A live-action Rugrats movie is in the works and the babies will be CGI for some ungodly reason.

According to Variety, Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil and Lil Deville will be CGI-animated in the film, which will be a live-action/CGI hybrid a la Sonic the Hedgehog or Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers (which are good). will be films, so I have hope).

Windows 11 24H2 is rolling out to everyone, but you may not see it right away when checking for updates. If you want to download and install Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2), simply go to Settings > Windows Update. In this guide, we’ll discuss all the different ways to get and install the update.

The Windows 2024 Update has been hanging in the Insider channel for almost a year and is now finally available to all users. This update marks the third major release for Windows 11, first released in 2021. Plus, it’s the biggest update we’ve seen for the operating system in the last two years! (Above)

Where to install Windows 11 24H2

To install Windows 11 2024 Update using Windows Update, just follow these simple steps:

1. Press the Win key on your keyboard.
2. type “Check for updates” and click Input
3. Make sure that the Check “Get latest updates as soon as they are available”. Switching is active.
4. Check for updates again

When the update is ready for your device, just click Download and install. Once the download is complete, make sure to restart your PC when prompted.

As previously mentioned, Windows 11 24H2 is still in the launch phase and therefore may not yet be available in all regions or on every device. Microsoft calls this a “phased rollout.” Even if you see the update, keep in mind that it may take some time to install and boot up your desktop as it is a major version upgrade.

You can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 from versions 23H2 and 22H2. However, make sure you have installed the Windows 11 May 2024 Update or a newer version first. This is important because the May 2024 non-security update ensures that the full operating system transition to Windows 11 24H2 goes smoothly.

That means even if you check for updates, you may not find them right away. For example, I didn’t see the update on my HP Specter (2024), one of the top flagship Windows laptops. It is also missing from older models like the Legion 5 Pro.

Tip: If you want to upgrade now, Microsoft has released ISO files for the Windows 11 2024 Update. You can download it directly and run setup.exe to update your operating system immediately.

Windows 11 24H2 system requirements

If you’re interested in the hardware requirements for Windows 11 24H2, they’re largely the same as before, with a few minor changes.

You’ll need the usual setup: a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and at least 64GB of storage. Additionally, your system must support UEFI, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. One small change is that your processor now needs to support the SSE4.2 instruction set in addition to POPCNT. Most users will not be affected by this as processors without POPCNT are quite outdated.

Here is the complete list of system requirements for Windows 11 24H2 (Update 2024):

• 1GHz dual core CPU
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB storage
• UEFI
• Safe start
• TPM 2.0 (You can get around this by optimizing the registry)

Additional notes

• Remember the AI: Your processor should handle up to 40 TOPs (trillion operations per second). Currently, only devices with Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips can use Recall AI.
• Recommended specifications for AI features: For optimal performance with additional AI features, it is best to have 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD.

For the first time, the Windows 11 24H2 update introduces exclusive AI features targeting a new device category called “ Copilot+ PCs. These features leverage locally running small language models (SLMs) and can generate images, track your PC activity with recall, and assist with various tasks.

Even if your PC is not a Copilot PC, you can still get the Windows 11 24H2 update if it meets all the necessary hardware requirements. However, keep in mind that the exclusive AI features require more powerful hardware such as an NPU and will not work on standard Windows 11 24H2 systems.

Clean installation of Windows 11 24H2 with Rufus – even without requirements

If you want to start fresh with a clean install of Windows 11 24H2, using Rufus is a good choice. This reliable freeware allows you to create bootable drives for Windows and various other operating systems. For this process you will need two things: the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file and Rufus. If the system recognizes the Windows 11 ISO, you can even use it to remove the requirements and install it on old hardware without the necessary TPM or Secure Boot features.

How to get started:

1. Download the required files: Get both the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file and Rufus from the official links provided earlier.
2. Prepare your USB drive: Connect your USB drive to your computer and launch Rufus.
3. Select your USB drive: Rufus automatically detects your USB drive. Make sure you have selected the correct option to avoid data loss.
4. Select the ISO file: Click Choose Click the button and navigate to the Downloads folder to find the 24H2 ISO file. Click OK to confirm your selection.
5. Start the process: Scroll down and click start to start creating the bootable USB drive.
6. Check the options: Leave all options unchecked and click OK.
7. Acknowledge the warning: Rufus displays a drive format warning. Click OK continue.
8. The target is Rufus: As soon as you see this Ready message in the Rufus window, go ahead and close the app.
9. Restart your PC: Restart your computer and enter the boot manager.
10. Select the USB drive: From the boot options, select your USB drive to start the installation process.
11. Install Windows 11 24H2: Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a clean install of Windows 11 24H2 on your PC.

