Francie Swidler

2 weeks ago | nbcchicago.com | Francie Swidler |Gabi Rodriguez

McDonald's -- one of the world's largest beef burger chains -- is on a chicken journey, with a major change coming to menus permanently next month. Beginning next month, McDonald's will debut new McCrispy Strips, along with a new Creamy Chili Dip, to menus nationwide. The chicken strips, made with 100% white meat, and the "savory, sweet and tangy sauce" mark the first time since 2021 McDonald's has made menu changes that aren't just temporary.

2 weeks ago | nbcchicago.com | Francie Swidler

The lucky winners of a $349 million Mega Millions jackpot hit in a rural part of a far west Chicago suburb last month have officially claimed their prize, the Illinois Lottery said. The ticket, from the March 25 drawing, was sold at Casey's General Store, located at 70 S. Somonauk Rd. in Cortland, in far western DeKalb County. It matched all five Mega Millions numbers -- 1, 5, 17, 39, 62 and 8 -- plus a Megaplier to win.

2 weeks ago | nbcchicago.com | Francie Swidler

After more than 45 years, suburban Niles is seeing a redevelopment "renaissance," with new buildings, apartments, and at least two brand-new shopping, dining and entertainment districts set to revitalize once-booming parts of the village. "We've got a lot going on here in the village right now," Niles Mayor George D. Alpogianis said Monday.

2 weeks ago | nbcchicago.com | Francie Swidler

Mercy Medical Center in suburban Aurora has had its Level II trauma center designation revoked by the state of Illinois due to its "absence of essential services," according to the state health department. The former Ascension hospital, now owned by California-based private equity group Prime Healthcare, was notified of the change by the Illinois Department of Health on April 20, IDPH said.

3 weeks ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Francie Swidler

Share Nearly a dozen Walmart stores in Illinois this year will get major makeovers, the company announced, as part of the retailer's initiative to remodel more than 650 stores across the U.S. The upgrades come after Walmart said it had invested more than $1 billion to update stores throughout Illinois over the past five years.