All articles tagged with #bears
Chicago Tribune’s editorial argues that the simmering feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker over Bears stadium plans exposes a broader city-vs-state political rift that could hamper Chicago’s fiscal recovery and future deals, and suggests the next mayor will largely have to navigate a fragile relationship with Springfield regardless of who wins.
The Chicago Bears say they have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, with no viable site remaining in the city. The team is now focusing on two sites—Arlington Heights and Hammond—for a new stadium, and a decision is expected later this spring or early summer.
Chicago remains determined to keep the Bears, with the team narrowing its stadium options to Arlington Heights, IL and Hammond, IN amid political pushback in Illinois and a looming May 31 deadline; lawmakers debate a potential lakefront site while Chicago leadership and state officials negotiate the team’s future.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the Bears will choose between two viable indoor stadium sites—Arlington Heights, Illinois, or Hammond, Indiana—putting Chicago’s long-time home in jeopardy and signaling a near-term decision.
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia warns the Bears’ proposed Hammond, Indiana site sits near slag, treated waste, hazardous-waste sites, and an oil refinery, raising environmental and safety concerns as the team weighs locations; Hammond officials defend the site and say the Bears have studied safety measures, with a location decision expected soon.
At the NFL owners meeting in Orlando, owners will receive a special briefing on the Bears’ two viable stadium options—Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana—with Indiana ready to move and Illinois negotiations ongoing; Bears leadership hopes to decide by early summer, and Indiana is seen as leverage for a favorable Illinois deal, potentially echoing cross-state stadium arrangements.
A report says the Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving in Detroit for the 2026 slate, continuing a holiday rivalry. Detroit won both meetings with Chicago in 2025, and Bears coach Ben Johnson—formerly Lions offensive coordinator—remains eyeing his first win against his former team. The NFL has also announced Eagles at Dallas on Thanksgiving and Lions at Buffalo in Week 2.
Week 1 will feature the Chicago Bears visiting the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, a matchup of two teams coming off playoff berths and tied to the 2023 first-overall pick swap that shaped both franchises’ quarterback futures (Bryce Young for the Panthers, Caleb Williams for the Bears).
With bear attacks in Japan at a record high, Hokkaido-based Ohta Seiki is flooded with orders for its animatronic 'Monster Wolf' decoys that flash red eyes, howl, and play more than 50 sounds to deter bears; prices start around $4,000 and production is two to three months behind as the company expands and plans wheeled versions, a handheld model, and AI-camera features.
Japan is increasingly turning to robot wolves as a humane, high-tech deterrent to bear incursions in rural areas, with farmers and local authorities reporting rising demand for the autonomous predators to protect crops and people.
The 2026 NFL schedule is out and Chicago Bears face the league's toughest strength of schedule (.550), driven by last season's winning records across the NFC North and the addition of a first-place slate. The Eagles have the easiest first-place schedule, while the Browns and Saints benefit from the two easiest overall schedules. Rankings are based on opponents' 2025 records under the 17-game format, which reshuffles who each team faces each year.
Based on 2025 results, the Bears have the NFL’s toughest 2026 strength of schedule at .550 and the Browns the easiest at .429. The New York Giants sit 17th with a .498 opponent winning percentage; their 2026 slate includes the entire NFC West, AFC South, and the same‑place finishers from the AFC North, NFC South, and NFC North, plus the usual NFC East home-and-home games. The article also provides the full 32-team SOS rankings and notes broad playoff trends related to recent realignment and turnover.
Josh Kreutz and Jai Williams, sons of former Bears Pro Bowl linemen Olin Kreutz and James “Big Cat” Williams, are taking part in the Bears’ rookie minicamp and wearing their fathers’ numbers (57 and 71). The piece highlights their lifelong friendship, family pride, and the guidance their dads offer about preparation and playing center in the NFL, while noting how minicamps have evolved since their fathers’ playing days.
The Chicago Bears announced the signings of four 2026 NFL Draft selections—Zavion Thomas (WR), Malik Muhammad (DB), Keyshaun Elliott (LB) and Jordan van den Berg (DL)—and 13 undrafted free agents, boosting depth at multiple positions ahead of the upcoming season.