Illinois State Politics
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‘Moving in the right direction’: Tweaks being made to Bears legislation ahead of House voteApr 21, 2026 7:46 pm - The Illinois House could vote as soon as this week on a bill that would pave the way to a Bears stadium in Arlington Heights, but the amended legislation is also expected to include property tax relief and other economic development tools in order to gain broader support from lawmakers.
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Illinois Democrats still weighing budget options as strong revenue mixes with uncertain outlook
Apr 21, 2026 6:44 pm - Illinois Democrats are waiting to see April revenue numbers before making final decisions ahead of their May 31 adjournment deadline. Revenue in the current fiscal year is performing better than expected, which could give lawmakers more flexibility in the upcoming fiscal year 2027. Democrats are also considering asking voters to approve a millionaires tax amendment in November, but it’s not clear if they will be able to pass that resolution before a May 3 deadline.
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Lawmakers work to sweeten pot to keep Bears in Illinois
Apr 21, 2026 9:47 am - Illinois hopes to take the lead over Indiana in the Chicago Bears stadium battle with a new proposal that would give the NFL team property tax certainty while also providing a statewide property tax relief sweetener.
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Bailey campaign unfazed by $14 million funding gap with PritzkerApr 20, 2026 6:55 pm - Federal campaign filings show GOP guberatorial nominee Darren Bailey with about $81,839 cash in hand compared to Democratic Gov. JB Pritkzer’s war chest of about $14 million.
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Judge tosses lawsuit over Trump's push to deploy National Guard to Chicago
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‘We cannot afford to get AI wrong’: State lawmakers debate best path to regulate AI boom
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‘Don’t give up’: On visit to suburbs, Bailey opens up about crash that killed son, grandchildrenApr 19, 2026 6:05 pm - “At the end of the day … I am at peace,” Bailey tells congregation at Lakewood Chapel in remarks on faith, loss and hope.
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Fight over Illinois’ swipe fee law heats up as implementation deadline nearsApr 18, 2026 4:00 pm - A unique-to-Illinois law prohibiting banks and credit card companies from charging swipe fees on tips and taxes is set to take effect July 1, but opponents are challenging its legality in federal appeals court and blitzing the airwaves with ads calling for its repeal.
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Is Illinois nearing finish line for statewide regulation of e-bikes?Apr 18, 2026 4:00 pm - As the weather warms, high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other electric transportation devices are becoming more prevalent on suburban streets once again. And so are calls from communities for statewide regulation of the devices.
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A constitutional amendment to deliver property tax relief for Illinois homeownersApr 18, 2026 12:30 pm - Less than 1% of Illinois’ taxpayers earn more than $1 million per year. But that number grew by 36% between 2019 and 2023, four times the rate of growth of those earning between $50,000 and $100,000. Millionaires also have seen their inflation-adjusted incomes double over the past four decades while take-home pay has been stagnant for everyone else.