Maggie Dougherty
@maggiedough.bsky.social
state government and politics reporter for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social • graduate of @medillschool.bsky.social • she/her • on signal at maggie_dough.26
“Illinois won’t back down — we have both a constitutional right and a moral obligation to regulate artificial intelligence in healthcare, public safety and beyond,” Rep. Bob Morgan told me.
More on Illinois' response to Trump's executive order on AI: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
More on Illinois' response to Trump's executive order on AI: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
Illinois leaders ‘won’t back down’ following Trump’s order limiting AI regulation
Article Summary President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week targeting state laws that regulate artificial intelligence. Illinois has
capitolnewsillinois.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
“Illinois won’t back down — we have both a constitutional right and a moral obligation to regulate artificial intelligence in healthcare, public safety and beyond,” Rep. Bob Morgan told me.
More on Illinois' response to Trump's executive order on AI: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
More on Illinois' response to Trump's executive order on AI: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
This morning @govpritzker.illinois.gov signed Illinois' medical aid in dying bill. Starting next September, it will allow terminally ill Illinois adults with six months to live to take end-of-life medication.
More here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
More here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Pritzker signs ‘medical aid in dying’ bill amid religious opposition
Article Summary JB Pritzker signed a law Friday that will allow terminally ill Illinoisians to end their lives with physician-prescribed
capitolnewsillinois.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This morning @govpritzker.illinois.gov signed Illinois' medical aid in dying bill. Starting next September, it will allow terminally ill Illinois adults with six months to live to take end-of-life medication.
More here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
More here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Excited to be on the utilities and energy beat for CNI, kicking off with my coverage of yesterday’s ICC rulings. Get ready to be sick of hearing me talk about why your energy bills are (or aren’t) going up!
State regulators slashed requested gas rate increases for Ameren Illinois and Nicor by over 40% this week. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/iL3oIrk
ICC slashes Nicor, Ameren proposed gas rate hikes by over 40%
Article Summary The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $168 million spending increase for Nicor Gas, 47% less than the $314
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Excited to be on the utilities and energy beat for CNI, kicking off with my coverage of yesterday’s ICC rulings. Get ready to be sick of hearing me talk about why your energy bills are (or aren’t) going up!
Took my new (to me but actually quite old) camera out on assignment for the first time yesterday to cover the ‘Broadview Six’ arraignment hearing and rally.
November 13, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Took my new (to me but actually quite old) camera out on assignment for the first time yesterday to cover the ‘Broadview Six’ arraignment hearing and rally.
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
'Broadview six’ plead not guilty to charges of ‘impeding’ agents outside ICE facility. @hannahmeisel.bsky.social and @maggiedough.bsky.social report: https://loom.ly/YFqF3mU
‘Broadview Six’ plead not guilty to charges of ‘impeding’ agents outside ICE facility
Article Summary A group of six Democratic candidates, officeholders and activists pleaded not guilty Wednesday on federal charges they “impeded”
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:20 AM
'Broadview six’ plead not guilty to charges of ‘impeding’ agents outside ICE facility. @hannahmeisel.bsky.social and @maggiedough.bsky.social report: https://loom.ly/YFqF3mU
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
State lawmakers narrowly pass bill legalizing physician-prescribed medical aid in dying. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/Adv8qKU
Legislature passes ‘medical aid in dying’ bill that governor says he will review
Article Summary State lawmakers passed a bill to legalize “medical aid in dying” for Illinois adults with terminal illnesses. If
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM
State lawmakers narrowly pass bill legalizing physician-prescribed medical aid in dying. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/Adv8qKU
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
Illinois may try to make up for some of the shortfall created by the federal government cutting off SNAP benefits beginning Saturday. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/MCA4wMI
‘Drop in the bucket’: Illinois measures to offset SNAP cuts will not alleviate problem
Article Summary JB Pritzker signed an executive order allocating $20 million to state food banks and food pantries in preparation
capitolnewsillinois.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Illinois may try to make up for some of the shortfall created by the federal government cutting off SNAP benefits beginning Saturday. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/MCA4wMI
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
Democratic lawmaker faces right-wing anger online for email blast apparently sharing ICE vehicle information. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/1g0vlT8
State rep., comptroller candidate’s ICE disclosures draw threats from DOJ
Article Summary State representative and comptroller candidate Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, has come under fire from online conservatives for publicizing ICE
capitolnewsillinois.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Democratic lawmaker faces right-wing anger online for email blast apparently sharing ICE vehicle information. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/1g0vlT8
A feature I reported back in August came out as the cover story of Illinois Times today. 📸 by the incredible Zach Adams. Read it here: www.illinoistimes.com/news/blind-m...
