Illinois Quick Hits: State rep files Bears/megaprojects bill
(The Center Square) – State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, has filed the latest piece of legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
House Bill 5802 allows certain megaprojects to be eligible for a freeze on property tax assessments.
Ugaste told The Center Square last month that the bill language will prevent a stadium development’s equalized assessed value from leading to higher property taxes for residents.
PRITZKER, STATE ELECTIONS BOARD IVES V. PRITZKER
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Elections have filed motions to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former state Rep. Jeanne Ives over the state’s congressional maps.
The federal complaint was filed in the Central District of Illinois following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found Louisiana’s district map to be unconstitutional because it mandates the creation of racial districts.
In May, Ives told The Center Square Daily that state Democrats have brazenly moved to draw maps based on racial lines.
Greg Bishop and Sean Reed contributed to this story
TREASURER ANNOUNCES NONPROFIT GRANTS
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced $195,000 in Charitable Trust grants for smaller nonprofits that are funded by fees paid to the state by larger nonprofits.
Frerichs made the announcement on Monday at Care for Friends on Chicago’s North Side.
The treasurer said the grants are aimed to help with things like food insecurity, housing and workforce development.
Frerichs said more than $5.2 million in grants have been given to more than 200 organizations since he took office in 2015.
YARD POWER TOOLS RECALLED DUE TO FIRE RISK
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says Greenworks Tools has recalled Kobalt 24-volt and 48-volt trimmers, blowers, mowers, chain saws and pruning saws with USB-C batteries due to fire risk.
The products were sold nationwide by Lowe’s from January 2026 through May 2026.
The CPSC said charging the lithium-ion batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the tools can cause the batteries to short-circuit, posing a risk of serious injury from fire hazard.
Latest News Stories
Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops; Military higher education bill goes to governor; Burrito chain closes locations in Chicago area
Beecher 200U Reports $8.96 Million Across All Funds in April Treasurer’s Report
Analysts: Redistricting to cost taxpayers, while slowly shifting election outcomes
Trump honors fallen service members, vows Iran will not obtain nuclear weapon
Stephen Colbert returns to community show after final ‘Late Show’ appearance
TVA reports solid financial results, acknowledges resource plan delays
Illinois dual office holding debate intensifies amid Calumet funding, ethics concerns
School choice Yass Prize awards continue, $20M worth of grants awarded nationwide
U.S. sees progress in Iran talks, Tehran says no deal yet
Hunters Chase HOA Asks Beecher Board for Help With Pond Trespassing
Everyday Economics: History doesn’t repeat, but the Fed Is hearing an echo
Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices