Billing itself as a farm-to-fable tale, “Shucked” reminds audiences that it’s OK to have a great time at the theater. It has hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt songs to go along with the bushels of cornball humor.

Do you remember those buttery lunchroom cookies? The simple shortbread snack was a staple in hundreds of Chicago public schools; they sold for just a couple of cents for years.

Chicago Bears fans had high hopes for this season. A No. 1 draft pick quarterback and wins early on had some dreaming of the playoffs. But a 10-game losing streak put an end to those dreams and cost head coach Matt Eberflus his job.

If you’ve never been to the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, now is an opportune time to go on a cultural expedition. The museum’s third floor gallery is currently filled with “beLONGING: Lithuanian Artists in Chicago — 1900 to Now.”

The Chicago Bulls announced Saturday they plan to retire Rose's jersey sometime next season. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement: “Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball.”

Fans can expect game day food, a local DJ and meet-and-greets with Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze and other NFL players, according to Verizon.

WTTW News visited a few of the city’s bars and restaurants to see which NA, or non-alcoholic, options are being offered. Here’s some of what we found.

If you’ve made it to 2025, make a resolution to take a leap and dive deep into the cultural pool of Chicago. Here are a few ideas to start the year with a splash.

WTTW News interviewed Steve Albini on Aug. 30, 2001, for the “Artbeat Chicago” series. He was 39 years old and already a legend. As a recording engineer, he had recorded Nirvana, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, the Breeders, the Pixies and PJ Harvey. As a musician, he made his mark with the bands Big Black and Shellac.

Buddy the cat had previously avoided capture from concerned residents for months. He was eventually captured and taken in by PAWS Chicago on Dec. 23.

On Aug. 30, 2001, Steve Albini was 39 years old and already a legend. As a recording engineer, he had recorded Nirvana, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, the Breeders, the Pixies and PJ Harvey. As a musician, he made his mark with the bands Big Black and Shellac.

Audiences have wondered for years how the family in “Home Alone” was able to afford their beautiful Chicago-area home and now we know.

Greg Gumbel, the older brother of sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, grew up in Chicago. He won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Ronnie Carrasquillo served nearly 47 years in prison before being released. A new documentary, “In Their Hands,” highlights his journey while raising questions about mass incarceration, the parole system and the meaning of getting a second chance.

With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, people are already planning how to step into 2025 with their best foot forward. In Latino cultures that could mean practicing traditions like eating 12 grapes under a table, wearing white or light-colored clothing or deep cleaning.

Each week, WTTW News arts correspondent Marc Vitali highlights the city’s can’t-miss cultural events. May your holidays be joyful and artful!