An aerial photo looking east at the former Arlington International Racecourse on March 12, 2024, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Every week or so, someone in the Chicago media fires out some information about the Chicago Bears’ quest for a new stadium. Much of it is speculation, some is sourced, and some of it is just cheap ‘look at me, I can talk about the Bears stadium and get some engagement’ content. This latest stadium update still isn’t anything concrete, but based on how the wind is blowing, it does feel like they’re getting closer to a real resolution.

Earlier today, ESPN’s David Kaplan shared on social media that a decision to stay in Illinois is basically at the one-yard line. “I am more convinced than ever that the Bears will be building their new stadium in Arlington Heights,” he reported. “I expect a vote in the next 10 days to approve the Mega Projects bill.

And, it will be a bipartisan deal that gets it done. Hallelujah.”This morning, Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner was a guest on Chicago’s 104.3 The Score, and he also made it sound like the deal was near the goal line. “Next week is a big week for us,” as Illinois lawmakers are meeting again in Springfield.

Buckner added, “The Bears know where we are, and I think we’ll have some good news in very short order.” I know, I know, we’ve been hearing the deal was on the one-yard line for a while now, but this isn’t the same old Bears. This version of the Bears knows how to punch it in. Do you think the “Pride and Joy of Illinois” will be bearing down in Arlington Heights?