Yea, we got baseball fever. Plus, college loans are more expensive than eating (except for Chinese foreign students). Here's what we're reading:
Top jersey in baseball: Although he hasn't even played a full season in the big leagues, Cubs rookie Kris Bryant already has the hottest-selling jersey in baseball. Bryant, the Cubs third baseman, had the best-selling jersey in all of Major League Baseball during the regular season, according to ESPN. Follow Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo came in at No. 8 in jersey sales this year. Totals sales of Cubs merchandise is up 80 percent this year over last year, according to the report, as the Cubs are headed to the postseason for the first time since 2008.
Arrested Development: If you think student loans are only a concern for millenials, an investigation published Monday by the Associated Press found that the cost of college is weighing people down well into adulthood, making it impossible for them to buy houses, save for their own children's education or buy essentials like food. The average college-educated head of household younger than 40 owes $404 a month in student debt payments, according to an AP analysis of data from the U.S. Federal Reserve. That slighty more than what most people spend each month at the grocery store.
U of I's Big Spenders: The growing number of foreign students from Asia is having a big effect in Champaign as some 5,200 students from China are enrolled at the U of I. Many of them have money to spend, says the News Gazette. First, they pay an average of $28,000 annually in tuition (compared to $12K to $17K for Illinois residents.) But they also have more disposable cash. A local BMW dealer says about a third of his sales are to Chinese students, where an $80,000 BMW costs twice that in China.
Dove's Luncheonette, A Great Place for Solo Diners: With its counter facing Damen Avenue and proximity to the CTA Blue Line "L" stop, Big Star's next door neighbor has become a good spot for single diners, according to Terry Alexander, one of three One Off Hospitality partners. "I think everybody feels really at home in that space; really warm, inviting," Alexander told Eater.com in a feature about the restaurant's first year at 1545 N. Damen Ave.
Princess Leia's "Return of the Jedi" Bikini fetches $95,000: A sexy metallic bikini or "slave girl" costume worn by Princess Leia in "Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi" was sold for $95,000 in a 3-day online charity auction, People reports. Famously worn by across Carrie Fisher, the bikini was one of the most highly anticipated items included in the "Profiles in History" auction, which featured a number of pieces of movie memorabilia including Lucille Ball's portable makeup table and weapons from "Jaws," according to the auction catalog.
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