Illinois Democrats take a picture at the State Fair on Wednesday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]   

All the focus was on next week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago at Governor’s Day at the State Fair in Springfield, which is traditionally the largest campaign event for the political parties each year.  

With Chicago once again at the center of political history next week, Wednesday’s message from Illinois Democrats focused on promoting Vice President Kamala Harris’ and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s candidacy.  

Gov. JB Pritzker said he will be involved in efforts to expand abortion rights in Missouri. The federal government will recognize the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site on Friday. And former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos discusses her relationship with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.  

The Illinois Capitol   

New regulations on artificial intelligence and a law to prevent vehicles from parking on the shoulder near O’Hare International Airport are among the final round of bills approved by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2024.  

Illinois Department of Corrections Director Latoya Hughes listens to a hearing in Joliet in June. [Blue Room Stream]   

A host of economic impacts could be coming Logan County’s way in the coming years if the state moves forward on a plan to close the Logan Correctional Center, according to local officials. 

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) confirmed on Monday they intend to close Stateville prison in Crest Hill next month as conditions become increasingly deplorable. That move also keeps the department on a timeline to close Logan within the next five years. 

The Senate Transportation Committee held on Friday the third part of a series of six hearings to discuss potential public transportation reforms ahead of a $730 million projected deficit for fiscal year 2026. 

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) holds a news conference in Springfield on March 6. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]  

A bill has been filed in the Illinois Senate to overhaul how Illinois funds higher education with hopes of better meeting the needs of the state’s universities after a commission found state universities lacked the necessary funding.  

Gov. JB Pritzker holds a news conference in Springfield at the State Fair on Wednesday. [Blue Room Stream] 

Gov. JB Pritzker called on Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign after the governor initially stopped short of such action when asked for his opinion on Tuesday.  

Gov. JB Pritzker signs legislation at a news conference in Chicago on Wednesday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line] 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed new abortion protections into law Wednesday, including a measure that codifies emergency abortions as Illinois Democrats remain skeptical the federal protection will survive the conservative Supreme Court.  

A study shows the possible impact of building a third Chicago airport in the south suburbs. And a new report found gun deaths are increasing from domestic violence situations.

Gov. JB Pritzker opened up Tuesday about being considered to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate after spending the last two weeks going through the vetting process as one of a handful of Democrats considered for the presidential ticket.