Although I am more a fan of women’s college basketball, I couldn’t pass up attending the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament at United Center in Chicago. I was rooting for Northwestern, which finished in second place in the regular season, thus getting the No. 2 rank in the tourney.
Debuting in 1998, the tourney was held at UC the first four years. Often considered the heart of the Big Ten, Chicago now has hosted the tourney 11 times.
The tourney started Wednesday with Ohio State beating Wisconsin. My incorrect prediction of the Badgers was not a good sign. By the end of Thursday’s games, I was 2–4, although all four losses were upsets.
Despite being a Chicagoan, I’m not a fan of University of Illinois and was happy with its ouster. Unfortunately, No. 2 Northwestern, my favorite team in the tourney, lost to No. 10 Penn State on Friday. I did correctly predict the other five games leading into Sunday’s title matchup between Penn State and Purdue.
Sunday’s capacity crowd was a bit more for Purdue, probably due to proximity. The game was a classic Big Ten battle with Purdue edging Penn State 67–65.
March Madness starts tomorrow, but my only rooting interest is Northwestern. While I will probably watch some games, I’m more looking forward to next Tuesday, the start of collegiate softball conference play.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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Jul 18, 2026“MICHELIN Guide” Expands to Northeast Florida
Florida’s Historic Coast makes history with four restaurants earning recognition in the MICHELIN Florida Guide 2026, putting Northeast Florida on the MICHELIN map for the first time ever.
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Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
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Jul 17, 2026Go from Lake to Lake in Lake Como, St. Moritz
This summer season, have a “Lake to Lake” experience with two of The Leading Hotels of the World’s loveliest properties: Il Sereno on the serene shores of Lake Como in Italy, and the elegant Kulm Hotel overlooking St. Moritz in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley.
Global City Guidebook 2026
Jul 17, 2026Global City Guidebook: Athens, Greece
One of the most mesmerizing destinations in the world, the capital of modern-day Greece sits at the heart of what was once Ancient Greece. Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens boasts a recorded history spanning 3,400 years. Here, ancient archaeological ruins coexist with modern urban design and innovation, great culture and gastronomy, and vibrant daily life, all amid incredible natural beauty and legendary sunlight in a perfect Mediterranean climate. Add top-notch hotel accommodations and the warmth of the Athenian people, and you’ll see why Athens makes an ideal city destination.
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Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
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Jul 17, 2026Saint Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences Undergoes Renovations
Planning a trip to Saint Lucia this year? Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a member of Leading Hotels of the World on Saint Lucia’s Labrelotte Bay, recently underwent a $40 million renovation with refreshing guest experiences leading the transformation.
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Jul 16, 2026New Tennessee Performing Arts Center Coming in 2030
Denmark-based architecture studio BIG released designs for new, riverside Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tennessee, which will be covered with a swooping curtain of metal pipes.
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IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
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Jul 15, 2026Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection Launches Spa Collaboration with Alexandra Soveral
Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection recently launched a holistic wellness and spa treatment menu at its SÓL Spa in collaboration with London-based wellness practitioner Alexandra Soveral. The enhanced offering introduces an overall more immersive approach to wellbeing.
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