INDIANAPOLIS — After last week’s breakdown in communication between the Chicago Bears and top Illinois lawmakers, the two sides are back to having constructive talks. The opportunity to do what they failed to do last week — advance legislation through the Illinois House – now seems possible.

While the language is still far from being finalized, there is renewed hope that PILOT legislation could pass in the Revenue and Finance Committee. An amended version of Illinois House Bill 910 was filed Wednesday evening in Springfield and added to the schedule for Thursday’s committee hearing at 10 a.m. Of significance, the filing of the bill came from Rep. Kam Buckner, who has been leading the City of Chicago’s interests during stadium negotiations with the Bears.

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What happens Thursday will be telling. One source close to the situation suggested there will be a push to not only pass the bill in the committee, but also push it to the House Floor for a vote by the end of the day. The same source expressed skepticism that a Floor vote would actually occur. The Illinois House is scheduled to adjourn until March 18 after Thursday’s proceedings, complicating the timing to advance significant stadium legislation.

Pressure has mounted in Springfield this week, with the neighboring Indiana Senate scheduled to vote on their stadium legislation Thursday just steps away from the NFL Scouting Combine, which has brought Bears chairman George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren to town.

Multiple sources have insisted since last week that the Bears and Illinois are not far off in their negotiations. Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters at an event in Chicago on Tuesday that “there’s been really broad agreement” about changes the Bears have proposed in recent weeks.

But while Indiana stadium legislation remains at the one-yard line, the reality is that Illinois still needs more runway to finalize details, including what incentives the City of Chicago will receive from the Bears. The hope is that passing some form of PILOT legislation through a committee on Thursday will be a sign of good faith that Illinois is finally getting serious about keeping the Bears.

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The situation is essentially a do-over opportunity after similar legislation failed to make it to the same Revenue and Finance Committee last Thursday. Indiana, on the other hand, advanced their stadium legislation out of its Ways & Means House Committee with a 24-0 vote. The Bears later called it “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date” in a statement.

The events left Pritzker’s team stunned. The statement from the Bears lauding Indiana’s efforts caused the most frustration after what appeared to be a productive week of talks in Illinois. Those talks were put on hold until Warren released a statement to Crain’s Chicago Business that said: “We continue to work with Illinois’ leadership and appreciate the progress being made.”

Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, all signs point to Senate Bill 27 getting to Gov. Mike Braun’s desk before the Indiana legislative session ends Friday. The bill passed through the Indiana House with a 95-4 vote on Tuesday and is expected to pass in the Indiana Senate on Thursday. If all goes as expected, the Bears would be in a position to commit to building a stadium in Hammond, Ind. at any time.

That reality is accelerating movement amongst lawmakers in Springfield. And what happens Thursday could prove to be crucial.

Name: Alexandra Raloff
Year: Junior
Major: Mathematics teacher education
Minor: English
Hometown: Tinley Park

What brought you to Illinois State University and the College of Arts and Sciences?

“When I was looking for a university to attend, I wanted somewhere that was close to home for when I want to see my family, but also far enough to gain a sense of independence. I also know Illinois State is known as a good university to attend if you want to go into teaching, so that was a major part of my decision-making as well. When it comes to coming to the College of Arts and Sciences, I have always enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of solving challenging math problems, and I wanted to further pursue mathematics alongside going into teaching. It’s also really nice being able to add my English minor as well, since writing and literature are personal interests of mine.”

How have you gotten involved at Illinois State?

“I’ve made many friends on campus and like to attend university events like Welcome Week, and I’ve been in a few RSOs (registered student organizations), but I’m most involved in the RSO Vocal Movement. I’m the current treasurer, one of the choreographers, the soprano 2 section leader, and I have a lot of friends in the group, so I spend a lot of time with them. I’m also in the Honors Program and have taken fun honors seminars and explorations, but my favorite honors experience so far has been the Alternative Spring Break trip to Cumberland State Park in Tennessee. Helping build trails made me feel more connected to nature and myself, and it was very rewarding to see all the progress our hard work helped contribute to.”

What is your proudest or happiest moment so far at Illinois State?

“I’ve had many happy moments and moments where I was proud of myself at Illinois State, but one that stands out to me was on the last day of my Honors Alternative Spring Break trip when we took a break from working on the trail to spend time at Daddy’s Creek. Clearing the duff on the trail was very physically demanding work, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it and doing my best every day, even when I was sore and the walk in got longer and longer each day from all the duff we managed to clear as a group. That time we spent on the last day at the creek made me really appreciate all the work we put in, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it even when it was hard, and that made that time spent at the creek with the friends I’ve made feel even more precious.”

Associate Professor Óscar Chavez on Raloff:

“Alexandra was my student in MAT 211. She always had a happy disposition and a keen interest in geometry. I could always count on meticulous work from her. I think that proof writing is a creative endeavor. Alexandra’s proofs in my class were always a pleasure to read, carefully crafted arguments rather than blind application of a procedure. She has an inquisitive mind, she is a profound thinker, and an excellent team player. She has varied interests which, I’m sure, will give her a broader view of education. I think Alexandra has a very bright future as a mathematics teacher. Her students will be very fortunate to learn from her.”

