In this episode Jim Mertens talks with Illinois lawmakers, who have just returned to the state capitol for a new session, about what to expect in the new year.

Jerry Nowicki, editor in chief for Capital News Illinois, lists his top news stories in Illinois politics and government for 2025. He also looks ahead to some key issues and people to watch for in 2026.

Representatives of many of those organizations met Tuesday night – at a “Power To the People” event in East Moline (in a local carpenters’ union hall), which attracted over 200 members of the public. Speakers and ordinary people vented their frustrations and sought ways to successfully counter a threatening government, especially following the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of an unarmed female motorist in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.

Rep. Croken will hold a community session on Saturday, January 24, at 10 a.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall in Davenport. Attendees can expect to hear ways to respond to being detained, understanding their rights and how to work together to minimize harm to the community.

The Quad Cities National Organization for Women (NOW) will hold a Rally for Reproductive Freedom on Sunday, Jan. 18 in Rock Island, near the 53rd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion before being overturned in 2022.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Transportation, invites the public to attend a second public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, for the U.S. 67 (Centennial Bridge) corridor project. The meeting will be from 3 to 6 p.m. at the second floor of The Current Iowa, 215 N. Main St., Davenport. There will be no formal presentation, and the public is invited to attend at any time during the hours listed.

While the Third Ward council member originally sought a suspension of the city social services ordinance (approved in October), to be discussed at Monday’s City Council meeting Jan. 12, that item will not be on the agenda, per the request of Mayor Ashley Harris.

Iowa House Representative Gary Mohr eyes property tax reform, barring for-profit companies from using eminent domain, and tough on crime policies as his main priorities for the legislative term.

New Davenport Mayor Jason Gordon met the media Tuesday afternoon, with the City Council, who will all be sworn into office at the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 226 W. 4th St. The 2026-27 City Council includes four new aldermen: Paul Vasquez (Ward 3), John Blunk (Ward 5), Mark Holloway (Ward 7), and Matt Lienen (Ward 8). In brief remarks, Gordon said he’s looking forward to hiring a new city administrator as the most important first task of the council.

The Iowa Legislature’s 91st General Assembly begins next month. One local representative is proposing paid family leave.