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A new speaker: Daily Digest | Friday, Nov. 6

Our daily rundown of what’s happening in state government, published every morning.

A new speaker: Daily Digest | Friday, Nov. 6
House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, speaks to reporters at the Bank of Springfield Center after being elected speaker of the Illinois House in January 2021. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Six years ago at the Bank of Springfield Center, Emanuel "Chris" Welch promised a "new day" in Illinois as he became the first new speaker in Illinois after decades of Mike Madigan's leadership.

Now, Welch finds himself in a similar position as his predecessor – being forced out after 26 current and incoming House Democrats said it's time for new leadership because he inadequately handled sexual harassment problems.