Bears' Stadium Showdown: Illinois vs Indiana

0:00This is your global news update for March 14th. A turf war is brewing between Illinois and Indiana over the Chicago Bears football team. The legendary franchise, one of the NFL's original members with nine championships, might leave Chicago after more than a century there. Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1920, the Bears now play in the smallest NFL stadium, Soldier Field, which they rent from the city. Soldier Field's open air design and 61,500 seats limit big events and revenue from things like naming rights and concessions. The team wants to own a modern dome stadium for more control and income. Illinois still owes $467 million from a 2001 renovation with interest piling up. Fans and critics in Illinois are furious, saying it's a raw deal with property taxes already sky high. During the Bears would sting culturally and economically, especially amid tensions with conservative Indiana, including talks of border

1:00counties, seceding. Democratic leaders worry about shifting more tax burden to homeowners. In the ante stepped up fast, creating a stadium authority for a domed venue near Wolflake and Hammond. Governor Mike Braun signed the law on February 26th, offering a 35-year lease funded by hospitality taxes. The Bears would face a penalty to break their current lease through Illinois countered with incentives for big projects like freezing property taxes for up to 45 years and sales tax breaks on materials. Governor JB Pritzker-Baxon arguing it boosts unused land in local revenue. The standoff continues as both states buy to keep or lure the $8.9 billion franchise. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Salipillo is a pillow with built-in headphones. Layback, press play, and disappear into what you're listening to. S-O-L-I, Salipillo.com.