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How Inflation, Supply Chain Issues Are Impacting Food Insecurity in Chicago

Food insecurity continues to be far above pre-pandemic levels. Advocates say supply chain issues and inflation are worsening this problem — higher grocery bills make it even harder for some to afford food.

At the Marriott, a Broadway-Worthy Rendering of Cole Porter’s ‘Kiss Me, Kate’

The infrequently revived 1948 musical gem boasts a brilliant score by Cole Porter of nearly 20 knockout songs, almost all of which are classics. It’s a wonderfully clever play-within-a-play book by Sam and Bella Spewack that owes a deep debt of gratitude to that guy by the name of William Shakespeare.

A Sweet Potato Pie Tradition That Almost Wasn’t, and Other Stories of Unforgettable Family Recipes

Whatever it is you are cooking, we all have memorable stories about the food that has been prepared and the recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation. These are those stories. 

How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Stay Good?

One of the best parts about the holiday is the leftovers, which if you plan your meal right can last you for days. 

November 24, 2021 - Full Show

Local reaction to the verdict in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. COVID cases surge ahead of Thanksgiving. A tuition-free art school. And the Bears prepare for the Lions amid turmoil in the organization.

Illinois Surpasses Delta Variant Surge Before the Holidays

The increase in cases in Illinois this fall has now surpassed last summer’s delta variant surge. Health officials are urging residents to take extra precautions as they make plans to gather with family members who may or may not be vaccinated. 

Bears Chairman Denies Report of Impending Head Coach Firing Before Team Faces Lions

Whatever takes place on the field Thursday is dwarfed right now by the confusion surrounding the entire Bears organization. Various reports paint a picture of a head coach about to be out of a job, and questions of whether there is any competence at all in the upper management of the organization.

Hyde Park Art Center Launches ‘Pay as You Can’ Model

Effective spring 2022, an art school just south of the city will be the first of its kind—offering tuition-free art classes for emerging and developing artists of all ages. Angel Idowu takes us to a ceramics class at the Hyde Park Art Center to show us how they’re making art more accessible for everyone.

All 3 Men Charged in Arbery’s Death Convicted of Murder

The convictions for Greg McMichael, son Travis McMichael and neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan came after jurors deliberated for about 10 hours. The men face minimum sentences of life in prison. It is up to the judge to decide whether that comes with or without the possibility of parole.

Illinois Families of 2 Killed at Concert File Lawsuits

The lawsuits filed by the Naperville families of Jacob “Jake” Jurinek, 20, and Franco Patino, 21, are part of a flood of dozens of suits against Scott and the companies behind the Nov. 5 event in which 10 people were killed and hundreds were injured 

Acquitted and in Demand, Rittenhouse Ponders What’s Next

For Kyle Rittenhouse, a year of legal uncertainty over whether his claim of self-defense would stand up has given way to uncertainty over what’s next.

Performers Gear Up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s parade has been a traditional holiday season kickoff and spectators often line up a half-dozen deep along the route to cheer about 8,000 marchers, two dozen floats, entertainers and marching bands. 

We’ve Got Your Thanksgiving Small Talk Covered: 10 Fascinating Facts About the Wild Turkey

When’s the last time you thought about the turkey not as dinner but as a bird? Here are some fascinating facts about this North American original.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 25-28

A Thanksgiving parade, sing-along, holiday trains and buses, and a film festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Naperville Mayor: ‘Lift the Illinois Mask Mandate’

Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said that he supports Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mitigation efforts but still believes Illinois should follow the other 44 states that do not have a mask mandate. 

Parlor Pizza Under Investigation by City: Block Club Chicago

Former Parlor Pizza employees say they were forced to work overtime without pay and under toxic working conditions, according to Block Club Chicago. The restaurant is now under investigation for possible labor and anti-discrimination violations.

Small Business Owners Say Soaring Property Tax Assessments Could Put Them Out of Business

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi has vowed to fix what has been a broken assessment system, but it’s meant some big increases for business owners who say they can’t afford it.

Coach of NWSL Soccer Team Resigns, A Day Before Report Alleges Verbal and Emotional Abuse of Players

The coach of the Chicago Red Stars resigned Sunday, a day after leading his team to the National Women’s Soccer League title game and a day before a Washington Post report alleged that players had accused him of verbal and emotional abuse.

Man Charged with 5 Homicide Counts in Deadly Waukesha Crash

Darrell Brooks Jr. was charged with five counts of intentional homicide in the crash Sunday in Waukesha, a Milwaukee suburb. Conviction on first-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence, Wisconsin’s stiffest penalty.

Fighting Gas Prices, US to Release 50 Million Barrels of Oil

The U.S. action is focused on helping Americans coping with higher fuel and other prices ahead of Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel. Gasoline prices are at about $3.40 a gallon, more than 50% higher than a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association. 

Ladies of Virtue Seeks to Empower Young Women, Prepare Them for College

Jamila Trimuel founded the nonprofit a decade ago and has made it her mission to help young Black girls go to college. “I see myself in the girls that I serve.”

Man Charged After Allegedly Shooting at Chicago Police Officers Sunday

Felton Williams was on parole following a previous aggravated battery against a peace officer when he allegedly fired a gun at Chicago police officers during a foot pursuit Sunday evening.

November 23, 2021 - Full Show

One-on-one with Cook County’s assessor as Chicago commercial properties face potentially higher taxes. The fate of Build Back Better. Naperville’s mayor calls for an end to mask mandates. A local pizza chain under fire. 

The Santa Experience This Year is a Mix of Laps, Distancing

“Be smart. Be caring. If you have the tiniest tickle in your throat, the tiniest feeling, worry about yourself and worry about everybody else, and know Santa will always be there next year," said 57-year-old Kevin Chesney, who's been donning the big red suit since he was a kid.

Police Seek Help Finding Missing Teens Last Seen Outside Amundsen High School

The Chicago Police Department has issued missing persons alerts for 15-year-olds Sujeily Zepeda and Izebella DeLeon, who were last seen Friday outside Amundsen High School, where both are students.

Popular Poinsettia Show Back at Lincoln Park Conservatory, With Candy Cane Theme and 12-Foot Tree

Another holiday tradition makes a comeback in 2021, as winter flower shows open Wednesday at both the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park conservatories. Timed reservations are required.
 

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