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Thanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. In fact, AAA indicates that, in the United States, it may be the most traveled of all the holidays, with record numbers of both drivers and air travelers. In 2024, nearly 80 million Americans were expected to travel over Thanksgiving weekend. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a particularly busy day on the roads, but high volumes continue throughout the weekend. A high demand for travel during this time of year means individuals wanting to see friends or family for Thanksgiving should plan accordingly. These tips, courtesy of AAA and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly. · Book flights early. If you are able, secure flights early in the day and use personal time off from work to fly in to a destination at the beginning of the week. The propensity for flights to be delayed or canceled increases as the day and week goes on. An early departure may increase the chances of a flight leaving on time. Also, the TSA reports that the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after, are the busiest days for Thanksgiving air travel. Choosing an alternative day to fly may mean smaller crowds and less stress. · Consider TSA PreCheck®. TSA PreCheck is a paid program that enables you to get through security lines faster. Interested parties must verify their identities through a third-party service that handles PreCheck applications, and await confirmation of approval. A TSA PreCheck membership lasts for five years. This membership offers consistent time savings at the airport with dedicated PreCheck lanes, and the benefit of keeping items like laptops and liquids in your bag. · Consider traveling by train. If Amtrak services your destination, taking the train may be the least stressful way to travel over Thanksgiving. In addition to not having to navigate roadways or sit in traffic, you won't face security screening like you will at the airport. Once on the train, there is Wi-Fi, nice views and efficient travel. Trips booked in advance are more affordable than booking closer to the holiday. · Pack light. Avoiding the baggage carousel can shave much time off of travel. Plus, there's no risk of luggage getting diverted or not making it to your final destination. A carry-on bag is the way to go for ease, particularly if you must get on a different flight if the original one is delayed or canceled. · Service your car. If road travel is planned for Thanksgiving, make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip. Be up-to-date on oil changes, make sure the tires are properly inflated and double-check your emergency preparedness kit prior to leaving. It also may be a good idea to invest in AAA benefits, which afford extra peace of mind in the event of a breakdown as well as savings on travel-related expenses, such as lodging. · Pack your patience. In addition to your holiday essentials, it is wise to also pack some patience this Thanksgiving travel season. Leave extra time so you're not racing to your destination and can calmly contend with people also looking to get home for the holidays. Thanksgiving means turkey and trimmings, but also millions of people traveling to give thanks alongside those they love.

3 weeks ago in Business, Fall Guide, Holiday Guide, IL State News, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

Thanksgiving weekend travel tips

These tips can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly.

Blending planning with heartwarming traditions can create a truly memorable Thanksgiving experience.

3 weeks ago in Fall Guide, Food Scene, Holiday Guide, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

Host a memorable Thanksgiving

Blending planning with heartwarming traditions can create a truly memorable Thanksgiving experience.

Those who want to make their sweet potatoes a little more sweet this holiday season can try this recipe for "Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin."

3 weeks ago in Fall Guide, Food Scene, Holiday Guide, Lifestyle, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

A recipe to make sweet potatoes even sweeter

Those who want to make their sweet potatoes a little more sweet this holiday season can try this recipe for "Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin."

Pumpkin pie

3 weeks ago in Fall Guide, Food Scene, Holiday Guide, Lifestyle, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

Pumpkin pie is the classic holiday dessert

This recipe for "Pumpkin Pie" from Lines+Angles can be just what guests are looking for as they seek to tie a bow on their Thanksgiving feast.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves Chicago’s Dirksen Federal Courthouse on Feb. 12 after a jury convicted him on 10 corruption counts, including bribery. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

3 weeks ago in Crime, IL State News, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

9 months after federal bribery conviction, former Speaker Madigan disbarred

Longtime Illinois Democratic power broker now in a West Virginia prison.

llinois Commerce Commission Chair Dough Scott is pictured alongside commissioners Michael Carrigan (left) and Ann McCabe (right) at a November 2023 meeting in Springfield. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

3 weeks ago in Business, IL State News, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

ICC slashes Nicor, Ameren proposed gas rate hikes by over 40%

Environmental and consumer advocates applaud decision for promoting energy affordability.

Rafael Hernandez, originally from Mexico, sells food from his family's food truck, Nov. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

3 weeks ago in Crime, IL State News, Local, National, ZZZ App Top Stories

A Chicago street vendor couple has a defiant response to immigration arrests: Stick to the routine

The couple says working not only pays the bills but helps avoid depression, making them stand out from others gripped by fear in Chicago's immigrant communities.

