Good morning, Chicago.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill that outlines a financial structure for a Bears stadium in Hammond about an hour after the state Senate gave the bill its final approval on Thursday, while Illinois lawmakers were inching closer to a tax deal to try to keep the team in the Land of Lincoln.

After Braun signed the bill into law, the Bears sent out a statement: “Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Governor Braun signing SB 27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana. We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”

However, Illinois lawmakers were not ready to declare game over.

At the Illinois State Capitol, the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday approved legislation in a 13-7 vote that would allow the Bears to negotiate a special payment to local taxing bodies in lieu of property taxes — key legislation that the team says it would need to aid in its move to Arlington Heights.

Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History