Columbus, OH

Chicago, IL

Secret Chicago

One of London’s most popular restaurants, Hawksmoor, will officially launch its brand-new restaurant in Chicago. Located in the three-story landmark location at 500 N LaSalle Drive in River North, you can make reservations starting Thursday, June 27. Hawksmoor is renowned as one of the best steakhouses globally, named #1 steakhouse in the world by the World’s Best Steak Restaurants in 2022. This global recognition places Hawksmoor in a prestigious dining community, and now you can officially take part in Chicago.  Hawksmoor was first opened in 2006 by childhood friends Will Beckett and Huw Gott in London. Almost twenty years later, it has made a name for itself as a world-class dining destination.  Its rigorous ingredients and employment ethics standards have earned it recognition as one of few restaurants worldwide with a B Corp Certification. The menu centers around steaks from ethically reared cattle and sustainably sourced seafood alongside one of the country’s most progressive cocktail programs. 

Hawksmoor, The Beloved London Steakhouse, Opens In Chicago Tonight

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Despite having a thriving food scene that offers a limitless range of cuisines, two foods spring to mind for most when people think of what Chicago brings to the table. Along with a range of reputed hot dog vendors that have earned Chicago the title of the sausage capital of the United States, it’s the city’s pizzerias and deep dish pizza providers that have become synonymous with Chicago. From the famed deep-dish pizza at places like Pequod’s Pizza to the Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas at the likes of Ravenswood’s Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, today there are an array of pizzerias in Chicago that have made a name for themselves all offering differing types of pizza. Now a total of 3 of Chicago’s coveted pizzerias have made it into a ranking of the 50 best pizzas in the entire country. Dubbed the most influential pizza guide in the world, 50 Top Pizza last week announced its annual 50 Top Pizza USA 2024 list comprising the very best places for pizzas from all over the United States.

3 Chicago Pizzerias Have Been Named In The Top 50 In The Country

As you step into Americano, you will be greeted by rich, plush velvet green walls. The ceilings are beautifully adorned with trailing ivy and lively greenery, which collectively contribute to an ambiance that feels like a never-ending outdoor experience. Americano, the latest restaurant from the esteemed Adolfo Garcia, will have you gallivanting straight to Lincoln Park. This upscale neighborhood eatery, with its accessible yet elevated take on global cuisine, is already creating a stir. The menu, inspired by a diverse range of flavors and culinary traditions from around the world, is a testament to the culinary adventures of a world traveler, seamlessly blending international tastes with beloved American classics. At Americano, they have curated an eclectic selection of dishes that mirrors a worldly gastronomic journey. Their menu highlights global flavors and pays homage to classic American fare, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all. There’s something to satisfy every palate, from burgers and wings to deviled eggs with caviar, variably dressed oysters, and a delectable crudo selection.

A New Restaurant That Pays Homage To World Classics Just Opened In Lincoln Park

While recent reports from the Census Bureau suggest that Chicago could be on its way to losing its place as the third-largest city in the country, we’re still very much the Second City in terms of reputation. Resonance Consultancy, an international consulting group behind worldsbestcities.com, recently released its ranking of America’s 100 Best Cities, placing Chicago at #2 as the second-best city in the country. Claiming to be “building the most comprehensive city rankings on the planet”, Resonance’s annual lists rank cities by using “a combination of statistical performance and qualitative evaluations by locals and visitors.” These 31 performance and perceptions metrics are used to determine three key factors: “Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity” to define each city’s score.

Chicago Named Second Best City In The United States

Wicker Park, Chicago, is a beloved oasis in the summertime. The quaint neighborhood and serene atmosphere offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Whether you’re interested in exploring picturesque outdoor farmers’ markets, scenic trails, or the patio scene, Wicker Park’s charm has something for everyone. Planning the perfect itinerary for a day in Wicker Park can be quite challenging, so we have taken the liberty of creating one for you. Below, you’ll find a detailed Saturday agenda that encompasses a wide variety of our favorite activities in Wicker Park. Starting with a visit to a Michelin-starred...

The Best Things To Do In Wicker Park, Chicago

We all love getting free stuff, whether it’s a complimentary dessert on our birthday, a free concert at Millennium Park, or a movie screening in the park. However, it’s rare for our favorite sports teams to give away free items unless we’re actually at the game. Fortunately, Chick-fil-A is combining our love for baseball and our obsession with freebies. Plus, you don’t even have to attend the game to get it. Whenever the Cubs play at home, you’ll have the opportunity to claim a FREE Chick-fil-A Sandwich. Are you interested? Because we are. No. The only time you can claim a free sandwich is when the Cubs play at home in Wrigley, AND they win. 1. Ensure you are within the Chicago area of the giveaway.
2. Grant the Chick-fil-A® App permission to access your device’s location.
3. Confirm that you are using the latest version of the app.
4. Claim your reward! The offer will appear on the app’s home screen if you are in the Chicago geographic area. Tap “Claim” before the expiration date. When you redeem the reward, do so at a participating Chicago restaurant before the reward expires.