October 23, 2025 at 8:39 PM
A feature I reported back in August came out as the cover story of Illinois Times today. 📸 by the incredible Zach Adams. Read it here: www.illinoistimes.com/news/blind-m...
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
Gov. JB Pritzker talks Chicago budget, pensions and Bears stadium funding at an Economic Club of Chicago event Tuesday. @maggiedough.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/tIA6cHI
Pritzker talks city budget, Bears stadium with Chicago business and civic leaders
Article Summary The governor weighed in on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget plan for the city, saying he opposed any
capitolnewsillinois.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Gov. JB Pritzker talks Chicago budget, pensions and Bears stadium funding at an Economic Club of Chicago event Tuesday. @maggiedough.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/tIA6cHI
With reporting from protests up and down Illinois: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/thousan...
Thousands mobilize in Chicago, across Illinois to send a message: ‘No Kings’
Article Summary Tens of thousands turn out for a “No Kings” demonstration Saturday to protest the Trump administration’s aggressive and
capitolnewsillinois.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:10 AM
With reporting from protests up and down Illinois: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/thousan...
The inflatable animal protest trend has reached Chicago. Ft. A unicorn signing the constitution, a koala, and a dragon.
October 18, 2025 at 3:37 PM
The inflatable animal protest trend has reached Chicago. Ft. A unicorn signing the constitution, a koala, and a dragon.
I’ll be covering today’s ‘No Kings’ rally in downtown Chicago for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social. Feel free to DM me with tips if you see anything.
October 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I’ll be covering today’s ‘No Kings’ rally in downtown Chicago for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social. Feel free to DM me with tips if you see anything.
Beautiful weather in downtown Chicago as organizers start setting up for ‘No Kings’ rally
October 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Beautiful weather in downtown Chicago as organizers start setting up for ‘No Kings’ rally
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
Federal agents targeted a parking lot filled with rideshare drivers in an immigration raid near Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday that resulted in 12 arrests.
https://to.wttw.com/3WyYXcX
https://to.wttw.com/3WyYXcX
12 Arrested in Immigration Raid at O’Hare Airport Rideshare Parking Lot Friday
Federal immigration agents targeted Uber and Lyft drivers in a raid at a parking lot near Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday, according to a coalition of rideshare drivers.
to.wttw.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Federal agents targeted a parking lot filled with rideshare drivers in an immigration raid near Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday that resulted in 12 arrests.
https://to.wttw.com/3WyYXcX
https://to.wttw.com/3WyYXcX
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
BREAKING: A federal judge has partially blocked the Trump administration's efforts to mobilize the National Guard in Chicago.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/09/j...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/09/j...
October 9, 2025 at 10:36 PM
BREAKING: A federal judge has partially blocked the Trump administration's efforts to mobilize the National Guard in Chicago.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/09/j...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/09/j...
Trump freezes $2.1B for Chicago transit projects in latest ‘punishment’ of blue states. Read more here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/trump-f...
Trump freezes $2.1B for Chicago transit projects in latest ‘punishment’ of blue states
CHICAGO — The White House on Friday froze $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects in the latest
capitolnewsillinois.com
October 3, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Trump freezes $2.1B for Chicago transit projects in latest ‘punishment’ of blue states. Read more here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/trump-f...
Drawing on our survey of sheriffs for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social and other reporting, the BGA has called for the Illinois Attorney General to investigate apparent TRUST Act violations.
New: BGA Calls on Illinois Attorney General to Investigate Apparent Violations of the TRUST Act
Read the full statement here: www.bettergov.org/2025/10/01/b...
Read the full statement here: www.bettergov.org/2025/10/01/b...
