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Chicago-area transit users will see reduced service on Metra train lines Friday as the agency aims to protect its infrastructure amid an extreme cold snap. According to the agency, reduced schedules will be in effect on all lines due to the cold conditions, with high temperatures struggling to rise above zero degrees and wind chills potentially plunging to 25-to-30 degrees below zero. The agency says that its service will be similar to that available on weekends, and that users of the system should check their schedules for up-to-date information ahead of the cold weather expected to grip Chicago at the end of the week. The reductions are aimed at reducing the number of trains moving through switch points on rails, which can freeze up in cold weather and can be damaged by train wheels in those conditions, leading to increased service delays and need for repair work. Travel times on trains that do run are also expected to increase, as the agency will reduce train operating speeds to protect rails and switches. Finally, extra personnel will be deployed to address mechanical and track issues that arise during the cold weather. An extreme cold watch will go into effect late Thursday night and continue through noon Friday, with air temperatures dropping to as low as minus-10 degrees on Friday morning, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Forecasters are warning of potentially hazardous travel conditions Wednesday evening as a “burst of snow” is set to pair with intense winds. The National Weather Service warned travelers to “be prepared” for the possibility of a one to two-hour “burst of snow and hazardous travel conditions.” “Strong west winds to 40+ mph may lead to blowing/drifting snow in open areas overnight where snow falls,” the agency wrote on X. Scattered snow showers were expected to begin in Chicago’s far western counties about 4 p.m., the NBC 5 Storm Team said, gradually moving into the city through midnight as they “sweep across the entire area from west to east.” By about 7 p.m., the snow will hit the city and northwest Indiana, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman reported. Brief periods of very low visibility and snow-covered roads were possible, the NWS added. While the snow won’t amount to much, with only a half-inch to two inches expected, the gusty winds could lead to blowing snow and low visibility. The Chicago-area conditions come as forecasters warn of a “potentially catastrophic” winter storm set to move across Texas and the Carolinas, and into the East Coast this week and weekend. After the snow comes a dramatic and dangerous drop in temperatures that have sparked an extreme cold watch for the region. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The Chicago Bears’ season just came to an end, but they’ll have a lot of decisions to make in fairly short order. That’s because the new NFL league year will get underway in mid-March, and the Bears will have some decisions to make to maximize their salary cap space ahead of the opening of free agency. Ahead of the March 11 start of the new league year, here are some of the biggest free agents that the Bears will have to decide whether or not to bring back next season. Unrestricted Free Agents Defensive Lineman Andrew Billings Billings, who made $4 million during the 2025 season, appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Bears, with one sack and 31 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss, his highest total since the 2018 campaign. Billings will turn 31 in early March, but the Bears will have to make some big decisions on their defensive line ahead of free agency, and he’s one of those guys. Safety Jaquan Brisker Brisker’s rookie contract expires after this season, and the Bears will definitely have to pony up a raise from the $1.84 million he was earning in 2025. That’s because Brisker has showcased his ability both in pass defense, with eight defended passes in 17 games, and also on the pass rush, as he was a terror during the postseason in Dennis Allen’s defense. He was limited to just five games in 2024, but odds are the Bears will look at him as a potential longer-term option at safety, and they could look to save money elsewhere to retain him. Safety Kevin Byard Speaking of safeties that will force the Bears to make tough decisions, Byard’s status as a team leader and a strong player on the field will definitely leave Ryan Poles asking some serious questions. A team captain for the Bears, Byard was named an AP First-Team All-Pro this season for the third time in his career, with 93 combined tackles, eight passes defended and four tackles for loss in 17 games. He also intercepted seven passes in the regular season, leading the NFL in that category. He will turn 33 years old before the upcoming season, but his veteran leadership and rapport with his teammates will surely come into play as the Bears decide whether to keep him. Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Devin Duvernay Duvernay wasn’t used a lot in the passing game this season, but he was a weapon on kick returns, averaging 26.7 yards per kick return this season. His season-high game against the Minnesota Vikings as he returned a kick 56 yards to set up a game-winning field goal for the Bears. Offensive Tackle Braxton Jones Jones has had some injury issues in recent seasons, and only appeared in six regular season games for the Bears during the 2025 campaign. The big question for the Bears will be whether or not Jones fits in as a reserve lineman, as the team will likely not be using him in a starting capacity. Cornerback Nahshon Wright Wright exploded onto the scene for the bears this season, with 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and five interceptions for Chicago in 17 games. His versatility as a cornerback and his ability generate turnovers will certainly spark interest among NFL teams, and he could be another player the team would have to shuffle salary around to retain. Wide Receiver Olamide Zaccheaus After being acquired by the Bears prior to the season, Zaccheaus registered 39 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. The Bears do have plenty of wide receiver talent, but with decisions looming on whether to retain DJ Moore in the offseason, they may view Zaccheaus as a good depth piece. Exclusive Rights Free Agents: Offensive Lineman Theo Benedet The Bears will have exclusive negotiating rights with Benedet if they offer him a league minimum contract, so he could be a depth piece for the coming season, able to fill in at multiple positions.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had one of the best seasons in team history, and he got some big praise from one of the game’s greatest players. Former quarterback and current NFL analyst Tom Brady released a video this week praising the best throws of the NFL season. He went through tape of several quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield, but one player stood above the rest. That player, in his mind, was Williams. While Caleb had a number of amazing throws this season, including his game-winning toss against the Cincinnati Bengals, his “Jumpman” throw against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, and so many others, there was one that Brady said stood above the rest. That throw came against the Packers at Soldier Field in December, and it was the epic touchdown pass to DJ Moore that won the game in overtime. “It was an absolutely perfect throw. An A-plus throw,” Brady said. “(It was) one of the most insane moments (Kevin Burkhardt) and I have had in a broadcast booth.” On a first-and-10 play at Green Bay’s 46-yard line, Williams faked a handoff and immediately looked downfield, where Moore was running a post route toward the end zone. Williams’ pass ultimately soared nearly 60 yards through the air, and Moore came down with the touchdown catch to secure the 22-16 victory for Chicago in overtime. The touchdown was one of two that Williams threw in the game, with the other coming to Jahdae Walker on a fourth-and-goal play near the end of regulation. Brady described the game as “one of the games of the year,” and praised the throw itself as remarkable because of the distance it traveled and the conditions it was thrown in, with the air temperature in the teens and the wind gusting at Soldier Field. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Governor Morrisey started the 2026 legislative session with a bait-and-switch. During his State of the State address last Wednesday night, he proposed cutting income taxes by ten percent. His language to lawmakers and the public was specific: “I am asking the legislature to pass a ten percent income tax cut. I see a lot of The post Morrisey’s tax cut bait-and-switch appeared first on WV MetroNews.