Amir Shakur Speaks Weekender

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Your Saturday morning news roundup from Amir Shakur Speaks — the week’s biggest Chicago stories in short blasts you can read in minutes. New blasts every Saturday morning.

This Week’s Blasts — Saturday, November 7, 2026

Chicago’s First Fully Elected School Board: Choice-Backed Majority Emerges, Biggs Takes President’s Seat

Chicago just made history — our first fully elected school board is taking shape, and a choice-backed majority is emerging, with 16 of the 21 presumed winners supporting more school choice. Biggs takes the president’s seat and will set the board’s agenda, and eight of the members are newcomers. This board will shape our children’s future, Chicago — stay locked in on what they do next. Read the full story.

Read the full story

UI Health Providers Put Chicago on Strike Notice: Walkout Could Come November 11

About 200 nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives at UI Health just put the hospital on strike notice — they could walk out as soon as November 11. They say they’ve gone more than two years without a raise while other campus workers got a 2 percent bump back in August. Chicago, the people who take care of us deserve to be taken care of — this one touches every family that depends on UI Health. Read the full story.

Read the full story

This Week in Chicago: Comedy, Jazz, Film and the First Sparkle of the Holidays

Saturday is packed, Chicago — ZooLights returns to Lincoln Park Zoo, The Second City celebrates 65 years with a big night of laughter at 8 PM, and the Christmas tree lights up at Christkindlmarket Daley Plaza at 5:30. Then Sunday, take the family to the Chicago Toy & Game Fair at Navy Pier. Get out and enjoy the city — the holidays are officially here. Read the full story.

Read the full story

🎥 Featured Video

The Urban Report — Amir A.H. Shakur | Rolonda Watts Interview

Broadcasting icon. Still headlining. Rolonda Watts joined Amir A.H. Shakur for an interview on The Urban Report on October 29, 2026 — ahead of her very first one-woman comedy show at the New York Comedy Festival on Friday, November 6. Watch the full interview on YouTube.

Watch on YouTube

Motivational Short of the Week

Start your weekend with a minute of motivation.

For daily Chicago coverage, visit Chicago Urban Daily News.

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