Bears appeal property tax bill
The Chicago Bears are seeking a $7.2 million refund in a property tax appeal for the site of the former Arlington International Racecourse. According to the Chicago Tribune, the team filed the request with the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.
The Bears said last month they are planning to provide more than $2 billion in private funding to build a publicly owned domed stadium along the lakefront in Chicago. The proposal includes tearing down Soldier Field.
Walmart thieves caught
Two men from the Metro East are accused of stealing more than $80,000 in merchandise from more than 20 Walmart stores in Illinois and Missouri.
According to Bowling Green, Missouri, police, two men came into their local store with a shopping cart and broke into a case containing PlayStation 5 consoles, took the merchandise and ran out through the fire door.
Police said retail theft security software helped them identify the suspects. Walmart officials allege the men have committed similar thefts at other stores.
Park name change planned
There is talk about changing the name of Starved Rock State Park. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said that it would consult with Native American leaders about finding more appropriate names for various state parks because some names are not considered respectful.
Starved Rock in LaSalle County is named after a legend about Native Americans starving to death on top of a rock while seeking refuge from a rival tribe.