Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

May 24, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says megaprojects legislation is shaping up in the Illinois Senate.

A reporter asked the governor on Friday if Chicago might remain an option for a Chicago Bears stadium if legislation to support team’s Arlington Heights development fails. Pritzker said the Bears and the National Football League both said there are only two options, Arlington Heights and Indiana.

Americans for Prosperity Illinois estimated that the property tax break for the Bears’ $5 billion development in Arlington Heights could reach $330 million per year, all of which could be shifted to other taxpayers in surrounding communities.

GOVERNOR CELEBRATES BRIDGE WORK IN JOLIET

Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined state and local officials in Joliet on Friday to celebrate the final phase of the $1.3 billion Interstate 80 construction project in Will County.

Work began earlier this month on two new bridges over the Des Plaines River. The $164 million bridge construction is expected to be completed in 2028, with demolition of the old bridges set for 2029.

Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report found that nine percent of Illinois’ bridges are structurally deficient, the ninth-highest percentage in the nation.

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FILINGS ARE DUE TUESDAY

The Illinois State Board of Elections says Tuesday is the final day for candidates to file new party and independent nomination papers.

The board says all petitions must be filed by 5 p.m. Central time.

ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWS, MANUFACTURING PICKS UP

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Manufacturing Activity Index increased to +38 in May from +26 in April, but the CFSEC Non-manufacturing Activity Index decreased to –5 in May from +16 the previous month.

The Chicago Fed’s Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index decreased from +20 in April to +12 in May, suggesting economic growth slowed but remained above trend.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Democrats hold Michigan Senate majority with special election win in District 35

Democrats hold Michigan Senate majority with special election win in District 35

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Democrat Chedrick Greene won the special election in Michigan’s 35th Senate District by a wide margin Tuesday night, preserving Democrats’ narrow majority in the chamber....
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Beecher Library Board Updates Borrowing Policy, Approves New Audio Equipment for Programs

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | March 17, 2026 Borrowing Rules Expanded: The Beecher Public Library District has broadened its borrowing policy to accept additional forms of identification and approved...
Appeals court splits over ICE detention of illegal immigrants without bond

Appeals court splits over ICE detention of illegal immigrants without bond

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A panel of federal appeals court judges continues to agree that a Chicago federal judge overstepped his authority in ordering the en...
Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Incumbent U.S. House candidates from Indiana held on to party nominations Tuesday, despite intense pressure from challengers. District 4 Rep. Jim Baird survived a primary...
Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Incumbent U.S. House candidates from Indiana held on to party nominations Tuesday, despite intense pressure from challengers. District 4 Rep. Jim Baird survived a primary...
Ohio voters pick candidates for November election

Ohio voters pick candidates for November election

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Ohio voters elected party representatives for governor, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The election was the first since the Ohio legislature...
Ohio voters pick candidates for November election

Ohio voters pick candidates for November election

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Ohio voters elected party representatives for governor, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The election was the first since the Ohio legislature...
'Project Freedom' paused while U.S., Iran try to negotiate a deal

‘Project Freedom’ paused while U.S., Iran try to negotiate a deal

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square More than a day after its implementation, “Project Freedom,” a U.S. operation to safely escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, has been put...
Colorado House votes for credit card fee reduction

Colorado House votes for credit card fee reduction

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Legislation to reduce credit card fees on purchases is a step closer to final passage in Colorado with proponents saying it will help small businesses...
Rubio confirms Epic Fury over; U.S. responding defensively in Strait of Hormuz

Rubio confirms Epic Fury over; U.S. responding defensively in Strait of Hormuz

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday afternoon that Operation Epic Fury was concluded – similar to what the president has said in his communications...
Department of Employment Security faces questions about fraud recoveries

Department of Employment Security faces questions about fraud recoveries

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security says his agency has changed its processes in...
Poll: Majority of voters dissatisfied with economy, prices

Poll: Majority of voters dissatisfied with economy, prices

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square More than half of Americans said they are at least somewhat dissatisfied with the overall economy, according to a new poll. The poll, conducted by...
Illinois Quick Hits: State rep says megaprojects bill usable for Chicago

Illinois Quick Hits: State rep says megaprojects bill usable for Chicago

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, says his megaprojects legislation is a directly usable tool for the city...
Tax hikes alone won't fully address US debt, report finds

Tax hikes alone won’t fully address US debt, report finds

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square No tax proposal before Congress would be sufficient on its own to put the federal debt on a sustainable long-term path, according to a new...
House GOP says Dems ignoring ‘realistic’ property tax relief plans

House GOP says Dems ignoring ‘realistic’ property tax relief plans

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the clock continues to tick toward the end of the legislative session in Springfield, Republican lawmakers...