Illinois budget moves forward while Bears stadium deal stalls

Illinois lawmakers passed a $55.9 billion budget but did not vote on a Bears stadium bill before adjourning. The Senate approved a modified plan to create a publicly owned stadium authority in Cook County to finance and lease a new Bears stadium, with the Bears financing construction, property-tax exemptions for the stadium, long-term bonds up to 40 years, and a STAR Bond District to spur development. The measure faces House inaction and opposition, while Indiana is courting the team with up to $1 billion in incentives; a special session remains uncertain.