The Latest Breaking News from Pat Nabong

Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to a pre-kindergarten class at Parkside Community Academy in South Shore, people enjoyed hot tub rides down the Chicago River, andthe Humboldt Park Puerto Rican flag at Western and Division was lit up for the holiday season for the first time…

Plus: Plans for Thompson Center makeover, how the Chinatown Gateway became a Chicago icon and more.

Since April, Hoyne Avenue and 32nd Street near the Stevenson Expressway has been the scene of weekly racing stunts. Neighbors are tired of the disruption.

“This feels more chill than a traditional art museum,” Kristen Dowell, of Oak Park, said of her experience this weekend. “Just the way it’s set up feels a lot more relaxed.”

About 500 artists from around the country have set up shop for the event at the Merchandise Mart, which has become a holiday shopping destination for an estimated 50,000 patrons.

Friday’s naturalization ceremony was the first held at the museum.

On the first day of the electric hot tub boat rides, cruisers enjoy a leisurely float down the Chicago River under the gaze of curious passersby.

Volunteers with My Block, My Hood, My City decorated South Side homes for Christmas, a man was killed and a woman was critically injured in a house fire in Lawndale, and theater-goers enjoyed the opening night of “Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.”

Nearly 4,900 robberies happened between July 1 and Nov. 26, a more than 55% increase compared to the previous five months. That’s the largest percentage increase in robberies between consecutive five-month periods since at least 2001.

The Ohio-based company operates more than 30 Save A Lot stores nationwide, including in Chicago where a number of stores have yet to open.

The software giant had to reduce its space because of the pandemic, but has moved ahead with a design that heralds community involvement.