A popular ranking and review site, Niche, has voted Bannockburn the number one spot in this year’s 2023 Best Places to Live in the Chicago Area. Located in Lake County, Bannockburn is touted as “best features of estate and urban living”. It was followed by another Lake County town in Long Grove and DuPage County’s Clarendon Hills, which ranked third.
The top 10 best places to live in the Chicago area are listed below:
While the Lincoln Park Zoo attracts all of the hype, the USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards have crowned the Brookfield Zoo as not only the top zoo in the state of Illinois, but one of the best zoo’s in the country. The rankings were based on “zoos that excel in animal care and enrichment, as well as engaging and meaningful interactions between animals and zoo visitors.”
In just over two years, the city has gained $84.5 million from speed cameras that are set to go off when a driver goes six miles over the speed limit. New research from the Illinois Policy Institute shows crashes increased in half of the parks where the cameras are located and crashes involving injuries near schools quadrupled, despite the cameras ticketing drivers nearly every 12 seconds.
Both mayoral candidates, Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson, have said they will reduce the number of speed cameras in Chicago, which could turn out to be a move that will make the city safer.
Wedding planners have the hardest job in the world. On top of dealing with the participants involved in tying the knot, they have to triple-check to make sure that the couple’s special day isn’t disrupted by any embarrassing errors. Take this couple, for example, who ended up serving “dick liver” at their wedding.
Of course, the couple meant for this to say “duck”, but the menu served as a cruel mistress. Their wedding will be forever remembered for the way they served “dick”.
A children’s book is taking the Internet by storm. “Why Mommy Gets High”, a story written by Wendy Brazill, was published in September 2021, but it has recently gained traction thanks to TikTok. An excerpt from the book is below.
Brazill wrote, “Finally a children’s book to explain why some parents choose to use marijuana as a way to relax and connect with their kids. For years, this natural stress reducer has been unfairly demonized. In writing Why Mommy Gets High, my goal was to start a conversation between parents and their children in hopes of taking away the fear that some adults feel who responsibly use cannabis. Just as many parents choose to have a glass of wine in order to relax after a long day, marijuana when used responsibly should be viewed similarly. Why Mommy Gets High, explains to children that marijuana used in moderation by adults is not some scary evil substance, but rather a potentially wonderful aid in helping parents to relax, connect, and enjoy their children even more.”
Norbert the Pig is cooler than you. Clocking in at 150lbs, the black-and-white pig shreds through the streets of Buffalo Grove while listening to a bevy of pop punk artists.
His owner, Vincent in Buffalo Grove, told Local-ish, “I took one of my old skateboards and put it out and literally within seven days he was able to get his hooves on the board and push with his other hooves.”
TikTok has given us a wealth of information, but none are more important than this. A viral trend led us to believe that KFC was even greater than we thought. The TikTok below shows a customer polishing off his bucket, then going up to the counter and getting a refill.
KFC spoke out, saying, “We love the widespread enthusiasm for our buckets, but to clarify our policy, KFC does not have free refills…Our terrific team members are already busy preparing delicious meals, and we ask for our guests’ respect and understanding for our people as we tamp out this rumor.”
The estate of Coolio plans to release a studio album “Long Live Coolio” later this year. Coolio had been working on material in the days before he died last September. (cover photo taken from last year’s Riot Fest)
Beyond music, Coolio’s cooking series “Cooking With Coolio” began after he sold the music rights to ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ in 2013 in order to pursue his career as a chef.
It was only three years ago that the world stopped and in a bizarre feat of community, we all turned towards Tiger King for comfort. It’s been a long three years, but that hasn’t stopped the man known as Joe Exotic from still trying to cling to headlines. While locked up in the midst of a 21-year federal sentence, the COVID-era-icon took to his campaign website to say, “Thank you for your interest in my Campaign. Yes, I know I am in Federal Prison and you might think this is a joke but it’s not. It is my Constitutional right to do this even from here.”
He continued, “So put aside that I am gay, that I am in prison for now, that I used drugs in the past, that I had more then one boyfriend at once and that Carole hates my guts. This all has not a thing to do with me being able to be your voice. The best thing you have going for supporting me is that I am used to fighting my whole life just to get by. I am broke, they have taken everything I ever worked for away, and it’s time we take this country back.”
A new government program is bringing Lunchables from Kraft Heinz into school cafeterias this fall. This comes after a grueling process in which the company had to “reformulate” ingredients to make sure that the product met federal guidelines.
Carlos Abrams-Rivera, an executive vice president with Kraft Heinz, said two new varieties of Lunchables (separate from Lunchables sold in grocery stores), with “improved nutrition” that comply with the National School Lunch program requirements, will be served in K-12 schools nationwide, beginning this fall.
The changes made now align the Lunchables with the guidelines set by the NSLP, National School Lunch Program.
Meghan Maroney, federal child nutrition programs campaign manager at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, noted, “if the products are reformulated to meet NSLP guidelines, they will taste different from Lunchables sold in stores because of lower sodium, saturated fat and other requirements. This can be confusing for kids.”
