump administration for many of its recent actions, including the birthright citizenship order. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/06/25 |  | SWIPE FEES RULING | A federal judge issued a partial ruling in favor of bank to block a state law that would ban credit card companies from charging swipe fees for transactions on sales taxes and tips. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader, VO. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 02/06/25 |  | FOOD ADDITIVES | A bill that would ban some food additives from food products sold in Illinois advanced out of a Senate committee this week. Reporter: Lily Carey - Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/05/25 |  | CAPITOL PROTEST | Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Illinois State Capitol today to protest Trump and Elon Musk. The protest is part of a nation-wide movement to protest in all 50 state at noon today. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 600-800. Broadcast: Yes. Video/Audio: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 02/05/25 |  | KIND ACT SIGNING | Gov. JB Pritzker signed the KIND Act into law on Wednesday. The law requires the Department of Children and Family Services to prioritize placing children in foster care with relatives when possible. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. Video/Audio: Video. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio cc |
| 02/05/25 |  | DCFS IMMIGRATION | A Metro East attorney is preparing conditional guardianships for parents who are undocumented so if they are arrested and facing deportation, their kids don't have to got into a foster home. DCFS says it is prepared, but urges parents to educate themselves on their rights. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 500 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: no. Photo: Graphics. ETA: 9 a.m. | print assets |
| 02/04/25 | | RETAIL INDUSTRY IMPACT (broadcast only) | A new study shows the impact of retail on Illinois' economy on Illinois and how it affects communities around the state. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: VOSOT/Radio/Reader. Video/Audio: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 02/04/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Today in the Blue Room - House GOP asks the Governor to repeal the TRUST Act (among other actions), study results on the impact of the retail industry in Illinois, and legislation about school fines. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 1000 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 02/03/25 |  | AFTER-SCHOOL FUNDING | Organizations that run after-school programs in schools throughout Illinois are calling on Gov. Pritzker and the State Board of Education to release $50 million in funding that lawmakers included in the budget. They say some programs have already been forced to close and staff has been laid off due to the withholding of funds. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 900 words. Photo: file. Broadcast: VOSOT, radio CC, reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 02/03/25 |  | TARIFFS IN ILLINOIS | UPDATED AT 4:15 p.m. Canada and Mexico are Illinois' top two trading partners. This story will look at trading data between the state and the two countries, as well as China, and what industries could be impacted by tariffs. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700 words. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Graphics. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/31/25 |  | PRISON RESTRAINT | In Illinois Answers’ investigation into the use, misuse, and abuse of restraint chairs in Illinois county jails, Madison County stands out. From 2019 to 2023, the jail reported more incidents exceeding the chair manufacturer's upper limit–10 hours–than any other jail in the state. Meanwhile, neighboring St. Clair County restrained more people than Madison County did, but largely for shorter periods. Many people restrained were mentally ill or in withdrawal. This story gives voice to the people restrained and explores the vacuum in oversight and accountability. Reporter: Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 3,500. Photos: Yes. Broadcast/audio/video: No. ETA: Friday, Jan. 31 | print assets |
| 01/31/25 |  | NAEP SCORES | Eighth-grade students in Illinois performed above the national average in both reading and math, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation's Report Card. But the report also shows scores for both 4th and 8th grade students still have not recovered from their pre-pandemic levels. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700-800 words. Photo: file/graphic. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 8 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/30/25 | | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Lawmakers introduce new bills to punish sexual assault in schools by expulsion and end fossil fuel investments. Reporters: Ben Szalinski and Jade Aubrey. Length: 1,100 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/30/25 |  | PRESCRIPTION DRUG BOARD (print) | Illinois lawmakers have filed a bill to create a state board to oversee price changes to prescription drugs. Supporters of the bill hope it will lead to more affordable prices for medications. Reporter: Ismael M. Belkoura, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Length: 800-900. Broadcast: no. Video/Audio: no. Photo: Yes. ETA: 1:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/30/25 |  | CARBON CAPTURE | Backed by the powerful corn lobby, Marquis Energy’s push to bury carbon emissions underground has sparked a fierce debate in Illinois politics. The ethanol plant is banking on carbon capture technology to secure federal tax credits. Reporter: Jennifer Bamberg, Investigate Midwest. Word count: 2,100. Photos: Yes. Broadcast/audio/video: No. ETA: 1:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/29/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 46 | Hannah Meisel provides day 46 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. Broadcast available 1/29 | Print coverage available 1/30. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/29/25 | | PRESCRIPTION DRUG BOARD (broadcast only) | A bill that would create a board to set prices on prescription drugs is being reintroduced to the Illinois General Assembly. Advocates and Sponsors say this is a necessary step to make life-saving drugs affordable. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: Vosot/Radio/Reader. Video/Audio: Yes. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 01/29/25 |  | TIK TOK BAN | Some state reps' opinions on TikTok changed following the temporary ban, some were pushed farther into the opinion they already had. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word Count: 800. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photos: File. ETA: 1/29 at 10:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 01/29/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 45 | Hannah Meisel provides day 45 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/28 | Print coverage available 1/29. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/28/25 |  | FEDERAL SPENDING | Illinois officials react to a directive by the Trump administration to cease federal disbursements. Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block the plan. Reporters: Ben Szalinski and Peter Hancock. Length: 800-1,000. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/28/25 |  | REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT | Illinois House Republicans have filed a lawsuit asking the Illinois Supreme Court to appoint a special master to redraw the legislative maps. Republicans argue the maps are gerrymandered and districts are not compact as required by the state constitution. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT |
| 01/28/25 |  | NEW BILL BRIEFS | Only roughly three weeks after being inaugurated, lawmakers in the House have already filed over 1,800 bills. Interesting bills include: DCFS and luggage, end-of-life options, free tuition in R3 areas, single-use plastic and paper bag bans, a new alternative to incarceration, legalizing psilocybin, and others. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Length: 1,500-1,700. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: File. ETA: 10:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/28/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 44 | Hannah Meisel provides day 44 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/27 | Print coverage available 1/28. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/27/25 |  | ARCHIVIST | For two decades, Dave Joens has led the Illinois State Archives, the government agency tasked with preserving official government documents with historic value. The job of caring for historic records has been a natural fit for Joens, he said, who has been interested in history since reading Abraham Lincoln biographies as a child in Springfield. Reporter: Atmika Iyer, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,700-1,800. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photos: Provided. ETA 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27 | print assets |
| 01/24/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 43 | Hannah Meisel provides day 43 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/24 | Print coverage available 1/24. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/24/25 |  | PRITZKER PRESCHOOL | Pritzker announces the addition of over 5,000 publicly funded preschool seats available for low-income families in Illinois through Smart Start Illinois. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 300. Photo: file. Broadcast: reader, VOSOT & radio CC. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 01/24/25 |  | SWANSON APPOINTMENT | Rep. Dan Swanson was appointed to chair the Veterans Affairs Committee. He is the first Republican to chair a House committee in over a decade. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word count: 500-700. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: ReaderAudio/video: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/24/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 42 | Hannah Meisel provides day 42 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/23 | Print coverage available 1/24. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/23/25 |  | SCHOOLS IMMIGRATION | The Illinois State Board of Education has issued what it calls "non-regulatory guidance" for schools on how to deal with federal immigration enforcement actions that may take place on school property. The guidance comes after the Department of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era policy that limited enforcement actions in or near "sensitive locations" or "protected areas" such as schools, playgrounds, child care centers and school bus stops. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/23/25 |  | FORFEITURES | A former southeastern Illinois police chief faces federal charges for allegedly selling property that was surrendered or forfeited by people accused of crimes. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 1,100. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/23/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 41 | Hannah Meisel provides day 41 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/22 | Print coverage available 1/23. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/22/25 |  | VENUE SHOPPING | The Illinois Supreme Court is hearing arguments today in a case challenging a law that limits where state constitutional challenges can be filed. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 700-1,000. Photo: File. Broadcast: VO, Reader. Video: B-roll. ETA 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 01/21/25 |  | IMMIGRATION | Immigration raids had not yet occurred in Chicago as of Tuesday, and Illinois' attorney general is one of several attorneys general filing suit against one of President Donald Trump's immigration-focused executive orders. Reporters: Medill Illinois News Bureau & Ben Szalinski. Word count: 1,500-1,700. Broadcast/audio/video: No. Photos: Yes. ETA 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/21/25 |  | PRITZKER ON TRUMP | Gov. JB Pritzker reacted to President Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, including the appearance of several top tech CEOs. Pritzker argued Trump is ignoring working class Americans, while Illinois Republicans said Trump's presidency offers a fresh start. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 800. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: no. Photo: Yes. ETA: 5p | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/21/25 |  | DIGNITY IN PAY | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Tuesday that will phase out the subminimum wage in Illinois for workers with disabilities. Illinois is one of a handful of states that receives a federal exemption to pay certain workers less than minimum wage. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/Audio: video. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2p | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 01/21/25 |  | CHILD CARE OBSTACLES | A shortened look at obstacles to opening child care facilities in Illinois, based on Molly Parker's previous story with ProPublica published on Jan. 10. Reporter: Molly Parker. Word count: 900-1,000. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. | print assets |
| 01/17/25 |  | SANGAMON/DOJ AGREEMENT | Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch System announced that it entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve an investigation into the shooting of Sonya Massey. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 600. Photo: File. Broadcast/audio/video: Reader. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/17/25 |  | SCOIL GUNS | Amid multiple recent challenges to state gun control laws, the Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday concerning a challenge to the constitutionality of concealed carry licenses and open carry bans. Reporter: Ismael M. Belkoura, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 900-1,000. Photo: File. Broadcast/audio/video: No. ETA 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/17/25 |  | WELCH INTERVIEW | As he enters his third term as speaker of the Illinois House, Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch spoke to CNI about challenges ahead in the 104th General Assembly, including budget constraints and divisions within his caucus that spilled into public view during negotiations over hemp regulations. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: file. Broadcast: bite story. Audio/video: audio. ETA: noon. | print assets audio |
