Le Journal

The Chicago Bears have instituted a series of cold weather protocols for Sunday’s game, which may be one of the coldest in Soldier Field history. According to the latest forecasts from the NBC 5 Storm Team, the game-time temperature for the game could be in the single-digits, which would mark just the 11th time in Bears history the mercury would be that low. What’s worse, gusty winds could drive wind chills to 10-to-15 degrees below zero, which would be one of the coldest wind chills ever recorded at a Bears game. As a result, the team has announced a series of policies surrounding the cold weather, allowing fans the chance to warm up in various areas of the stadium, as well as approving of specific clothing options. The Bears announced that they will have warming centers in multiple sections of the stadium, including at the Loop Landing behind Section 146, on the service level in the southwest tunnel in the stadium, and on the northwest colonnade by Gate 31, according to the team. Fans will also be permitted to wear clothing with battery-operated heating elements, but those fans may be subjected to additional security screening, and are encouraged to arrive at gates early. Fans can purchase hot chocolate, cider and coffee throughout the stadium to stay warm, and can order hot beverages to their seats during the game. Fans will not be allowed to bring cardboard into the stadium to sit on. A variety of restrictions are in place for tailgating lots, including a prohibition on open fires in parking lots, as well as a prohibition on open flame or propane heaters. The team’s bag policy will also be in effect. Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest weather news surrounding Sunday’s game, and be sure to download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts sent to your phone.

The Joliet Slammers play their home games at Duly Health and Care Field, but for an exhibition next year, they’ll live up to their namesake. That’s because the team will play an exhibition game known as the “Big House Ballgame,” played within the walls of the historic Old Joliet Prison, according to the team. According to the Slammers, the game will take place on April 30, 2026, with ticket information to follow. The Slammers are members of the Frontier League, an MLB professional partner league. The team is co-owned by Mike and Night Train Veeck, along with legendary actor Bill Murray, who joined in the purchase in recent years. Further details on the game will be released in coming weeks. Fans interested in attending the game are encouraged to fill out a form to be eligible for tickets when they are released. Sign-ups are free, and the team cautions that the sign-up only means fans will have first dibs on tickets when they are available. More information can be found on the Slammers’ website.

A plume of black smoke rose from a fire in a commercial building in Cicero Thursday afternoon, video showed. Around 3 p.m., a fire was seen burning inside Jesse Stone Inc, a countertop store located on the 5200 block of West 25th Place in Cicero. Aerial footage from NBC Chicago Sky 5 and video posted on social media showed smoke rising from the fire, with at least one fire department ladder extended as crews battled the blaze. No additional information was immediately available. Check back for more on this developing story.

The Chicago Bears are hoping to bounce back when they take on the Cleveland Browns Sunday, and their latest injury report was identical to Wednesday. The Bears were back on the practice field after a walk-thru to start the week, with defensive back Kyler Gordon once again not in uniform for the workout. Gordon suffered a groin injury during pregame warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers, and he was out of action for the second straight day, with his status for Sunday in serious jeopardy. Running back Travis Homer, who suffered an ankle injury during Sunday’s game, was also out of action. For the second straight day, wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (hip) were limited. Both players missed the loss against the Packers, and are hoping to be back in action against the Browns. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus was also limited with a hamstring injury. Finally, cornerback Jaylon Johnson was a full participant, as was linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, who missed Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. The Bears and Browns will square off Sunday, with kickoff set for noon at Soldier Field.