Starting this month (APRIL), the Chicago area will see a wave of events in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Last year, the National Endowment for the Arts pledged millions of dollars in federal funding to projects tied to the milestone.

This came after a Trump-directed shakeup at the N-E-A caused the agency to shift focus to “America 250” programming grants.

Several Illinois arts groups ended up taking the money – what did they do with it?

HOST: LANE

A bag can hold a lot more than just your belongings – for some, it holds memories.

That’s the case for Chicago-based influencer Helena “Yoonie” Kim, who carefully restores vintage Coach bags in social media videos that rack up millions of views.

The passion for finding and restoring vintage Coach bags goes well beyond Kim.

It’s an Internet-wide trend. There are dozens of Facebook groups and hundreds of Depop shops bringing together hobbyists who curate their own vintage Coach collections.

HOST: LANE

Chicago is known for deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and classic dogs.

But where in town can you grab the best burger?

WBEZ food contributor Maggie Hennessy has a new book called “The Burger Bible”.

She writes about 80 of the world’s best burgers, including a few in Chicago.

HOST: LANE

In just a couple of years, Macquline King has gone from being an elementary school principal in Chicago Public Schools to interim CEO.

Now she has the permanent position.

HOST: LANE

Navy Pier has unveiled a new symbolic sign marking the start of Route 66.

HOST: PUENTE