Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel "Chris" Welch joined guest co-host Dr. Suzet McKinney on Chicago Newsroom 2.0 to lay out what lawmakers are focused on as the new legislative session gets underway in Springfield — starting with the state budget. Watch the full interview at cantv.org or on the can tv+ app.
Read MoreInspiring the next generation of Black public servants starts with showing up. CMS Director Raven DeVaughn sat down with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to hear his advice on cultivating future leaders. He emphasized the importance of listening to learn and showing how state government can truly make a difference in people’s lives. We cannot wait for future leaders to find us. We must get out into our communities to do the work so every path to public service is visible.
Read MoreThe Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King’s assassination, died Tuesday at 84. WGN's Jenna Barnes brings you reactions from community leaders across the political world to Jackson's death.
Read MoreThe late Rev. Jesse Jackson might best be remembered as the founder and longtime leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a Chicago-based civil rights organization, but he also played a pivotal role in presidential politics.
Read MoreThese influential Chicagoans have shaped policy, molded minds, and redefined this city — and this country.
Read MoreJackson’s electoral successes during his presidential runs helped pave the way for Barack Obama’s 2008 nomination as well as Kamala Harris’ in 2024. But Jackson also paved the way for generations of Democrats in Chicago and beyond, in ways that can’t be boiled down to party bylaws or even politics.
Read More100 years of Black History Month reminds us that leadership is measured by action, not words. CMS Director Raven DeVaughn spoke with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch about serving the community beyond the office. Whether attending service events or connecting directly with residents, Speaker Welch shared that leadership means staying grounded to the real needs of the people you serve. Public service begins with people, and meaningful impact starts with connection. Stay tuned for more clips from this powerful Black History Month discussion.
Read MoreIllinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch is pushing for a new tax on millionaires with lawmakers set to tackle a $2.2B budget deficit next week.
Read MoreThis year marks 100 years of Black History Month. CMS Director Raven DeVaughn sits down with Illinois’s first Black Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, to explore the impact of authenticity in leadership. Their conversation highlights the importance of engaging with communities, supporting the next generation of public servants, and taking intentional steps every day to make Illinois better for everyone. Watch and see how dedication and vision shape the state today and for the future.
Read MoreIllinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch has served as Speaker for five years. He is the first Black Speaker of the House. Welch represents Illinois’ 7th House of Representatives District. It encompasses Broadview, Bellwood, Berkeley, Elmhurst, Forest Park, Hillside, Hinsdale, Oak Park, La Grange Park, Maywood, Oak Brook, River Forest, Westchester and Western Springs.
Read MoreNDIGO STUDIO talks with Chris Welch, the first African American Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, who outlines the dynamics of lawmaking. The exclusive interview traces Welch's career from the assignment desk at television station WGN to lawyer, elected school board member, and then Illinois State Legislator as Speaker of the House.
Read MoreState leaders tout new legislation they say will make CTA, Metra, and Pace cleaner, safer, and more reliable — while Republicans criticize diverting road funds and highway toll hikes to pay for the ambitious plan.
Read MoreIllinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Westchester) was at Chicago's Union Station Thursday morning to tout a successful legislative session that ended with a transit funding bill.
Read MoreIllinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch joined Tuesday's WGN Morning News to discuss issues around Chicagoland and Illinois with Larry Potash and Robin Baumgarten.
Read MoreIllinois House Speaker Chris Welch joined ABC7 to talk about several bills on immigration and public transit on their way to Governor JB Pritzker.
Read MoreEmanuel “Chris” Welch, a Hillside Democrat, said lawmakers gave the Regional Transportation Authority power to raise the regional sales tax by 0.25% because the $1.5 billion bailout plan largely bankrolled by the state’s road fund “needs to be jump-started” and the RTA’s regional sales tax was “readily available immediately.”
Read MoreHouse Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch presents his bill that aims to limit where federal officials can enforce civil immigration law in Illinois during the early hours of Friday, Oct. 31.
Read MoreWith SNAP benefit cuts looming, a local Black-owned grocery store is doing its part to get food to those who need it.
Read MoreState leaders pledge to explore new protections for immigrants but say their power is limited
Read MoreBROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- The countdown is on Monday for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to comply with a judge's ruling to remove a fence blocking the street in front of its Broadview processing center.
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