Entertainment

Trey Parker, left and Matt Stone, creators of the animated series “South Park,” and the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon,” appear at a curtain call for the 15th anniversary performance of the musical on March 19, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

‘South Park’ creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone ‘rename’ show to ‘South America’ in jab at Trump

Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone say they are “changing the name of South Park to SOUTH AMERICA.” The statement comes as President Trump has declared that he’s renaming Lake Ontario to be known as “Lake America” in the United States.

Jalen Brunson appears at the Time100 Sports List in New York on July 16, 2026, left, and Inde Navarrette appears at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Black Phone” on June 21, 2022. (AP Photo)

New ‘SNL’ season will have Jalen Brunson and Inde Navarrette as hosts with music from Katseye and Rosalía

Newly crowned NBA champion Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks will host “Saturday Night...

The first page of "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey, published by Atlantic Monthly Press. (Tribune photo)

‘Orbital’ is One Book, One Chicago’s 25th anniversary selection

The Chicago Public Library on Wednesday announced Samantha Harvey's Booker Prize-winning novel “Orbital” as the...

Arts

Larry Brechner (Lauren Brechner/provided)

‘Everybody knew him’: Northwest Indiana arts icon Larry Brechner dies

Longtime Northwest Indiana arts icon Larry Brechner, 71, died Thursday morning at his home, which he affectionately called Brechwood.

Books

Tech billionaire Peter Thiel speaks during a Bitcoin 2022 Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida on April 7, 2022. Thiel's past statements about a future world order are central to the arguments in Gil Duran's new book, "The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy." (Marco Bello/Getty Images)

Biblioracle: ‘The Nerd Reich’ looks at tech industry billionaires’ impact on democracy

Describing the thesis of journalist and podcaster Gil Duran's new book, "The Nerd Reich," makes it sound like a work of conspiracy theory.

Movies

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ makes it 6 weeks in a row at No. 1 as Hollywood wraps a banner summer

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” remained the No. 1 movie in theaters over the weekend, becoming just the second film this decade to top the box office for six straight weeks.

TV and Streaming

Jimmy Kimmel poses with the award for outstanding host for a game show for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" during night one of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

ABC responds to rumored ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancellation

ABC is setting the record straight amid rumors that it has plans to cancel "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" at the end of its current season.

Theater

Midnight Circus member Nate Armour dives through hula hoops held by fellow members at Humboldt Park on Oct. 1, 2022, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Theater Report: Steppenwolf snags a Broadway star, and 20 years of Midnight Circus

Big anniversaries for Midnight Circus and Arcada Theatre of St. Charles.

Restaurants, Food and Drink

Samaria Pérez prepares pastries in the kitchen of her home microbakery on Sept. 5, 2026. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)

How a Mexican home baker on Chicago’s southwest side is building a loyal following

As more entrepreneurs avoid brick-and-mortar costs in favor of smaller operations, one baker hopes the care she puts into her pastries will help sustain her popularity.

Music and Concerts

Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton, of Salt-N-Pepa, perform at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island on Sept. 8, 2026. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Review: En Vogue, TLC and Salt-N-Pepa throw a nostalgic dance party in Chicago

The joy of singing or rapping along to a song that has moved with you from girlhood to teenage angst to adulthood is perhaps one of the most satisfying feelings.

Travel

The Union Jack and United States flags are presented on the field during the singing of the national anthem before a Packers-Giants at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

NFL fans in UK cite ticket prices and ‘team fatigue’ for unsold seats as London prepares to host 3 games

London has been a hub of the NFL's international plan but some fans are speaking out on issues including ticket prices and “team fatigue.”

Home and Garden

Veronica is one of the spring- and early summer-blooming perennials that are best divided in fall. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Divide perennials while soil is warm

As a general rule, fall dividing is best for plants that bloom in spring or early summer, such as woodland phlox, veronica, daylilies and daffodils

Recipes

Cook juicy chicken thighs in an easy homemade teriyaki sauce in just 15 minutes. (Alex Lepe/TCA) (Alex Lepe/TCA)

Recipe: Homemade teriyaki chicken

All you have to do is sear boneless chicken thighs on the stovetop and then finish cooking it in an easy sauce made of only five ingredients.

Fashion

Stagg High School’s ‘closet’ offers students free clothes, service hours

Charger’s Closet at Stagg High School is a place to exchange clothing, and a way to 'make a small difference in the lives of peers.'

Entertainment

A crowd outside the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles watches the parade honoring the venue's 100th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Arcada Theatre in St. Charles celebrates its 100th anniversary with Chubby Checker, Priscilla Presley and more

Owners of the iconic Arcada Theatre threw a 100th anniversary party for the venue on Sunday complete with a parade through downtown and appearances from Chubby Checker and Priscilla Presley.

Entertainment

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