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
'We're working on staying': Jon Stewart discusses his future as host of 'The Daily Show'

Jon Stewart Opens Up About His Future Plans as ‘The Daily Show’ Host

Jon Stewart is reportedly negotiating to continue his role as the host…
This New Weapon May Be Able to Neutralize an Enemy's First Strike

Revolutionary Weapon Unveiled: Could It Defend Against Surprise Attacks?

As World War II neared its conclusion in Europe, the German forces…
Chicago immigration activity: Video shows agents break car window detain driver in Addison; DHS defends 'crowd control measures'

Unveiling the Controversy: DHS’s ‘Crowd Control Measures’ Spark Debate Amid Chicago Immigration Crackdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — Growing unease surrounds federal activities in the Chicago vicinity,…
Hurricane Melissa now rare Category 5 storm as it closes in on historic, catastrophic landfall in Jamaica

Rare Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Approaches Jamaica with Potential for Historic Impact

On Monday, Hurricane Melissa surged to a formidable Category 5, inching closer…
Taiwan general warns China’s military drills could be preparation for blockade or war, vows to resist

Taiwan’s Top General Alerts on China’s Drills: Possible Prelude to Blockade or Conflict, Pledges Strong Defense

EXCLUSIVE: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has revealed that China is conducting…
Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

Federal Food Aid Halt: Trump Administration Announces November 1 Suspension

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced on its website that federal…
New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani rallies voters with support from Bernie Sanders and AOC

Zohran Mamdani Gains Momentum in New York Mayoral Race with Endorsements from Bernie Sanders and AOC

In the bustling heart of New York City, a political rally on…
Chicago immigration activity: US citizens detained as federal agents, protesters clash outside Aurora elementary school, hospital

Tensions Rise as Federal Agents and Protesters Clash Over Immigration Detentions Near Aurora School and Hospital in Chicago

In Aurora, Illinois, tensions flared outside an elementary school on Saturday morning…
Man accused in death of high school cheerleader at bonfire shooting now faces murder charge: officials

High School Cheerleader Tragedy: Bonfire Shooting Suspect Now Charged with Murder

The suspect in the Alabama bonfire shooting, which resulted in the death…
New Jersey driver hit by passing car following 4 a.m. turnpike crash

New Jersey Motorist Struck by Passing Vehicle After Early Morning Turnpike Accident

In a tragic turn of events, a man from New Jersey, who…
Nebraska teacher allegedly offered to 'share' boyfriend with student in sex trafficking case

Shocking Nebraska Teacher Scandal: Alleged Sex Trafficking Plot Involving Student and Boyfriend Unveiled

A teacher from Holdrege, Nebraska, along with her boyfriend, is facing grave…
Asking Eric: After family death, bereaved kept the card but returned the cash

Bereaved Family Finds Solace: Returns Cash, Keeps Sentimental Card After Loved One’s Passing

Dear Eric, I recently faced an unexpected situation following the passing of…