Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman speaks at a news conference in Springfield Friday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]  

New bills passed at the state and federal level will add new elements to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) ongoing efforts to complete the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. 

Prairie Band Chairman Joseph Rupnick speaks during a news conference in Shabbona, Ill. in DeKalb County Thursday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]

It’s been 173 years since the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation had their DeKalb County reservation illegally sold off by the U.S. government, but now Illinois’ state and federal lawmakers are making a new push to reestablish the reservation.

Illinois’ gaming industry has seen a major expansion in recent years with legalized sports betting and additional casinos.

Illinois could bring in an extra $273 million if it takes a step only six other states have and legalizes internet gaming, according to a report released this week.

The Illinois Department of Corrections was found in contempt of court by a federal judge for failing to improve the agency’s health care for prisoners. Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) filed a lawsuit against the Frankfort Police Department as he goes through divorce proceedings. And Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) wants to remove signs on Interstate 57 pointing drivers toward Memphis, Tenn.

Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) presents a redistricting bill in the House in May 2021. [Blue Room Stream] 

With 14 years of experience in the General Assembly, Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) has been tapped for leadership positions before or asked to make a heavy lift to move a controversial bill through the House. Now as the first Latina to lead the Democratic Party of Illinois, Hernandez must guide the party through its first campaign season without former House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) at the helm since the mid-1990s.

Republican treasurer candidate Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) is warning Democrats’ budgeting tactics could cause them to push for a tax increase or a retirement tax as his race with Treasurer Mike Frerichs heats up. And more Democratic candidates are hitting Illinois TVs, including the first ad supporting the Workers’ Rights Amendment.

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) speaks at a news conference at the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 office in Chicago Monday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]  

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and Chicago Fraternal Order of Police announced Monday they are endorsing Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) for governor as the 2021 SAFE-T Act and recent legislation boosting support for police departments remain hot topics in this year’s campaign.

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a news conference in April. [Blue Room Stream] 

Patronage and political hires have long been a closely monitored problem in Illinois, but a federal appeals court ruled Friday that Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration has successfully insulated state government from the risk of political hires.

From left to right, state Supt. Carmen Ayala, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson, Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and Advance Illinois President Robin Steans participate in a forum Thursday. [City Club of Chicago]

Educators are still working to assess the damage caused by disruptions to students’ learning during the pandemic as they juggled in-person and virtual classes. But a new report released Thursday shows the primary problem for Illinois schools is now just getting students enrolled.

Dr. Sameer Vohra speaks during a news conference on Chicago’s South Side Thursday. [Blue Room Stream]

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Sameer Vohra stepped into the spotlight for the first time Thursday after taking the reins of Illinois’ health department. Vohra’s start as the new voice of public health guidance for Illinois comes as the state juggles a pair of public health emergencies.