How You Can Claim a FREE Chick-fil-A Sandwich When The Cubs Play At Wrigley

At Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar, prepare to be embraced by a picturesque “briny blue” facade, perfectly encapsulating the essence of South Carolina. This seaside smokehouse and oyster bar is the latest new restaurant that is a definite must-visit. It boasts an array of Carolina-style barbecue, freshly caught seafood from the Carolina coast, and beloved Lowcountry fare. Sip from an extensive array of wines, whiskeys, beers, and handcrafted cocktails while serenading by live musical performances on the Briny stage.  Step inside to discover a rustic interior adorned with weathered woods in hues of grey, blue, and brown, featuring laid-back picnic table-style seating. When the weather warms, accordion-style windows are drawn open, merging the energetic vibe of Lincoln Park with the inviting, warm, and cozy atmosphere of the dining room, filled with tantalizing aromas and the sounds of live music.  Briny Swine is a beloved, down-home restaurant that was first established in Edisto Island. The quiet community of 2,000 is located roughly 45 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. Edisto’s robust fishing community and the island’s rich heritage spill into its restaurants, where food is the heart of the community. 

BBQ, Live Music, and Coca-Cola Cake… Why Briny Swine Is a Must-Try

Savannah, GA

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Daily Coffee Press

Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

Federal Charges in Southern GA: Indictments and Sentences for Firearms and Drug Offenses

Kentucky State

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Northern Kentucky Tribune

Kentucky’s Community Actions Partnerships have announced the starts date for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy, aimed at helping Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs.

LIHEAP Summer Subsidy program to help with summer cooling costs to begin enrollment July 16

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

The highly anticipated FX series The Bear will make its much-awaited Hulu debut tonight. We are here to bring you up to date on all that you may have missed.  Season two of The Bear underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from a fast-paced and tension-filled dramedy set in a Chicago beef spot to a reflective journey of Carmy and co trying to open a Michelin Star restaurant. As we gear up for season three, we are set to re-enter the captivating world of their kitchen. In 2022, the FX series’s inaugural season debuted on Hulu to an overwhelmingly positive response from both critics and viewers, quickly gaining widespread acclaim. The show received numerous award nominations and clinched 10 Emmys in January. What made the series particularly captivating was its vivid portrayal of Chicago’s dynamic and diverse food scene, offering a compelling narrative intertwined with the city’s culinary culture. In season two, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his team attempt to open a new restaurant, the Bear, just 12 weeks after the closing of his late brother’s sandwich shop, the Original Beef of Chicagoland. According to an interview with Jeremy Allen White, Season 3 will take place in a functioning kitchen atmosphere.

The Chicago Hit Show ‘The Bear’ Is Back: Everything You Need to Know

Illinois State

As of this week, Chicago is the largest city to independently phase out subminimum wages for tipped workers in the entire United States. The Minimum Wage Ordinance which was passed in October 2023 went into effect yesterday, July 1st, increasing the tipped minimum wage and standard minimum wage while also making positive changes for paid time off entitlements. From here on out, all tipped hospitality workers will see their minimum wage grow by 8% every year on the first day of July for the next five years. It is a move that will affect over 60,000 service industry employees said Mayor Brandon Johnson who called Chicago “the most pro-worker city in the country.” According to Chicago.gov, the base pay for tipped minimum wage has increased to $11.02 per hour from $9.48 per hour. It will continue to rise annually until it matches the standard wage which yesterday increased from $15.80 per hour to $16.20 per hour for all businesses with more than four employees.

Chicago Has Begun Phasing Out The Tipped Minimum Wage

Bucks County Beacon

“[I]nvoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God,” the Constitution of the Confederate States of America composed by southern slaveholders in 1861 sought to “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” The authors of Project 2025, the latest playbook for restructuring the federal government in order to accomplish the policy goals of Christian Nationalists, similarly declare their manifesto will “decide America’s future” by securing their “God-given individual rights to live freely” and exercise dominion over others.

