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Illinois man loses job, dedicates life to traveling to all 195 countries

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Illinois man loses job, dedicates life to traveling to all 195 countries

A man with a mission has set out to accomplish his goal of visiting all 195 countries in the world.

Connor Michalek is a 33-year-old blogger originally from Chicago, Illinois, who, at the age of 18, took a break from college to travel.

He told SWNS that he was studying economics at Texas Christian University when he decided to take a hiatus and travel to Bolivia.

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“I booked a trip to Bolivia and spent three months there staying with families,” he said, adding, “I really caught the travel bug from there — it [was] all about meeting new people and doing something out of [my] comfort zone.”

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Connor Michalek (pictured here in Tunisia) lost his job at the end of 2022 and decided to travel full-time.  (SWNS)

While there, Michalek organized homestays and took Spanish classes while also doing volunteer work. 

Over the years, Michalek has never let his travel bug die.

He decided to take it to the next level after losing his job at the end of 2022.

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With a dream of visiting all 195 countries across the globe, Michalek chose full-time traveling as his next path. 

“I flew into Morocco as it was a starting point where I could travel east around the world,” he told SWNS. 

Michalek (pictured here in Nepal) said he’s always had a travel bug.  (SWNS)

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From there, Michalek went to Mauritania and Senegal before going to Tunisia and beyond to Europe. 

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Michalek, who said he saved money over the years and sold big-ticket items to fund the trip, said that although it’s been an amazing journey, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. 

Now, 55 countries in, Michalek can admit he’s put himself in some “dodgy situations.”

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“In Senegal, we had problems at border control, but that was the only incident we ever had that was a problem for us,” he told SWNS. 

Michalek, a travel blogger from Chicago, Illinois, has been to 55 countries (pictured here in Africa) and hopes to visit all 195.  (SWNS)

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Michalek loves the continent of Africa — stopping in 22 countries within the last year. 

When in Malawi, Michalek helped raise awareness of HIV, saying that although “the people don’t have a lot, they are definitely rich in some aspects.”

Michalek told Fox News Digital that his favorite country to visit is Mexico for its beaches and tourist spots.

“The depth of its culture, with traditions and celebrations that go back centuries, is something you can feel in every place you visit,” he said. 

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Michalek (pictured here in the Sahara Desert) said that his travel journey hasn’t all been smooth sailing.  (SWNS)

Next on his list is French Polynesia for Christmas before going to Austria to spend time with his partner’s family, he said.

Michalek believes there’s no better time to start traveling than when you’re young, saying, “When you’re young, you’re open, curious and still figuring out who you are.”

“If travel is something you’ve been dreaming about, make it happen now. The world has so much to teach us, and every experience, every challenge, every friendship you make along the way will be something you carry for the rest of your life,” he said. 

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“Embracing the unknown, stepping out of your comfort zone, and taking those risks will show you what life is really about.”

Other notable countries Michalek has explored include Peru, Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, India, Japan, Nepal, Turkey, Egypt and Mozambique. 

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Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

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Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save


Neighbors say since the Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers. 

Trash piling up

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What we know:

There are old mattresses and furniture in the parking lot. There are piles of garbage at the entrance of the old grocery store. Behind the building, there are tires, more mattresses and more trash. 

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

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The Pick ‘n Save stores closed in July 2025. Since then, the building has sat empty. 

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FOX6 News was contacted by a man who manages senior and family housing in the area. He said in the last couple of months, he has noticed the stile turn into a place for illegal dumping. The man said he was so fed up, he called the office of Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper about the problem. The man said the whole site is an eyesore, and something needs to change. 

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

Change sought

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What they’re saying:

“As the snow melts, it’s full of garbage. People are dumping furniture on it, tires,” said Jeffrey Sessions, who manages nearby property. “If you drive around it, it’s garbage everywhere. It’s unsightly for the neighborhood, and it’s probably going to create rats and mice problems.”

FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Officials said the dumping has not been reported. They said the department’s commercial team will now be made aware of the issue. 

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Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

“It makes the whole neighborhood look like garbage, like nobody’s taking care of anything around here,” Sessions said. “It’s a detriment, it’s unsightly, and it needs to be addressed.”

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Illegal dumpers could face fines

Dig deeper:

If the dumpers are caught on camera, they could face fines. 

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The owner of the property may also be ordered to clean it up.  

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

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The Source: Information in this post was provided by a person who owns property near the former grocery store, as well as Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews



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Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis City Council votes to extend eviction notice period

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Minneapolis City Council votes to extend eviction notice period



The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to temporarily extend the eviction notice period for renters in an effort to help support residents impacted by Operation Metro Surge.

Under the ordinance, which was approved 7-5, landlords would need to wait 60 days — not the typical 30 — before bringing an eviction notice to a renter. If approved by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the 60-day requirement would stay in effect until Aug. 31.

Supporters of the ordinance said Operation Metro Surge left residents out of work and relying on mutual aid networks to pay rent.

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“Preventing eviction is always more cost-effective than trying to re-house someone who has been evicted,” said Council Member Robin Wonsley, who represents Ward 2.

Wonsley, alongside members Elliott Payne, Jamal Osman, Aisha Chughtai, Soren Stevenson, Jason Chavez and Aurin Chowdhury voted in favor of the resolution. Council member Jamison Whiting abstained from voting.

The city estimates Operation Metro Surge led to an additional $15.7 million in monthly need for rental support. Last month, council members approved $1 million in rental assistance for Hennepin County to help families impacted by the surge. 



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Indianapolis, IN

Chase Sexton out for at least another round, Indianapolis Supercross, with practice injuries

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Chase Sexton out for at least another round, Indianapolis Supercross, with practice injuries


Chase Sexton will miss at least one more round of the SuperMotocross World Championship to heal from injuries suffered in practice prior to the Daytona Supercross, the Kawasaki Racing team announced on social media. He will miss Round 9 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Sexton got off to a disappointing start with his new team, finishing eighth in the season-opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. He rallied to finish fourth the following week in San Diego after coming out of the gates slowly, and then won his first race with the team in the second Anaheim event.

With a forthcoming off-week following the Indianapolis Supercross, Drew Adams could return in time for the East / West Showdown in Birmingham.

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Since then, his best finish has been fifth, which he scored in the Houston Triple Crown event and in Seattle.

After missing Daytona, Sexton is fifth in the championship standings, tied with Justin Cooper at 49 points behind the leader, Hunter Lawrence.

An off-week follows the Indianapolis Supercross, giving Sexton additional time to heal.

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SX 2026 Rd 08 Daytona 450 Dylan Ferrandis opening ceremonies.jpg

Dylan Ferrandis hurt his thumb in a Daytona heat race, but an MRI reveals there are no broken bones.

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