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‘I don’t trust anything the Bears have to say’: Lawmakers on whether it’s too late to keep team in Illinois

Aug 14, 2026 · 5m

Summary

The Chicago Bears announced their sole focus is building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, after Illinois lawmakers failed to pass legislation for an Arlington Heights site. State legislators remain divided on whether to offer further incentives to keep the team, with some viewing the move as a negotiation tactic. While some argue Illinois will still reap economic benefits from fans traveling to games, others insist on holding firm against public funding for billionaires.

Topics discussed

Bears announce focus on new stadium in Hammond, Indiana Illinois legislature fails to pass stadium legislation Rep. Keeker urges deal for Arlington Heights stadium Rep. Ness argues Illinois still benefits economically Rep. Reek views announcement as a negotiation tactic Sen. Murphy opposes giving money to billionaires Sen. DeWitt and Rep. Keeker on economic development Rep. McLaughlin proposes infrastructure investment plan
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