The Cook County Jail   

It’s been nearly one year since Illinois eliminated cash bail and while much of the data and information about the change is in its infancy, researchers are starting to see trends in how the revolutionary criminal justice system reform is impacting Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]   

Chicago officials and Mayor Brandon Johnson have not talked about any of the city’s budget issues with Gov. JB Pritzker, the governor told reporters on Tuesday.  

The Illinois Capitol 

Two school years have been completed since Illinois legislators passed controversial new sex education policies, and new data from the State Board of Education shows most Illinois school districts have decided not to adopt the curriculum that sparked fierce debate in Springfield.  

The Illinois Capitol   

Illinois lawmakers are renewing a push to pass new laws on gun storage after a 14-year-old was responsible for a mass shooting at a Georgia high school.  

The Illinois sign at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center last month. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line] 

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff made another stop in Chicago Friday just two weeks after the Democratic National Convention to stump for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Harris-Walz campaign looks to build on strong fundraising numbers with two months before Election Day.

Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren told Chicago business leaders on Thursday night he is open to joining forces with other Chicago sports teams to submit a stadium funding pitch to the legislature. And the submission process to design a new state flag is now open despite controversy from some right-wing legislators.  

The Illinois Capitol   

Multiple reports this week on the state of Illinois’ economy point to slowing growth trends for the state along with vulnerability to an economic slowdown. 

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) takes questions from reporters in 2022. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line] 

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) is continuing to push for more legal protections for state employees working in the field as a Sangamon County judge found a man guilty of killing a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) worker in 2022.  

A CTA train passes through the Loop in Chicago.

Four homeless people were murdered on a CTA Blue Line train Monday morning as state lawmakers consider new changes to public transportation funding and governance. Hearings on the changes have also included opportunities for senators to press CTA President Dorval Carter about safety on his trains and buses.  

Gov. JB Pritzker holds a guitar at the opening of the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford on Thursday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]  

The Hard Rock Casino in Rockford’s permanent location opened its doors on Thursday becoming the latest casino approved as part of a gaming expansion law in 2019 to open doors at a physical location.