Read more stories from the College of Arts and Sciences at News.IllinoisState.edu/Unit/College-Arts-Sciences and follow the college on Facebook and Instagram.

Contentious exchanges between President Donald Trump and Democratic lawmakers erupted during the longest-ever State of the Union address, in which Trump touted economic success, defended immigration policies and pushed to preserve tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.

Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood walked out of the House Chamber mid-speech, saying in a video posted afterward, “…I had to leave the State of the Union. After hearing him make light of the health care crisis that he created and then to not be even serious about prescription drugs, acting like Trump Rx is some real solution, give me a break. It’s outrageous and I couldn’t stay in there a moment longer.”

Several Illinois Democrats blasted the president’s remarks, while republicans lauded his accomplishments.

Here’s how a number of Illinois lawmakers responded.

Republican Rep. Darin LaHood

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a State of the Union address that highlighted the victories we’ve secured for the American people and laid a vision of strength for the future of our great nation. With Republican leadership in the White House and Congress, we have secured our southern border, cut taxes for working families, strengthened our economy, and restored American leadership on the world stage. While there is more work to be done, President Trump outlined a clear path to build on our success, strengthen our national security, make life more affordable, and expand opportunity for American families.”

For all those who didn’t watch tonight, allow me to summarize:

The liar lied again.

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) February 25, 2026

Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider

“If you were fortunate to be watching the State of the Union at home tonight, you could have changed the channel after the USA Men’s Hockey Team was honored for bringing home gold. That was the best part of the longest-ever State of the Union Address. Congratulations to them – and to the USA Women’s Hockey Team and to all of our winter Olympians.

“Nearly two hours later, the President presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to two war heroes. It was a moment that rightly united the entire chamber inspired by these two heroes’ sacrifice for our nation.

“Unfortunately, the rest of the President’s address was just more of Mr. Trump’s tired old grievances and lies. It’s obvious he has no serious plan to help hardworking Americans get ahead, no plan to lower the cost of groceries, to make it easier to buy a home or afford healthcare for their families.

“Because of President Trump’s failed agenda, Americans are paying too much at the grocery store. Housing and utility costs are preventing families from reaching the American dream. Healthcare costs are so high, millions of Americans are being priced out of basic care altogether.

“Instead of offering real solutions, the President bragged about kicking millions of people off food stamps, including children and seniors. He defended and doubled down on his illegal tariff taxes that raised costs for consumers and pushed small businesses to the brink of disaster. He brushed aside his administration’s vicious, violent, and cruel immigration policies that have resulted in the killing of American citizens.

“I want to make life better for all Americans, to lower costs, to keep our communities safe and healthy, to preserve democracy, and to protect our national security. I wish that was the case as well for our President. Unfortunately, all the American people continue to get are broken promises, higher costs, and endless chaos.

“Our nation deserves better. While Republicans continue to bury their heads in the sand and bend their knees in supplication to their failed, corrupt President, Democrats are fighting back, using every tool available to stop Trump and Republicans’ extreme policies and make life better for the American people.”

After spending the last year wreaking havoc on our communities, Donald Trump yet again spewed lies and attempted to gaslight the American people.

We endured baseless claims, shameless propaganda, and the ramblings of a wannabe dictator outlining his plans to steal our elections.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) February 24, 2026 at 10:15 PM

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The President is putting his name on failed policies that cost Americans more:

TrumpRx.
Trump taxes.
Trump performing art centers.
Trump accounts.

At least we all know who to blame, then, for higher healthcare costs, higher taxes, and higher costs of living.

— Robin Kelly (@RepRobinKelly) February 25, 2026

He lingers, salaciously over people who were hurt and murdered. But there is no joy, no happiness in this speech. Just an angry, bitter, hateful, man who knows no one in this room loves him any more than he loves them.

— Sean Casten (@SeanCasten) February 25, 2026

The American people deserve the truth. Instead, tonight, they heard lies from President Donald Trump.

While families struggle with rising costs for housing, health care, and groceries, billionaires and big corporations continue to reap record profits.

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I will continue fighting…

— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) February 25, 2026

Like last year, I gave myself 5 bald-faced lies before I walked out of Trump’s joint address.

Less than one hour into his speech, I’m out.

— Congressman Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) February 25, 2026

pic.twitter.com/wyP9r5HFCx

— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) February 25, 2026

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My thoughts on the President’s #SOTU Address👇

Tonight, we heard the ramblings of a President dangerously disconnected from the real issues keeping families up at night – issues his own policies have made worse.

The harsh truth is that people are struggling. People like Laura,…

— Nikki Budzinski (@NikkiBudzinski) February 25, 2026