Politics & Government
Illinois House Speaker Seen With Bears Brass At Playoff Game As Pritzker Softens Tone On New Stadium
It appears it's now a two-horse race between Arlington Heights and Northwest Indiana to win the Bears' new home.
January 20, 2026
Illinois House Speaker Emmanuel "Chris" Welch posted photos of himself with Chicago Bears owner George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren at Sunday night's game as the apparent two-horse race continues to land a new football stadium.
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It appears it's now a two-horse race between Arlington Heights and Northwest Indiana to win the Bears' new home. And while Illinois state officials have been firm that they will not be giving the team public money to build a stadium, there appears to be some softening.
Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker softened his tone on state infrastructure funding for the Bears in Arlington Heights, and now Welch was spotted at the game against the L.A. Rams with Bears' top brass.
