Le Journal

A southern Illinois woman won a huge prize on Christmas Eve in an Illinois Lottery game, but the big win almost didn’t happen. That’s because the woman from downstate Vandalia originally wanted to purchase a scratch-off Lottery ticket from a retailer, but they were closed for the holiday. She then decided at the last-minute to purchase a ticket from a Phillips 66 gas station in Vandalia instead. “I was going to stop at another gas station, but it was closed for Christmas Eve,” she said. “Phillips was the only place open, so I decided to go there instead.” It turned out that was a very good decision. She purchased a $30 Royal Riches scratch-off ticket and collected the top prize in the game, earning a cool $3 million just in time for the holiday. The winning ticket was purchased at a Phillips 66 in the 700 block of Veterans Avenue in Vandalia, and while she does have plans for the money, including a family vacation and paying other bills, she’s planning to set a good amount of it aside. “I don’t plan on quitting,” she said of running her cleaning business. “I’ll take a family vacation, but I’m still working.”

Temperatures in Los Angeles have been in the 70s and 80s in recent days, but the Rams will be in for a rude shock when they face the Chicago Bears Sunday. The Rams traveled to Chicago on Saturday just in time for gusty winds and occasional snow showers, and things won’t be much better when they hit the gridiron at Soldier Field on Sunday night. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, air temperatures at kickoff on the lakefront will likely be in the mid-to-upper teens, but with wind gusts exceeding 15-to-20 miles per hour, the wind chill is going to be downright frigid. According to forecast models, wind chills at gametime will be in the low-single digits or even below zero at times, making for a freezing cold evening of football. What’s more, the Chicago area could see a round of fluffy snow right around gametime, and even though significant accumulations are not expected, the snow could end up impacting the passing and kicking games for both teams. The snow may not last the entire game, but the blustery and cold conditions will, with wind chills hovering right around zero degrees throughout the contest, according to forecast models. The game may end up being one of the coldest in the history of both franchises, and the Rams will be looking to erase some negative history for dome-dwelling teams, as they’re just 2-8 in postseason games played when the temperature is at or below the freezing mark since 2000, according to Stathead. As for fans attending the game, the Bears have enacted “enhanced game day measures” to ensure fan safety at Soldier Field. “While winter weather is part of the authentic Chicago game day experience, fans are encouraged to dress in layers, stay alert to changing conditions and prioritize safety throughout Sunday’s matchup,” the team said in the advisory. Here’s a rundown of the safety measures and policies fans headed to the game should keep in mind: Warming centers are available at Loop Landing (behind Section 146), on the Service Level down the southwest tunnel near the Dr Pepper Patio, NW colonnade (situated on the tiled landing at the top of the stairs by Gate 31) and on the south side of the colonnades Battery-operated clothing is permitted but may require additional security screening Fans cannot bring in cardboard to sit or stand on Dehydration from cold weather is possible and fans are encouraged to drink water throughout the game Hot chocolate, coffee and cider is available for purchase throughout the stadium and from in-seat vendors Hand warmers are available for purchase at any Bears Pro Shop location in the stadium Blankets are permitted for Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field as long as they are carried in hand or in an approved clear bag that meets the stadium’s clear bag guidelines Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m., and the game will air on NBC Chicago.