Now you can create your bootable drive and proceed with the installation!

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – A 62-year-old Livonia man was indicted on multiple charges Wednesday after he was allegedly caught looking at pornography and touching himself in a Macomb County classroom. Prosecutor Peter Lucido’s office alleges that Francesco Iaquinta was working as a substitute teacher at the Academy of Warren on Sept. 24 when he began watching the adult videos with students in class.

“As a trusted educator, the defendant had a responsibility to provide students with a safe and focused learning environment. Instead, he violated that trust. This behavior is unacceptable and we are committed to justice to ensure such misconduct has no place in our schools,” Lucido said.

Iaquinta was charged with one count each of distributing sexually explicit, visual or verbal content to children and one count of obscene disorderly conduct. The distribution charge is a two-year felony and bail for Iaquinta was set at $25,000 cash/surety. Iaquinta is due back in court on Oct. 8 for a probable cause hearing.

High housing costs are a serious problem for millions of Americans. Many are excluded from the real estate market due to record high home prices, while others are suffering from rising rents. While Vice Presidential Debate on TuesdaySenator JD Vance pointed to what he believes is a major cause of the affordability crisis: immigration.

“[Y]”You have housing that is completely unaffordable because we have recruited millions of illegal immigrants to compete with Americans for scarce housing,” Vance said in the debate with his Democratic rival and running mate, Minnesota Gov. Kamala Harris. Tim Waltz.

Specifically, Vance pointed to “a study from the Federal Reserve that we’re happy to share after the debate,” claiming that it “explores in real detail the connection between increased migration, particularly illegal immigration, and higher housing prices.”

On Wednesday, Vance posted several studies and speeches on social media to support his claim, although the Federal Reserve’s “study” was actually a short prepared speech by a Fed official who had indicated that the “Influx of New Immigrants” Increases There could be upward pressure on rents in some geographic areas.

A problem from sea to shining sea

Although this is far from a rigorous analysis linking immigration to higher housing prices, many economists who have studied the housing market say the factors driving up housing prices are structural, such as a downturn in the construction industry following the Great Recession of 2007–2009, which led to a severe housing shortage. In contrast, the role of immigrants in driving up housing prices is not so clear.

However, it is evident that house prices have increased by 53% since January 2020, just before the pandemic, driving many potential home buyers out of the market. And since rents have risen by 25% over the same period, half of all tenants are now considered “cost-burdened.” According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, this means a record share of renters are now spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

“Many people thought the affordability crisis was limited to larger cities, and that has really changed in the last few years — people all over the country are struggling with affordability issues,” said Shamus Roller, executive director of the National Housing Law Project, an affordable housing advocacy group Housing, CBS MoneyWatch said. “It’s driving the economic anxiety that many people across the country are feeling.”

What is driving up real estate prices?

The reasons for the skyrocketing housing costs lie primarily in major problems in the real estate market. The biggest factor: a long-standing shortage of new construction in the decade following the 2007 U.S. housing crash and the global financial crisis that followed.

“The housing shortage is the root cause of our affordability crisis,” Zillow chief economist Skylar Olsen said in an email to CBS MoneyWatch. “The simple fact is that there is not enough housing in this country where and how it is needed. This results in housing costs exceeding the ability of a typical household to pay.”

At the same time, the Millennial generation has reached the prime age to buy their first home, increasing demand for housing. Yet baby boomers still largely live in their own homes, contributing to the supply shortage. One economist even has Boomer accused for the affordability crisis as the generation divorces and continues to form new households, increasing competition for real estate with Millennials and younger Americans.

The pandemic, which has seen mortgage rates plunge to record lows and many Americans shift to remote work, has also “sparked a home-buying frenzy,” further restricting supply and driving up home prices, Olsen said.

“The rise in prices during the pandemic housing boom was due to a confluence of trends that have little to do with immigration, including extremely low mortgage rates that made it more affordable for many to buy their first home,” she said.

Still, there is evidence that increasing immigration may increase rental costs, even if only slightly. For example, a 2017 study found that a 1% increase in a city’s population due to immigration leads to a 0.8% increase in rental prices – an increase, albeit a small one.

What’s the biggest thing that could bring down real estate prices?

