Illinois Quick Hits: State rep files Bears/megaprojects bill

Spread the love

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s use of an expletive telling President Donald Trump and his supporters what...
Congressional Perks: House account spending jumped 21% in 2022

Congressional Perks: House account spending jumped 21% in 2022

By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Spending on U.S. House of Representatives office accounts increased by more than 85% over the past three decades but nearly half of that occurred since...
Everyday Economics: Rate cut debate: Reading mixed signals in a fragile economy

Everyday Economics: Rate cut debate: Reading mixed signals in a fragile economy

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve cut interest rates last week, but the decision was far from unanimous. Two members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) dissented...
Arizona looks to legal immigration with Trump's border security

Arizona looks to legal immigration with Trump’s border security

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As President Trump approaches the one year mark in office, apprehensions at the southern border have dropped significantly. States along the southern border, including Texas,...
Casey illinois library.2.logo graphic

Casey Library Board Votes to Maintain $70 Non-Resident Fee

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees voted on Thursday to keep the annual fee for a...
Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal

Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A state appeals panel has agreed an insurance company doesn’t need to contribute to a $28.5 million settlement that resolved a class...
Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils

Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square Illinois soybean farmers face a potential market shakeup if public sentiment, and eventually policy, turns against seed oils, experts warn....
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he looks forward to signing public transit...
IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition

IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a myriad of ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Corrections, state senators approved the nomination...
Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition

Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s power grid is entering a new era of soaring demand – the full extent...
Early morning vote advances Illinois’ 'Terminally Ill Patients Act,' sparks outcry

Early morning vote advances Illinois’ ‘Terminally Ill Patients Act,’ sparks outcry

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A controversial bill allowing terminally ill patients in Illinois to self-administer life-ending medication passed the legislature...
Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates

Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers continue to arrest hundreds of drivers on interstates who are...
WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween

WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop powers through on...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for September 2025

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | September, 2025 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees expressed strong confidence in President Dr. Jonathan "Josh" Bullock at its meeting on...
Casey Library.3

Volunteer Shortage Cancels Library’s Parade Entry; Full Slate of October Events Planned

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library canceled its planned participation in the Homecoming Parade due to a lack of...