| 01/16/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 40 | Hannah Meisel provides day 40 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/16 / Print coverage available 1/17. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/16/25 |  | DR. EZIKE | Dr. Ngozi Ezike was fined $150,000 for violating the state's revolving door prohibition. Within one year of leaving IDPH, she got hired at Sinai Chicago, which had dealings with IDPH. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word count: 400-600. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: Noon. CORRECTION: This story was corrected on 1/16 at 3pm. We encourage you to update your site content. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/16/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 39 | Hannah Meisel provides day 39 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Broadcast available 1/15 / Print coverage available 1/16. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/15/25 |  | K-12 BUDGET | The Illinois State Board of Education is expected to vote today to approve an $11.4 billion budget request for upcoming fiscal year, a 4.6% increase over this year's budget. But lawmakers may have a difficult time funding that request in light of a projected $3.2 billion revenue shortfall. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: VO ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 01/15/25 |  | DRIVING AGE | Lawmakers and the secretary of state are proposing increasing the age for the state-mandated annual driver’s test from 79 to 87. Reporter: Ashley Soriano, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 900. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/15/25 |  | BUDGET UPDATE | Revenue for the current fiscal year remains on track, but lawmakers are turning their attention to the looming FY26 deficit that will be Springfield's top issue this year. Gov. Pritzker also weighs in as his budget address approaches. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 900 words. Broadcast: Reader/VO. Video/Audio: video. Photo: Yes. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 01/14/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 38 | Hannah Meisel provides day 38 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: Reader: 1/14 at 6:30 p.m. / Print: 1/15. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/14/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | The state is taking part in the federal Direct File tax filing program that may allow residents to file federal taxes for free, and state IDs may be available on iPhones by the end of the year. Reporter: Jade Aubrey. Word Count: 500-700. Photos: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: afternoon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/14/25 |  | HOME ILLINOIS | Illinois is planning to invest $100 million to address homelessness by increasing shelter capacity and improving services, a move spurred by lessons learned from the pandemic. This initiative aims to expand the number of beds available across shelters, enhance the quality of services provided, and provides healthcare and job training for those affected. Reporter: Atmika Iyer, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1600 - 1700. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Visual: No. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/14/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 37 | Hannah Meisel provides day 37 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. ETA: 1/14, 9 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/13/25 |  | NAME CHANGE | Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of domestic violence praised a bill passed by state lawmakers which they say will ease the process of changing one's name and protect vulnerable populations. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word Count: 600-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: Yes. ETA: 10:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/10/25 |  | STATE FLAG | Illinoisans can now vote on whether they want to replace the state flag. The portal opened this week. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 300. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/10/25 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Lawmakers passed 24 bills during their lame duck session, including protections for warehouse workers and nursing home residents, as well as changes to prostitution laws. Reporters: Jade Aubrey and Bridgette Fox. Word count: 800-900. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: Friday morning. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/10/25 |  | CHILD CARE | Propublica and Capitol News Illinois will move a story and 2-minute broadcast package on Friday on the state of child care in Illinois, particularly southern Illinois. Reporter: Molly Parker & Julia Rendleman. Word count: 3,500-4,000. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: 2-minute Package. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: Friday morning. | print assets video package |
| 01/09/25 |  | ENERGY BILL | Lawmakers passed a package of energy policy this week, although some advocates say they're disappointed that the bill doesn't go far enough in boosting the energy storage sector or incentivizing energy efficiency measures for electric utilities. The bill likely sets up a broader package of energy legislation in the spring. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 700-1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/09/25 |  | POTAWATOMI | Lawmakers gave final passage Tuesday to a bill authorizing the transfer of a 1,500-acre state park in DeKalb County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, a tribe whose reservation in Illinois was illegally sold out from under them in 1850. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/08/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 36 | Michael Madigan remained on the witness stand Wednesday in his corruption trial. We will once again move a story and reader Wednesday evening, rather than waiting until the morning. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,300-1,500. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: Evening. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/08/25 |  | INAUGURATION | The 104th General Assembly was sworn in Wednesday and the Senate convened in its regular chamber for the first time in more than two years due to renovations. Reporters: CNI Team. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT, cc, reader. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 01/07/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 35 (print + broadcast) | House Speaker Michael Madigan testified in his own defense Tuesday and will continue to do so on Wednesday. We will move a web story this evening (Tuesday), rather than tomorrow as per our normal schedule. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,000-1,500. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/07/25 |  | KARINA'S BILL | The legislature approved Karina's bill with bipartisan support this week. The bill is designed to remove guns from people who have an order of protection filed against them. It is named after a Chicago woman who was murdered by her husband days after filing an order of protection. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: File. ETA: TBD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/07/25 |  | HEMP REGULATION | A bill backed by Gov. JB Pritzker to impose strict new regulations on the production and sale of intoxicating hemp products has failed to pass in the lame duck session. The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois conceded defeat in a statement this morning. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: Video. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VOSOT radio CC |
| 01/07/25 |  | MADIGAN BREAKING | Former House Speaker Michael Madigan will testify in his own defense. Hannah Meisel provides the details. Word count: 500-600. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: ASAP. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 01/07/25 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 34 (web/print version) | The trial of House Speaker Michael Madigan resumed after a two-week holiday break and is nearing its conclusion. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,300-1,400. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 1/6; Print/Web - 1/7 ay 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 01/06/25 |  | KIND ACT | A bill soon heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk would direct foster care officials to prioritize placing children with relatives. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC VOSOT |
| 01/06/25 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 34 (broadcast) | Hannah Meisel provides day 33 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 1/7. | broadcast reader |
| 01/06/25 |  | JOURNALISM TAX CREDIT | The application period for a journalism tax credit opened Jan. 1. Reporter: Bridgette Fox. Word Count: 300-500 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: File. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 01/06/25 |  | LAME DUCK (broadcast only) | Illinois lawmakers are back in the Statehouse this week for a brief lame duck session in order to consider a handful of bills left over from the last legislative session before the new General Assembly is sworn in on Wednesday. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 125 words. Photo: No. Broadcast: Reader/VO. Audio/video: Video. ETA: Noon | broadcast reader VO |
| 01/03/25 |  | WAREHOUSE SAFETY | A state task force has released recommendations to improve warehouse safety during severe weather. The task force was created in response to a 2021 tornado that struck an Amazon distribution center in Edwardsville and killed six people. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-900. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/30/24 |  | KIND ACT | Illinois lawmakers could soon make it easier for children in foster care to live with their relatives or other people close to them. Reporter: Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word count: 1,500-1,600. Photo: File. Broadcast, audio/video: No. ETA: 12/30 at 9 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/27/24 |  | NAME CHANGE | Lawmakers are considering easing requirements for residents to change their names, a move proponents say will reduce risks for victims of domestic abuse, transgender residents and others. Reporter: Atmika Iyer for The Medill Illinois News Bureau. Length: 700-800 words. Broadcast: No. Video/Audio: No. Photo: file. ETA: 12/27 at 9 a.m. | print assets |
| 12/26/24 |  | MINIMUM WAGE | Illinois' minimum wage goes up to $15 an hour on Jan. 1. The increase is the final one in a six-year transition period and caps off Gov. JB Pritzker's first major legislative victory. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 900. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: File. ETA: 9 a.m. | print assets broadcast assets |
| 12/23/24 | | NEW LAWS | Nearly 300 new laws take effect in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2025. The new laws include measures to make it easier to cancel gym memberships, a new way to get a driver's license and various measures for the workplace. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,100. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: File. ETA: 9 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/20/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 33 (web/print version) | Coverage of Thursday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/19; Print/Web - 12/20. | print assets |
| 12/20/24 |  | GRID PLANS | After two years, regulators have approved plans from Ameren and Commonwealth Edison that will raise prices for customers in order to pay for electricity infrastructure upgrades. The plans, required by the state's landmark climate legislation, outline how the companies will support clean energy goals as well as strengthen the local electric grid against natural disasters and inclement weather. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 700-900. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. CORRECTION 12/23/24: This story has been corrected and includes an editor's note. See correction details here. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/20/24 |  | PENSION UPDATE | Lawmakers may consider pension reform when they return for a lame duck session in January. Legislation to make Tier 2 pensions compliant with Social Security and improve benefits is being pushed by labor unions. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,500-1,900. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: File. ETA: TBD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/19/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 33 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 33 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/20. | broadcast reader |
| 12/19/24 |  | ENERGY PROBLEMS | Current and former state officials are sounding alarm bells about the state's future for energy reliability. Increased prices and rolling blackouts could impact Illinoisans if the state doesn't take action to bring more clean energy online quickly and meet its ambitious renewable energy goals. Several legislative proposals are being considered in Springfield to address some problems, but their future is uncertain. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 2,100-2,600. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: none. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/19/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 32 (web/print version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/18; Print/Web - 12/19. | print assets |
| 12/18/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 32 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 32 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/19. | broadcast reader |
| 12/18/24 |  | K-12 BUDGET | State budget officials told the Illinois State Board of Education today that budget pressures in the upcoming fiscal year, including a projected $3.2 billion deficit, could affect how much money the state has available for K-12 school funding. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/vdeo: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/18/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 31 (web/print version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/17; Print/Web - 12/18. | print assets |
| 12/17/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 31 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 31 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/18. | broadcast reader |
