Capitol Cast: Illinois

School funding crisis, Welch under pressure

July 31, 2026·28 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch vows to push for additional school funding during the fall veto session as Chicago Public Schools prepares for layoffs. Welch is also coming under pressure over his handling of the Harry Benton sexual harassment scandal as Rep. Fred Crespo calls for him to step down. Plus, Gov. JB Pritzker signs a statewide cellphone ban for public schools and the State Board of Elections responds to threats of prosecution from the Trump administration. Peter Hancock, Brenden Moore and Ben Szalinski discuss the week's news.

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