Chicago mayor optimistic about keeping Bears

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is "expressing new optimism" about keeping the Bears in the city, characterizing his conversations with the team as "productive" during an interview on his first 100 days in office. Johnson: "In fact, they've been quite productive, and the leadership of (Bears President and CEO) Kevin Warren is a strong indication of that." The mayor "did not elaborate on a specific plan or possible sites" for a new stadium, but described current talks as "a listening phase that has established the rapport needed for progress." Though light on specifics, Warren echoed in a statement that the team has "built a positive relationship with the mayor, something the organization did not enjoy with former Mayor Lori Lightfoot" (CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS, 8/24).