GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 12, 2026--
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) convened a roundtable today with U.S. Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08), community banks and credit unions, Wisconsin trade associations, and housing partners to discuss housing finance and economic development issues impacting communities across Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District.
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The roundtable provided a forum for stakeholders to share insights with Rep. Wied on how they leverage FHLBank Chicago programs and products to support local housing and community development. Wisconsin member financial institutions discussed the needs of their customers and how the Bank helps them address those priorities.
Stakeholders representing the real estate and building industries also highlighted the unique economic challenges and opportunities across the state’s northeastern district, which spans 10 counties and includes both urban and rural communities, from Wisconsin’s north woods to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
“FHLBank Chicago is proud to bring together leaders committed to strengthening communities through sustainable housing and economic initiatives,” said Michael Ericson, President and CEO of FHLBank Chicago. “We appreciate Congressman Wied’s willingness to engage in open dialogue with our members to help address the evolving needs of Wisconsin families and businesses.”
“I’m grateful to FHLBank Chicago for convening this roundtable and for its ongoing commitment to Wisconsin’s 8th District,” said Rep. Wied. “Open dialogue on affordable housing supply and economic development is essential to building strong, resilient communities. Today’s discussion highlighted how collaboration among financial institutions, housing advocates and local leaders can drive meaningful progress for families across our region.”
“Credit unions across Wisconsin are deeply invested in the financial well-being of their members,” said Sarah Wainscott, President and CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League. “Events like this roundtable help ensure we are aligned with partners like FHLBank Chicago to deliver and advocate for housing solutions that meet the needs of our communities.”
“Economic development is a key priority for banks across Wisconsin, and partnerships with FHLBank Chicago, along with open dialogue with policymakers, help us move the needle,” said Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “Today’s discussion puts us on a strong path forward to expand support for communities throughout the state.”
The roundtable underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing housing affordability and economic development. FHLBank Chicago remains committed to working with its members, partners, and Congress to deliver innovative financial solutions that strengthen communities across Wisconsin.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
FHLBank Chicago is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with a focus on providing solutions that support the housing and community development needs of members’ customers. FHLBank Chicago is a self-capitalizing cooperative, owned by its Illinois and Wisconsin members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. To learn more about FHLBank Chicago, please visit fhlbc.com.
Rep. Tony Wied meets with FHLBank Chicago and Wisconsin trade associations to discuss housing and economic development solutions. Pictured front row: Rose Oswald Poels, Wisconsin Bankers Association; Joe Fazio, Bristol Morgan Bank; Rep. Tony Wied, WI-08; Michael Ericson, FHLBank Chicago; Sarah Wainscott, Wisconsin Credit Union League; Pat Kaster, Wisconsin REALTORS Association; Dave Feldhaus, FHLBank Chicago, with representatives from local banks and credit unions.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Coming off a 6-11 season, the Cincinnati Bengals targeted two proven winners in free agency and rewarded another who was already in the building.
The Bengals announced Thursday that left offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. had agreed to a two-year extension through the 2028 season. The team also agreed on a $28 million, two-year contract with two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn't been finalized.
The 29-year-old Brown, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 before joining the Bengals in free agency leading into the 2023 season.
With two more Super Bowl champs in safety Bryan Cook and defensive end Boye Mafe also signing this week, Brown said he remains excited about the direction the Bengals are heading.
“We’ve got a lot of special players and a lot of special men in that locker room,” Brown said. “We’ve got one of the hardest pieces of the puzzle in Joe Burrow, so I think it’s important for everyone else around him, including myself, to step up to the plate.”
Allen was a first-round pick by Washington in 2017. He spent eight seasons with the Commanders and played in Minnesota last year. Allen has 45 1/2 career sacks.
Cook, who won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs in his first four years in the league, had the best season of his career in 2025 and now joins the Bengals on a three-year contract.
Cook returns to his hometown of Cincinnati, where he also played college football at the University of Cincinnati.
“My family, we’ve been talking about this for a long time, being able to come back home,” Cook said. “I’m excited for the opportunity and the new chapter in my life.”
During Cook's rookie NFL season in 2022, he created an interception by tipping a pass on one of the most important plays of the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game win over the Bengals. The Bengals are looking for Cook to make these types of clutch plays in big games over the next few years, and Cook has high hopes for Cincinnati.
“We’ve done it (before),” Cook said. “We can get it done again. That’s always the goal. That’s what we do it for.”
Cook fills a need at free safety that the Bengals hadn’t been able to effectively address since safety Jessie Bates III signed with the Atlanta Falcons before the 2023 season.
Cook’s aggressive style, consistent tackling and playmaking ability are an upside for the Bengals defense.
“He’s going to bring a ton of great energy,” said Brown, who played with Cook in Kansas City in 2022. “He’s a fierce competitor. He loves the game. He has got a lot of personality, you’ve just got to get it out of him a bit. When he first got to Kansas City, he was immediately in the mix in terms of being a guy in the locker room that vets respected.”
The Bengals replaced Trey Hendrickson, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens, by signing defensive end Mafe to a three-year deal. Mafe won a Super Bowl title with the Seattle Seahawks last month, and he’s one of the most athletic young defensive ends in the NFL.
Mafe led the Seahawks in sacks in 2023. A scheme change and further additions to Seattle’s roster led to a reduced role for him. With the Bengals, the 27-year-old Mafe will get the opportunity to be a No. 1 pass rusher again.
“Coming here, talking to the coaches and talking about their plans for the future and what they want to do and build here, that’s what excites me,” Mafe said. “Being a part of the building and seeing it grow, that’s what excites me. Cincinnati has what they need. It’s one of those teams people are going to know about soon.”
AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
FILE - Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) reacts before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger,File)
FILE - Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) slides to the ground with Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) leaping behind in the NFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer,File)
FILE - Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (75) walks off the field during halftime in an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
