Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) rushes past Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)

The Bears went 7-10 in their third straight losing season and haven’t finished above .500 since going 12-4 to capture the NFC North championship in 2018. But they sent a strong signal that they’re ready to start winning with their second trade for a star receiver in as many years.

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The parks advocacy group said it isn’t chasing the Bears out of Chicago, but wants an “open, clear and free discourse driven by the public instead of private interests.”

(WTTW News)

Several news organizations on Monday morning reported that the team has backed off possible plans to build a stadium in suburban Arlington Heights and will instead now provide private funding for a new publicly owned stadium in Chicago.

A rendering of a new White Sox stadium and surrounding development, including housing, at The 78 site. (Credit: Related Midwest)

You’ve probably been hearing about the Chicago Bears and White Sox stadium goals. They’re not the only ones making a pitch for publicly financed stadiums.

Justin Fields looks on prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

The 24-year-old set social media alight when he unfollowed the Bears on Instagram, fueling speculation that he could be on his way out of Illinois.

Washington Football Team assistant running backs coach Jennifer King works with the team before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo / Mark Tenally)

Jennifer King became the first Black female in NFL history to serve as a primary position coach in 2021 with Washington.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and other Democrats celebrate on April 12, 2023, after Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023. (WTTW News)

The last year was filled with plenty of big news. As a new year begins, here’s a look at the stories that will continue into 2024.

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As reports surfaced Thursday that the Bears were exploring Soldier Field’s south parking lot as a potential site for a new stadium, opposition immediately mobilized.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields walks to the locker room after being sacked during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo / Charles Rex Arbogast)

Justin Fields was hurt on Chicago’s first possession of the third quarter against Minnesota. He seemed to land awkwardly on his hand trying to throw the ball away while getting sacked by Danielle Hunter. The Bears punted on the next play, and Fields headed to the locker room.

FILE - Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus watches from the sideline during the first half of the team's NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sept. 25, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh, File)

Dick Butkus, fearsome Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died at age 80.

Soldier Field. (WTTW News)

The Bears confirmed Williams, 53, submitted his resignation Wednesday morning. He had been with the team since February 2022.

Emery Moorehead, a member of the 1985 Super Bowl championship team, joined “Chicago Tonight” on Sept. 7, 2023. (WTTW News)

The Chicago Bears kick off the season Sunday by taking on the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Former Bears tight end Emery Moorehead, a member of the 1985 Super Bowl championship team, joined “Chicago Tonight” to preview the season.

(WTTW News)

The Chicago Bears have been stymied thus far in plans to win tax breaks to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. That’s opened the door to other communities to try and lure the team, but Chicago might still be in the game. Could the city come up with a late comeback and lure the Bears to stay?

(Courtesy of City of Waukegan)

The north suburban community of Waukegan is the latest town to get in on the high-stakes game of bidding for the Chicago Bears, joining Naperville, Chicago and Arlington Heights. 

A rendering of an aerial view of the Chicago Bears property in Arlington Heights. (Courtesy of Hart Howerton / Chicago Bears)
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Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren met Wednesday, a clear sign that relations between the city and the Monsters of the Midway have thawed, which may set the stage for talks to keep the team in Chicago, if not at Soldier Field.

Soldier Field. (WTTW News)

Conversations about alternate locations for a new Bears stadium have also reignited the possibility of the team sticking with the city, with a source telling WTTW News that talks between the city of Chicago and the team could resume as early as this week.