37 Illinois hospitals named safest in the country

Illinois hospitals have made great strides this year, making the state home to 37 of the safest hospitals in the country, according to a new report.

Every two years, the Leapfrog Group releases a list of the safest hospitals in the country after analyzing over 2,500 different hospitals across the nation.

Leapfrog analyzes these hospitals according to 27 criteria, including the number of infections in patients, problems arising from surgeries, the use of practices like computerized medication ordering, the strength of hospital leadership and more. The Leapfrog Group then assigns each hospital a safety rating in the form of a letter grade.

Read more …

Chicago Amazon Prime members now have access to car delivery service

Amazon is devoting a lot of effort to prevent packages from being stolen from porches and outside homes.

The online retailer is making a new service available to Amazon Prime members in 37 cities, including Chicago, who own a 2015 or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac or Volvo. Those who can meet all these criteria will have the option of having their packages delivered to the trunk or back seat of their car, with a guaranteed safe delivery. These newer-model cars can be remotely unlocked, allowing Amazon's deliverers to receive a one-time access code to open the trunk in order to deliver the package. An alert is sent to customers once it is delivered.

Read more …

O-Hare and Midway international airports to offer unlimited free Wi-Fi

O’Hare and Midway international airports will now provide free unlimited wireless internet for the first time to all travelers.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced this week that the state’s two major airports will offer free Wi-Fi service with streaming capability, replacing time-based free Wi-Fi sessions at all locations in the airports.

CDA Commissioner Ginger S. Evans said in a statement the new service is being offered to enhance the passenger experience and to highlight efforts to modernize the Chicago airports.

Read more …

Did you know? The horseshoe sandwich was invented in Springfield Illinois by Joe Schweska in the 1920’s.

Did you know? The horseshoe sandwich was invented in Springfield Illinois by Joe Schweska in the 1920’s.

Joe came up with the idea for the horseshoe with the help of his wife Elizabeth Schweska. It was first served at the Leland Hotel (now the Illinois Commerce Commission). The Leland Hotel was the leading hotel of Springfield for its time, hosting travelers, party-goers, celebrities and politicians.

Read more …