All articles tagged with #illinois politics
Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill to let the Chicago Bears negotiate property-tax costs for a potential domed stadium in Illinois, aiming to keep the team from moving to Arlington Heights or Hammond, but Chicago Democrats demand city concessions and the measure faces delays as Indiana lures with incentives.
Illinois lawmakers say there’s no deal yet as the Chicago Bears weigh a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, where Indiana is moving forward with a bill to finance the project via bonds supported by an admission tax and an entertainment district. The Bears would invest about $2 billion, Indiana would contribute over $1 billion, and the stadium would be owned by a state authority. Governor Pritzker says progress is being made on an Illinois framework, but lawmakers warn the Illinois bill isn’t dead and tweaks may be needed. Indiana’s bill is expected to pass soon, while Illinois considers its own path; construction could start this year if a deal materializes. The proposed site near Wolf Lake sits roughly 20 miles from downtown Chicago and would require environmental and NFL approvals, keeping the plan in flux.
Illinois lawmakers, Gov. Pritzker’s office, Arlington Heights officials and the Chicago Bears are nearing a deal to keep the team in Illinois by pursuing a stadium in Arlington Heights, potentially funded for infrastructure and aided by a “mega projects” framework to negotiate property taxes, while ensuring taxpayer protections and fan affordability; Indiana meanwhile has floated a competing stadium offer.
Illinois lawmakers and the Bears are reportedly close to a deal to keep the team in Illinois at Arlington Heights, tying public infrastructure funding to a PILOT property-tax arrangement while Indiana’s rapid push to land a stadium accelerates Illinois talks. Lawmakers are weighing public funding against ticket affordability as Indiana’s deadline looms, with Rep. Kam Buckner opposing funding but saying talks are ongoing to reach a deal.
U.S. Rep. Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia announced he will not seek re-election and is leaving his congressional seat to his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, in a move that adds to the significant political shifts in Illinois ahead of the March 17 primary.
Four members of Illinois GOP candidate Darren Bailey's family died in a helicopter crash in Montana, prompting condolences from political figures and an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Darren Bailey, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, announced that his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren died in a helicopter crash in Montana, with no further details available.
Gov. JB Pritzker is set to announce his campaign for a third term as Illinois governor, with campaign events in Chicago and Springfield, amid a record of progressive reforms, economic management, and national political engagement, while navigating political challenges and potential future ambitions.
Michael Madigan, a long-time Illinois politician known as 'Mr. Speaker,' was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and fined $2.5 million for corruption, after lying on the witness stand during his trial. Despite his efforts to maintain his innocence, the judge found his testimony untruthful, leading to a significant sentence for his role in a bribery scheme involving utility company ComEd. Madigan's case highlights ongoing issues of political corruption in Illinois.
Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker, was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million after being convicted on multiple corruption charges, including bribery and conspiracy related to schemes involving Commonwealth Edison and other political activities.
Thousands of protesters in Chicago demonstrated against the Trump administration's immigration raids, leading to clashes with police, vandalism, and transportation disruptions. Illinois officials condemned the violence and criticized Trump's actions, while some Democrats remained silent or called for local law enforcement to handle protests. The protests are part of broader national tensions over immigration enforcement and political responses.
Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk and influential figure in Illinois politics, passed away at the age of 73. Throughout her career, she championed legislation to ban the death penalty in Illinois and served as the county’s first African-American and female clerk. Yarbrough's political journey was marked by her alliance with Speaker Michael Madigan and her successful runs for public office. She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy and public service.
Politics quickly took center stage during the jury selection for the federal perjury trial of Tim Mapes, former top aide to Illinois politician Michael Madigan. Prospective jurors revealed their connections to former state representatives and AT&T, a company involved in a corruption scandal related to Madigan. One potential juror expressed distrust for Madigan and was subsequently dismissed. Mapes is accused of lying to grand jurors to protect Madigan in a corruption case. The trial will continue with opening statements once the jury is selected.