Experts say the best remedy for rising housing costs for both buyers and renters is to increase the supply of available properties in the country. That means more construction activity, which in many cities and regions is complicated by regulations that make it difficult to build new homes and apartment buildings.

As of 2022, the US had one Shortage of 4.5 million homes relative to demand for sales, up from 4.3 million last year, according to Zillow data.

“It is critical that we advance policies that encourage and enable more construction,” Olsen said. “A comprehensive approach is needed that includes simplifying processes, reducing initial costs and making it easier to build more and different types of homes.”

deportation Millions of immigrantsas the Trump campaign is proposing could actually worsen the housing shortage, said Roller of the National Housing Law Project. That’s because about one in three construction workers are immigrants, so deporting millions of them could create major headwinds for construction companies.

During the vice presidential debate, Vance also referenced the Trump campaign’s proposal to build new homes on some federal lands – an idea the Biden administration also supports. But Roller said such a plan raises serious questions, particularly about the geography of those areas and exactly how development will proceed.

“When you think about using federal land for housing, of course it comes down to the details, and we don’t have any details at all,” Roller told CBS MoneyWatch. It could be that “a parking lot in Los Angeles is being redeveloped instead of allowing people to develop in Yellowstone National Park.”

Over the past five years of working as a writer and editor for Nature, I’ve noticed a number of new, independent print publications – many of which would make great gifts, especially if there’s a person in your life who loves being in moved by nature. These magazines feel more tailored and specific than general outdoor publications, delving deeply into topics like skiing, climbing, backpacking and travel, while also exploring aspects that feel strange, new and refreshing.

Some of them contain detailed stories about life in the Mountain West, some feature adventure sports photography on huge prints (making them seem more like coffee table books), and still other titles have recently been revived after being out of print for decades, while several are only available in printed form. Here are some titles that caught my eye this year.

Mountain indicator first published in the 1960s, discontinued in 1979 and republished in 2020 when publisher Mike Rogge bought the rights to publish the title for the price of a beer. If the story takes place in a mountain town, that’s not a problem Mountain indicator – and part of what makes this magazine remarkable is the physical size. It’s printed on 11″ x 17″ matte paper, with photos sometimes spread across two pages, so it’s quite visually impressive and feels like you’re flipping through a stack of posters (and actually, there are a lot of them). buy). earlier covers than prints). It is published twice a year, in spring and autumn, and its stories are only available in printed form.

The stories in Adventure diary — which started as a blog in 2008 and is now published quarterly – reminds me of my favorite travel stories from the past National Geographic problems. They touch on every part of the world (I never thought I’d learn about Slovenia’s most important mountain peak – and now hiking it is on my bucket list) but feel carefully curated.

This reader-supported, quarterly magazine is my favorite magazine that covers everything backpacking, from travel inspiration and thru-hiking culture to wise commentary on public lands issues and in-depth reviews of outdoor gear. What particularly stands out to me Hiking trails is his serious approach to the way backpacking is treated. Each story contains practical insights that read like advice from a Friend for a new trip you’re about to take, be it a local out-and-back or the Appalachian Trail. Some pages I dog-eared in a recent issue included details about a secret wilderness area in the Adirondacks and a recipe for spicy Japanese curry.

Climbing photography – which can include shots of large walls, close-ups of small, intricate granite holds, and mountain panoramas – looks best when presented in large format Summit Journal. (summit was the first monthly climbing and mountaineering magazine in the USA and is now published twice a year Summit Journal.) While it’s not quite the same as seeing the Winds or the Bugaboos in person, it’s still full of inspiration for future trips.

Ori is a new bi-annual travel magazine, the first issue of which was published just last year. Instead of following the old formula of sending correspondents to far away places and reporting to them, Ori hires local writers and photographers to tell his stories, like this article about the Afrobeat scene in Lagos, which I really enjoyed and which was documented by Nigerian photographers and writers. (There’s even a scannable QR code that links to a curated Afrobeats playlist.)

That’s not exactly a new Publication as it has been in print since 1992, but The surfer diary is the gold standard for those interested in surfing (or reading about the people who do). Unlike other surfing publications TSJ It’s not always about documenting hard-working surfers doing their aerials. I like that it takes a slower, more holistic approach to storytelling, ranging from long pieces to photo essays to undiscovered breaks to profiles of board shapers and forgotten surfing legends. TSJ Often there are stories that focus on different eras of surfing’s rich history and are accompanied by slideshows full of archival photos. (I once got a surfing lesson in Hawaii from an instructor on Waikiki Beach, and a few months later I spotted him in my copy in an old photo from the 1970s along with other notable Hawaiian surfers TSJ.)