BGA Calls on Illinois Attorney General to Investigate Apparent Violations of the TRUST Act
As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to accountability, transparency and equity within government, the BGA is concerned about recent reporting indicating the Illinois TRUST Act likely is being viol...
www.bettergov.org
October 3, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Drawing on our survey of sheriffs for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social and other reporting, the BGA has called for the Illinois Attorney General to investigate apparent TRUST Act violations.
Check out our recent investigation for CNI, asking Illinois sheriffs about their opinions of and cooperation with laws preventing them from working with ICE:
CNI surveyed one in four Illinois sheriffs about ICE cooperation. Many expressed frustration with state laws preventing them from assisting. https://loom.ly/bTIYEWY
Illinois law prohibits sheriffs from assisting ICE with civil immigration enforcement. Some wish they could
Article Summary Illinois sheriffs had mixed views on the TRUST Act, which restricts state law enforcement officials from cooperating with
capitolnewsillinois.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Check out our recent investigation for CNI, asking Illinois sheriffs about their opinions of and cooperation with laws preventing them from working with ICE:
Chicago police continue to use force in response to mental health crises, particularly in majority Black and Latino neighborhoods. Sometimes that force is deadly.
I hope you’ll read this investigation which my team and I spent the last five months working on.
southsideweekly.com/from-the-ele...
I hope you’ll read this investigation which my team and I spent the last five months working on.
southsideweekly.com/from-the-ele...
From the Elevator to the Floor in Eighteen Seconds
When Chicago police fail to de-escalate mental health emergencies.
southsideweekly.com
August 29, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Chicago police continue to use force in response to mental health crises, particularly in majority Black and Latino neighborhoods. Sometimes that force is deadly.
I hope you’ll read this investigation which my team and I spent the last five months working on.
southsideweekly.com/from-the-ele...
I hope you’ll read this investigation which my team and I spent the last five months working on.
southsideweekly.com/from-the-ele...
Cool to see Sonya and my story for CNI shared by the Governor! You can read it with all the pretty pictures here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/hidden-...
It's no surprise that folks are coming to the Middle of Everything to experience all that we have to offer, including in Southern Illinois.
With record tourism growth year after year under my administration, we're not letting up now.
With record tourism growth year after year under my administration, we're not letting up now.
'Hidden gem': Growing number of visitors discovering southern Illinois as travel destination
A growing number of visitors are discovering southern Illinois as a travel destination amid a recent effort to entice more people to visit for the summer season.
www.wglt.org
July 7, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Cool to see Sonya and my story for CNI shared by the Governor! You can read it with all the pretty pictures here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/hidden-...
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
Amid federal DEI rollbacks and labor shortages, Illinois trades competition highlights challenges of attracting and retaining diverse candidates. Story by Maggie Dougherty @medillschool.bsky.social https://loom.ly/lCPeOt4
June 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Amid federal DEI rollbacks and labor shortages, Illinois trades competition highlights challenges of attracting and retaining diverse candidates. Story by Maggie Dougherty @medillschool.bsky.social https://loom.ly/lCPeOt4
My latest for CNI:
#Illinois General Assembly passes legislation to mandate one hour of anti-bias training for maternal health care providers. Story by @maggiedough.bsky.social: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/general...
May 21, 2025 at 10:17 PM
My latest for CNI:
My first article for Capitol News Illinois, out now!
Protesters call on lawmakers to support higher wages for caretakers of Illinoisians with developmental disabilities. The push has broad bipartisan support, but the budget remains uncertain. @maggiedough.bsky.social and @tomreports.bsky.social report: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/they-st...
‘They Still Deserve More’ protesters seek support for caretakers of people with disabilities
Advocates push for higher pay and stable hours for disability support workers as lawmakers weigh Illinois’ tight 2026 budget.
capitolnewsillinois.com
April 23, 2025 at 10:08 PM
My first article for Capitol News Illinois, out now!
Reposted by Maggie Dougherty
Ever wanted to file a request for law enforcement records? @maggiedough.bsky.social has a new guide on what you can and can't request: www.muckrock.com/news/archive...
Guide to using FOIA for access to law enforcement records
Find out what records you can obtain from law enforcement.
www.muckrock.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Ever wanted to file a request for law enforcement records? @maggiedough.bsky.social has a new guide on what you can and can't request: www.muckrock.com/news/archive...