Rick Kogan – Page 8 –

Jeff Smith at a party on Nov. 28, 1990. Smith was public television's popular "Frugal Gourmet." (Laura Elliott/The Seattle Times)

Column: ‘I Bid You Peace’ documentary explores the accusations that ended the Frugal Gourmet

February 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Jeff Smith was better known as the Frugal Gourmet, and he pioneered the food-on-television trend with his show on WTTW. But accusations of sexual assault later ended his career.

CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil interviews people near the site where Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by ICE, Jan. 8, 2026 in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty)

Column: Who’s that new anchorman? He’s no Walter Cronkite.

February 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The new CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil recently compared himself to Walter Cronkite. That's not a smart move, if you ask me.

Filmmaker Paul Carr, left, and Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo at the legendary Uptown club on Jan. 20, 2026. Carr has a new film, “The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint." (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Column: Inside the Green Mill, the Malört and stories flow in a new movie

January 28, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

“The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint" will premiere at the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square, both telling some history and focusing on the present of this Uptown treasure.

Actor-comedian Mel Brooks expresses his fear of heights during filming of his movie "High Anxiety," in San Francisco, May 5, 1977. (AP)

Column: Nearing age 100, it’s springtime for Mel Brooks in new Judd Apatow documentary

January 27, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Mel Brooks is the centerpiece of a thoughtfully thrilling documentary now airing on HBO Max, “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!”

Photographer Vincent D. Johnson, shown in the original Mount Carmel High School gym on Jan. 14, 2026, has published a book on high school gyms across the state of Illinois. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Column: A photographer travels the Illinois high school basketball circuit

January 21, 2026 at 5:45 a.m.

Vincent Johnson's book "Illustrious" captures high school gymnasiums across the state — your memories may be pictured here, too.

The start of Walter Eckersall's 106-yard kickoff return run during the Chicago vs. Wisconsin game on Nov. 26, 1904. (University of Chicago)

Column: Was tiny Walter Eckersall the city’s greatest football player?

January 20, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

“Eckie: Walter Eckersall and the Rise of Chicago Sports” is a new book about a long-forgotten player who predates the Bears.

Even with more than 7,500 recording credits to his name, horn player Bobby Lewis still practices daily at home in Wilmette ahead of an upcoming concert celebrating his 90th birthday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Column: Defying the calendar and playing on, jazzman Bobby Lewis is turning 90

January 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

As you know if you ever saw him in a nightclub or plan to see him at Winter’s Jazz Club, Bobby Lewis is defying the calendar.

Chevy Chase, left, with Marina Zenovich, the director of a new documentary about him, "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not," in New York, Dec. 4, 2025. The famously prickly comedian found a sympathetic adversary in the director. (Blaise Cepis/The New York Times)

Column: Chevy Chase and Seymour Hersh get the documentaries they deserve

January 13, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

A look at two new documentaries: "I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not" about Chevy Chase and "Cover-Up" about Seymour Hersh.

Chicago singer Josie Falbo's most recent album was “Kickin’ It,” released in October 2025. (Joanie Pallatto)

In appreciation: Chicago singer Josie Falbo had a voice bigger than her fame

January 7, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Jazz singer Josie Falbo died on Jan. 1 after a year-long fight with cancer. She was 82 and had just released a new album.

George Wendt speaks during an interview on Aug. 19, 2019, outside Soldier Field in Chicago. Wendt was filming a segment with actor, writer, producer and director Robert Smigel of "Bill Swerski Super Fans," the "Saturday Night Live" sketch in which they play Bears fans. (Erin Hooley/baiduhai)

Who We Lost in 2025: Actors to astronauts, remembering those departed in this last year

December 23, 2025 at 5:45 a.m.

George Wendt. Shirley Mordine. The Royal George. Remembering some of the people, places and events that had been a part of this city.

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