Legislating Inequality: The Christian Confederate Roots of Project 2025

Chicago’s summer is a symphony of lovely festivals catering to various musical tastes. From June to September, the city becomes a stage for some of the most exceptional musical performances. Whether you’re into country, blues, rock, or electronic music, these events promise an unforgettable experience for attendees, which is why we’ve curated a guide to the most exceptional Chicago music festivals.  Get ready for an indelible experience at the eleventh edition of Windy City Smokeout! This premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival returns to Chicago’s iconic United Center venue. Headline performances will feature Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Thomas Rhett, and more. The full 2024 BBQ Windy City Smokeout lineup includes Bub City, Blues Hog, Green Street Smoked Meats, Hogapalooza, Hoodoo Brown BBQ, Hurtado Barbecue, Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Little Miss BBQ, Lexington Betty’s Smokehouse, Meat Mitch, Operation BBQ Relief, Panther City BBQ, Pappy’s Smokehouse, Salt Lick BBQ, Smoque BBQ, Soul & Smoke, Sugarfire Smokehouse, and Ubons BBQ, Wright’s Barbecue. When: July 11-14, 2024

These Are The Top Summer Music Festivals In Chicago

In a testament to Chicago’s resounding culinary scene, two beloved restaurants from the city have been celebrated as some of the best newcomers in the U.S. The prestigious Robb Report unveiled its highly-anticipated 2024 list of the 10 Best New Restaurants in America.  Among the select group, Maxwells Trading, an enchanting restaurant located in the West Loop led by the talented chef Erling Wu-Bower, secured an impressive No. 3 ranking.  Adding to the accolades, Brasero, a West Town restaurant celebrated for skillfully blending South American flavors led by The El Che Steakhouse chef-restaurateur John Manion, clinched the No. 7 spot. This recognition not only marks the transcendence of these individual restaurants but operates as a testament to the city’s prospering culinary landscape. 
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Two Beloved Chicago Spots Named Best New Restaurants In America

Coral Gables, FL

Edmond Thorne

Tragic End for South Florida Hispanic Building Tycoon Sergio Pino. Fort Lauderdale, FL - In a shocking turn of events, prominent South Florida homebuilder Sergio Pino was found dead in his Coral Gables home on Tuesday morning. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Pino died from an apparent suicide.

South Florida Tycoon Dead After FBI Raids on Homes and Office

Adel, GA

Last Friday, two men were arrested on charges following a joint investigation into drug trafficking in Adel, culminating in a search at their home. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the search took place on Friday, June 28, at the residence of 28-year-old Shyiem Marquon Banks and 36-year-old Roderick Dion Collins. Investigators discovered a substantial quantity of drugs, including 210 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 3.2 pounds of suspected marijuana, 13 grams of suspected alpha-PVP (Flakka/bath salts), over 90 suspected oxycodone tablets, and 2 firearms.

Two Arrested in South Georgia Drug Bust Uncovering Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Firearms

North Carolina State

Apex, NC

Town Talks

Apex, NC Ranks High on "Most Livable Small Cities" List. The Raleigh suburb of Apex has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the United States, ranking No. 7 on SmartAsset's nationwide list published on July 11.

North Carolina town ranks as one of nation’s best small cities to call home. Why it’s special

To mark the end of this long school year, I organized a Dinos Alive and the Bouncy Games in Chicago: a visit to two fantastic experiences at the Exhibition Hub Art Center, located at 2367 Logan Blvd in the Logan Square neighborhood. These experiences are only in town for a limited time—here’s why you don’t want to miss out! We started with Dinos Alive, and recommend that you do too, to conserve your little ones’ energy for the 10,000-square-foot Bouncy Games. The dinosaur exhibit features over 40 lifelike, animatronic dinosaurs, wowing dino fans from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. In Chicago, my kids were thrilled by the unique lighting and nature sounds, especially while spotting favorites like T-rex, Stegosaurus, and Spinosaurus. Climbing atop the Carnotaurus and exploring the VR experience were definite highlights. Grab tickets here!  Next, you’ll want to dive into the massive Bouncy Games for non-stop fun just like we did! With activities for both kids and adults, it’s perfect for family enjoyment. Explore 10,000 sq. ft. of inflatables, including obstacle courses, tunnels, climbing walls, and tall slides. 
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Explore 40+ Animatronic Dinosaurs & Enjoy 10,000 Sq. Ft. Of Fun At The Bouncy Games In Chicago

NewsBreak

You’ll Soon Need This Card If You’re An American Hoping To Fly Anywhere In The United States

For anybody in the United States planning to travel next year, it’s time to get up to speed on everything you need to know! You might...

You’ll Soon Need This Card If You’re An American Hoping To Fly Anywhere In The United States

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