| 12/17/24 |  | ELECTORAL COLLEGE | Illinois' 19 presidential electors met at the Statehouse today and cast their ballots for Democrats Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 400-500 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader, radio CC, Audio/Video: Soundbites. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC |
| 12/17/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 30 (print/web version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/16; Print/Web - 12/17. | print assets |
| 12/16/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 30 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 30 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/17. | broadcast reader |
| 12/16/24 |  | ELECTORAL COLLEGE PREVIEW | Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will give details at a news conference of the Electoral College meeting to be held Tuesday in the Statehouse. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 400 - 500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/16/24 |  | GRAYSON UPDATE | The Illinois Supreme Court is considering whether to hear an appeal from prosecutors seeking to keep former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson detained as he awaits trial on first-degree murder charges. But the court recently declined to allow for Grayson's release as that process plays out. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 500-600. Photo: File. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA 2:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 12/13/24 |  | HEMP REGULATIONS | Gov. JB Pritzker is announcing his support for legislation to impose strict new regulations on the industrial hemp industry. But some hemp business owners say the rules threaten to put them out of business. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500 - 600 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: VOSOT. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets VOSOT broadcast reader radio CC |
| 12/13/24 |  | QUANTUM DEVELOPMENT | Tech giant IBM announced plans Thursday to build a large-scale quantum computer on Chicago's south side. It's part of a push from state and business officials to make Illinois the "quantum capitol of the world." Proponents of the technology say it could lead to major breakthroughs in fields such as medicine, security and materials science among others. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 500-700. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Visuals: No. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/12/24 |  | LA SCHIAZZA RULING | A federal judge on Thursday denied former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza's motion for acquittal after a jury deadlocked and the judge declared a mistrial in September on charges that La Schiazza bribed former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The ruling comes as prosecutors are set to rest their case in Madigan's trial next week. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 600-800. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. A/V: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/12/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 29 (print/web version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/11; Print/Web - 12/12. | print assets |
| 12/11/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 29 (broadcast) | Hannah Meisel provides day 29 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/12. | broadcast reader |
| 12/11/24 |  | STATEHOUSE SECURITY | Visitors coming to the Illinois Statehouse to see their lawmakers in action, or just to tour the historic building, may have to wait through longer lines to get through security screening during the upcoming legislative sessions. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600 - 700 words. Photo: Screen shot. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 12/11/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 28 (print/web version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/10; Print/Web - 12/11. | print assets |
| 12/10/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 28 (broadcast) | Hannah Meisel provides day 28 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/11. | broadcast reader |
| 12/10/24 |  | RECESSION REPORT | A report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and University of Illinois found the state is better prepared for a recession today than the past recessions of 2007 and 2020. The report evaluates progress on nine economic metrics for the state. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,000-1,200. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/09/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 27 (web/print & broadcast) | Coverage from Monday, Dec. 9 from the trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Story and reader will both move Monday afternoon, rather than Tuesday morning, due to a shortened day in court. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-1,000. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/09/24 |  | ASSAULT WEAPONS | The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has put a hold on a lower court order that would have enjoined the state of Illinois from enforcing its ban on assault weapons and large capacity magazines. The lower court ruling from Judge Stephen McGlynn was set to go into effect on Sunday. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 800 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/09/24 |  | CANNABIS ODOR | The Illinois Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that police can search a vehicle when the officer detects the smell of raw cannabis. The ruling follows another from the court earlier this year that found it is unconstitutional to search a vehicle based on the smell of burnt cannabis. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-900. Broadcast: Reader/VO. Video/Audio: Video. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 12/05/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 26 (web/print) | Coverage of Thursday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/5; Print/Web - 12/6. | print assets |
| 12/05/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 26 (broadcast) | Hannah Meisel provides day 26 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/6. | broadcast reader |
| 12/05/24 |  | WATER RATES | State regulators approved a rate increase for Illinois American Water, meaning higher bills for more than one million Illinoisans in the Chicago suburbs and downstate. The increase sparked controversy for some customers and consumer groups, who complained earlier this year their bills were already too high. The same regulatory body approved a rate increase for another large water utility last month. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 600-900. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/05/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 25 (web/print) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/4; Print/Web - 12/5. | print assets |
| 12/04/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 25 (broadcast) | Hannah Meisel provides day 25 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/5. | broadcast assets |
| 12/04/24 |  | RFK CONFLICTING POLICIES | Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. leading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services could put federal health policy at odds with Illinois law in some areas, including on vaccines and fluoride. However, Kennedy's proposals for food regulation might find agreement with some Illinois lawmakers. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 1,500. Broadcast: Reader. Video/Audio: No. Photo: File. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/04/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 24 (web/print version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/3; Print/Web - 12/4. | print assets |
| 12/03/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 24 (broadcast) | Hannah Meisel provides day 24 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/4. | broadcast reader |
| 12/03/24 |  | EARLY CHILDHOOD | Gov. Pritzker has named Teresa Ramos to be secretary of the newly-created Department of Early Childhood. She is currently a first assistant deputy governor for education in Pritzker's office and has previously worked for the advocacy groups Illinois Action for Children and Advance Illinois. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 300-400. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/03/24 |  | DOCUMENT MASKING | Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias calls for a federal investigation of Kane County traffic cases. His office uncovered a DUI conviction for a man accused of driving under the influence of drugs and causing a crash that caused the death of a DeKalb County Sheriff's deputy was not reported to his office. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 1500. Photo: File. Broadcast: reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. CORRECTION 12/3/24 | 6:30PM: Our visuals document and broadcast reader have been updated to reflect a correction to Christina Musil's photo caption. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 12/03/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 23 (web/print version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 12/2; Print/Web - 12/3 | print assets |
| 12/02/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 23 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 23 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available on 12/3. | broadcast reader |
| 12/02/24 |  | ELECTION RESULTS CERTIFICATION | The State Board of Elections met on Monday to certify the results of the 2024 elections. The results reflect final vote totals for candidates and show how turnout changed throughout the state. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800. Broadcast: Reader, VO. Graphic: file. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 12/02/24 |  | GRAYSON | Appellate Court orders release of former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson until his murder trial. Prosecutor will file a stay and appeal to Illinois Supreme Court. Grayson is accused of the murder of Sonya Massey earlier this year. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 600. Photo: file. Broadcast: reader, VO. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 12/02/24 |  | IDFPR LICENSING | The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation launched a new online licensing system, The Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE), this fall to modernize the management and licensing process for service providers across the state. Reporter: Nicole Jeanine Johnson for the Medill Illinois News Bureau. Length: 1100 - 1200. Broadcast: No. Graphic: File. ETA: noon. | print assets |
| 11/27/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 22 (web/print version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/27; Print/Web - 11/27. | print assets |
| 11/27/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 22 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 22 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available later today. | broadcast reader |
| 11/27/24 |  | VISION 2030 | Local education officials from across the state are calling for fundamental changes in the way students are tested each year and schools are held accountable for student progress. In a report entitled "Vision 2030," they say the current methods don't give an accurate picture of how well students and their schools are doing. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,200 - 1,300 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/27/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 21 (web/print version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: Reader - 11/26; Print/Web - 11/27. | print assets |
| 11/26/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 21 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 21 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/27. | broadcast reader |
| 11/26/24 |  | PPP FRAUD | The Office of the Executive Inspector General has identified more than $7 million in fraudulent claims from Illinois workers as a part of the Paycheck Protection Program, which aimed to help small businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reporter: Amalia Huot-Marchand and Medill Illinois News Bureau. Length: 1,200-1,300. Broadcast: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/26/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 20 (web/print version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,800-2000. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: Reader - 11/25; Print/Web - 11/26. ATTENTION:This story was updated on 11/27/24 with an editors note. Please update your copy. | print assets |
| 11/25/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 20 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 20 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/26. | broadcast reader |
| 11/25/24 |  | BOST CASE REVIEW | Conservative legal group Judicial Watch is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case filed by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill) to limit how long ballots can be counted after Election Day. Illinois law allows mail-in ballots to be counted for 14 days after the election so long as they are postmarked by Election Day. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/25/24 |  | HEMP REGULATIONS | A legislative committee and the Illinois Department of Agriculture agreed recently to delay finalizing new regulations governing hemp production amid an outcry of protests from small, independent producers. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,000 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 11/22/24 |  | AQUA RATE CASE | Aqua Illinois will raise its rates for water service in Illinois starting in January. The company serves customers in 14 counties, mostly in northern Illinois. State regulators, who approved rate hike, will also force the company to offer new discounted rates to low-income customers in the coming years. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 900-1100. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/22/24 |  | ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS S40E01: VETO SESSION (4001) | Season 40 launches with an episode focused on the fall veto session. Hosted by Jak Tichenor. Broadcast: video (.mxf OP1a). Length: 26:46 TRT / 29:00 TRT. ETA: 2 p.m. | commercial TV public TV promo video/audio audio files captions description |
