The personal finance website determined America’s best and worst states for retirement using dozens of data points across five weighted categories. They are affordability with 40 percent, overall wellbeing with 25 percent, cost and quality of health care with 20 percent, weather with 10 percent, and crime with 5 percent.

“Those categories serve as a reminder that many things go into deciding where to move in retirement, but we weighed affordability the heaviest in the ranking to reflect the challenges that so many Americans face with their retirement savings and the rising cost of living across the U.S.,” according to Bankrate.

The Prarie State came in 16th on the list, between Virginia at 15th and Hawaii at 17th.

Delaware was ranked the best state to retire at No. 1, followed by West Virginia at No. 2 and Georgia at No. 3, then South Carolina and Missouri, respectively. Alaska was ranked the worst at 50th, with New York 49th and Washington 48th.

“In our overall ranking, the best and worst states for retirees are split geographically,” according to Bankrate. “The Midwest and the South claim the top five states, while the Northeast and West claim the bottom five states, primarily because of differences in cost of living.”

View the full ranking from Bankrate.

CHICAGO – A sandwich shop in Chicago has garnered high praise from Yelp users, earning the title of best sandwich shop in Illinois.

Firenze Italian Street Food, which is located in the city’s West Loop neighborhood at 131 N. Clinton Street, brings the flavors of Florence, Italy, to the Midwest with its freshly baked schiacciata bread and a small menu of savory sandwich creations.

The Yelp list identifies top sandwich spots across the United States, factoring in the volume and ratings of reviews mentioning “sandwiches.”

In neighboring states, other sandwich shops also received high praise.

In Indiana, Subito in Indianapolis earned the title of best sandwich shop. This takeout-only spot is renowned for its sandwiches on soft buns or ciabatta, baked fresh every day.

Over in Michigan, Ernie’s Market in Oak Park has become a local legend. The shop, which opened in 1955, is famous for its enormous sandwiches on fresh-baked onion rolls.

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Casetta Kitchen and Counter in Madison delights locals with its homemade focaccia bread. It’s only open four hours a day and frequently sells out.

To check out the full Yelp report, click HERE.

ILLINOIS (WIFR) – As students prepare for school, AAA reminds drivers to give themselves extra time and avoid unnecessary risks on their commute.

According to a survey from AAA, more than half of people in Illinois drive through a school zone or pass a bus stop on their normal commute. 39% of people admitted to speeding in an active school zone, and 30% admitted to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in an active school zone.

“Get ready for heavier traffic than normal, especially at first, since a lot of parents like to drive their kids to campus during the first few days back,” says Molly Hart, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It would be a good idea to budget an extra half hour for your morning commute because drivers who are running late are more likely to speed and take unnecessary risks while behind the wheel. That endangers everyone on the roadway.”

18% of people admit to driving around a school bus while it’s stop sign is extended, according to the survey. Illinois law requires motorists to stop when a school bus has its lights flashing and stop arms extended. The only exception is on a divided highway with a raised divider.

AAA provides tips for pedestrians and parents of young pedestrians:

• Avoid wearing headphones in order to hear traffic
• Use sidewalks when available or walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to be seen more easily
• Don’t assume drivers see you, make sure they stop before crossing the street, and make eye contact with the driver to ensure they saw you

For bicyclists, AAA recommends:

• Wear a helmet
• Wear bright-colored clothes
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes when possible
• Don’t wear headphones so you can hear traffic
• Cross the street at intersections and do not pull into the street from between parked cars

For students at a bus stop:

• Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
• Stay five steps away from the curb
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board

For more information, download the AAA mobile app, or visit their website.

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