Leaders of downstate public transportation agencies speak to the Senate Transportation Committee in Springfield on Tuesday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]  

The Senate wrapped up months of hearings on Tuesday that dug into challenges facing public transportation systems in Illinois with a deadline coming next year to address a 2026 fiscal cliff for the agencies’ budgets.

Former Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis), left, and Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt), right. [Illinois House of Representatives]   

Heads turned when Republicans managed to overthrow a member of the House Democratic leadership team in 2022 when former Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) was ousted by now-Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt). 

Though the boundaries of the 114th House District in the Metro East area were new, voters had reliably supported Democratic candidates in previous election cycles. That changed in 2022 as voters saw their House districts change and rewarded Schmidt, a chiropractor, with a term in Springfield.  

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at an event in Tokyo last week. [Office of the Governor]   

Gov. JB Pritzker and 49 others wrapped up a state economic mission to Japan on Thursday, returning home with 110 new jobs at a north suburban manufacturing facility and hopes for more Japanese investments in Illinois.  

Gov. JB Pritzker released his tax returns showing his income grew in 2023. And the governor also urged Stellantis to move forward on reopening the Belvidere assembly plant. 

Liz Bishop of LaSalle, left, and Amy “Murri” Briel of Ottawa, right, are running for the 76^th House District. [Bishop and Briel campaigns]  

The 76^th House District centered in LaSalle County is one of the few House races this fall without an incumbent and the district’s moderate nature leaves Republicans hoping to pick up a seat.

The Illinois Capitol  

Many Illinois teachers have considered leaving the profession, according to a poll of Illinois Education Association (IEA) members, with financial concerns driving their worries.  

The Illinois Capitol   

With multiple hearings complete exploring the responsibilities of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) and how they impact consumers and independent pharmacies in Illinois, Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) said people can expect some sort of legislation will result from the hearings, though the committee has more work to do.  

Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against TikTok. And Illinois officials are set to hold a ceremony recognizing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument.  

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson visits the Illinois Capitol in May 2024. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]   

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has raised alarm bells with some state lawmakers after the entire Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education resigned Friday amid apparent pressure from Johnson for the board to oust CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and approve a short-term high-interest loan to cover budget gaps in the district, which Martinez opposes.  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), who led a Johnson- and Chicago Teachers Union (CTU)-supported plan through Springfield to layout the process for electing CPS’ board beginning this fall, issued a statement Saturday that sparked backlash from the mayor’s allies.  

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-Ill.) is leading a national coalition advertising campaign opposing Project 2025. And the Illinois Republican Party will host a fundraiser this week with Mike Davis — a controversial ally of former President Donald Trump.