Under the Dome

On this week's Under the Dome Podcast, we discuss the upcoming inaugurations of a Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly and Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker.

The Under the Dome Podcast crew checks in one last time in 2018 to talk about recent Illinois Statehouse news, including Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker's newly named staff, the state continuing to lose population and Attorney General Lisa Madigan issuing a preliminary report about sex abuse cases involving Catholic priests. Our staff members also reveal their state government story of the year.

On this week's episode of the Under the Dome podcast, Angie, Bernie and Doug discuss the revelation that Gov. Bruce Rauner actually tried to drop out of the governor's race between the primary and general elections. They also talk about the governor's ongoing battle with AFSCME and Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker's trip to D.C. to visit President Trump and his plans for inauguration day.

On this week's episode of Under the Dome, we talk about the Satanic display that has been installed in the Capitol rotunda and the national attention that has gone along with it. Also, it's been 10 years since former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested. We remember. 

On this week's episode of Under the Dome, we review the final three days of the Illinois General Assembly's veto session, which culminated with Gov. Bruce Rauner making a public appearance in Springfield for the first time since his election loss to say he fears for Illinois' future under the incoming J.B. Pritzker administration. We also talk about a state representative apologizing for comments she made on the House floor that seemed to threaten another lawmaker.

The first week of the Illinois General Assembly's veto session is in the books. We take a look at what happened, including lawmakers holding a hearing about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Foundation and a hat they bought that may or may not have actually belonged to Lincoln. We also talk about the reaction to newly re-elected state Comptroller Susana Mendoza announcing eight days after the election that she will run for Chicago mayor.

The State Journal-Register's Bernard Schoenburg, Doug Finke and Angie Muhs break down Tuesday's Election Day results, including the Democratic sweep of statewide offices and Republican sweep of our two local U.S. House seats.

We're almost to Election Day. The State Journal-Register's Bernard Schoenburg and Doug Finke round up how the candidates are winding down their campaigns. 

This week, Bernie Schoenburg and Doug Finke take a look at some interesting political ads in the gubernatorial race. Also, as Election Day nears, they talk about some interesting developments in the gubernatorial race and in the race for state attorney general.

On this week's episode of Under the Dome, Bernard Schoenburg, Doug Finke and Angie Muhs talk about the latest debate between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker. They also give an update on the hotly contested U.S. House race between incumbent Republican Rodney Davis and Democratic challenger Betsy Londrigan.

On this week's episode of Under the Dome, Bernard Schoenburg, Doug Finke and Angie Muhs recap Wednesday night's debate between Gov. Bruce Rauner and J.B. Pritzker. They also talk about other campaign news and step increases for state employees.

On this week's episode of Under the Dome, we review the controversy surrounding a stovepipe hat that allegedly belonged to Abraham Lincoln, the race between U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis and Betsy Dirksen Londrigan and last week's governor's debate. We also preview a story coming up Sunday about the increased use of digital ads in this year's election campaign.

The State Journal-Register's Bernard Schoenburg and Doug Finke review the week that was in Illinois government and politics. 

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has been busy with his veto pen this week, opposing bills that would ban tobacco sales to people under 21 and pay teachers a guaranteed $40,000 salary. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs also has a bone to pick with Rauner over office space for treasurer employees in Springfield. He also signed a bill allowing wider use of medical marijuana. We also cover Election 2018, including the races for governor and the 13th Congressional District.

As we wash down that final corn dog with a final swig of a lemon shakeup, we recap the political action that happened at the just-completed 2018 Illinois State Fair. We also look at a new poll in the governor's race and the legal troubles faced by a now-former Rodney Davis campaign staffer.

This week on the Under the Dome Podcast, we discuss: * The departure of Nick Sauer from the Illinois House after allegations from an ex-girlfriend. * State workers finally getting some back pay. * Gov. Rauner signing an "offshoring" bill. * A look ahead at the Illinois State Fair, including Democrats' plans to host former Vice President Joe Biden. 

On this week's episode of Under the Dome, we preview President Trump's trip to the U.S. Steel plant (pictured) in Granite City, Illinois. Also, we discuss the controversy that arose when a Chicago mayoral candidate started handing out money at an event Gov. Bruce Rauner was attending. Plus, Mark Janus has a new job. 

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has been busy this week signing bills related to gun control and the Quincy veterans' home. We also have reaction from the Trump-Putin meeting in Finland. All this and more on this week's episode of the Under the Dome podcast.

With the July 4 holiday, it's a light-news week in Illinois government. Still, we learned that state Sen. Sam McCann's petitions to run for governor were not challenged, which means he, along with Gov. Bruce Rauner, J.B. Pritzker and Libertarian Kash Jackson will all be running for governor. Also, we talk about Rauner's recent trip to Champaign-Urbana to make up for unflattering comments he recently made about the region. 

We're one day removed from the U.S. Supreme Court's big Janus vs. AFSCME decision that will have far-reaching consequences for unions in Illinois and beyond. Bernie, Doug and Angie break down the ruling. They also mention Sam McCann filing for governor as a third-party candidate and Joe Biden planning a trip to Springfield.