As tempting as it may be to stay indoors sipping hot chocolate during this "polar vortex," many of us have to venture out into the cold to go to work, school, or to run errands. Homeowners have one extra reason to brave the cold: shoveling. 

Not only will pedestrians appreciate it, but you'll avoid the risk of being fined if your local municipality requires you to clear your sidewalk. Here in Chicago, many people rely on walking and public transit as a means of transportation, meaning snow and ice can become a big problem when it obstructs pathways.

In the City of Chicago, homeowners have different time frames to clear sidewalks depending on the time of snowfall and the day of the week:

A study published yesterday in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights an alarming reality: children are not being properly restrained in car seats and booster seats when traveling by motor vehicle. The study found that minority parents in particular are less likely to report appropriate use of car seats for 1- to 3-year-olds and booster seats for 4- to 7-year olds, regardless of differences in education, income, and information sources. The study included responses from just over 600 parents of children 1 to 12 years old and, when possible, responses were backed by in-vehicle verification of the presence of appropriate child safety restraints. 

Last year, Illinois passed a law allowing the concealed carry of registered firearms. Now just after three days of accepting permit applications online, the Illinois State Police has received over 15,000 applications, and many more are expected in the following months. Applications must be processed and reviewed within 30 to 120 days before a license can be issued or rejected. Illinois business and non-residential property owners, many of whom are concerned about safety, must decide whether to allow concealed carry in their property.