Shipping Containers for Sale in Chicago, IL

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Gov. JB Pritzker is trying to downplay any concerns about landing a Chicago Bears stadium in Illinois because of delayed action by state lawmakers.

His comments on Tuesday also suggested a possible disconnect with Mayor Brandon Johnson about any chance of keeping the team in Chicago.

Lawmakers don't return to Springfield for more than two weeks. That means there can be no action until later this month on a bill that would pave the way for state funding for needed infrastructure improvements around the Arlington Heights property where the Bears are considering building a stadium.

"Obviously, as fast as we can get this done through the legislature, and that's going to be up to the legislators to do it that, you know, we want to get it done for the Bears," Pritzker said.

The Bears are looking to move on from Soldier Field, either to a domed stadium that they would build as part of a larger development project in Arlington Heights or to a taxpayer-financed stadium near Wolf Lake, in Hammond, Indiana.

The property in Arlington Heights would require state-funded infrastructure improvements around the stadium, something lawmakers in Springfield are still debating.

"I think the most important thing for us, and I think we've been very clear with the Bears organization, it's not just about getting this done, but getting it right," said state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Mayor Johnson is still holding on to the seemingly unlikely chance that the Bears could stay in the city, suggesting if Chicago had been offered similar infrastructure help as is being debated for Arlington Heights, it might have changed the conversation.

"The Bears have already shown a willingness to work with my administration to keep the Bears in the city of Chicago despite whatever other false information is promulgated," Johnson said.

"Indeed, if there were a place in the city of Chicago that the Bears said this is where we want to put a stadium, we would be talking about infrastructure for that. That is not what they've said. They literally have said, they've looked at every site that is available," Pritzker said.

But negotiations also involve appeasing some 40 state lawmakers representing Chicago.

"I think what's important for us is to make sure that whatever happens here is something that we are not regretting as a delegation, and that the right things are done. I also want to say, Craig, that this is not a hostage negotiation. This is a conversation about economic development," Buckner said.

A group named Hoosiers for Responsible Taxation has launched a website with a video opposing a taxpayer-funded stadium for the Bears.

It comes after Gov. Mike Braun signed legislation to approve a stadium authority to pursue the possibility of luring the Bears to Hammond.

Buckner remains confident Illinois will get a deal done to keep the Bears somewhere on this side of the border.

"We need to get to a point where everybody is on the same page, and everybody has gotten at least some piece of what they need in this conversation. And so I think the governor is right. The mayor is right. I think that we got to continue to figure out how to move forward," Buckner said.

The Bears did not immediately respond to a request for comment on where negotiations are from their standpoint.

Buckner did note that stadium deals involve complicated negotiations, which just take time.

Trying to find the full "blood moon" total lunar eclipse this morning? In the Chicago area, you may not have much luck.

"It's cloudy everywhere around here," NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said early Tuesday. Roman added that the eclipse reached totality about 5:04 a.m., with totality peaking between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

But don't get your hopes up.

"We have layers of clouds out there this morning," Roman said, referring to all of northeastern Illinois. "You're probably not going to see it very well with all the clouds in place."

In other parts of the U.S., including in Los Angeles, the lunar eclipse was visible. The next one won't be seen in the U.S. until June of 2029, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth is between the sun and full moon, casting a shadow that covers the moon. The so-called blood moon looks red because of stray bits of sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.

The show unfolds over several hours, with totality lasting about an hour.

A partial lunar eclipse is just what it sounds like, where only part of Earth’s shadow covers the moon.

For those in the path, there’s no need for any special equipment to observe — just a clear, cloudless view of the sky.

During totality, the moon will sit about 15 degrees above the horizon and may appear to have to a more reddish tint in what is also referred to as a "blood moon."

"Just like a sunset, sunlight refracts and bends through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters the light on the visible light spectrum," NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes explained. "The colors we're left with are the red and orange hues. That color hits the moon and bounces back to our eyes below the night sky."

After March's full moon, the next full moon will be the "pink moon" on April 1.

The next partial lunar eclipse will occur on Aug. 27 at 11 p.m. It will be slightly red because most of the surface will be covered, but it isn’t a total eclipse, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

The next total lunar eclipse that will be visible in the Chicago area won’t occur for another three years, occurring taking night of June 25, 2029.

Something new and full of energy is coming to Downtown West Chicago this summer!

The City of West Chicago is excited to introduce Mosaic Market, a vibrant weekly market that will transform Main Street into a lively gathering space celebrating culture, creativity, food, and small business.

Taking place on Thursday evenings from June 4 through August 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mosaic Market invites residents, visitors, and families to stroll downtown, discover unique goods, enjoy diverse flavors, and connect with neighbors in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

Organized in partnership with Bensidoun USA, Inc., a highly respected Midwest market operator known for successful community markets, Mosaic Market will feature a curated mix of artisans, makers, specialty vendors, and food offerings representing the many cultures and talents that make West Chicago unique.

The market will be accompanied by live entertainment, pop-up activities, and family-friendly experiences that bring added energy to the street and transform Thursday evenings into a vibrant community gathering. Together, these elements will create a weekly destination where shopping, entertainment, and connection naturally come together.