Ski culture has influenced the art, fashion and style worlds, but ski media has not always shown how it works the other way around and how art can influence skiing. Tough package Editor and founder Zach Seely wanted to show this in this new bi-annual ski magazine. He grew up skiing in Utah, but found that the ski industry primarily produced two images of the sport: a gritty mountain-town vibe and a bougie, elitist approach—and, as I’ve observed, often a mix of both. Tough package is a refreshing read as it looks at ski culture through a more artistic lens.

Produced in Brooklyn, Victory diary is equal parts Vice and what I would imagine the print version of an ESPN to be 30 for 30 what a documentary would look like. I enjoy flipping through the heavy, 11-by-17-inch pages, where massive amounts of athletes frozen in motion sit alongside stories of players excelling in competition at every level, from the NCAA to the Olympics. One of my favorite articles in a recent issue was about the Icelandic football scene.

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Klay Thompson spent 13 seasons of his NBA career with Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors’ free-motion offense. Now he’s looking forward to the challenge of playing with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the Dallas Mavericks. Even though the season hasn’t started yet, Thompson is already noticing the differences.

During the Dallas Mavericks media day, Thompson gave a very detailed answer about the differences between playing for the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.

“I think from an Xs and Os perspective, I have to get used to going against such good creators,” Thompson said. “In Golden State, it was a very movement-based offense. Just being able to play with Luka over the last few days, his pick-and-roll ability is perhaps the best I’ve ever seen. It’ll be fun to play with him in these sets because he attracts so much attention and gets so many open looks from the outside, so I’ll be there to knock them down.”

Klay Thompson on joining the Mavs:

“Just being able to play with Luka the last few days, his pick-and-roll skills are the best I’ve ever seen and it’ll be okay to play with him in these sets because he’s like that attracts a lot of attention… I’ll be there to blow her away… pic.twitter.com/islJ9ru0Lr

— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) September 30, 2024

Playing with a ball handler like Luka Doncic is something Klay Thompson has never done before in his career. Thompson knows it’s something he’ll have to get used to, but he also knows he can help.

“This is exciting. It adds a whole new dimension to our team when we have a player like me who can tighten the defense by simply breaking the lane or by using an off-ball screen, a pindown and taking two defenders with him.” “, Thompson added. “But I know I have to get used to Luka of course, Luka is the system, he’s an MVP front-runner and that’s a big reason why I came here, the pressure he faces every night and to alleviate the defense he has.”

Watching Klay Thompson join the Dallas Mavericks will be a very intriguing scenario for Golden State Warriors fans. They’ll get to see one of their favorite players in a role they’ve never seen before, which could hopefully open their eyes to what he’s capable of.

According to a new Google report, generative AI could contribute between €1.2 and €1.4 trillion to the EU’s gross domestic product within a decade, growing at 8% per year.

The gains would come from increases in employee productivity, free time gained from automating tasks, and rehiring people who previously completed those tasks.

The report, “The Economic Opportunity of AI in the EU,” was prepared by Implement Consulting Group using economic modeling approaches developed by investment bank Goldman Sachs. It is a convincing argument against the over-regulation of AI within the Union.

It is estimated that 61% of jobs will be expanded through GenAI, leading to productivity gains worth up to €1.1 trillion. Around 7% of jobs will be fully automated and re-employing workers into new roles will generate up to an additional €350 billion. The analysts then reduce the total by at least 50 billion euros to take into account possible productivity losses due to GenAI.

Surveys also show that 74% of workers in European countries have already reported productivity improvements thanks to GenAI.

“Generative AI can increase productivity across industries by augmenting and improving human capabilities,” said Martin H. Thelle, partner at Implement Consulting. “Unlike previous automation, such as robots, generative AI can increase productivity in the service sector, where 80% of its economic potential lies.”

The EU is not technologically competitive with the rest of the world

The Google research refers to a September report by former European Central Bank president and economist Mario Draghi that claims a slowdown in European productivity has hampered growth in the region. The EU’s GDP was only $280 billion higher than the US in 2009, but the gap has widened since then and the US GDP was $9 trillion higher in 2023.

