Chicago Bears news: Illinois lawmakers file amended bill, Indiana House approves bill to invest $1B into Hammond NFL stadium
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Significant progress unfolded late Wednesday concerning the Chicago Bears’ future location. In Springfield, a new amendment was introduced to a bill intended to facilitate state support for keeping the Bears in Illinois.

This amendment, proposed by State Representative Kam Buckner of Chicago, suggests offering tax incentives for infrastructure improvements to lure the Bears into constructing a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Notably, the McCaskey family already owns the former Arlington Raceway site, making it a prime candidate for development.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

House Bill 910, a revised version of a significant project proposal initially scheduled for review last week but postponed, is anticipated to be discussed in a committee meeting on Thursday morning in Springfield. It could potentially advance to a legislative vote shortly thereafter.

Governor JB Pritzker expressed a strong stance during a Wednesday night interview on MS NOW.

“I won’t be coerced by the Bears,” Pritzker stated. “I’ve established clear guidelines; my priority is ensuring Illinois taxpayers aren’t burdened. We’re working diligently on a plan to support the Bears without imposing costs on our taxpayers similar to those Indiana might face.”

At the same time, Indiana legislators are poised to pass a bill to their governor on Thursday, paving the way for financing a new stadium in Hammond.

“They are going to raise… taxes and I don’t think the people of Indiana have any idea what they are in for and they are going to pay for a stadium for the Chicago Bears,” Pritzker said.

House lawmakers in Indiana have approved a bill to invest $1 billion into a stadium for Hammond. The bill now heads to the state Senate before going to the governor.

While the Bears have scouted the Wolf Lake site, the team has yet to commit.

“Here in Illinois, we continue to have really positive discussions with the Bears, and I think you’ll see the progress over time here,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.

If the Indiana Senate passes the bill as expected, it heads straight to the governor’s desk for a signature.

“The excitement around northwest Indiana is at an all-time high. Every time we check another box, everybody gets a little more excited about this opportunity,” said Phil Taillon, with South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is kicking off an online petition to keep the Bears in Illinois.

Quinn will be out at the George Halas statue in front of Soldier Field to get the word out about the beardownforillinois.com petition.

He says he wants fans to band together and tell the owners to keep the team in Illinois.

Amid the battle outside the city, the city of Chicago is also still technically in the running to keep the Bears.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
EU approves $105 billion loan to Ukraine to aid in war against Russia

EU Greenlights $105 Billion Aid Package to Support Ukraine in Ongoing Conflict with Russia

The European Union has officially sanctioned a substantial 90-billion-euro loan package to…
Sinister web unravels after massive FBI bust of Mexican Mafia crooks -- with kingpin 'Gangster' at the helm

FBI’s Major Operation Dismantles Mexican Mafia Network, Revealing Leader “Gangster” in Command

Luis Cardenas, known as “Gangster,” is a convicted murderer who, despite being…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…
Dead squirrels spark health alert at famous Hollywood hiking trail

Health Alert Issued: Dead Squirrels Pose Risk on Popular Hollywood Hiking Trail

Visitors to a well-loved hiking trail are being cautioned to avoid contact…
Trump Orders Navy to Shoot Small Boats Dropping Mines in Strait of Hormuz

President Trump Directs Navy to Target Vessels Planting Mines in the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a directive to the U.S. Navy,…
EU bans 15 chemicals in cosmetics that are still allowed in US

EU Prohibits 15 Chemicals in Cosmetics, While US Regulations Lag Behind

Across the Atlantic, a significant overhaul in beauty product regulations is unfolding,…
Report: FBI Rescues Child Kidnapped to Cuba by Transgender Parent

FBI Successfully Returns Child Abducted to Cuba by Parent

The FBI has successfully rescued a ten-year-old boy who was allegedly taken…
US sailor prepped for minesweeping in Strait of Hormuz sidelined by monkey attack

US Sailor’s Minesweeping Mission in Strait of Hormuz Halted by Unexpected Monkey Attack

Beware of unexpected encounters with the local wildlife. An incident involving a…
Hulu announces new reality TV lineup: Kardashian Series, Travis Barker documentary, 'Project Runway' returns 

Hulu Unveils Exciting Reality TV Slate: Kardashians, Travis Barker Doc, and ‘Project Runway’ Comeback

Hulu is once again expanding its reality TV offerings, with exciting new…
UK passes ban on cigarette purchases for anyone born after 2008

UK Implements Historic Cigarette Ban for Post-2008 Generation: A Major Step Towards Tobacco-Free Future

In a significant legislative move, the UK Parliament has approved a groundbreaking…
Law enforcement responding to 'active shooter' at Mall of Louisiana: Gov Landry

Governor Landry Confirms Police Response to Ongoing Situation at Mall of Louisiana

On Thursday, authorities quickly responded to an incident at the Mall of…
Legendary Spanish matador describes aftermath of gruesome rectal goring injury

Spanish Matador Opens Up About Recovery Journey After Severe Bullfighting Injury

The renowned Spanish matador, Morante de la Puebla, recently opened up about…