| 11/22/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 19 (web/print version) | Coverage of Thursday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/21; Print/Web - 11/22. | print assets |
| 11/21/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 19 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 19 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/22. | broadcast reader |
| 11/21/24 |  | DIGNITY IN PAY ACT | The Senate passed a bill that now goes to the governor's desk that eliminates the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities. The bill passes after stalling in the spring and following months and years of negotiations. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 700-900 words. Broadcast: VSOT. Photo: Yes. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets VOSOT broadcast reader radio CC |
| 11/21/24 |  | SCOIL DEFAMATION-SMOLLETT | Convictions against Jussie Smollett will be overturned and a former chair of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board can continue to sue the Chicago Sun-Times for its reporting on his handling of an appeal at Trump Tower in Chicago. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 700-1,000. Broadcast: Readers. Photo: File. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader(s) |
| 11/21/24 |  | ABORTION LAWSUIT | A new federal lawsuit is challenging the state's Reproductive Health Act, the landmark abortion legislation passed by lawmakers in 2019. The suit comes from the Thomas More Society, a conservative legal group that recently lost a similar challenge in state court. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 700-800 words. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/21/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 18 (web/print version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/20; Print/Web - 11/21. | print assets |
| 11/20/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 18 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 18 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/21. | broadcast reader |
| 11/20/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 17 (web/print version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/19; Print/Web - 11/20. | print assets |
| 11/19/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 17 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 17 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/20. | broadcast reader |
| 11/19/24 | | EV CHARGERS | Gov. Pritzker reiterated the state's multi-million dollar commitment to fund electric vehicle infrastructure on Monday as some of the first state-funded EV chargers went online. Having enough chargers available to drivers is a key concern for both potential EV owners and state officials as the growth in EV ownership outpaces the growth in charging stations. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Length: 1,000 - 1,100. Broadcast: Reader & VO. Graphic: Yes. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 11/19/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 16 (web/print version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/18; Print/Web - 11/19. | print assets |
| 11/18/24 | | SCSO DOJ INVESTIGATION | The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and the Sangamon County Dispatch after the shooting of Sonya Massey. DOJ is investigating the systemic practices and policies that may violate citizens' civil rights based on race and disability. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Length: 800. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: 2p | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/18/24 |  | BIPA RULING | A federal judge applied Illinois' new BIPA statute in a ruling last week to toss out a case. The ruling shows how the revised statute is designed to cut down on the size of damages awarded for BIPA violations. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 500-700. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: 12p | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/18/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 16 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 16 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/19. | broadcast reader |
| 11/15/24 |  | ILGA-TRUMP | During Donald Trump’s first term as president, Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly spent much of their time enacting laws and policies in direct opposition to the conservative agenda they saw coming from the White House. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 900-1,000. Broadcast: No. Photos: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/15/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 15 (web/ print version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/14; Print/Web - 11/15. | print assets |
| 11/14/24 |  | LA SCHIAZZA TRIAL | A federal judge on Thursday heard arguments as to whether Paul La Schiazza, whose bribery trial ended in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked in September, will be acquitted or will have to sit for a retrial. The judge will decide in December. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 600-800. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/14/24 |  | MEDICAL DEBT RELIEF | About $72M of medical debt relief has been given out to more than 50,000 Illinois residents. It's part of a program in the FY25 budget to forgive $1B of medical debt relief for Illinoisians. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 400-500 words. Broadcast: reader. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/14/24 |  | EARLY INTERVENTION | A coalition of early childhood intervention advocates is accusing the state of Illinois of leaving disadvantaged babies and toddlers behind in its efforts to improve child development policies, services and facilities statewide--and they are demanding Gov. JB Pritzker increase state funding for these programs by $60 million. Reporter: Atmika Iyer, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Length: 1200-1400 words. Broadcast: No. Photo: TBD. *Available 11/14. | print assets |
| 11/14/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 15 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 15 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/15. | broadcast reader |
| 11/14/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 14 | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/13; Print/Web - 11/14. | print assets |
| 11/13/24 |  | AQUIFER PROTECTIONS | The Senate Executive Committee discussed but held a bill that would ban carbon sequestration in the area of an aquifer. The bill was proposed two months ago following news of a leak at an ADM injection site. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Length: 600-800 words. Broadcast: TBD. Photo: TBD. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/13/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 14 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 14 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/14. | print assets |
| 11/13/24 |  | ABORTION BUFFER ZONES | Following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, Carbondale, Illinois, became a key medical hub for abortion services, attracting protests from anti-abortion activists outside clinics. In response to reports of harassment and intimidation, the Carbondale City Council passed a “bubble zone” ordinance in January 2023, barring activists from coming within eight feet of people seeking to enter medical facilities, without an individual’s consent to be approached. A St. Louis-based anti-abortion group, Coalition Life, is challenging the ordinance - which has since been repealed - arguing it violates First Amendment rights, and has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. If the court takes it up, the outcome could set a precedent for protest laws nationwide. Reporter: Carly Gist, Saluki Local Reporting Lab. Length: 1800-2000 words. Photo: TBD. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/13/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 13 (print/web version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/12; Print/Web - 11/13. | print assets |
| 11/13/24 |  | SGOP BUDGET GAP (print/web version) | The Governor's Office of Management and Budget predicts a $3.2 billion dollar deficit in the FY26 budget. Now, Senate Republicans are saying this is a long time coming and they should be included in future budget discussions. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 1,000-1,100. Photo: file. Broadcast: VOSOT, radio cc & reader - 11/12. Print: 11/13. ETA: 7:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 11/12/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 13 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 13 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/13. | broadcast reader |
| 11/12/24 | | SGOP BUDGET GAP (broadcast only) | The Governor's Office of Management and Budget predicts a $3.2 billion dollar deficit in the FY26 budget. Now, Senate Republicans are saying this is a long time coming and they should be included in future budget discussions. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: VOSOT/SOT. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | VOSOT radio CC broadcast reader |
| 11/12/24 |  | COOK CO AWB APPEAL | A panel of federal appeals court judges on Tuesday heard oral arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of a Cook County ordinance banning assault weapons. That case relied on similar arguments to the ongoing federal case challenging the statewide ban of assault weapons. Reporter: Andrew Adams and Amalia Hout-Marchand. Word Count: 600-800. Photo: File. Broadcast: reader, VO. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 11/12/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Former Gov. Pat Quinn was at the Capitol Tuesday to discuss the results of an advisory question on taxing income over $1 million, while members the state's Underground Railroad Task Force discussed the results of its final report. Reporter: Ben Szalinski. Word Count: 600-800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/11/24 |  | PROMO: IL LAWMAKERS - VETO SESSION 2024 | Illinois Lawmakers return to Springfield after the general election for their annual fall veto session to consider a wide range of issues looming on the horizon like mass transit reform, increased education funding, and much more. Illinois Lawmakers and Capitol News Illinois will provide coverage of the Illinois General Assembly, with reporters at the Statehouse following all the details. Length: 30 seconds TRT (Voicetrack 25 seconds). Host: Jak Tichenor. Audio: Yes. Video: Yes. | Audio Promo Video Promo |
| 11/11/24 |  | OPIOID SETTLEMENTS | Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office announced another settlement in the ongoing opioid litigation going on across the country. Our Medill Illinois News Bureau explores the latest settlement - with Kroger - and how the state will use the funding in the coming years. Reporter: Nicole Jeanine Johnson. Length: 600-750 words. Photo: TBD. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 11/08/24 |  | ASSAULT WEAPONS | A federal judge in East St. Louis ruled the state's assault weapons ban unconstitutional late Friday in a 168-page opinion. He stayed his order for 30 days. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 300-500. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader VO |
| 11/08/24 |  | MATH PLAN | 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. Podcast accompanied by print Q&A transcript. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Length: Podcast - 17 minutes; Print, 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photo: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 11/08/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 12 (web/print version) | Coverage of Thursday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,400-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/7; Print/Web - 11/8. | print assets |
| 11/07/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 12 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 12 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/8. | broadcast reader |
| 11/07/24 |  | ICC UPDATE | State regulators are approaching the one-year anniversary of announcing an investigation into a controversial infrastructure program at one of the state's largest gas utilities Additionally, the Illinois Commerce Commission is nearing the conclusion of several cases that could affect utility bills for millions of Illinoisans. Decisions on requested rate hikes for two large water utilities are expected by year's end and decisions in a set of cases that will set electric rates through 2027 are expected in the spring. Reporters: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,000-1,100 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/07/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 11 (web/print version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,400-1,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/6; Print/Web - 11/7. | print assets |
| 11/06/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 11 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 11 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/7. | broadcast reader |
| 11/06/24 |  | ELECTION RECAP | While totals won't be official for several weeks, the ballots are in and races are being called for the 2024 election in Illinois. Trends will be analyzed for weeks and months to come, but it appears the IL General Assembly's partisan split will remain - with Democrats holding on to supermajorities in both the House and Senate. Reporters: Andrew Adams, Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 1,000-1,250 words. Photo: TBD. Broadcast: Reader, VO. Audio/Video: Possibly. ETA: noon. | print assets VO broadcast reader |
| 11/06/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 10 (web/print version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,500-1,600. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/5; Print/Web - 11/6. | print assets |
| 11/05/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 10 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day 10 coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/6. | broadcast reader |
| 11/05/24 |  | ELECTIONS | The ELECTIONS story for Nov. 5 is republished from Stateline, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Find a link to republish here. Reporter: Matt Vasilogambros, Stateline.org. Word count: 1,000. Broadcast: No | print assets |
| 11/05/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 9 (web/print version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,200. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 11/4; Print/Web - 11/5. | print assets |