Draghi says this is largely due to the EU’s lack of competitiveness compared to other world regions in terms of innovation, particularly in advanced technologies. EU companies tend to specialize in mature technologies with limited potential for breakthroughs. As a result, they spent €270 billion less than US equivalents on research and innovation in 2021.

Although the three largest R&I investors in Europe are active in technology, “we are not able to translate innovation into commercialization,” said Draghi, which is pushing entrepreneurs to the US. Now only four of the world’s 50 largest tech companies are European, and the US dominates in AI, cloud and quantum.

SEE: UK government cuts £1.3bn earmarked for AI and tech innovation

In fact, the Google report shows the EU’s lack of competitiveness through three main indicators: productivity gap, research and development deficits and AI lag.

Europe has been 20% behind the US in productivity since 2010, according to Implement researchers, and spends just 2% of its GDP on research. In comparison, the US spends 3%, while South Korea and Israel spend over 5%.

The region is also lagging behind in AI innovation. Only 34% of EU companies used cloud computing technologies in 2022, a key enabler of AI developments, well short of the European Commission’s target of 75% by 2030. Europe filed only 2% of global AI patents in 2022, while China and the US The US, the two largest producers, filed 61% and 21% respectively.

The researchers behind the Google report used data from the Tortoise Global AI Index to assess how well the EU performed on key drivers of AI adoption. The results show that the EU is indeed strong in its infrastructure, government strategy and operating environment, the latter referring to factors such as trust and data management.

However, it also confirms the region’s difficulties in AI innovation, performing poorly in talent, research, development and commercial use.

“The current gaps suggest that the EU is at risk of falling behind the next wave of AI and needs to step up its efforts to remain competitive,” the authors write.

Google recommends that Europe invest in AI research to make it more accessible, build AI infrastructure with renewable energy, invest in digital skills programs and develop outreach strategies that promote AI adoption.

Regulations are to blame, says Google

Both the Google and Draghi reports blame EU rules largely for the region’s difficulties in innovating in advanced technologies.

“Innovative companies seeking to expand in Europe are hampered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations,” Draghi wrote. Over half of SMEs cite regulatory obstacles as their biggest challenge due to the administrative burden involved.

Draghi adds that inconsistent regulations across EU member states limit cross-border activities and hinder innovation by preventing companies from expanding.

“Since 2019, the EU has passed over 100 laws that impact the digital economy and society. The challenge is not just the sheer number of regulations, but also the complexity,” said Matt Brittin, president of Google EMEA, in a blog post. “Moving away from the regulation-first approach can help unlock the opportunities of AI.”

However, the Google report recognizes the need for some form of regulation and calls on the EU to “establish conducive and aligned AI regulation and global governance” that includes privacy and security principles to protect personal data.

SEE: Deloitte: 50% more professionals rank privacy as top GenAI concern in 2024

This isn’t the first time Google has spoken out about AI regulation. Just last month, Debbie Weinstein, the company’s UK managing director, criticized laws in the UK that prevent AI models from being trained on copyrighted material, saying it was a barrier to development.

Big Tech is under pressure from AI regulations and risks market losses

With 448 million inhabitants, the EU represents a large market for the world’s largest technology companies. However, the implementation of the strict AI law and the Digital Markets Act has prevented them from launching their latest AI products in the region.

In June, Meta delayed training its large language models for public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in Europe following opposition from Irish regulators. Meta AI, its groundbreaking AI assistant, has still not been released within the bloc due to its “unpredictable” regulations.

Apple also will not initially make its new suite of generative AI features, Apple Intelligence, available on devices in the EU, citing “regulatory uncertainties caused by the Digital Markets Act,” according to Bloomberg.

The DMA prevents big tech companies from abusing their market dominance, and the EU is not alone in keeping an eye on competitiveness in the AI ​​sector. In July, regulators from the US, UK and EU published a memorandum of understanding to examine whether the AI ​​industry allows sufficient competition.

Representatives from Meta, as well as Spotify, SAP, Ericsson, Klarna and others, also signed an open letter to Europe last month expressing concern about “inconsistent regulatory decisions” and that Europeans were missing out on AI innovations as a result. SAP’s CEO told the Financial Times this week that he is “totally opposed” to regulating AI in Europe.

The EU AI law came into force on August 1st and imposes strict requirements on high-risk AI systems to ensure security, transparency and ethical use. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from €35 million or 7% of global turnover to €7.5 million or 1.5% of turnover.

