Illinois
Peoria Book Rack is a true book lovers hub in Illinois: Here are the books they recommend
In 1970, a quaint little bookstore called the Peoria Book Rack in Peoria, Illinois opened its doors, setting the stage for countless literary adventures. At the time, as a pre-teen, Stacy Hardin stepped into this charming haven of stories and instantly knew it was a special place. Fast forward to 2016, at the age of 46, Hardin fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the shop’s proud owner.
Since taking the reins, she’s expanded this treasure trove of books twice, but has done more than just add shelves. “My store has scenes from popular books all over the inside. We have a Harry Potter train, a Narnia wardrobe, and a Horror Hall, just to name a few,” Hardin says.
With over 100,000 new and used books, a vast bookish gift shop, and their very own candle company, the Peoria Book Rack has become a true hub for book lovers. Their bookish candles and melts, proudly sold in hundreds of bookstores across the country, add an extra layer of magic to the offerings.
This month is their favorite event of the year for bookstores across the country: Indies First and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25! They are having a “Charlotte’s Web” themed party and hoping to have a local animal petting zoo come with their very own “Wilbur” pig, including a super cute metal web with “Charlotte” on it.
Check out these books Hardin highly recommends:
- “The Talisman” by Stephen King
- “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
- “Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros
- Anything by Sarah J. Maas!
More: Why we love the three generations of booksellers at Happy Medium Books Cafe
Illinois
Yuengling Now Available In IL: 'America's Oldest Brewery' Expands
ILLINOIS — Following last month’s announcement it was expanding to Illinois in early 2025, Pennsylvania-based Yuengling said Monday it is now officially selling its beers on draft throughout the state. Founded in 1829, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. bills itself as “America’s oldest brewery.”
“As we look to further Yuengling’s presence in the Midwest, we are excited to officially begin pouring our iconic beers in Illinois as our next expansion state,” said Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer and sixth’generation family member, in a news release.
The brand’s flagship beers include Yuengling Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner, and Black and Tan.
“I Ling, you Ling, we all Ling for Yuengling….my cleverness knows no bounds….i know. But in all serious we now have Yuengling on tap,” boasted Merichka’s Restaurant in Crest Hill (Joliet). A pint costs $4.75 at Merichka’s.
“We will be one of the FIRST spots in the entire state to pour Yuengling!,” says Player’s Pub and Grill, Prospect Heights.
“The Legendary Yuengling Beer just became available in Illinois as of Friday. We are the first in Illinois to have it on tap!! Come by and try one (or a few)!!,” Magoo’s Bar, located in Bedford Park, said Monday.
With the expansion in Illinois underway, Yuengling is telling customers to “ask for it at your local bar.” The company also has a “Find Our Beer” link on its website.
To celebrate the launch of the brands in Illinois, Yuengling said it will be visiting various locations throughout the state this week to offer consumers sampling opportunities.
Following the draft launch in late-January, Yuengling will become available in cans and bottles across the state at stores, restaurants and bars starting in early March.
Last year, Yuengling expanded into Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, marking it currently available in 27 states.
Illinois
Daily Public Schedule: Monday, January 27, 2025
What: Governor Pritzker to join Lookingglass Theatre to celebrate reopening.
Where: Lookingglass Theatre – Main Lobby; 163 E Pearson St, Chicago.
When: 10:00 am
Watch: www.illinois.gov/livevideo
Note: Attendees and media should enter the theatre through the main entrance located near the corner of Pearson Street and Michigan Avenue. Media planning to attend should RSVP to gov.press@illinois.gov.
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Illinois
Gamethread/How to watch Northwestern vs. Illinois: TV, radio, betting line, injury report
For the second time this season, Northwestern (12-7, 3-5 B1G) will take on No. 17 Illinois (13-6, 5-4 B1G), this time in Champaign on the road. The Wildcats are still looking for their first Big Ten road win, while the Illini will try to bounce back from an ugly 21-point home loss against Maryland on Sunday. Here’s how to follow along for Sunday’s match:
Broadcast Information
Location: State Farm Arena (Champaign, IL)
Game Time: 2:00 p.m. CST
TV/Streaming: BTN
Radio: WGN 720
Betting Line
Northwestern +7.5, O/U 151 (Odds Shark)
Injury Report
Northwestern:
OUT — None
QUESTIONABLE — none
Illinois:
OUT — Tomislav Ivisic
QUESTIONABLE — none
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