Bears make their case for taxpayer funding in Arlington Heights

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Good morning, Chicago —

Here's the latest news from around the area.

The Chicago Bears yesterday laid the groundwork to seek some sort of public subsidy for the massive, mixed-use stadium development they are exploring on a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights. In an open letter released just two days before a community meeting at which conceptual plans are expected to be released, the team said it won't seek taxpayer cash for "direct stadium construction," but will seek public funding for other aspects of the project. Fran Spielman has the latest on the Bears' proposed plans.

In other news, a pair of new COVID-19 vaccine boosters designed to protect against the virus' dominant variants BA.4 and BA.5 will be available in the Chicago area starting this week. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, as part of the announcement, urged residents to get over their "COVID fatigue" and receive the updated shots prior to the return of cold weather. Fran Spieman has more from health officials on why you should get the new booster.

And as federal officials visit Chicago-area campuses this week to spread the word about fake, fentanyl-laced prescription pills that could be deadly, WBEZ's Patrick Smith spoke to a pair of local parents who lost their kids to fentanyl poisoning and have since made it their mission to shine a light on the opioid crisis. "It's just demolished our family," said Dean Jaske, who now speaks at high schools to educate students, parents and administrators about the dangers lurking in potentially counterfeit pills. Read the full WBEZ story here.

Get even more news below, and thanks for reading.

Satchel Price, assistant audience engagement editor

Bears release Arlington Heights details, make case for public subsidy

Though the Bears will not seek public funds to build a stadium, "we look forward to partnering with the various governmental bodies to secure additional funding and assistance needed to support the feasibility of the remainder of the development," the team wrote.

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Two new COVID-19 vaccines will be available in Chicago this week

The city already has been allocated about 150,000 doses of the updated vaccines, and more than 130 pharmacies in Chicago are expected to receive doses this week.

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