Many companies are complying with regulations despite the challenges involved. Over a hundred, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, have already signed the EU AI Pact and agreed to start implementing the law’s requirements before the legal deadlines. This both demonstrates their commitment to responsible public use of AI and helps them avoid future legal challenges.

NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks on Wednesday after the Minnesota Timberwolves sent their four-time All-Star to New York in one year Three team trade this also included the Charlotte Hornets.

The deal was agreed to on Friday, but due to the NBA’s complicated new trade rules, it took several days to finalize, meaning Towns was unable to practice with the Knicks for the first two days of training camp in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Knicks can’t wait to move him to their center spot because they believe his outside shooting can be key for a team that believes it can compete for a title this season.

“He possesses a blend of playmaking, shooting, rebounding and defense that, combined with his size, allows him to compete at a level rare in this league,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement.

The Timberwolves received three-time All-Star Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks, while reacquiring Keita Bates-Diop and also receiving a first-round pick.

The Knicks sent Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries and Duane Washington Jr. along with two second-round picks to the Hornets and acquired the draft rights to center James Nnaji.

___

AP NBA:

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Fast food giants like McDonald’s and Burger King are as quintessential to the American experience as apple pie. No matter where in the country you live, it’s almost inevitable that these national brands have been a part of your life in some way.

But if so Really Luckily, you grew up knowing and loving a regional chain that only exists in certain parts of the country. Some of these gems serve premium versions of the fast food items we already know and love, like high-quality burgers, sandwiches, and chicken tenders. Others delight customers with amazing regional specialties like authentic Chicago Italian beef or Southern-style fried chicken.

Fast food lovers might feel like they’re missing out if they don’t live near one of these popular regional chains. But there is also something very special about traveling somewhere and experiencing a restaurant that is very important to the culture of a region. Great local fast food is like pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and gingerbread at Christmas – you only eat it on special occasions, but it makes you enjoy it a little more.

So if you’re traveling to a new place or looking to deviate from your usual restaurant haunts, consider one of these 10 legendary regional chains that everyone should try at least once.

Culvers

Culver’s has become a major fast food chain for Midwesterners since it first began serving customers in 1984.and it’s not hard to see why. The chain serves classic fast food menu items like burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. But everything is a little more upscale as all food is made to order and made from fresh, carefully selected ingredients.

First-time visitors should definitely try the restaurant’s famous butter burgers, which take their name from the toasted and buttered buns. The Wisconsin cheese curds and fresh, ultra-creamy frozen custard are also a must on the menu.

Culver’s currently operates nearly 1,000 restaurants in 26 states, according to data firm Scrapehero.

Every Culver’s Burger, Tasted and Reviewed in 2024

Whataburger

Whenever you’re craving a juicy burger in the Lone Star State, run – not walk – to the nearest Whataburger. This popular regional burger chain has been serving customers since opening its very first restaurant in 1950 and shows no signs of stopping. The company currently operates over 1,000 locations in 15 states (or 372 cities, to be exact).

At Whataburger, customers can find fast food classics like traditional cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches, but unique local flair can also be found on the menu. Then the Green Chile Double and the limited-edition Southern Bacon Spicy Chicken Sandwich with crispy slaw, pickles and a southern-style sauce is just the thing for you.

Slim chickens

Slim Chickens hasn’t been around nearly as long as some of the other legendary regional chains. Still, the company has grown explosively in size since it began serving customers in 2003 and currently operates an impressive 255 locations. Not to mention, the chain has announced plans to open an additional 1,200 stores in the next few years.

If you didn’t guess from the name, this restaurant brand is all about chicken. It serves hand-breaded chicken tenders, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads and even the comfort food chicken and waffles. Just make sure to pair your devices Main course with some classic southern sides and homemade dipping sauces for the ultimate Slim Chickens experience.

11 local chicken chains you should try at least once

Portillos

The Chicago area is full of great retail stores offering urban favorites like Italian beef and Chicago hot dogs. But every local knows that some of the most reliable and delicious versions of these Windy City delicacies can be found at Portillo’s.

Half of this chain’s charm comes from the nostalgic vintage restaurants and staff uniforms. The menu itself is also excellent, but be sure to bring a big appetite if you’re stopping by for the first time. In addition to Italian beef and hot dogs, Portillo’s is also known for its chopped salads, cheese fries, chocolate cake, and chocolate cake shakes, which mix a whole slice of the decadent dessert with ice cream.

