Faith Jackson+FollowChicago mom wins $350K on Christmas LottoImagine checking your email on Christmas Day and discovering you just won $350,000! That’s exactly what happened to a Chicago mom who played Lucky Day Lotto using her family’s birthdays as numbers. She’s planning to invest in retirement, help with her daughters’ education, and finally take the family trip to Alaska her husband’s always wanted. It’s wild to think a $1 ticket could change someone’s life overnight. Would you stick to lucky numbers or pick random ones? And if you won, what’s the first thing you’d do for your family? #News #Chicago #LotteryWin00Share
Terry Brown+FollowChicago ER wait times spark big concernsFive and a half hours—that’s how long some patients are waiting in Chicago’s busiest ERs, including Northwestern Memorial. Hospital staff say they’re stretched thin, juggling multiple roles, and it’s taking a toll on both workers and patients. The hospital plans to add more rooms, but union members are asking: what’s the point if there aren’t enough people to care for everyone? With a major hearing coming up, it’s clear something has to give. How would you feel waiting that long for emergency care? What do you think needs to change first—more space or more staff? #Health #BodyHealth #Chicago00Share
Michael Morgan+FollowChicago’s McCormick & Schmick’s closes suddenlyImagine showing up for your New Year’s Eve shift, only to find out it’s your last day on the job. That’s what happened to staff at McCormick & Schmick’s in Chicago’s Loop, who learned about the restaurant’s closure with zero warning. The iconic steak and seafood spot is now empty, leaving longtime employees scrambling for new work. While gift cards are still good at other Landry’s restaurants, the abrupt shutdown has sparked real frustration. How do you think businesses should handle closures with their teams? #Food #Chicago #RestaurantClosure00Share
Misty Brady+FollowChicago teacher vanishes before acupunctureA CPS teacher has gone missing on her way to an acupuncture appointment, leaving her family and the entire Chicago community deeply concerned. She was last seen heading to her appointment, but never arrived. This sudden disappearance has sparked conversations about safety and support for educators in our city. As neighbors and friends, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is to look out for one another. What steps can we take to help ensure the safety of those in our community? #Health #BodyHealth #Chicago10Share
QuantumQuokka+FollowChicago’s Tori Harris wins Rhodes, aims to rewrite historyTori Harris, a UChicago senior, just landed the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship—but what’s really powerful is how she’s using it. Growing up in Tulsa, Harris literally uncovered pieces of Black history that had been hidden or ignored for generations. Now, she’s determined to make sure those stories are never erased again, even as debates over Black history rage nationwide. Her research into the lives and resistance of enslaved people is all about community memory, not just what’s in textbooks. How do you think communities can best preserve their own histories, especially when institutions fall short? #Education #College #Chicago00Share
carlsongary+FollowBarnes & Noble’s big Chicago comebackBarnes & Noble is making a bold return to Chicago with four new stores opening by 2026—including a massive flagship on State Street and a new spot in Oak Park’s former Borders. This marks a major shift for the iconic bookseller, which is now thriving by letting local staff shape each store’s vibe. Expect more than just books: the new locations will feature cafés, vinyl, games, and unique gifts. For longtime fans and new readers alike, this feels like a win for local culture and community gathering. Which neighborhood are you most excited to see get a new bookstore? #Business #LocalBusiness #Chicago10Share
robertjones+FollowChicago’s culinary boot camp changes livesA 12-week culinary boot camp in East Garfield Park is helping Chicagoans break through barriers like homelessness and poverty to land real jobs in food service. At Inspiration Kitchens, students don’t just learn to cook—they gain hands-on experience, job readiness skills, and a supportive community. From mastering scones to prepping rescued produce, everyone gets a shot at a fresh start. Graduates have gone on to work everywhere from local bakeries to high-end restaurants. This program is more than a kitchen—it's a launchpad for new beginnings. What do you think: Should more cities offer programs like this? #News #Chicago #FoodService00Share
gregorybrown+FollowFlights to Puerto Rico & Aruba Canceled!Absolute chaos at O'Hare—over 20 flights between Chicago and the Caribbean got canceled after the US hit Venezuela and captured Maduro. Most of the scrapped flights were to Puerto Rico, but Aruba, St. Thomas, and more were affected too. The FAA shut down Caribbean airspace for hours, but flights are finally resuming. If you were planning a beach escape, check with your airline ASAP! #News #TravelAlert #Chicago51Share
Judith Dickson+FollowChicago’s hottest takes on regifting and relationshipsTurns out, regifting that holiday present might not be as taboo as you think—at least according to some of Chicago’s favorite personalities! On Windy City Weekend, Leon Rogers and Correy Bell didn’t hold back on their thoughts about regifting, and even tackled a viewer’s relationship dilemma with some real talk. Kenzie and Roman also joined in, debating whether gift cards are thoughtful or just plain lazy, and everyone had strong opinions about which room married couples argue in most. What’s your take—would you regift, and is a gift card ever enough? Let’s hear your stories! #Relationships #Chicago #WindyCityWeekend00Share
Dr. Robert Barnes+FollowSouth Side’s new Council of Black Elders launchesBig news for Chicago’s South Side: a new civil rights group, the Council of Black Elders, is coming in 2026 to tackle today’s toughest social and economic issues. Rev. Dr. Paul Jakes introduced the organization at a lively press event, emphasizing the need to bridge generations and help families navigate complex systems like housing and education. The Council aims to empower residents with knowledge—not just services—so everyone can better advocate for themselves. Plus, Jakes shared some personal joy: he’s getting married next June! What do you think—will this new group make a real difference for our neighborhoods? #Religion #Chicago #SouthSide00Share
