In a recent roundup of bucket-list train journeys, The Independent named Amtrak's Empire Builder the No. 1 most scenic train ride in the U.S. Beginning at Chicago's Union Station and making its way toward the Pacific Northwest, the route winds through 1,138 miles of rolling vistas and splendid wilderness, even followin...

On March 5, 1992, Metallica performed at what is now known as the State Farm Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as part of the band's "Wherever We May Roam" tour. Over three decades later, the band's searing heavy metal melodies are echoing on campus again - but not with James Hetfield's ra...

With the shutdown pausing payouts for people using SNAP benefits local businesses are helping out. Jewel Osco created a cruise for a cause Wednesday. A giant gravy boat will be along the Chicago River and you can help feed families. Jen Biehler from the Chicago Food Depository and Mary Frances Trucco from Jewel Osco jo...

When it comes to fine dining, Chicago has the No. 5 best restaurant in the country, according to a report from Tripadvisor. The report, part of the review site's "Best of the Best" Travelers' Choice Awards, celebrates the "highest level of excellence in travel" in a number of restaurant categories i...

The giant Christmas tree that will light up Chicago's Millennium Park this holiday season has been selected -- and it's one of the "largest" in city history. Beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, a 68-foot Norway Spruce, hailing from the Mason home in north suburban Glenview, will be carefully cut down and prepared fo...

The philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, The Sandals Foundation, has activated its Relief Mission with one hundred percent (100%) of every dollar going directly to the organization's emergency response efforts. Working hand-in-hand with on-the-ground officials across Jamaica to help those most in need. Make a donation...

Daylight saving time will come to an end next weekend and people in much of the U.S. will get an extra hour of sleep. Clocks "fall back" at the end of daylight saving time on Sunday, Nov. 2. The change happens at 2 a.m. local time. Daylight saving time lasts for a total of 34 weeks in the U.S., generally span...

The Chicago Bears said in a letter to lawmakers earlier this month that they would set aside $25 million for Chicago and the Chicago Park District amid their stadium move to Arlington Heights. The funds could be used for maintenance of Soldier Field, support of park district programs, paying any shortfall of Illinois S...