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Artwork for State Week
Illinois
Chicago
Donald Trump
Michael Madigan
Governor JB Pritzker
Trump Administration
Illinois State Budget
JB Pritzker
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Chicago Bears
Illinois Budget
Immigration Enforcement
Illinois State Government
Tariffs
Higher Education
Operation Midway Blitz
Illinois Politics
Illinois General Assembly
Corruption

An analysis of the week in Illinois politics and government from the NPR Illinois.comments@stateweek.orgSupport for State Week comes from:Pie OrgThe Illinois Education Association Visit Springfield

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes36Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Government

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Artwork for State Week

Latest Episodes

Illinois lawmakers passed a budget and a flurry of other legislation in the final session days. But the Chicago Bears request for help with a new stadium was left on the table.

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to end its spring session Sunday. But there are a lot of issues left to consider.

With about a week left before adjournment, legislation is advancing at the Illinois statehouse.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn the spring session at the end of May.

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Recent Guests

Mawa Iqbal
Reporter for WBEZ and Illinois Public Radio
WBEZ, Illinois Public Radio
Episode: State Week: Plenty of issues on the table
Ben Solinsky
Reporter, Capitol News Illinois
Capitol News Illinois
Episode: State Week: A status check on Illinois budget talks
Ray Long
Retired Chicago Tribune reporter; author of The House That Madigan Built
Chicago Tribune
Episode: State Week: Court orders release and new trials for two of the ComEd 4
Hannah Meisel
Reporter for Capital News Illinois
Capital News Illinois
Episode: State Week: The property tax burden is getting more focus
Nicole Hittrick
Reporter with Capital News Illinois
Capital News Illinois
Episode: State Week: The data center debate
Dilpreet Raju
Reporter for the Illinois Times
Illinois Times
Episode: State Week: The data center debate
Patrick Fingston
Radio host for WMAY in Springfield; author of Illinois's Political Newsletter
WMAY
Episode: State Week: A look at key primary races
Jeremy Garner
Chicago Tribune staff, covering government and politics in Illinois.
Chicago Tribune
Episode: State Week: Governor deals with uncertainty as he prepares to deliver his budget address
Mike Miletich
Capital reporter for WAND TV in Central Illinois
WAND TV
Episode: State Week: Lawmakers discuss potential changes to the SAFE-T Act

Hosts

Sean Crawford
Host of the program; NPR Illinois
Charlie Wheeler
Panelist; Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois Springfield

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 55 ratings
  • Not great

    I live in Springfield, but this is a very liberal narrow view of politics, nothing more.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    baker1984!
    United States3 years ago
  • “You Know”

    I love the insight and appreciate the show so much. If you are feeling adventurous, try a drinking game every time someone says “you know.”

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    rachaelsinnen
    United States4 years ago
  • Concise and Thoughtful

    Due to the political climate and news deserts, I think gen z (me) doesn’t learn much about state and local politics. This podcast has helped me be more in tune to politics that affect me just as much as the national politics we tend to focus on so much. I love hearing Hannah’s and Charlie’s takes each week. Thank you for this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kd838
    United States5 years ago
  • Fantastic podcast

    Great nonpartisan coverage of Illinois politics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chicagowonk
    United States6 years ago
  • Blatantly partisan.

    By the way. Corona virus has been in the United States since the first week of December and 93% of the American populace has been exposed to it within the first two months of 2020.

    There is no pandemic.

    Only people dying who would have died from any other major illness or health complications.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Chris Loiselle
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests and hosts are repeatedly praised for credible reporting and knowledgeable analysis.
Some reviews note perceived partisan slant from a few topics, though overall coverage is appreciated for depth and clarity.
Listeners value clear, nonpartisan breakdowns of Illinois politics even when topics are controversial.
The show provides practical context for local governance, helping newcomers understand state issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#219
United States/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

State Week: Illinois seeks to hold ICE accountable
Q: Maggie, what is the likelihood we could see some prosecution?
Report suggests local prosecutors may pursue cases if investigations proceed, though jurisdictional and political considerations complicate whether charges will actually be filed; a special prosecutor option has been discussed but outcomes remain uncertain.
State Week: Lawmakers consider a higher education funding change
Q: How might the new education funding proposal fare in the House and Senate, given potential opposition from the flagship U of I?
Opposition from the University of Illinois concerns about reduced share of new funds under the plan could complicate passage, especially if lawmakers insist on protections or alternative funding mechanisms; the bill might see amendments and a conference committee in the coming weeks.
State Week: Lawmakers consider a higher education funding change
Q: Peter, what are they doing in response to rising insurance-rate hikes and lax regulation?
They're moving a bill out of committee that would give the Illinois Insurance Department the authority to review and approve or deny rate increases and require 60 days' notice for hikes of 10% or more, though the industry opposes these changes.
State Week: JB Pritzker responds to Clinton testimony
Q: What actually took place there, and how does this affect Pritzker politically?
The hosts explain that the documented records contradict the notion of a direct Pritzker-Epstein connection, which reduces the credibility of the GOP narrative and frames it as a misperception in a high-profile national context.
State Week: JB Pritzker responds to Clinton testimony
Q: What exactly did Bill Clinton say, and what is known about the flights involving Clinton and the Pritzkers?
The panel clarifies that Clinton's testimony referenced flights that have dates that, upon investigation, show conflicting timelines; records indicate Epstein's flights and the Pritzkers' involvement are not as Clinton described, with evidence pointing to a specific trip in 2008 rather than the governor being on Epstein's plane.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About State Week

What is State Week about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Analyses of Illinois state politics and governance through panel discussions that frequently examine budgeting, taxation, education funding, and policy debates. Episodes often center on budget negotiations, revenue projections, major policy fights (data centers, housing, pensions, and state incentives for large projects like stadiums), plus high-profile political events and investigations. A recurring strength is blending veteran reporting with expert panelists to unpack complex policy issues in a state-specific context, frequently anchored by a Springfield-centered talks format and local reporter insights. The show tends to be timely, policy-forward, and accessible to listeners who want practical context for how state decisions affect loca... more

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Which podcasts are similar to State Week?

These podcasts share a similar audience with State Week:

1. Capitol Cast: Illinois
2. GD POLITICS
3. Uncanny Valley | WIRED
4. Volts
5. On the Media

How many episodes of State Week are there?

State Week launched 10 years ago and published 36 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on State Week?

Recent guests on State Week include:

1. Mawa Iqbal
2. Ben Solinsky
3. Ray Long
4. Hannah Meisel
5. Nicole Hittrick
6. Dilpreet Raju
7. Patrick Fingston
8. Jeremy Garner

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