Chicago -- The Chicago White Sox are introducing a new hot dog at U.S. Cellular Field called the "Giant Slugger." The one-pound, two-foot-long hot dog was created to serve as many as four people. Toppings include nacho cheese, chili, grilled onions and jalapenos.  It's being launched as part of National Hot Dog and Sausage Month.

Freeport/Paris -- Dry heat will be the rule across Illinois July 4th and many towns have decided it's too big a risk to hold fireworks displays that are usually a highlight of the holiday.  Towns from Paris in southeastern Illinois to Freeport near the Wisconsin border have called off fireworks. Local officials have said they're worried a stray spark could ignite dry grass or something else and lead to a dangerous fire.  Freeport has rescheduled fireworks for Sept. 2 and some others have said they hope to reschedule displays when weather permits.

Mattoon --  A central Illinois woman has pleaded guilty to charges filed in a deadly traffic accident. A Coles County judge this week told Sandra Ross of Mattoon that her plea could lead to an 80-year prison sentence. Ross lost control of the van she was driving last June and collided with a grain truck. The crash left three girls dead.