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Two Illinois Spots Named Top Chili Joints in the U.S.
It's a bit of a surprise, isn't it? Texas, the self-proclaimed birthplace of chili, has some competition. Two restaurants in Illinois have managed to secure a spot on the list of the best chili joints in America. How did that happen?. I'm not saying that Texas isn't featured because it...
Michael Madigan once controlled much of Illinois politics. Now the ex-House speaker heads to trial
CHICAGO (AP) — Once lauded as thelongest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power. The former Illinois House speaker is charged in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme that included the state’s largest utility, ComEd. From wiretapped calls to video-recorded meetings, much of the evidence has been previewed in open court. A sweeping investigation of public corruption has already produced convictions of legislators and Madigan’s former chief of staff. But starting Tuesday, as potential jurors first report to court, the spotlight turns to the Chicago Democrat who was once considered the most powerful force in Illinois politics.
Frozen Custard & Steakburger Giant Building 2 Illinois Locations
If you're a fan of frozen custard and steak burgers and live in Illinois, you'll be happy to learn that a giant that specializes in both is bringing two locations to the state and neither is in Chicago either. Nation's Restaurant News is reporting that Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers...
Are These Monsters of Legend Still Lurking in Missouri & Illinois
The history of Illinois and Missouri includes haunting stories of creatures that defy quick answers. Lurking in the back of our memories are generational tales from family, friends, and friends of friends and in some cases even media reports (before the internet). Have you heard the legends of these Missouri and Illinois woodland beasts?
3 Important Things to Remember Before Raking Up Leaves in Illinois
Fall is definitely in the air in Illinois, and with it comes the dreaded chore of raking leaves. But before you grab the rake and start gathering piles, here are 3 very important things to remember. First Sign of Fall in Illinois. According to the calendar, Fall doesn't begin until...
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile returning to Central IL this week
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is making its way back to Central Illinois this week. The 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels previously stopped by Champaign this summer. If you missed your chance then, you can still see the famous vehicle between Oct. 10-13 in several different locations throughout the area. Here’s […]
Grand Theft Auto Illinois – Stunning Numbers from New Crackdown
There's a narrative that Illinois is not a good place to be if you'd prefer to not have your auto stolen. The Land of Lincoln is making an effort to change that and just shared numbers from a recent crackdown and the results are a stunner. I received an email...
Autumn Escapes in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois + 2024 Fall Foliage Map
The Autumnal Equinox fell on Sunday, September 22nd this year, and if you’ve been outside lately, you’ve probably noticed the hints of color starting to pop in the treetops. Before long, our local forests and valleys will be bursting with the vibrant hues of fall! While New England is famous for its leaf-peeping season, there are plenty of beautiful spots right in our backyard just waiting for you to explore.
Central IL fire depts. warn of elevated fire risk Sunday
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Several fire departments and more across Central Illinois are warning residents of an elevated fire risk Sunday and urging people to postpone burning if possible. The heightened risk comes as a result of humidity levels dropping 20-25%, along with winds gusting 25-30 mph, according to the US National Weather Service Central […]
Are These Spots Really Illinois’ Most Unpronounceable Places?
Is Chicago actually Chi-Cah-Ga? I've heard it both ways my whole life. Those who live in the city located just south of the Wisconsin state line call their home Rock-ferd, not Rock-ford. And, it goes on and on. Don't even get me started with the Illinois town named after a city in Egypt.
Illinois’ Last One Closed In 2020, Now The Final US Store Closes
When you think about it, 62 years is a pretty good run for a store that at one time had over 2,400 locations scattered across the United States, and had made the phrase "blue light special" synonymous with bargains and things you could pick up cheaply. Although the company itself...
AG Kris Mayes Announces Sentencing in Multi-State Fentanyl Trafficking Case
PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today the sentencing of Lino Bol, a member of a multi-state drug trafficking organization that operated in Arizona, Texas, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Shocking Foodie Rankings: Only Two Illinois Cities Make the List
It's a bit of a shocker from the culinary world, with only two Illinois cities making it to the list of best foodie cities in America. Posted by WalletHub, it appears that of the 28 different metrics they covered, including the accessibility and affordability of high-quality restaurants, food trucks, breweries, and pricing, to name a few.
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