Best Of XRT

Latest Episodes:

Obamacare Open Enrollment Ends Tonight Dec 15, 2017

Show notes

The deadline to sign up for health insurance plans on the Affordable Care Act markets is late tonight. The pace of enrollment has been higher than last year ... even though the GOP tax bill would repeal the individual mandate to buy insurance, and the Trump administration cut the enrollment period.

Plus the rest of the day's news, sports and weather forecast.

FCC Votes Today On #NetNeutrality Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

Commissioners are expected to un-do the rules that would prevent big internet providers from making service pay-as-you-go -- meaning they could throttle internet speeds for smaller firms that can't pay them as much as bigger companies.

Also, Mayor Emanuel tells XRT he would vote "no" on the Cook County primary referendum on whether to legalize the recreational use of pot. Plus the rest of the day's news, sports and weather forecast.

Hot Climate News Dec 13, 2017

Show notes

The pace of Arctic sea ice decline and ocean warming is faster than it's been in 15-hundred years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports the polar region is thawing faster than ever before, with no end in sight.
Two studies presented today to the American Geophysical Union suggest global warming tripled the risk that Hurricane Harvey would flood Houston and create record rainfall.

Plus the rest of the day's news, sports and weather forecast.

Despite Everything, Hanukkah Begins Tonight Dec 12, 2017

Show notes

Some celebrate the military victory, while some of us just like the thought of casting a little more light into the world. Spark it up, my dudes.

Plus the day's news, sports and chilly weather forecast.

NYC Explosion; 4 Women Accuse Chef Batali Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

UPDATE: NYPD calls it a terrorist incident. Several people are injured, including a suspected would-be suicide bomber in the Port Authority transit hub near Times Square. He is in custody. Transit service is resuming.

Eater NYC reports star chef Mario Batali is stepping away from his restaurant empire after being disciplined for inappropriate behavior on the job. Plus the rest of the day's news, sports and weather forecast.

CPS Chief Under Fire Dec 08, 2017

Show notes

Mayor Emanuel is defending his schools CEO; the CPS Inspector General reports Forrest Claypool lied repeatedly during an ethics investigation into the financial relationships between a big law firm and the district's top attorney. Three members of Congress have resigned this week and a fourth is under an ethics investigation for a wide range of sexual harassment allegations.

Plus the rest of the day's news, sports & wintry weather forecast.

A Blessed Night Off For Bulls & Blackhawks Dec 07, 2017

Show notes

Both teams are on losing streaks - maybe it's an overreaction to the return of winter weather? Plus the day's news and chilly weather forecast ...

Time Names #MeToo Silence Breakers Persons Of The Year Dec 06, 2017

Show notes

The women and some men ... some famous, some not ... who came out this year to expose the sexual harassment and assaults of some of the most powerful men in entertainment, politics and business ... as well as the journalists who told their stories are Time Magazine's Persons of the Year. Time made the announcement on NBC's Today Show - which just fired longtime host Matt Lauer over allegations of harassing and assaulting his colleagues.

Plus the rest of the day's news, sports and chilly forecast.

Windy! Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

Hang on to your hat - the Chicago area's under a wind advisory until 6 p.m.

Plus the rest of the day's news, sports, and forecast ...

Facebook Launches Kids Message App Dec 04, 2017

Show notes

Sure, your kid is going to let you add friends and delete messages. Sure, Facebook won't be collecting their data. It's going to be great.

Plus the rest of the day's news, sports and windy weather forecast ...