Portillo’s currently operates more than 100 restaurants. Most of these are in Illinois, but the chain also has locations in Arizona, Florida, California, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas and Wisconsin.

Fazolis

Part of what makes Fazoli’s special is that it serves Italian-American fare in a fast-food setting, which is rare when you look at the burger slingers and chicken chains across the country.

Fazoli’s menu is packed with delicious options like pizza, baked pasta dishes, subs and salads. However, one of the biggest benefits of being a guest at Fazoli’s is that you get unlimited breadsticks with your meal. So if you’re a carb lover, be sure to enjoy the bottomless, freshly baked bread every time you visit.

Fazoli’s currently has 208 restaurants in the Midwest and South.

I tried the spaghetti and meatballs at four major Italian chains and one of them tasted homemade

Wawa

Don’t knock gas station food until you’ve tried Wawa. There’s a reason this supermarket/fast food chain is so important to East Coast consumers –The food is really solid and very customizable.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Walk into any Wawa and you’ll find a number of touchscreen ordering systems that allow you to browse the chain’s various breakfast sandwiches, cold subs, hoagies, salads and quesadillas. And once you’ve made your selection, you can tweak and refine every element of your meal until it’s just right, from the seasoning to the type of bread.

There are currently more than 1,000 Wawa locations in seven states, with the chain primarily focused in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, according to Scrapehero.

Taco John’s

Taco Bell is probably the first choice for many Americans when they crave Mexican-inspired fast food comfort. But if you’re in the Midwest or mountain states, you should know that there’s another popular chain that offers fast food tacos in its own way: Taco John’s.

With a wide selection of different tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and bowls, even the pickiest Mexican foodie should find something they like. And for Taco Bell fans who never really recovered from the loss of the Double Decker Taco, Taco John’s has a Double Decker Taco Bravo that just might make up for the loss.

Whatever you choose, be sure to try Taco John’s famous Potato Olés, crispy bites of seasoned potatoes perfect for dipping in a variety of sauces. The chain is currently operational 365 restaurants in the United States.

12 fast-growing Mexican chains to keep an eye on

Bojangles

Hand-breaded chicken, homemade buttermilk biscuits, Southern side dishes… If any of these delicious descriptions pique your interest, be sure to stop by a Bojangles next time you’re in the southeastern part of the country.

Bojangles is a destination for fast food lovers who appreciate southern cuisine and, of course, great fried chicken. The signature crispy, marinated chicken is the star in some of Bojangles’ most famous menu items, such as its chicken sandwiches, breakfast chicken biscuits and tender chicken dishes. If you’re looking for the ultimate Southern meal, don’t forget to add some of Bojangles’ ingredients and a cup of classic sweet tea to your order.

Scrapehero said Bojangles currently operates more than 800 locations in 16 states.

Habit Burger Grill

In-N-Out Burger isn’t the only wildly popular regional chain born on the West Coast. Between over-the-top burgers, sandwiches, and handcrafted shakes, The Habit Burger Grill is also a must-try if you’re ever near one of its restaurants.

Although technically a fast food joint, the food at Habit is a bit more upscale as it maintains high quality standards. This means the beef on your burgers is never frozen and filler-free, the ahi tuna is sushi grade, and the tri-tip steak is USDA Choice Quality Seal. Not to mention, Habit is home to the Double Char – a signature burger that recently earned the coveted title of #1 Best Fast Food Burger of 2024 USA Todays 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. (We tried it and it lived up to the hype!).

The Habit currently operates more than 380 locations in 14 states. The vast majority of these restaurants are located in California and surrounding western states, but customers can also find a few locations on the East Coast.

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Runza

Runza is another Midwest fast food staple, but the menu is just one little more something special than what you find at your typical fast food chain.

While Runza serves burgers and chicken sandwiches, its signature Runza sandwiches are something much more unique. They all have freshly baked bread filled with ground beef, onions, a secret spice blend and cabbage. Runza also offers several flavors of the original, such as the Cheeseburger Runza Sandwich filled with classic burger toppings and the Southwest Runza Sandwich with approxHeddar cheese, salsa and tortilla strips.

Even though it’s a somewhat unconventional specialty compared to other fast food brands, customers clearly love the regional chain. Since opening its first restaurant in 1949, the company has expanded to more than 80 locations in Nebraska and surrounding states. If you don’t currently live near a Runza but can’t wait to give it a try, the chain delivers its famous sandwiches to all 48 states in the mainland United States.