State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-16) talks about his role as lead negotiator for the state in keeping the Bears in Illinois, the latest on the talks, his diverse background and how it shapes his approach to key issues, the partisan divide in the nation and ideological divide in the Democratic party, actions taken by the legislature to address cost of living concerns, data centers and much more. Buckner, first elected in 2018, is a former aide to Sen, Dick Durbin and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landreiu, was governmental affairs advisor to the Chicago Cubs and is the lead budget negotiator in the Illinois House.

Jerry Nowicki, editor in chief of Capitol News Illinois, talks about the recently concluded Illinois legislative session, what was accomplished and what was not. He'll discuss the Bears stadium, budget, tax increases, spending priorities, efforts to regulate AI centers and a look at the Fall campaign.