Episode notes
Former Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) resigned this summer after sexual harassment allegations came to light. But the Illinois House Speaker, Emanuel "Chris" Welch, is facing criticism for how he handled the the situation.
Podcast
State Week
Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III · News · English
An analysis of the week in Illinois politics and government from the NPR [email protected] for State Week comes from:Pie OrgThe Illinois Education Association Visit Springfield
More from State Week All episodes →
-
28 Aug 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Concerns over Trump's mail voting rules
Illinois has joined other states in a legal challenge against the president's order.
-
21 Aug 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Politics at the Illinois State Fair
Democrats and Republicans held their annual rallies at the fairgrounds in Springfield.
-
14 Aug 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Campaign season is underway
The Democratic and Republican nominees for governor appeared separately at the same event this week.
-
7 Aug 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Speaker Welch responds
House Speaker Emanual "Chris" Welch spoke to several media outlets this week, saying he was sorry for his actions and issued an apology.
-
31 Jul 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Who's in the race for Chicago mayor?
Several candidates are eyeing the position in the 2027 election.
-
17 Jul 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Trump continues to raise election security concerns ahead of the midterms
The president again reiterated his allegations that elections are vulnerable to being stolen, but some see allegations as a bigger threat.
-
10 Jul 2026 · 29 min
State Week: Ammons indicted, Benton resigns
A pair of Illinois House Democrats were in the spotlight this week for different reasons.
-
2 Jul 2026 · 29 min
State Week: A new fiscal year brings new laws
On this episode, we discuss some of the new laws that took effect in Illinois.
-
26 Jun 2026 · 29 min
State Week: A data center discussion
On this episode, we talk about the controversy surrounding data center development and efforts to enact guardrails at the state level. Lawmakers left Springfield pledging to work on legislation that could address concerns over power usage, utility costs and more.
-
18 Jun 2026 · 28 min
State Week: Illinois tackles the intoxicating hemp industry
A new law puts rules on what had been an unregulated product.
