Olivia Olander – Page 20

Then-Speaker Michael Madigan, left, greets then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during the Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 18, 2004. (Michael Tercha/baiduhai)

Republicans, some Democrats and even ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich weigh in on ex-Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentence

June 13, 2025 at 9:22 p.m.

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said ex-Speaker Michael Madigan's conviction underscores the systemic problems in politics and government in the state Capitol.

State Sen. Robert Martwick, center, works at his desk during debates on bills on the Senate floor at the Illinois State Capitol on May 29, 2025, in Springfield. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Pension change boon to Chicago police officers, firefighters, but additional hit to taxpayers

June 12, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's finance team estimated the initial cost would be $52 million in 2027. Budget watchdogs warned it will add billions to the city's pension liability.

Gov. JB Pritzker departs after speaking on June 3, 2025, during the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

While Gov. JB Pritzker scored wins during legislative session, cellphone ban, other initiatives fell short

June 5, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker began the Illinois legislative session with an ambitious agenda. It ended with mixed results.

People mingle in the rotunda while a House floor session takes place at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 30, 2025. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Amid challenge from banks, Illinois legislators move to delay ban on certain credit card fees

June 2, 2025 at 5:52 p.m.

Lawmakers voted to delay by a year the implementation of a ban on certain credit card fees as banks fight the ban in federal court.

People stand at the balcony in the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 28, 2025. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

After lawmakers pass budget with cuts and tax hikes, Gov. JB Pritzker blames state’s fiscal challenges on Trump

June 2, 2025 at 12:10 p.m.

After Illinois lawmakers passed a budget with cuts and tax hikes, Gov. JB Pritzker blamed the state's fiscal challenges on President Trump.

The former Arlington International Racecourse is seen at sunrise on May 23, 2025, in Arlington Heights. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)

Chicago Bears’ stadium efforts run out of time in Springfield

June 2, 2025 at 3:19 p.m.

The Illinois General Assembly approached a deal on related property tax legislation, Rep. Mary Beth Canty said, widely seen as easing a potential Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights.

Spring foliage partially frames the Illinois State Capitol on May 30, 2025, in Springfield. Illinois legislators passed a number of bills in the last days of the General Assembly's spring session. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Lawmakers send flurry of bills to governor’s desk in final days of spring session

June 1, 2025 at 5:21 p.m.

Illinois lawmakers passed bills on issues from abortion rights to gun safety during the final days of the General Assembly's spring session.

Senate President Don Harmon, left, and House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, right, exit Gov. JB Prtizker's office after a meeting at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 30, 2025. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Illinois lawmakers pass budget with tax hikes on tobacco, gambling — but adjourn without transit, Bears stadium

June 2, 2025 at 4:09 p.m.

Illinois lawmakers passed a $55 billion budget with tax hikes on smoking and gambling, but left proposals on transit and a Bears stadium hanging.

Members of the Senate Transportation Committee, including state Sen. Darby Hills, center, talk before meeting on the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, House Bill 3438, which would replace the Regional Transportation Authority, at the state Capitol on May 29, 2025, in Springfield. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Latest transit proposal would hike tolls, tax ride-shares to avoid $771M fiscal cliff

May 30, 2025 at 11:58 a.m.

Illinois lawmakers consider a toll hike and other measures to address an expected $771 million financial shortfall for Chicago-area public transit.

A CTA bus leaves the Howard station in Rogers Park on May 22, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

Lawmakers file transit reform bill, but don’t yet address fiscal cliff

May 28, 2025 at 7:11 p.m.

Transit agencies have warned that they would have to dramatically slash service if legislators don’t find funding to plug the budget gap, which comes as COVID-19 relief funding runs out.

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