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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Obama Library, George Lucas Museum May Get Help From Illinois Capitol

senatorraoul.com

Illinois lawmakers are trying to help bring President Barack Obama's library and George Lucas' proposed museum to Chicago.

A Senate committee approved a measure to ensure the city has legal authority to build on park land. Its sponsor -- Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul -- introduced the measure yesterday.

“The bill also makes clear that previously submerged land can be used for museums,” Raoul said. “And that provision is in the bill to address a question raised by a federal judge in ongoing litigation.”

The legislation follows a lawsuit filed by a group seeking to bar construction of the Star Wars creator's museum on filled-in lakefront property. They say the city must have the state's approval because the proposed site is still considered protected waterway. 

President Obama is expected to announce his library location in the coming weeks. His foundation is considering several bids, including two on Chicago Park District property.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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