Here's when you can visit US national parks for free in 2026

The National Park Service has rolled out a new slate of free-admission days, giving travelers several chances throughout the year to explore iconic parks without paying an entrance fee.

Sausage recall: 2,000 pounds pulled after metal strip discovery

The Department of Agriculture has announced a recall of nearly one ton of Olympia Provisions’ holiday kielbasa after a consumer reported finding metal in the product.

A Wrigleyville bar turns into a festive Santa Baby Christmas pop-up
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Stolen Saddle, a country-themed bar in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, has transformed into a festive “Santa Baby” Christmas pop-up. The space is filled with floor-to-ceiling Christmas decorations, immersive photo ops and holiday drinks. Staff say it takes about three weeks to set everything up, with months of planning going into the pop-up each year.

Powerball's $1.7B jackpot could make Christmas Eve unforgettable

Does it seem like lottery jackpots get bigger than they used to? It’s true - the odds are tougher now after a systematic change. But one lucky player could still have an unforgettable Christmas Eve.

Jim Beam shutting down production at Kentucky distillery for a year

Jim Beam is shutting down production temporarily at one of its Kentucky distilleries as the whiskey industry faces tariffs and declining demand.

Instacart ending price test program after backlash

Instacart is ending a program where customers saw different prices for the same product ordered at the same time from the same store. Here’s what they’re saying about the price testing strategy.

What's open and closed in Chicago on Christmas Day

If you’re in need of some last-minute groceries or gifts on Christmas Day, your options will be limited.

DoorDash brings grocery ordering to ChatGPT

DoorDash announced it is launching a new grocery shopping app within OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

FTC accuses Instacart of hidden fees; company to pay $60M in refunds

Instacart will pay $60 million in consumer refunds after the FTC accused the company of misleading shoppers and driving up grocery costs for Americans.

Smoke Daddy shows off delicious BBQ ahead of Bears game
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Chef Dan Harris from Smoke Daddy stopped by to show off some delicious barbecue, wings and other food ahead of the big Bears game on Saturday.

Does it feel like everyone is sick? A Chicago-area doctor explains why | ChicagoLIVE
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Chicago, does it feel like everyone is getting sick right now? If so, you’re not alone. An Advocate Health doctor joins us to explain what’s spreading, why it feels more widespread than usual and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Tasting Chicago: Holiday Special

Sylvia Perez explores Chicago’s holiday pop-up bars, talks upcoming food and drink trends with Axios’ Monica Eng, and visits the historic Berghoff Hotel for a festive look at its history and award-winning beers.