🚦 Brace yourself for more traffic

Chicago Housing Authority Chief to Step Down

Tracey Scott’s last day leading the city’s public housing agency will be Friday. Scott is resigning after more than four years at the post, where she has faced criticism for a lack of affordable housing in the city. [WTTW]

Will City Halt Pilsen Scrap Metal Business?

A group of Southwest Side organizers gathered Monday to call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to delay an operating permit for Sims Metal Management. The state sued the business a few years ago for alleged emissions issues. [ABC7]

• Over on the Southeast Side, organizers have tried to stop another metal scrapper for years. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Brace Yourself for (More) Traffic 😬

Not only will the Kennedy Expressway exit ramp to Ohio Street be closed this week, but closures continue today on some southbound lanes on North DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All lanes are expected to reopen by 4 p.m. [Block Club]

• Time to queue up our favorite Chicago traffic playlist. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

How Well Do You Know Illinois Congresspeople?

How long has Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García been in office? Was that before or after Rep. Mary Miller was elected? And has Rep. Danny Davis been in office longer than anyone else has been alive? Just me? We test ourselves on today’s podcast. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Jean Banchet Award Finalists

Finalists for Chicago’s top local food honors have been announced — including a new category for best pizza. Many winners later earn James Beard Awards and Michelin stars. The ceremony is Jan. 26. [WBEZ]

Illinois has some really great natural beauty. Did you ever consider trying to see it all along a road trip? You can see all of this breathtaking beauty on this wonderful road trip that visits 10 of the best natural wonders in Illinois.

If you've ever wondered "are there natural wonders in Illinois?" this trip should answer that question! Visiting 10 natural wonders in Illinois, this is the most amazing road trip you'll ever take in the Land of Lincoln. Here is the map of the Natural Wonders Road Trip in Illinois:

1. Illinois Beach State Park

Sometimes you can forget just how beautiful Lake Michigan is. This park has 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. There are trails near the beach and also through woods.

2. Mississippi Palisades State Park

In terms of natural wonders in Illinois, this is a stunner! "Palisades" refers to the bluffs surrounding the rivers. Trails wind through these bluffs, and where they come out, you can get a peerless view of the Mississippi River. It is lush, green, and awe-inspiring.

3. Starved Rock State Park

The most famous state park in Illinois, this park is home to canyons, waterfalls, and wonderful rock formations. Waterfalls in Illinois? You'll find some of the best here! Overlooks throughout the park give you some great views of the river and the forest. It's also pretty gorgeous in the winter, particularly when the waterfalls freeze.

4. Matthiessen State Park

This state park has loads of great waterfalls, too. (Some of the best natural wonders in Illinois are waterfalls, in fact!) You might not know that there are dells, upper and lower. Interesting rock formations are even more stunning looking up from below.

5. Pomona Natural Bridge

A stunning natural wonder in Illinois, this bridge was carved by Mother Nature, with an assist from rivers over time. The bridge is about 90 feet long and around 8 feet wide. There is also a small cave in the area to explore.