Good Odds On Casino | Return Of Santa | Best Place To Have A Baby

Let's get you all caught up on the news making headlines in today's Top Southland Stories.

Homewood, East Hazel Crest Pre-Approved For South Suburban Casino

The villages of Homewood and East Hazel Crest have gone all-in to win pre-approval from the Illinois Gaming Board Wednesday which puts the combined towns on the right track to be chosen as the location for a new casino in the south suburbs.

Santa Returns To Aurelio's In Frankfort, Delivers Special Message

While many of us are busy with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season now underway, arguably no one is busier this time of year than Old St. Nick himself. And even though he's swamped in paperwork — writing lists and checking them twice — Santa still had time to stop in at Aurelio's Pizza in Frankfort Tuesday for some face time with all the good little boys and girls.

Advocate Christ Among Best Hospitals For Maternity Care

Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn landed among the best hospitals in Illinois to have a baby. U.S. News & World Report this week released its inaugural list of Best Hospitals For Maternity. The list recognizes 237 hospitals across the United States that are high-performing when it comes to maternity care.

Take the Illinois Patch 2021 Tour O' Holiday Lights

Haul out the holly, the plastic blow molds, LED lights and synchronized music, because we all need a little Christmas. We've rounded up the best reader-submitted residential (and one liquor store) holiday light displays in Chicagoland. From towering reindeer and illuminated pigs to the most outlandish Clark W. Griswold displays that can be seen from space, these spectacular light displays are definitely worth a drive-by.

Mission Meals Gives Out More Than 300 Meals In Mokena

The giving spirit was in full swing Thursday at EggCetera in downtown Mokena, where Mission Meals hosted its December drive-thru dinner and passed out 316 meals, a record for a single dinner for Mission Meals, according to Tammy Leonard, founder of One Love Global Wellness Foundation, the nonprofit organization under which Mission Meals operates.

Man Killed On I-57 ID'd By Coroner

The Will County Coroner's Office on Tuesday identified James R. Murdie, 64, of Manhattan, who was killed on Interstate 57 Friday.

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