Kendra G, Raven Smith join Windy City Weekend; Val and Ryan talk Bud Billiken Parade, Windy City Smokeout, new movies
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday morning, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini invited viewers to join them at their studio located at 190 North State Street during “Windy City Weekend.”

Host Chat with Kendra G

During the “Host Chat” portion, they were joined by media personality Kendra G. In the past, Kendra was a recurring guest on the former “Windy City Live” program when she worked as a local radio personality at WGCI-FM.

Now, Kendra is an entrepreneur in Southern California, best known for her dating app, Kendra G Singles, which is available on a variety of platforms.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Kendra G has returned to Chicago to promote her Kendra G Singles Live Tour, which will take place on Monday at The Promontory in Hyde Park. At this event, she will select the top 12 singles in the city and pair them up for a potential romantic connection. The event begins at 7 p.m. at The Promontory, located at 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Tickets can be purchased at www.promontorychicago.com.

In addition to talking about her event and app, Kendra also played the Kendra G Singles Live card game with Chiaverini and Warner, where they were both quizzed about their love matches.

They also talked about a new poll which says that the happiest shift workers are employed at marijuana dispensaries, with 92% of weed and vape store employees feeling good about their jobs.

Raven Smith

Clothes designer and entrepreneur Raven Smith has become one of the youngest changemakers in the city.

Smith first appeared on the show ten years during its incarnation as “Windy City Live.” She was a student at Morgan Park Academy, where she launched a clothing brand called “Straight From The Go,” where proceeds from all sales go to victims of gun violence in Chicago.

Since then, she’s become one of the youngest changemakers in the city and one of the youngest recipients of the Norman Bobins Award. She is also a two-time cum laude graduate of the University of Missouri and will return this August to pursue her master’s and possibly a PhD.

Smith talked to Chiaverini and Warner about her fashion show that she is curating on Saturday at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 200 S. Ashland Ave. The show, called the Retrograde Fashion Show, will feature a celebrity signed “Straight From the Go” t-shirt. That shirt was signed by local celebrities, including Val Warner, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Doors open for the Retrograde Fashion Show at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and at the Epiphany Center for the Arts website.

Road to ‘The Bud’

The Bud Billiken Pared will be broadcast live on ABC7 Chicago from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 9.

For the next few weeks, we’ll feature segments on some of the groups performing at the historic Bud Billiken Parade, a Chicago tradition since 1929.

This week, we profiled Dance Force Elite, a South Side dance school that’s been a staple at the parade since 2008.

The Bud Billiken Pared will be broadcast live on ABC7 Chicago from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Roeper’s reviews

Which new movies are worth your money?

Roeper also gave a “spend” to “Dexter: Resurrection,” a streaming series which is a sequel to the popular “Dexter” TV series.

And he also gave a spend to “One Night in Idaho – The College Murders,” a streaming documentary about the 2022 University of Idaho murders.

Windy City Smokeout

The four-day festival of country music and barbecue is held at the United Center.

Tickets and a daily schedule of events at the Windy City Smokeout can be found on their website, www.windycitysmokeout.com.

Val honored by Happiness Club

Chiaverini then closed the show by congratulating Warner for receiving the Legacy Award from The Happiness Club, a nonprofit organization that provides a free performing arts education program for Chicago youth, largely from the South and West sides, who otherwise have limited access to the arts.

The award honors Warner’s contributions as a role model and beacon of hope to young creatives in Chicago.

Warner will receive the award in person at The Happiness Club’s annual benefit in Chicago on Sunday at the Park West Theater.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Federal judge to decide whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia should return to immigration custody

Federal Judge to Rule on Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Potential Return to Immigration Custody

In a legal standoff that has captured national attention, a federal judge…
Bondi Beach suspects filmed antisemitic video manifesto, Australian investigators say

Shocking Antisemitic Manifesto Filmed at Bondi Beach: Australian Authorities Seek Suspects

Australian authorities have revealed that the suspects behind the Bondi Beach shooting…
‘Israel is only the appetizer’: Huckabee warns Iran threat looms as Netanyahu eyes Trump talks

Mike Huckabee Alerts: Iran’s Growing Threat as Netanyahu Considers Trump Discussions

Huckabee says Iran’s ‘ultimate goal is to destroy the US’ Speaking at…
Powerball jackpot: What numbers get drawn the most?

Massive $1.60 Billion Powerball Jackpot Awaits Winner: Find Out When to Play Next

The Powerball lottery is once again captivating the nation as the jackpot…
6 alleged members of Faceworld Chicago gang charged with racketeering conspiracy, indicted in 13 murders: U.S. Attorney's Office

Six Suspected Faceworld Chicago Gang Members Indicted on Racketeering Conspiracy and 13 Murder Charges: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces

In a significant development, a federal grand jury has indicted six individuals…
Mistrial called after jury fails to reach verdict in trial of former Hochul and Cuomo aide Linda Sun

Jury Deadlock Leads to Mistrial in Case Involving Former Aide to Hochul and Cuomo, Linda Sun

In a significant turn of events, a judge announced a mistrial on…
'By the Grace of God': JD Vance Reminds America Who We Are

Rediscovering America’s Soul: JD Vance’s Powerful Reminder of Our Roots

When JD Vance took to the stage and declared, “We have been,…
ECHL players are on the verge of a strike as CBA talks reach an impasse

Breaking News: ECHL Players Poised for Strike Amid Stalled CBA Negotiations

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is teetering on the brink of…
Swimmer vanishes after possible shark encounter off California coast during group outing

Swimmer Missing Following Suspected Shark Interaction During Group Outing off California Coast

A woman who disappeared during a swim on Sunday is suspected to…
Japan to Increase Requirements for Foreigners to Obtain Citizenship

Japan Tightens Citizenship Rules: Stricter Criteria for Foreign Nationals Announced

The Japanese government is on the brink of tightening its immigration policies…
NYC ordered to pay $2.5M to George Floyd protestor in excessive force lawsuit

New York City to Pay $2.5 Million Settlement in Excessive Force Case Involving George Floyd Protestor

A federal jury has decided to award $2.56 million to a protestor…
ICE officers injured after illegal immigrant strikes agents, rams vehicles during arrest attempt

ICE Officers Injured in Chaotic Arrest Attempt Involving Vehicle Collision

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a tense incident unfolded on Sunday when federal…