Will Illinoisians have higher property taxes due to a Bears stadium?
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It appears lawmakers are now considering a plan to allow municipalities start their own stadium authorities. A new stadium would be privately backed but publicly owned and that would give the bears the tax incentive that would be comparable to what Indiana is offering to lure the team across the state line. There have been a lot of closed door meetings in Springfield to try to come up with something that will get the bears to stay in Illinois. The clock is ticking. The spring legislative session ends tonight at midnight. We're joined now by Brian Costin with Americans for Prosperity Illinois.

Illinois lawmakers approve school cell phone ban
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 There are other bills lawmakers have to consider. Lawmakers passed a statewide ban on cellphones in and a big one that passed is a statewide ban on cellphones.  Here's how it works. 

Experts weigh in on the latest of megaprojects bill struggles, changes
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Lawmakers in Springfield are deciding on the three b's: The budget, the BUILD plan, and the Bears.  In the last 24 hours, the megaprojects bill looks different than what house lawmakers passed last month. This change in the game plan came hours after the megaprojects bill failed to get enough support in the state senate. Senator Bill Cunningham and Marc Gains weighed in on the changes to the bill.

Illinois lawmakers reassess megaprojects bill. Might the Bears stay in Chicago?
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Illinois lawmakers overnight said they don't seem to have the votes to pass the megaprojects bill that the Bears want to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, according to multiple outlets.

Time is running out for megaprojects bill that includes Bears stadium
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 Lawmakers in Springfield are working down to the wire on a number of critical issues that have to be resolved before the end of session at midnight tomorrow night. They've been there for most of the day. One of the biggest headlines of course is the Bear's stadium proposal for Arlington Heights and the megaprojects bill to make that happen.         A short time ago I spoke with Marc Ganis, the president of Sports Corps. and an expert on stadium financing issues.

Proposed housing bill sparks debate in Chicago's neighborhoods
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 As state lawmakers work in the final days of session. There's a growing debate in several Chicago neighborhoods about governor JB Pritzker's BUILD plan.  It aims to increase housing inventory --- but it could also limit local control.  Kasey Chronis has the latest from Avondale. 

Weed industry watches end to legislative session in Springfield
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 The clock is ticking at the state capitol in Springfield. Lawmakers have the rest of tonight and then Saturday and Sunday.  And there are some big things on the line could affect hemp and marijuana businesses.  Lauren Scafidi spoke to Sway Dispensary in Lakeview about what they’re hoping for – and why they’re long overdue. 

Expert says AI requires safety audits | The Chicago Report
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  Illinois is joining California and New York in creating its own state regulatory framework for AI.  Lawmakers just passed a landmark accountability bill targeting the most powerful Frontier models requiring tech developers to face third-party safety audits.  Just a few days ago, the pope said AI needs to be reined in. Now that bill is headed to Governor Pritzker’s desk.  Joining us to break down the new oversight is Hinsdale native Zamaan Guereshi, co-founder of the youth tech policy coalition Design It For Us. 

Vote to delay contract renewal for Chicago charter operators | The Chicago Report
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  Illinois is joining California and New York in creating its own state regulatory framework for AI.  Lawmakers just passed a landmark accountability bill targeting the most powerful Frontier models requiring tech developers to face third-party safety audits.  Just a few days ago, the pope said AI needs to be reined in. Now that bill is headed to Governor Pritzker’s desk.  Joining us to break down the new oversight is Hinsdale native Zamaan Guereshi, co-founder of the youth tech policy coalition Design It For Us. 

Illinois cannabis businesses push for regulatory changes as legislative session winds down

Illinois cannabis dispensary owners are urging lawmakers to ease security and surveillance requirements, arguing the costly regulations are outdated and should be modernized as the state's legal cannabis industry matures.

Expert says AI requires safety audits | The Chicago Report
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  Illinois is joining California and New York in creating its own state regulatory framework for AI.  Lawmakers just passed a landmark accountability bill targeting the most powerful Frontier models requiring tech developers to face third-party safety audits.  Just a few days ago, the pope said AI needs to be reined in. Now that bill is headed to Governor Pritzker’s desk.  Joining us to break down the new oversight is Hinsdale native Zamaan Guereshi, co-founder of the youth tech policy coalition Design It For Us. 

Vote to delay contract renewal for Chicago charter operators | The Chicago Report
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 An inner board battle surrounding the future of Chicago charter schools. Last night, the Chicago Board of Education voted to delay contract renewals for six of the city's charter school operators, which means, the future of 16 campuses that serve over 8,000 now remains uncertain.  The move reveals a continued split within the board over charter school oversight and policy, especially between CTU aligned and non-CTU aligned members.  This comes as Chicago prepares to shift to a fully elected school board with the upcoming November election.  Here to discuss these updates is Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin.

Debate grows over Pritzker’s proposed BUILD housing plan

Illinois lawmakers are debating Gov. JB Pritzker’s BUILD housing plan, with supporters saying it would ease the state's housing shortage and critics warning it could reduce local zoning control and accelerate gentrification.

Proposed BUILD Plan sparks debate in Chicago neighborhoods
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 As the spring session enters its final days, debate is heating up over the governor's proposed BUILD Plan.  But in Chicago, some neighborhood organizations and officials are questioning the potential impact.  Kasey Chronis is live in Avondale with what we know. 

Weed industry watches end to Illinois legislative session
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Some Illinois cannabis business owners are wondering what comes next. They're asking lawmakers to relax a security requirement they say is costly and outdated.

As session nears, all eyes on megaprojects bill and Bears' future
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It's the last weekend for the Illinois legislative session and attention is on the megaprojects bill. It's legislation directly tied to the Chicago Bears and a potential move to Arlington Heights.

Illinois lawmakers race clock on Bears stadium mega-project deal
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With just days left in the legislative session, Illinois lawmakers are scrambling to finalize a mega-project bill aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in-state, while key details and competing proposals remain in flux.

Still unclear what will happen with Illinois megaprojects bill to keep the Bears
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     There are now only three days left of the Illinois legislative session. And you may be wondering whether the megaprojects bill - tied to the Chicago Bears -- will pass before Sunday.     Bret Buganski shows you why there is still uncertainty.

Splitting Illinois into two states, movement on Bears' stadium bill? | The Chicago Report
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A local group wants to separate Illinois into two states, and it's gaining support. And, what is happening during legislative session in Springfield? All this and more, on The Chicago Report.