Illinois quick hits: Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing

Pope Leo XIV says he is very disappointed that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950 to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

The pope said that he spoke explicitly with Pritzker about the legislation when the governor visited Rome last month. Pritzker signed the bill Dec. 12, on the Catholic feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Pope Leo said he hopes and prays that respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence, “from conception to natural death.”

Pritzker reacts to Supre Court guard ruling

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it was a “big win for Illinois and American democracy” when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a district court’s order blocking President Donald Trump from using National Guard troops in Chicago to help federal immigration enforcement.

The Supreme Court turned down the Trump administration’s emergency request to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge April Perry, leaving in place Perry’s temporary order barring the deployment amid the legal challenge.

Sports betting tax hike criticized

The Sports Betting Alliance says Chicago’s new municipal tax on sports wagering will drive more sports bettors to illegal websites and bookies.

The tax is part of the $16.7 billion 2026 budget passed by the city council Dec. 20. According to data from the Illinois Gaming Board, betting activity across the state declined 15% during the first two months of Illinois’ per-wager tax that took effect earlier this year.

Brett Rowland contributed to this report.