House Bill 1110 has been introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner and would give Illinois residents the option to carry a digital driver’s license. Bucker said that he, “embraced this idea that Illinois can come once again to the 21st century and our ability to use technological tools at our disposable to make things easier.”
Illinois would join a list of a dozen states that have some form of digital driver’s licenses.
The Secretary of State’s office ensured that the digital driver’s license wouldn’t be a screenshot or digital copy, but a “mobile (driver’s licenses) are secure because they are encrypted and rely on state-of-the-art technology to protect the owner from fraud and identity theft.”
Starting on Monday night, the Illinois Department of Transportation will close the two left-hand inbound lanes of the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway to Ohio Street. This project will last (allegedly) until 2025.
Construction will look like this starting on Monday evening,
Source: WGNSource: IDOT
IDOT has suggested that drivers drive at “off-peak times” and avoid rush hour (thanks, guys). For those looking to lower their carbon footprint, there are plenty of public transportation options. Some options include the Metra Union Pacific North, Milwaukee District North, North Central Service and Union Pacific Northwest lines. The CTA Blue Line is also an option, but the Blue Line is currently undergoing construction on the weekends.
If those don’t work for you, you can consider taking North Milwaukee Avenue or North Elston Avenue. For our Crew Members coming from the Western Suburbs, you could use the Eisenhower Expressway depending on your route.
It doesn’t matter what you do, Chicagoland, as long as you share the road with your fellow Crew Members and take care of one another.
IKEA shoppers are a part of a class-action lawsuit, but your time to file a claim is quickly coming to an end.
The Swedish furniture manufacturer is under fire for “printed receipts for credit or debit card transactions at its retail locations that included more than the last 5 digits of the debit or credit card number.” In total, it’s a $24 million settlement.
Anyone who shopped at IKEA in the U.S. between October 18, 2017 and December 31, 2019 and used a debit or credit card to make a purchase could be eligible for a payout. Victims can expect a payout between #30 and $60.
The deadline to file a claim or exclude yourself from the settlement is May 4.
If you are reading this, it might be too late to join Brian & Justin at Lizzie McNeill’s for their live broadcast from 6-10a, but the fun doesn’t stop with the Morning Crew! Brian Phillips will be live from 3-7p for another free, live broadcast with tons of giveaways. Information can be found here.
Chicago Psych Fest (Friday-Saturday)
A winter tradition that’s just as enjoyable as ice skating in Maggie Daley Park or standing under the heat lamps on CTA platforms, the annual Chicago Psych Fest brings a lineup of trippy bands to the Hideout. Tickets can be purchased here.
Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention (Friday-Sunday)
Celebrate your tattoos or plan out a few new ones at the annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention in Rosemont. You’ll be able to make an appointment with a tattoo artist (including talent featured on Ink Masters) or show off your existing body art. While you’re on the show floor, make sure to check out the various vendors and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here.
Saturday:
Pizza Running Tour with Steve Dolinsky
Join Read & Run Chicago and Pizza City USA for a one-of-a-kind pizza running tour. You’ll stop at three local pizza places, Lou Malnati’s and Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company, along the three-mile route and sample slices. Plus you’ll get to meet James Beard Award-winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky and take home a signed copy of his book The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide. Tickets can be purchased here.
Nick Offerman at The Venue in Hammond, IN
Actor and comedian Nick Offerman returns to the stage at The Venue in Hammond, Indiana. Offerman rose to fame for his role in NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, and has also appeared in other shows like Fargo and The Last of Us. Limited tickets remain.
Bulls host the Heat
The playoff-bound Heat roll into Chicago for a matchup that the Bulls need to win. Tip-off is at 7.
The Roots at The Salt Shed
Legendary rap group The Roots head to The Salt Shed for a sold-out show on Saturday night.
Sunday:
Stout Fest
Celebrate the final Stout Fest at the original Goose Island Clybourn brewery before it moves to the Salt Shed later this year. You’ll be able to sample pours from more than 25 breweries and vote on a winner. A complimentary souvenir glass and passed small bites will also be provided. Tickets can be purchased here.
Talking Heads groundbreaking concert film, Stop Making Sense, is being released in theaters later this year. The concert film captured the band in December 1983 as they performed at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in support of their album, Speaking in Tongues.
Some people hate cats, some people hate snakes, but everyone will hate this.
Serpens catus is the rarest species of feline on Earth .These Animals live in hard to reach regions of the Amazon rainforest , and therefore they are relatively poorly studied .The first images capturing the snake cat appeared only in the 2020.Weighs up the 4 stone pic.twitter.com/rpeMQKCF4I
Our long, national nightmare is so close to being over. It isn’t official at press time, but it seems like Aaron Rodgers’ departure from the Green Bay Packers is imminent.
"Since Friday, I made it clear that my intention was to play and … play for the New York Jets."
— QB Aaron Rodgers tells Pat McAfee he plans to play for the Jets and end 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers pic.twitter.com/8cbMQaujiu
On The Pat McAfee Show yesterday, Rodgers made it clear that he wants to be a New York Jet.
Lead NFL reporter Adam Schefter attempted to reach out to the one-time Super Bowl winner (only one more than Rex Grossman), and was met with this response from the QB.