Whether stopping by after work, meeting friends downtown, or exploring something new with family, Mosaic Market is designed to become a joyful Thursday evening tradition.

Mosaic Market is seeking artisans, makers, food vendors, and specialty sellers interested in being part of this exciting downtown experience.

Vendor applications will open in early March through Bensidoun USA. West Chicago residents and businesses will receive priority consideration during the month of March and will also receive a 25% booth fee discount.

This is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and creatives to showcase their work, connect with new customers, and participate in a dynamic community setting that highlights the diversity and talent of West Chicago.

Online applications will be available the week of March 9.

Mosaic Market Vendor Information Session

Interested vendors are invited to attend a Mosaic Market Vendor Information Session on Wednesday, March 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. This session will provide an overview of the market’s vision and goals, details about vendor expectations, and guidance on how to complete the application process. Representatives from Bensidoun USA and the City will be available to answer questions and help prospective participants prepare for a successful season. Please note that sole proprietors must be registered with DuPage County under an Assumed Name (DBA) prior to participation.

Bensidoun USA is also seeking a Market Supervisor to support weekly Mosaic Market operations.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys community events, thrives in a fast-paced outdoor environment, and takes pride in creating a welcoming and organized experience for vendors and visitors. Responsibilities include coordinating vendor setup, assisting with logistics, ensuring compliance with market guidelines, and serving as an on-site point of contact during market hours.

The position pays $21 per hour. Bilingual Spanish and English skills and familiarity with the West Chicago community are strongly preferred.

More details, vendor highlights, and programming updates will be shared as the season approaches. For now, mark your calendars and come experience Mosaic Market, a place where culture, creativity, and community meet on Main Street this summer.

The City of West Chicago is excited to host its first-ever Chalk the Walk event as part of Blooming Fest’s 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Downtown West Chicago. This art event is free and open to the public.

Artists are invited to participate in a live chalk art experience centered on this year’s theme: flowers, pollinators, and the natural beauty of spring. Each artist will receive an approximately 8-by-8-foot section of pavement and a set of high-quality professional chalk pastels. There is no fee to participate.

Applicants must register by Friday, March 27. Space is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Artists will be notified by email.

In addition to the artists’ area, a community corner will be open for the public to engage in a vibrant, flower-themed chalk art experience.

Awards & Prizes Best in Show – $500 Best on Theme – $250 People’s Choice Award (selected by the public) – $250

Chalk the Walk is a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity, celebrate spring, and be part of a milestone year for Blooming Fest. Artists of all styles are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit westchicago.org/blooming-fest.

Milder temperatures are in store for the work week, with highs close to 50 degrees possible. Most of the week will remain dry, but snow chances will return later in the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Monday will start the week with a high of 43 degrees, followed by an even milder Tuesday, which will have a high of 49 degrees.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday also all have highs in the 40s, with a high of 43 on Wednesday, 40 on Thursday, and 44 degrees on Friday, according to the current forecast.

The start of the workweek will be sunny or partly cloudy, but there is a chance of snow on Thursday. According to the weather service, there is an afternoon snow chance on Thursday, mainly west of Interstate 39. Then, on Thursday night, there is a chance of snow for areas west of Fox Valley.

Friday looks to be dry again. The weather service said there could be some "additional precipitation possible this upcoming weekend."

Here is a more detailed look at the week ahead, per the weather service:

MONDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 40. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South wind around 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

TUESDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 45. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

THURSDAY: A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 38.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Chicago, Illinois — Milder temperatures and dry road conditions are expected across Chicago through midweek, improving daily travel before snow chances return later in the week.

According to a Sunday afternoon update from the U.S. National Weather Service Chicago office, temperatures will trend milder over the next couple of days with no rain or snow in the forecast through Wednesday. Snow chances are expected to return later in the week.

Tonight, mostly cloudy skies are expected with overnight lows ranging from 16 to 24 degrees. Daytime highs Monday are forecast between 34 and 45 degrees, with lows Monday night from 29 to 33 degrees. Tuesday brings similar conditions, with highs between 38 and 48 degrees and lows dipping to 22 to 27 degrees. Wednesday remains seasonably mild, with highs from 34 to 42 degrees and overnight lows from 22 to 26 degrees.

For commuters, the dry stretch means improved conditions along major corridors including I-90, I-94, I-290, I-55, and Lake Shore Drive through at least Wednesday. No precipitation-related slowdowns are anticipated during the Monday through Wednesday morning commute windows, a notable break after recent winter weather.

Snow chances return Thursday, with National Weather Service graphics indicating a 20–30% chance during the day and a 30–40% chance overnight. Highs Thursday are projected between 33 and 39 degrees, with lows from 21 to 27 degrees. Any snow could begin affecting travel later Thursday into early Friday, particularly during overnight hours.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the late-week system becomes clearer, especially those planning early-morning or overnight travel.

The milder midweek pattern may be especially relevant for students and commuters relying on early transit and highway travel during peak hours.

This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.Have a tip? Message us.