| 11/04/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 9 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day nine coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/5. | broadcast reader |
| 11/04/24 |  | FISCAL UPDATE | Fiscal forecasters project a current-year budget surplus followed by a significant revenue deficit next year if lawmakers don't curtail spending or make changes to existing law to raise revenues. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 900-1,200. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/01/24 |  | STATE REPORT CARD (print/web version) | State education officials plan to launch a statewide "math and numeracy plan" to boost math performance for K-12 students. The effort comes as the latest Illinois school report card shows math scores statewide remain below pre-pandemic levels. State superintendent Tony Sanders says the math program will be modeled after the statewide literacy plan that was launched earlier this year. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800-1,000 words. Photo: Graphic. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/01/24 |  | LIHEAP | Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program open up today. State regulators implemented natural gas discounts for individuals making less than about $45,000 per year in October and those who receive LIHEAP assistance will automatically be given these new benefits. Reporter: Andrew Adams . Word count: 300-400 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 11/01/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 8 (web/print version) | Coverage of Thursday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,200. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 10/31; Print/Web - 11/1. | print assets |
| 10/31/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 8 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day eight coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 11/1. | broadcast reader |
| 10/31/24 |  | HELP STOP HATE | Gov. JB Pritzker joined leaders from multiple organizations this week to launch a new campaign aimed at protecting victims and putting a stop to hate crimes in Illinois. Funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant and state money, Help Stop Hate will provide specialized resources for victims of hate crimes. Reporter: Amalia Huot-Marchand, Medill Illinois News Bureau. Word Count: 750-800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 10/31/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 7 (web/print version) | Coverage of Wednesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,000-1,250. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 10/30; Print/Web - 10/31. | print assets |
| 10/30/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 7 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day seven coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/31. | broadcast reader |
| 10/30/24 | | STATE REPORT CARD (broadcast only) | The Illinois State Board of Education released its annual State Report Card Wednesday. Challenges remain in some areas - particularly when it comes to high school level recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. But gains were found, including in graduation rates and teacher retention. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: Reader, TV VO, Radio CC. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader TV VO Radio CC |
| 10/30/24 |  | CAMPAIGN FINANCE | With the election less than week away from finishing, a new Capitol News Illinois analysis found that candidates in Illinois raised more than $600 million. The largest donors to state-level candidates - organized labor groups - mostly gave to Democrats, leading to a wide advantage for Democratic Statehouse candidates. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word Count: 1200-1400. Photo: Illustration. Graphics: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 2 p.m. UPDATE - 10/30 at 2:30 p.m.|: We have updated the visuals document and html code to include a new embed code for the third data visualization chart provided in this story. Please republish your content with the updated code. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/30/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 6 (web/print version) | Coverage of Tuesday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Word Count: 1,000-1,200. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 10/29; Print/Web - 10/30. | print assets |
| 10/29/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 6 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day six coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/30. | broadcast reader |
| 10/29/24 |  | MEDAL CEREMONY (web/print version) | A Litchfield man was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Start with Valor among other honors at the Governor’s Mansion on Monday. A print version of the broadcast script distributed yesterday. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word Count: 400-450. Photo: Yes & Video Clip. Broadcast: Distributed Monday. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets video link |
| 10/29/24 |  | PRISON RESTRAINT PEORIA | We will republish another story in a series by the Illinois Answers Project looking into the use of restraint chairs in prisons. This one looks at Peoria County's use of the chairs on individuals with mental health needs. You must republish from the Illinois Answers Project. Reporter: Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers Project. Word count: 5,000. Broadcast: No. Photos: Yes & Graphics. ETA: noon. | print assets |
| 10/29/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 5 (web/print version) | Coverage of Monday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Word Count: 1,500-1,600. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - 10/28; Print/Web - 10/29. | print assets |
| 10/28/24 | | MEDAL CEREMONY (broadcast only) | Major Chase Wilhelm received a Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart and other honors Monday at the Governor's Mansion for his action that saved lives during a drone attack on his base in Jordan in January. Reporter: Andrew Campbell & Jerry Nowicki. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader Radio CC VOSOT |
| 10/28/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 5 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day five coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/29. | broadcast reader |
| 10/28/24 |  | ABORTION TRAVEL | We will republish a story from the Indiana Capital Chronicle about an Indiana woman who traveled to Illinois for an abortion amid a “worst-case scenario” for her family. You may republish from the Indiana Capital Chronicle site – the outlet is a CNI partner via States Newsroom. Reporter: Indiana Capital Chronicle. Word count: 2,100. Broadcast: No. Photos: Provided. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/25/24 |  | ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN | A look at legal challenges to state and Cook County assault weapon laws, including a review of legal filings from the Cook County state's attorney and Illinois attorney general's offices. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,200-1,300. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader TV VO |
| 10/25/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 4 (web/print version) | Coverage of Thursday's court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Word Count: 1,250-1.350. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader (Distributed 10/24). Audio/Video: No. ETA: Reader - Distributed 10/24; Print/Web - 10:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/24/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 4 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day four coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/25. | broadcast reader |
| 10/24/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 3 (web/print version) | Executives at Commonwealth Edison testified Wednesday about the company's turnaround from near bankruptcy to investing more than $2 billion in infrastructure and other projects. Federal prosecutors allege the company benefitted from favorable legislation in Springfield due to a vast bribery scheme with former House Speaker Michael Madigan at the top. Defense attorneys, however, say that's not the case. Word Count: 1,200-1,250. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader (Distributed 10/23). Audio/Video: No. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/23/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 3 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day three coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/24. | broadcast reader |
| 10/23/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 2 (web/print version) | Prosecutors began laying out their case Tuesday in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Two former state lawmakers took the stand, testifying about their experience working under Madigan. Word Count: 1,300-1.400. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader (see below, distributed 10/22). Audio/Video: No. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/22/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 2 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides day two coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/23. | broadcast reader |
| 10/22/24 | | DISTRACTED DRIVING WEEK (broadcast only) | The Illinois Secretary of State is taking this week to raise awareness of distracted driving - particularly among teens. In visits across the state, Alexi Giannoulias and other stakeholders are unveiling a new distracted driving prevention plan, including added requirements to driver training, increased patrols and prevention for law enforcement, and designating high-risk areas as "Distracted Driver Corridors." Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | broadcast reader VOSOT Radio CC |
| 10/22/24 |  | MJM TRIAL DAY 1 (web/print version) | Opening statements in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on Monday painted him in very different lights. Prosecutors accuse him of a criminal enterprise that violated the public's trust - defense attorney's say Madigan "doesn't talk that way, doesn't act that way." | print assets |
| 10/21/24 | | MJM TRIAL DAY 1 (broadcast only) | Hannah Meisel provides coverage of the Michael Madigan trial. *Print coverage will be available 10/22. | broadcast reader |
| 10/21/24 |  | FALLEN TROOPER | An Illinois State Trooper died after a two-vehicle accident in Champaign County. A 32-year-old woman was ticketed for the accident that claimed the life of Corey S. Thompsen, a five-year veteran of ISP. Reporters: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 300. Photo: Yes (Provided). Broadcast: Reader(s). Audio/Video: No. ETA: 12:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/21/24 |  | 17TH DISTRICT | Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen faces a challenge this year from Republican Judge Joe McGraw in what analysts say is the only "competitive" congressional race in Illinois. Sorensen narrowly won the seat in 2022 after the district was heavily redrawn, but he enjoys a big fundraising advantage over McGraw. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,000 - 1,200 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: audio. ETA: Noon. | print assets broadcast reader Radio CC |
| 10/18/24 | | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Thursday her office has suspended state offset payments to the Village of Orland Park after leaders there failed to file necessary paperwork. And Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched a new "Fast-Lane" DMV kiosk this week at grocery stores, allowing drivers to renew their license or purchase vehicle registration stickers. Reporters: Hannah Meisel and Andrew Adams. Word Count: 600-800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader(s). Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast readers |
| 10/18/24 |  | MADIGAN | UPDATED 10/19: After two weeks of jury selection, opening statements in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan could happen early next week. The once-formidable leader of both the state's Democratic party and his legislative chamber built a system of power that federal prosecutors say was a criminal enterprise. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 2,200-2,500. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Yes - Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: Noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/18/24 |  | KINZINGER DOCUMENTARY | An interview with Steve Pink, director of a new documentary film "The Last Republican," that focuses on former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who famously broke with Donald Trump and the Republican Party over the results of the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The film is showing this weekend at the Chicago International Film Festival. Host: Peter Hancock. Length: 20-25 minutes. ETA: 2 p.m. | podcast assets |
