Bears eye new stadium plan
Despite purchasing land in Arlington Heights for a possible stadium site, the Chicago Bears now say they are pushing ahead with plans to build a new domed stadium on the lakefront.
The Bears plan to contribute $2 billion in private funding for a stadium south of Soldier Field. The plans are expected to include tearing down the current stadium except for the historical aspects. Soldier Field was first dedicated in 1924.
Effingham police standoff details
New details are emerging from a tense police standoff Friday at an Effingham truck stop.
Police said a suspect wanted in connection with a bank robbery in Michigan was located at the TA Truck Stop in Effingham. Police disabled the semi-truck while the suspect remained holed up inside the truck cab.
The standoff lasted about eight hours. After officials attempted to negotiate with the man, he took his own life.
Solar eclipse preparation
Preparations are underway to host thousands of visitors in Illinois for the April 8 total solar eclipse that will pass over much of the southern third of the state.
Officials from multiple state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Office of Tourism have worked together for more than a year to ensure a safe and successful experience for the influx of eclipse watchers.
Southern Illinois is in the path of totality for the second time since Aug. 21, 2017. Carbondale will see 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, nearly double what was seen in 2017.
