All articles tagged with #springfield
Illinois lawmakers stalled a Chicago Bears stadium financing bill in Springfield, leaving the project in limbo and forcing lawmakers to map out the next steps for funding and approval.
Illinois lawmakers unveiled a $55 billion budget funded by tax increases and revenue diversions as the session nears its year-end deadline, while Bears stadium talks stall amid Chicago opposition to Arlington Heights tax breaks and a push to keep the team in the city; negotiators are considering diverting higher-than-expected gas-tax revenue to transit and operating costs, pausing the July gas-tax increase, and pursuing additional revenue ideas (digital advertising tax, per-user tax, corporate-loss deduction cap) along with housing and data-center measures, with a 3.2% pay raise for lawmakers included in the draft budget.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined a coalition of Illinois mayors in Springfield to press lawmakers to raise the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) share of state income tax revenue, arguing a higher cut for locals is needed to fund services and transit. Pritzker’s budget would keep LGDF funding flat or reduce its share, which Johnson says could worsen city budgets; he notes that a 1% increase in LGDF could bring roughly $80 million to Chicago. Johnson also called for a Bears-stadium plan that would keep the team in Chicago at a publicly owned venue, countering Arlington Heights relocation talk, while Senate action on Bears legislation remains uncertain.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson heads to the state capital to advocate for new revenue measures and tax policies aimed at keeping the Bears at Soldier Field, even as lawmakers weigh stadium plans for Arlington Heights and related funding considerations.
Springfield officials say there is no immediate or credible threat after emailed bomb threats targeting schools and public facilities prompted closures and safety concerns. Downtown streets were briefly blocked but have reopened as police continue investigating; City Schools canceled classes for the day as a precaution, and residents were urged to avoid the downtown area while authorities address the situation.
LaMar Cook, the Western Massachusetts Deputy Director for the Healey administration, was arrested for trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, with authorities seizing approximately 21 kilograms in total during the investigation, which involved multiple prior seizures and a controlled delivery operation. Cook has been terminated from his position, and the investigation is ongoing.
A Springfield aide to Governor Maura Healey was arrested for allegedly trafficking eight kilograms of cocaine and possessing a firearm without a license, leading to his firing and ongoing legal proceedings.
LaMar Cook, a former deputy director for the governor’s regional office in Springfield, was arraigned on charges of cocaine trafficking, gun possession without a license, and driving without a license after receiving a large drug delivery at the state building.
LaMar Cook, a deputy director in Governor Maura Healey's Western Massachusetts office, was arrested after 8 kilos of cocaine were delivered to his Springfield office, and he faces charges of drug trafficking.
Springfield, Massachusetts, known as the birthplace of basketball, has been named the hottest housing market in the US for the first time in seven years, according to Realtor.com. The city has seen a surge in demand due to its proximity to Boston, with homes selling faster and attracting more views than the national average. Despite a 4.3% increase in home prices over the past year, Springfield remains more affordable than the national average, making it attractive for buyers with flexible work arrangements. The trend highlights the appeal of affordability-driven markets in the Northeast and Midwest.
Springfield, Ohio, a focal point during the 2024 presidential election due to false claims by Trump about Haitian immigrants, is grappling with uncertainty following Trump's victory. Residents express mixed feelings of hope and fear, particularly concerning potential mass deportations promised by Trump. The Haitian community, which has significantly contributed to the local economy, faces anxiety over their future status. Local leaders and residents are cautiously planning their next steps while hoping to move past the negative attention and continue economic growth.
A Springfield police officer is recovering from serious gunshot wounds to the face and leg after being attacked by suspects in two separate vehicles during a series of shootings on Wednesday night. The officer, a seven-year veteran and Medal of Valor recipient, has been transferred to a Boston hospital for treatment. Multiple suspects have been arrested, and several firearms have been seized. The Springfield Police Department remains committed to their duties while supporting the injured officer and his family.
Seven individuals were arrested in Springfield, Massachusetts, following a series of shootings that injured a police officer and a MassDOT worker. The incidents involved suspects firing at police vehicles and an officer, who sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover. Multiple firearms were seized, and the suspects are being arraigned in Springfield District Court. Local officials praised the police response and called for stricter measures against repeat violent offenders.
The City of Springfield has issued a Public Health Advisory ahead of Monday's solar eclipse, urging residents to protect their eyes and avoid looking at the sun without special ISO standard glasses. The Health & Human Services Commissioner emphasized the importance of eye safety and cautioned against using cameras, telescopes, or binoculars without solar filters. Residents are advised to avoid distracted driving and not to wear eclipse glasses while driving.
Bowling legend Pete Weber will compete in the PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic, the fourth title event of the 2024 PBA Tour, in his home state of Missouri. The tournament, renamed in his honor, holds special significance for Weber, who retired from full-time competition in 2021 but still competes occasionally. Other notable players to watch include Sam Cooley, Bill O’Neill, and EJ Tackett, with the competition featuring a format of qualifying rounds and elimination rounds leading up to the stepladder finals on Sunday, February 18.