Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor ‘working hard’ to attract Bears

January 15, 2026/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says the Chicago Bears noticed that the Hoosier state is open for business.

During his State of the State address Wednesday at the Indiana Capitol, Braun said his administration is working hard to bring the Bears to Indiana and encouraged state lawmakers to help make it happen.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited potential stadium sites in Northwest Indiana and Arlington Heights, Illinois last weekend.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGING PLAN

The Illinois Department on Aging has released a plan to address the needs of older adults and caregivers.

“EngAging Illinois: A Comprehensive Plan for Living Well” was established by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order in 2024 and involved 15 state agencies and a 25-member advisory council.

State officials say Illinois’ over-65 population is projected to grow 40% by 2035.

WATCHING EAGLES

A number of eagle-watching events are scheduled across Illinois over the next few weeks.

The Bald Eagle Festival and Bird Show is Sunday at Pere Marquette State Park Lodge and Conference Center near Grafton, followed by Bald Eagle Days on select dates at Pere Marquette from Jan. 30 to March 6.

Starved Rock Eagle Watch Weekend is Jan. 24-25 in Utica. Fulton-Mason Eagle Day is Feb. 7 at Illinois State Museum Dickson-Mounds in Lewistown.

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