| 10/17/24 |  | PURSUIT UPDATE | Questions remain regarding a deadly, cross-county pursuit in central Illinois last month. The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office said other jurisdictions joined the chase, but Illinois State Police told their troopers to stand down. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 700-900. Broadcast: Yes - Reader. Photos: Yes & graphics. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/16/24 |  | TRANSIT HEARING | Lawmakers met in Springfield on Tuesday with the heads of downstate public transit systems and transportation advocates to discuss what the state should do to reform public transit funding. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,000-1,200. Broadcast: Yes. Audio/Video: Yes. Photos: Yes & graphics. ETA: Noon. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 10/15/24 |  | PRISON RESTRAINT FOLLOW | Franklin County Jail restrained two mentally ill men in chairs for prolonged periods, in violation of state standards and county policies, a new report from an Illinois disability rights watchdog group found. Distributing on behalf of Illinois Answers Project. Reporter: Grace Hauck, Illinois Answers. Word count: 2,000. Broadcast: No. Photos: Yes & graphics. ETA 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 10/11/24 |  | MJM JURY SELECTION | Jury selection is taking much longer than expected in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The search for a 12-member jury and six alternates will stretch into next week, with the judge estimating another week should be added to the estimated trial length. Also this week it was revealed that the political consultant who accused Madigan of failing to protect her from sexual harassment within the speaker’s political operation will testify in the trial. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 800-900. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/10/24 |  | ADVISORY QUESTIONS | Illinois voters will consider three "advisory questions" on their ballots this year. The questions ask voters to weigh in on election interference, a new tax structure and insurance coverage for reproductive health treatments. The nonbinding questions were added to the ballot by lawmakers in a rush of election changes earlier this year. Several counties will also consider local referendums. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word Count: 1,200-1,300. Photo: Stock/File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/09/24 | | 1908 RACE RIOT MEMORIAL (broadcast only) | Members of the Biden Administration will join state and local leaders in Springfield Wednesday to officially mark a memorial of the 1908 Race Riots. The National Monument was officially designated in August, allowing for preservation of artifacts and locations in Springfield where the riots happened. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC, TV VOSOT. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 8 p.m. | broadcast reader Radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 10/09/24 |  | SCSO FOIA LAWSUIT | Capitol News Illinois has filed a lawsuit challenging the denial of public documents related to a high-speed chase that resulted in a death last month. The chase, which started in Sangamon County, ended near the Madison-Macoupin County line. In investigating the incident, CNI Reporter Beth Hundsdorfer was denied access to recordings and documents. The lawsuit claims those denials are in violation of Illinois' Freedom of Information Act. Reporter: CNI. Word count: 500-600. Broadcast: no. Photo: File. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 10/09/24 |  | TAX REFERENDUM (broadcast only) | Former Governor Pat Quinn is urging voters to vote in favor of a statewide advisory referendum this fall. The question, “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?” is one of three advisory questions voters will consider. Reporters: Andrew Campbell & Andrew Adams. Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC, TV VOSOT. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader Radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 10/08/24 |  | COGFA WAGERING | The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is out with its annual "Wagering in Illinois" report for 2024. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 700-800. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/08/24 | | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Retirees and advocates will join federal and state lawmakers this month to host public town halls and information sessions, talking about efforts to lower the cost of prescriptions drugs. Plus, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is suing TikTok, and Gov. JB Pritzker continues his economic trip to Japan. Reporters: Peter Hancock, Jennifer Fuller & Jerry Nowicki. Word Count: 1,000-1,200. Photo: TBD. Broadcast: Reader(s). Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader(s) |
| 10/07/24 |  | PRISON HEALTH CARE | We will publish a look into Illinois prison health care written by the nonprofit newsroom Bolts. If you wish to republish, you MUST reach out to Bolts for permission and republishing guidelines. Email Rosie Gillies at rgillies@boltsmag.org for more information. Word count: 2,000. | print assets |
| 10/04/24 |  | ISP PURSUIT INVESTIGATION | Illinois State Police are investigating the death of a Kansas man after a chase through several central Illinois counties last month. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 700-800. Photo: TBD. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4pm. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/04/24 | | CAPITOL BRIEFS | New developments have been filed in the lawsuit challenging Illinois' ban on so-called interchange fees - the fees added to sales tax and gratuity when credit and debit cards are used. And, Gov. JB Pritzker plans a trade trip to Japan. Reporter: CNI Staff. Word Count: 750-1,000. Photo: Stock/File. Broadcast: Reader(s). Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/04/24 |  | MADIGAN JURY SELECTION | Jury selection begins next week in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who's accused of exploiting his political power to enrich himself and accepting bribes from companies who had business in front of the General Assembly. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-800. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/03/24 |  | ADM LEAK UPDATE | After a carbon dioxide leak earlier this year at agribusiness giant ADM's carbon sequestration plant in Decatur, ADM has temporarily shut down its carbon dioxide injection pumps. Last week, ADM raised concerns that another leak could be possible after it found an "anomaly" in one of its wells. Last month, the company began the process of entering a consent order with the EPA to force the company into tighter safety measures. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word Count: 500-700. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/03/24 | | STATE PARK EVs (broadcast only) | Gov. JB Pritzker will help announce new infrastructure projects Thursday for electric vehicles at Illinois' state parks. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: TV VOSOT, Radio CC, Reader. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | TV VOSOT Radio CC broadcast reader |
| 10/02/24 |  | DATA CENTER OPENING | Gov. JB Pritzker and business leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of a new data center in Aurora on Wednesday, positioning the project as another victory for the state's economic development strategy. The project comes with an incentive package, adding to the $650 million of tax breaks Illinois has given other data center developments. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word Count: 600. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/02/24 |  | HEINZ SPECIAL PROSECUTOR | A special prosecutor was appointed in a criminal case against Carlinville funeral home director August "Auggie" Heinz. Heinz is accused of giving dozens of families the wrong cremated remains, but the special prosecutor isn't looking at that case. They are reviewing whether criminal charges should be filed on a forgery case. Reporter: Beth Hundsodrfer. Word Count: 600. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 10/01/24 | NO STORY | |||
| 10/01/24 | | SGOP NONCITIZEN CRIME (broadcast only) | Members of the Senate Republican Caucus are asking questions about new federal crime data when it comes to noncitizens. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC, TV SOT. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader Radio CC TV SOT |
| 09/30/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Gov. JB Pritzker will mark the completion of a state-funded project designed to protect the state's only undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline at a news conference Monday. Other stories to be added as necessary. Reporter: CNI team. Word count 400-plus. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/30/24 |  | SCSO HIRING | Questions remain about former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson was hired into the department. A Capitol News Illinois investigation finds Grayson isn't the only person on staff with a DUI in his background. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 2,200-2,500 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/26/24 |  | EARLY VOTING | Early voting began Thursday in Illinois, and Capitol News Illinois has launched an interactive Election Guide to help Illinoisans navigate the voting process. The story will cover the main points of how to vote in Illinois and direct readers back to the CNI Election Guide content. The story is free for redistribution, but we will not be redistributing the Election Guide pages. Reporter: Andrew Adams/CNI. Word count: 600-800. Broadcast: Reader & TV VO. Photo: Graphics. ETA: Afternoon. | print assets broadcast reader TV VO |
| 09/25/24 | | INTERCHANGE FEES (broadcast only) | A new poll shows a majority of Illinoisans favor a ban on credit and debit card fees being attached to taxes and tips. A law set to go into effect next year would put that ban in place - but a lawsuit has been filed against it. The Illinois Retail Merchants Association, which commissioned the poll, says the new data bolsters their case against the suit. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Broadcast: Reader, TV VOSOT, Radio CC. Audio/video: Yes. ETA 4:30 p.m. | broadcast reader TV VOSOT radio CC |
| 09/25/24 |  | DEFAMATION LAWSUIT | The Chicago Sun-Times is asking the Illinois Supreme Court to dismiss a defamation suit filed against it by the former head of the state’s Property Tax Appeal Board. The coverage in question centered on the board's treatment of a property tax assessment on Trump Tower. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 900-1,100. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast assets |
| 09/24/24 |  | SCOIL RULINGS | The Illinois Supreme Court ruled the state can revoke a person’s FOID card once they’ve been charged with a felony and patients in hospital rooms don’t have a universal expectation of privacy from police searches. Reporters: Peter Hancock & Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,100-1,200. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA 10 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/23/24 |  | CRAFT GROW | A state-commissioned independent study showed Illinois has granted more cannabis licenses to minority- and woman-owned businesses than any other state, although hurdles to those businesses becoming operable remain. Reporter: Dilpreet Raju. Word count: 1,700-1,800. Broadcast: reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/19/24 |  | CANNABIS ODOR RULING | The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that the smell of "burnt cannabis" is not an adequate legal justification for law enforcement to search a vehicle without a warrant. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 700-900. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: File | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/19/24 |  | AWB TRIAL - DAY 4 | The case challenging Illinois' ban on assault-style weapons and certain accessories is now in the hands of a federal judge in East St. Louis, after both sides on the issue delivered their closing arguments Thursday. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word Count: 800-1,000 words. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/19/24 |  | AT&T MISTRIAL | A federal jury in Chicago failed to reach a unanimous decision in the bribery case against former AT&T president Paul La Schiazza Thursday. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word Count: 1,200-1,500. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4:00 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/18/24 | | AWB TRIAL - DAY 3 | Plaintiffs called their final witness Wednesay in the case challenging Illinois' assault weapons ban. The federal bench trial is going on in East St. Louis. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500-1,000. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/17/24 |  | AT&T TRIAL - DAY 5 | Closing arguments wrapped up Tuesday in the corruption trial of former AT&T president Paul La Schiazza on Monday. A jury is now considering the federal case as of Tuesday afternoon. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,200-1,500. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6:00 p.m | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/17/24 |  | SCOIL - SMOLLETT | The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments in the case against actor Jussie Smollett on Tuesday. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 900-1,000. Broadcast: Reader, TV VOSOT, Radio CC. Audio/Video: Yes. Photo: Yes. ETA: 4:00 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader Radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 09/17/24 |  | AWB TRIAL - DAY 2 | Day two of testimony is scheduled for Tuesday in the case challenging Illinois' assault weapons ban. The federal bench trial is going on in East St. Louis. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800-1,000. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/17/24 |  | ELECTION SECURITY | Cybersecurity researchers found vulnerabilities in voter registration databases holding millions of documents with personal information of voters in more than a dozen counties in Illinois. They say the documents contained Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth and other personally identifiable information. The company responsible for those databases said it has addressed the security concerns. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,100-1,200. Photo: Graphic/illustration. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/16/24 |  | AT&T TRIAL - DAY 4 | The prosecution rested its case against former AT&T president Paul La Schiazza on Monday. A jury could get the federal bribery case as early as Tuesday, after attorneys for both sides deliver their closing arguments. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,000-1,200. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: TBD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/16/24 | | AWB TRIAL - DAY 1 | A federal judge in East St. Louis will begin hearing arguments today (Monday) in a case challenging the constitutionality of Illinois’ ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/15/24 | | AWB TRIAL - PREVIEW (BCAST) | A federal judge in East St. Louis will begin hearing arguments Monday in a case challenging the constitutionality of Illinois’ ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No | broadcast reader |
| 09/13/24 |  | AT&T TRIAL DAY 3 | A federal jury in Chicago on Friday heard from additional witnesses - including another former lobbyist for AT&T Illinois - in the corruption trial of Paul La Schiazza. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 900-1,000. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes. ETA: 6:00 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/13/24 |  | ADM CARBON LEAK | A carbon dioxide well owned by agribusiness giant ADM broke earlier this year and the company failed to follow proper emergency response and remediation plans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company says the leak does not pose a threat to public health or to drinking water supplies and that it is working with the EPA to address the problem. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 600-900 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/13/24 |  | CASHLESS BAIL ANNIVERSARY | One year after Illinois abolished the use of cash bail, fewer people are being held in jail pending trial. But an analysis by Loyola University shows jail populations are not down as much as many people had hoped, or feared. And there has been no significant increase in crimes committed by people released from detention. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800-1,000 words. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: VOSOT. Audio/Video: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader TV SOT Radio CC |