This still image taken from Chicago Transit Authority surveillance footage and included in a federal court record shows a man who federal authorities identified as Lawrence Reed holding a flaming bottle and approaching a passenger, far left, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, on a Chicago Blue Line train. (Chicago Transit Authority/U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois via AP) Screenshot

3 weeks ago in Crime, IL State News, Local, National, ZZZ App Top Stories

Federal judge orders man held on federal terrorism charge in Chicago train attack

The attack Monday night on Chicago's Blue Line L train has drawn national attention, primarily because the victim appeared to be targeted at random.

3 weeks ago in Education, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

Mom / teacher: Computers hurt more than they help

She urges District 186 to curb use of Chromebooks.

3 weeks ago in Entertainment

Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel "Pras" Michel of the Fugees was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years in prison for a case in which he was convicted of illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign.

3 weeks ago in Sports

NBA sees highest opening-month viewership in more than decade, record social media engagement

National NBA games being shown on NBC/Peacock, Amazon Prime Video or ESPN have drawn more than 60 million viewers through the first month of the regular season, the league announced Thursday, noting that is the highest opening total in 15 years.

3 weeks ago in Entertainment

Mexico’s bullied pageant contestant gets payback by capturing Miss Universe crown

Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday, a dramatic victory for a 25-year-old at the center of the turbulent 74th staging of the popular beauty pageant in Bangkok who stood up to public bullying from one of the hosts.

3 weeks ago in Olympics, Sports

Milan Cortina Olympic mountains are wintry white after 1st big snowstorm of the season

The mountains that will host the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have been hit with their first significant snowstorm of the season.

3 weeks ago in Sports

Texans get 8 sacks and Bullock forces 3 turnovers in Houston’s 23-19 win over Bills

Buffalo's Josh Allen was harassed by Houston's defense all night Thursday and it was no different on his last play of the game. "Our d-line was getting to him and made him make that bad decision at the end and he threw the ball right to me," Houston safety Calen Bullock said.

3 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

Gary Mounfield, former Stone Roses bassist, has died at 63

Gary Mounfield, the former bass player of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, two of the most influential British rock bands of the past four decades, has died. He was 63.

3 weeks ago in World

European leaders assure Ukraine of their support after US peace plan leaves them sidelined

The leaders of Germany, France and the United Kingdom spoke by phone Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring him of their continued support amid the war with Russia as European officials scrambled to respond to U.S. peace proposals that apparently caught them unawares.

3 weeks ago in Crime, Local, ZZZ App Top Stories

Woman found dead in waste container, investigation continues

Woman found dead in a shed, possibly for an extended period of time.

3 weeks ago in National

Respect and remembrance for Cheney from Bush, Biden and past vice presidents as Trump is excluded

They gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday — former presidents, vice presidents, sworn political foes and newfound friends — in a show of respect and remembrance for Dick Cheney, the consequential and polarizing vice president who became an acidic scold of President Donald Trump.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Local, National

Affable comedy acting legend Dick Van Dyke turns 100 years old

FILE - Dick Van Dyke poses with chimney sweeps during arrivals to the 40th anniversary and re-premiere of Mary Poppins at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Johansson, File)

Van Dyke was born in West Plains, Missouri, in 1925, and grew up “the class clown” in Danville, Illinois, while admiring and imitating the silent film comedians.

2 days ago in Trending, World

King Charles III says his cancer treatment is being reduced as he promotes benefits of screening

King Charles III said Friday that early diagnosis and treatment will allow doctors to reduce his cancer treatment in the new year as he encouraged others to take advantage of screening programs that can detect the disease early when it is easiest to treat.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

Sherrone Moore charged with stalking, home invasion after being fired as Michigan football coach

Fired University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore "barged his way" into the apartment of a woman with whom he had been having an affair and threatened to kill himself after she reported the relationship to the school and he lost his job, prosecutors said Friday.

2 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Experts share their top tips to save money this holiday season

From gifts to travel plans to grocery shopping, costs can pile up and become overwhelming, especially in a difficult economic environment. Holiday shopping can bring joy, but it's important to stick to a budget and avoid going into debt, said shopping expert Trae Bodge.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

It feels good to be Jelly Roll. And now, he’s ready to win a Grammy

This week, Jelly Roll was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And last month, he learned that he was nominated for three Grammys in 2026, marking his third year in a row receiving nods. Two of those are new territory for him.