ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (04/15/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that today is the deadline to file those 2023 state and federal individual income tax returns. All filing must be done by midnight tonight, either by email or by mail with an April 15th postmark.

(SPRINGFIELD) Two men from the Metro East area are accused of stealing more than $800,000 in merchandise from more than 20 Walmart stores in Illinois and Missouri. The two men were caught over the weekend in Bowling Green, Missouri, after they entered a Walmart store and broke into a case with PlayStation 5 consoles and left through a fire door. Authorities say retail theft security software helped them identify the suspects, which led to their arrests. Their first appearance in court is expected sometime this week.

(SPRINGFIELD) There is talk about changing the name of Starved Rock State Park as the State DNR says it will consult with Native American leaders about finding a more suitable name for the northern Illinois park and others that have names that are not considered respectful. However, some native Americans and others say having a State Park named after their tribe is an honor. Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County is named after a legend about Indians that starved to death on a rock while seeking refuge from a rival tribe.

(CHICAGO) The Chicago Bears are seeking a $7.2 million refund in a property tax appeal for the site of the former Arlington International Racecourse. The Chicago Tribune reports 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 Chicago’s lakefront while tearing down Soldier Field.