| 09/13/24 |  | AT&T TRIAL - DAY 2 | A federal jury in Chicago heard from a former lobbyist for AT&T Illinois Thursday in the corruption trial of his ex-boss, Paul La Schiazza. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 900-1,000. Broadcast: Published yesterday. Audio/Video: No. Photo: Yes ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/12/24 | | AT&T TRIAL - DAY 2 (b'cast) | A federal jury in Chicago heard from a former lobbyist for AT&T Illinois Thursday in the corruption trial of his ex-boss, Paul La Schiazza. | broadcast reader |
| 09/12/24 |  | AT&T TRIAL - DAY 1 | A Chicago jury heard opening statements Wednesday in the federal corruption trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 900-1,000. Broadcast: Published yesterday. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 11 a.m. | print assets |
| 09/11/24 | < | AT&T TRIAL - DAY 1 (b'cast only) | A Chicago jury heard opening statements Wednesday in the federal corruption trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | broadcast reader |
| 09/10/24 |  | SCOIL - CASHLESS BAIL | The Illinois Supreme Court hears arguments today in two cases that challenge the ability of courts, under the Pretrial Fairness Act, to hold defendants in jail before trial. The cases come almost one year to the day after the court allowed the law to take effect. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700 - 900 words. Photo: Stock/file. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/Video: No. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/10/24 | | AT&T TRIAL JURY (broadcast only) | Opening statements are set for Wednesday in the trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza, who stands accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for legislation favorable to the telecom giant. The trial is expected be a preview of the feds' case against Madigan, which begins next month. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. ETA: 5 p.m. | broadcast reader |
| 09/10/24 |  | CORRECTED: AT&T TRIAL PREVIEW | Tuesday marks the beginning of jury selection in the trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza, who stands accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for legislation favorable to the telecom giant. The trial will be a preview of the feds' case against Madigan, which begins next month. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 800-1100. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 9:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/06/24 |  | EAST ST LOUIS POVERTY FORUM | Illinois has the potential to eradicate childhood poverty, but it will require a concentrated, sustained effort in partnership with families and disadvantaged communities, says Tasha Green Cruzat, president of Children’s Advocates for Change, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on childhood wellbeing. That commitment drives the policy forum her organization is hosting in East St. Louis next week. This event will unite social service providers, educators, health officials, and lawmakers to address barriers to lifting families out of poverty in one of the nation’s most disadvantaged cities. Reporter: Molly Parker. Word Count: 700-800. Broadcast: No. Audio/Video: No. Photo: file. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 09/04/24 |  | FUNERAL HOME | An affidavit filed in the lawsuit against August Heinz and Heinz Funeral Home claims the remains of more than 800 people may have been mishandled or mislabeled. Attorneys are seeking class action status in the case, which prompted legislation last spring in the Illinois General Assembly. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 800-900 words. Broadcast: Reader, VO. Audio/Video: Video. Photo: Yes. ETA: 11:30 a.m. | print assets broadcast reader TV VO |
| 09/04/24 |  | LIGAS RULING | A federal judge has rejected Illinois' bid to end court oversight of its disability services. The state argued it had met the 2011 Ligas consent decree's terms by expanding community-based services, but advocates were opposed, arguing that issues with crisis support and specialized care persist. Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman acknowledged the state's progress but noted it has not fully met its commitments. Reporter: Molly Parker. Word count: 700-800. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No. Photo: stock/file. ETA 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/03/24 |  | CONCEAL CARRY | A federal judge says a state law banning the carrying of concealed weapons on public transportation is unconstitutional, but only as it applies to four plaintiffs in a lawsuit, meaning the law remains in effect for everyone else. Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office says it will likely appeal. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 500-700 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: Yes. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD | print assets broadcast reader |
| 09/03/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | The secretary of state's office launched a new program aimed at enlisting high school "ambassadors" to encourage young people to register as organ donors. Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from electric utility Commonwealth Edison touted their efforts to use more electric vehicles in Illinois. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 500-700. Broadcast: Readers. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/30/24 |  | STATE OF THE UNION | In their annual State of Labor report, the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, found increases in union membership as well as growth in private sector unions in Illinois. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 1,000-1,250. Broadcast: Yes (Reader, Radio CC). Audio/video: Yes. Photo: TBD. ETA: Friday morning. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC |
| 08/29/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | Relocations have begun at Stateville Correctional Center as unions picket, while Illinoisans can now submit designs for a new state flag. Reporters: Peter Hancock and Andrew Adams. Word count: 500-700. Broadcast: Reader. Audio/video: No Photo: File. ETA 4:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/29/24 |  | MENTAL HEALTH | A state law intended to help people with mental illness avoid confrontations with police had been on the books for three years when Sonya Massey was shot by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy. But its launch has been delayed since July 2022. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word count: 1,850-1,950. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. Photo: File. ETA: Thursday morning. | print assets |
| 08/28/24 |  | SOCIAL EQUITY | Social equity cannabis businesses have struggled to get off the ground five years after marijuana was legalized in Illinois. License owners claim the industry's legal framework denies them business opportunities granted to major corporations, such as access to the state's medical patients. Reporter: Dilpreet Raju. Word count: 1000+. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/27/24 |  | HARRIS SUPPORTERS 2019 | Illinois officials who supported Kamala Harris during her first presidential campaign in 2019 are taking a victory lap after the Democratic Party officially made Harris its nominee for president last week at the DNC. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1500. Broadcast: n/a. Photos: Yes. ETA: 12 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/27/24 |  | PHOTOS: DU QUOIN FAIR | Photos and cutlines from the twilight parade of the Du Quoin State Fair. Photographers: Lylee Gibbs and Dominique Martinez-Powell. ETA: 8/27 at 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 08/24/24 | | CAPITOL CAST | The Capitol News Illinois team breaks down the week that was at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Host: Hannah Meisel. Guest: Peter Hancock, Andrew Adams. ERT: 25-30 min. ETA: 8/24/24. | podcast assets |
| 08/23/24 |  | DNC PHOTO GALLERY | Throughout the week at the DNC, CNI's Andrew Adams captured photos of the Illinois delegation, speeches by prominent Democrats and protests outside the convention's security perimeter. Reporter: Andrew Adams ERT: 25-30 min | print assets |
| 08/23/24 |  | CANDIDATE SLATING | The state elections board ruled Friday that Jay Keeven, a Metro East House Republican candidate, can appear on the November ballot. Challenges against him stemmed from a law banning "candidate slating" that Democrats pushed through the General Assembly in a 48-hour period in May. The board also ruled on whether three third-party or indepedent candidates may appear on the presidential ballot. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 600-800. Broadcast: Reader. Photos: File. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/23/24 |  | GOP FOR HARRIS | Adam Kinzinger, a former Illinois congressman, addressed the DNC crowd Thursday night as a "Republican for Harris." Other members of that group include former Congressman Ray LaHood and former Gov. Jim Edgar. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 600-700. Broadcast: TBA. Photos: Yes. ETA 10:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 08/22/24 |  | DNC DAY 4 BREAKFAST RECAP | As the Democratic National Convention wraps up today, party leaders in Illinois are preparing to send their volunteers and workers into the field to help elect Democrats. But with Illinois already a reliably blue state, leaders are making plans to invest in other states where electoral votes may be more in play. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says voters in his state may be persuadable, but it will take work. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 800 - 1,000 words. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: Yes. ETA: 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/22/24 |  | DNC Day 4 (broadcast only) | UPDATE: Additional clips from former IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan and former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger have been added. On the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, party leaders from Illinois sought to keep the momentum going. They urged volunteers to take this week's energy out to their communities, and work hard to elect Democrats - including Kamala Harris - in November. Reporter: Andrew Adams Audio/Video: Yes ETA: 3:00 p.m. | video snippets video recap audio snippets audio recap |
| 08/22/24 |  | ABORTION EVOLUTION PRITZKER | With the financial backing of Gov. JB Pritzker, abortion rights ballot measures in other states are a testing ground for a new messaging he and his political team are pushing: reframing reproductive health access out of the silo of "social issues" and as an economic issue and a matter of "freedom." Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1300-1500. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: reader. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC |
| 08/21/24 | | DNC DAY 3 (broadcast only) | Democrats have invited labor leaders this week to show the movement's overwhelming support of the party. Illinois delegates on Wednesday heard from the heads of the state AFL-CIO, ironworkers' union and the Chicago Federation of Labor at their delegation breakfast. Reporter(s): Andrew Adams, Andrew Campbell. Snippets: 3. Video/Audio. Recap: Yes. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | video snippets video recap audio snippets audio recap |
| 08/21/24 |  | DNC PROTESTS | Over the first few days of the Democratic National Convention, thousands took to the streets to protest mostly for the pro-Palestinian cause. While most protestors remained peaceful, Tuesday evening saw a clash between protestors and police outside the Israeli consulate. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,000-1,200. Photos: Yes. ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/21/24 |  | DNC DAY 3 BREAKFAST RECAP | Organized labor was once again the themes of the Illinois delegation's breakfast, with labor leaders who rose to the national ranks after getting their start in Chicago holding the state up as a national leader. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 900-1,000. Photos: Yes . ETA 1:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/21/24 |  | OBAMA SPEECH | Former President and Chicago resident Barack Obama gave the Tuesday evening keynote address at the DNC. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 700-800 words. Photos: Yes. ETA: 10 a.m. | print assets |
| 08/20/24 |  | PRITZKER SPEECH | Gov. JB Pritzker is slated to address the crowd at the DNC on Tuesday. It's unclear what time he will speak, but we will have coverage of his remarks. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: TBD. Photos: Yes. ETA: TBD. | print assets |
| 08/20/24 |  | DNC DAY 2 BREAKFAST RECAP | Illinois leaders and guest speakers focused on reproductive rights and organized labor among other topics at their Tuesday morning DNC breakfast. Several Illinois speakers addressed the DNC crowd Monday night as well. Reporter: Peter Hancock (Jerry Nowicki contributing). Word count: 800-1,100. Photos: Yes. ETA 4:30 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/19/24 | | DNC DAY 2 (broadcast only) | Illinois Democrats focused on reproductive rights and economic issues as they rallied Tuesday morning during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Speakers included Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Senate President Don Harmon and more. Reporter(s): Andrew Adams, Andrew Campbell. Snippets: 3. Video/Audio. Recap: Yes. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | morning video snippets morning video recap morning audio snippets morning audio recap evening video snippets (Obamas, Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth) evening audio snippets (Obamas, Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth) |
