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The Chicago Bears are engaged in a tight battle at Soldier Field, but Cairo Santos has continued to write his name in the team’s record books. Santos, who made all three field goals he attempted in last week’s win over the Green Bay Packers, was called upon to attempt a 48-yard field goal in the late stages of the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. That field goal gave the Bears a 10-7 lead, but it also added another layer to Santos’ resume. His 51-yard field goal last week against the Packers was the longest in Bears postseason history, and the 48-yarder on Sunday is now the third-longest, according to Pro Football Reference’s Stathead tool. The second-longest field goal in Bears history was hit in the 2007 NFC Divisional Round by Robbie Gould, who banged through a 49-yard field goal to capture the 27-24 victory in overtime. Unfortunately for the Bears, the Rams matched that field goal as the clock expired in the second quarter, tying things up at 10-10. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the holiday honoring the longtime civil rights later and celebrating his many accomplishments, is observed on the third Monday of January, and this year, it falls on Jan. 19. Officially declared a federal holiday under a bill signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, it’s the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, urging Americans to give back in reflection of King’s legacy. Like other federal holidays, it also brings changes to what’s opened and closed. Need to run errands or have business to take care of on Monday? While government offices may be closed, plenty of businesses will be open as usual. Here’s what’s open and closed to help you plan ahead. Banks Because Monday is a federal holiday, banks will be closed. Public Libraries Branches of the Chicago Public Library, along with many other public libraries across the state, will be closed Monday. Mail and Package Delivery Mail won’t be delivered as U.S. Post Offices will be closed on Monday. While post offices won’t be open, FedEx will continue deliveries, though some locations have “modified hours.” Are schools closed on Monday? While not deemed a “legal school holiday,” the Illinois State Board of Education has said school districts can choose to celebrate it. If that’s the case, the district considers it a “Not in Attendance” day, which means “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board. According to Chicago Public Schools’ calendar for 2025-26, the district does observe the day as a holiday, meaning schools are closed to both teachers and students. For students in districts where class will be in session, a recently passed law allows excused absences in exchange for engaging in a civic activity. According to House Bill 5488, which took effect Jan. 1, 2023, that any public middle or high school student will be permitted at least one “day-long excused absence from school to engage in a civic event.” Holidays Jan 16 Are Illinois schools open on Monday? What's open and closed on MLK Jr. Day for 2026 Holidays Jan 6 55 powerful Martin Luther King Jr. quotes to inspire you National Park Service Dec 6, 2025 Trump administration alters national parks' free-entry days, cutting MLK Day and Juneteenth Stock Market Both the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are closed Monday, Jan. 19. Regular trading hours are expected to resume on Tuesday. Illinois State Offices According to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, MLK Day is a state holiday, and a result, state government offices will be closed. That includes driver services facilities operated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Museums Many museums and cultural centers across the state remain open, and some are even offering free admission for Illinois residents. As part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s “Free Winter Weekdays,” the museum will be free on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Illinois residents. The Chicago History Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Botanic Garden will also have free admission days on Monday. What about Chicago and Cook County? City of Chicago offices will be closed on Monday, according to a list of holidays posted on the city’s website. The same will also be true for government offices in suburban Cook County. Retail, Restaurants and Grocery Stores While most government facilities won’t be open, the same can’t be said for restaurants, grocery stores and retail establishments. Major chain stores such as Target, Costco, Walmart, The Home Depot, Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s will remain open.