On April 8th, Illinoisans will get to experience one of astronomy's greatest marvels: a total solar eclipse. While typically only visible from the same place every three or four centuries, April’s total solar eclipse will be the second time in just seven years that the celestial phenomenon can be seen in the state. Local and out-of-town stargazers who want to experience this rare event can expect to see a total eclipse across southern Illinois at some point between 1:57 PM and 2:08 PM.

PUBLIC SAFETY
House Republicans make public safety concerns a priority in new legislative package. At a Capitol press conference on Thursday, House Republican State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, John Cabello, David Friess, Dan Ugaste, and Amy Grant laid out a bold legislative package aimed at improving public safety, recruiting and retaining police officers and other law enforcement officials, and providing assistance to victims of violent crime.

Less than seven years after a total solar eclipse captivated millions and shined a spotlight on deep southern Illinois, another total solar eclipse will be visible in areas of southern Illinois on the afternoon of April 8. Southern Illinois is considered the eclipse crossroads of America because it was in the centerline for the path of totality in 2017 and will be again next month.