| 08/19/24 |  | DNC DAY 1 BREAKFAST RECAP | CNI's Hannah Meisel is on the scene at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where Gov. JB Pritzker kicked off the Illinois delegation’s Monday breakfast. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1000 - 1100 words. Photos: file. Broadcast: see rail below. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 08/19/24 | | DNC DAY 1 (broadcast only) | Illinois Democrats kicked off day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with several speakers - including Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and others. Outside the convention, protesters gathered in the city to make their voices heard. Reporter(s): Andrew Adams, Andrew Campbell. Snippets: 3. Video/Audio Recap: Yes. ETA: TBD. | video snippets video recap audio snippets audio recap |
| 08/19/24 |  | CAIRO 3D PRINTER | A massive 15-ton 3D printer has arrived in Cairo to print a duplex and hundreds gathered in the town on Saturday to watch a demonstration of the futuristic machine – a first for the region. This marks the first new home construction in Cairo in nearly 50 years. It is expected to take the printer 45 hours over the coming week to build the home’s exterior and interior walls. Reporter: Molly Parker. Word Count: 800-1000. Photo: Julia Rendleman. Broadcast: TBA. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio cc |
| 08/16/24 | | CAPITOL CAST: POLITICS AT THE STATE FAIR | The Capitol News Illinois team discusses some of the major themes that emerged from Democratic and Republican political days at the Illinois State Fair. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki, and Hanna Meisel. Length: 19:15. ETA: 4 p.m. | podcast assets |
| 08/16/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS: BIDEN DESIGNATES SPRINGFIELD 1908 RACE RIOT MONUMENT | President Joe Biden designated the "Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument," a lawsuit seeks to block a state law that prohibits financial institutions from charging fees on the tax and tip portions of credit or debit card purchases, and the comptroller is withholding state funding to the village of Dolton. Reporters: Jerry Nowicki and Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,000-1,000 . Photo: File. Broadcast: Radio CC. ETA EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC |
| 08/16/24 |  | TRANSMISSION LINES | A state judge tossed out a proposal for a new high voltage transmission line - a megaproject that proponents say would provide a path for the state to meet its greenhouse gas emission goals. But farmers and landowners pushed back against it, saying that the project didn't have the financing it needed and questioning the constitutionality of Illinois' landmark climate legislation. The owners of the transmission line development have promised to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 700-900 words. Photo: Illustration/graphic. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/15/24 |  | NOTES & QUOTES GOP | Despite a rain delay, the GOP faithful gathered at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Thursday for Republican Day with their sites set on whittling down their superminorities in the General Assembly. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count 1,000-1,200. Broadcast: No. ETA 5 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/15/24 |  | GOP DAY | Republicans are scheduled to have their day at the State Fair on a rainy Thursday. We’ll have coverage of the GOP’s central committee breakfast and afternoon rally. Reporters: CNI team. Word count: TBD. Broadcast: Yes. Photos: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 08/15/24 |  | NOTES AND QUOTES | Jerry Nowicki takes a look at Governor's Day, including notable quotes from the various speakers. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 1,000. Photos: Yes. Broadcast: No. ETA: Thursday 7:30 a.m. | print assets |
| 08/14/24 |  | MASSEY FAMILY LEGISLATION | Attorneys for the family of Sonya Massey say they intend to push for legislation at the state and federal level to boost accountability in law enforcement. They say waiting periods before a hire or transfer, along with other red flag information, should be included in expansions of law enforcement reforms in Springfield and Washington. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 800-1,000 words. Photo: TBD. Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC Video/Audio: Audio. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC |
| 08/14/24 | | CAPITOL CAST: PREPPING FOR THE '24 DNC | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is among the state’s Democrats preparing for next week’s national convention in Chicago. In this episode of Capitol Cast, Peter Hancock talks with Stratton about strategies and priorities for the Harris/Walz campaign, as well as down-ballot races and issues she’s focused on. Host: Peter Hancock. Guest: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. ERT: 18-20 min. ETA: 3 p.m. | podcast assets |
| 08/14/24 |  | GOVERNOR’S DAY | Democrats are gathering at the Illinois State Fair and for their annual county chairs’ brunch. Coverage and photos of the brunch and fair rally. Reporters: CNI team. Word count: TBD. Broadcast: TBD. Photos: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 08/13/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS: PRITZKER SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR STRATEGIC PLAN ON AGING ILLINOISANS | Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order aimed at supporting older Illinoisans, and the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity published a five-year economic plan this week. Reporters: Hannah Meisel and Andrew Adams. Word count 500-700 words. Photo: file. Broadcast: reader. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/12/24 |  | STATEVILLE | A federal judge is ordering Gov. JB Pritzker's administration to move inmates out of Stateville Correctional Center by the end of September, citing safety concerns at the nearly 100-year-old prison. The Illinois Department of Corrections is already working on plans to close and rebuild Stateville, though details are sparse. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 850 words. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 3:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/12/24 |  | BILL SIGNINGS | Gov. JB Pritzker signed more than 260 bills into law on Friday, including a measure regulating the death care industry, a bill allowing digital driver’s licenses and measures combatting opioid overdose. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 1,700-2,000. Broadcast: No. ETA 3 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/09/24 |  | CAMPBELL STEPS DOWN | After facing pressure from Gov. JB Pritzker and others to resign following a deputy killing Sonya Massey, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell announced Friday he would retire. Reporter: Beth Hundsdorfer. Word Count: 300-500. Broadcast: Reader. Photo: File. ETA EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/09/24 | | CAPITOL CAST: AUGUST HEATS UP | CNI Broadcast Director Jennifer Fuller talks with Editor-in-Chief Jerry Nowicki about the week's news. This week, Gov. JB Pritzker called for the resignation of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, he opened the Illinois State Fair, and he signed numerous bills into law. After the podcast was recorded, Campbell announced he would retire by the end of the month. Host: Jennifer Fuller. Guest: Jerry Nowicki | podcast assets |
| 08/09/24 |  | OVERDOSE EDUCATION | The Illinois State Board of Education released a set of guides for overdose education last month. The program materials, which are voluntary, are part of a 2023 law that required the Board of Education to craft state-approved materials for K-12 classes. Reporter: Dilpreet Raju. Word count: 500-700. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/09/24 |  | | The community of Cairo, Illinois, once a food desert, welcomed its new market last year with balloons and cheers. But the store is struggling — exposing problems with the programs set up to help. Reporter: Molly Parker. Word count: 4,000. Photos: By Julia Rendleman. Broadcast: No. ETA: 1 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/08/24 |  | CAPITOL BRIEFS | A lawsuit challenges the state's new "Workers Freedom of Speech Act"; Gov. JB Pritzker stepped up his criticism of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell this week, calling on him to resign after the death of Sonya Massey at the hands of a now-former deputy; Special training is being offered to recognize and potentially prevent attacks against seniors in the LGBTQ+ community; State leaders open the Illinois State Fair Reporter: CNI Staff Word Count: 750-1,000 words Photo: Yes Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC, TV SOT Audio/Video: Yes ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC TV SOT |
| 08/08/24 |  | MEDICAID WAIVER | The Illinois Medicaid program is about to undergo fundamental changes by providing nonmedical social services like housing and food assistance, violence prevention and intervention, and pre-release services for incarcerated individuals. The services are allowed under a new waiver that federal officials approved in July. Reporter: Peter Hancock. Word count: 1,300 - 1,400 words. Photo: stock/file. Broadcast: No. Audio/video: No. ETA: EOD. | print assets |
| 08/08/24 | | OUTSAFE TRAINING (broadcast only) | The U.S. Department of Justice reports an increase in violence and discrimination toward the older LGBTQ+ community. This week, AgeLinc, the Area Agency on Aging that serves central Illinois, is hosting a workshop for other organizations and service providers to learn more about the OUTSafe program - an older adult violence prevention training program. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Photo: No. Broadcast Scripts: Reader, Radio CC, TV VOSOT Video/Audio: Yes. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 08/08/24 | | PHOTOS: FAIR RIBBON CUTTING | Gov. JB Pritzker, first lady MK Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and others cut the ribbon on the 2024 Illinois State Fair on Thursday, officially launching the 11-day fair in Springfield. We will distributed photos but no story. Photographers: Jerry Nowicki & Peter Hancock ETA: 2 p.m. | print assets |
| 08/07/24 |  | 2024 BUTTER COW | The 2024 Illinois State Fair opens Thursday, and on Wednesday organizers unveiled one of the stars of the show: the Butter Cow. Following the "It's Showtime" theme, the sculpture features the traditional cow, along with a young magician showing off a magic act. Reporter: Jerry Nowicki, Peter Hancock. Word Count: 300-400. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader, TV VO. Video/Audio: Video only. ETA: 5:30 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader TV VO |
| 08/07/24 |  | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | Gov. JB Pritzker will sign multiple bills related to expanding reproductive rights access in Illinois, including a bill codifying a federal law allowing medical professionals to perform abortions when an individual is experiencing a high-risk clinical emergency. Reporter: Dilpreet Raju. Word count: 500-700. Photo: file. Broadcast: All. Video/audio: Yes. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 08/07/24 |  | SOUTH SUBURBAN AIRPORT | A proposal for a state-backed airport in Chicago's south suburbs has gained renewed interest in recent years and a new study from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute says the airport could generate $1 billion in economic activity. But some local politicians are frustrated with the project and divisions remain over whether it should continue moving forward at all. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word count: 800-900. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. Video/audio: No. ETA: noon. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/06/24 |  | REENTRY IDS | Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill concerning identification for people reentering society from corrections facilities. Reporter: Dilpreet Raju. Word count: 500-700. Photo: file. Broadcast: VOSOT. Video/audio: Yes. ETA: 4 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 08/05/24 |  | BILL SIGNINGS | Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a measure to curtail the state's Biometric Information Privacy Act, a bill that would eliminate the statewide grocery tax by 2026 and a number of other measures into law. We'll cover some of the more interesting bills he has signed since Friday. Reporter: Hannah Meisel & Jerry Nowicki. Word count: 1,000-1,200. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: 5 p.m. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/02/24 | | CAPITOL CAST: SONYA MASSEY | In the weeks following the death of Sonya Massey, many are still questioning how it happened. In this week’s episode of Capitol Cast, CNI's Beth Hundsdorfer and Andrew Adams review the latest information in the ongoing investigation of now-former deputy Sean Grayson - who is accused of killing Massey. | podcast assets |
| 08/02/24 |  | AQUA RATES | The Illinois Commerce Commission continued its public hearings this week, as commissioners consider requests from two water companies to raise rates for customers. Reporter: Andrew Adams. Word Count: 800-1,000. Photo: Yes. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/02/24 |  | MADIGAN CASE | July proved a busy month for both prosecutors and defense attorneys in federal corruption cases involving the alleged bribery of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan by utility giants ComEd and AT&T in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision narrowing the federal bribery law in late June. Madigan is set to stand trial in October. Reporter: Hannah Meisel. Word count: 1,600-1,800. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader. ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast reader |
| 08/01/24 | | ELECTION JUDGES (broadcast only) | Legislation passed earlier this year requires election authorities to revise things like badges for election judges and more. County clerks are using National Poll Worker Recruitment Day to highlight some of the changes, and talk about election security. Reporter: Andrew Campbell. Photo: No. Broadcast: Reader, Radio CC, TV VOSOT. ETA: EOD. | broadcast reader radio CC TV VOSOT |
| 08/01/24 | | CAPITOL BRIEFS: GRAYSON, STATEVILLE, 2024 ELECTION | The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has released the personnel file of former deputy Sean Grayson, a new court filing requests transfer or release for dozens of people held at the Stateville Prison, and updates ahead of the 2024 General Election. Reporters: CNI Staff. Word count: 1,200-1,500. Photo: File. Broadcast: Reader(s) ETA: EOD. | print assets broadcast readers |
