Barbara Roche, Author at Reel Chicago News

CITY NEWS

Latin School of Chicago investigating second Nazi music incident

By Reel Chicago Jan 3, 2026

The Latin School of Chicago is investigating a second incident involving a Nazi-associated marching song, after middle school students were reportedly practicing Erika, a Germa...

SPORTS

Bears get late-season help for No. 2 Seed

By Reel Chicago Jan 2, 2026

The Chicago Bears head into Sunday controlling their own postseason fate. Still, thanks to developments elsewhere in the NFC, they may not need everything to go perfectly to se...

Year in Review

2025 in Review: Chicago’s Best Ad Campaigns

By Colin Costello Dec 31, 2025

If 2025 taught the advertising world anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Not legacy. Not scale. Not even survival. The loss of DDB and FCB as Chicago powerhouses hit h...

Year in Review

Reel Chicago top 25 stories of 2025

By Barbara Roche Dec 31, 2025

A year in review is not defined by clicks or traffic alone. Reel Chicago’s most important stories are measured by moments that marked change, documented turning points, and g...

Year in Review

Reel Chicago Post House of 2025: The Colonie

By Barbara Roche Dec 31, 2025

At a time when the post-production industry continues to recalibrate around shifting budgets, new platforms, and evolving creative demands, The Colonie stands out for its abili...

Year in Review

Reel Chicago’s Agency of 2025 is Highdive

By Colin Costello Dec 31, 2025

In a year when Chicago advertising said goodbye to legacy names, weathered layoffs, and fought harder than ever to break through national clutter, one agency didn’t just surv...

Year in Review

Those we have lost in 2025

By Reel Chicago Dec 31, 2025

Chicago’s creative community marked a year of profound loss in 2025, as we said farewell to individuals whose talent, mentorship, and dedication helped define the city’s fi...

AICP

AICP ends DEI program, eliminates VP role held by Sheila R. Brown

By Barbara Roche Dec 29, 2025

The Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) has officially dissolved its formal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program and eliminated the Vice President of Equi...

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Two men hospitalized after North Shore minor foils burglary

By Reel Chicago Dec 24, 2025

WINNETKA, Ill. — Local authorities are investigating a bizarre and escalating incident in a quiet North Shore neighborhood after an eight-year-old child was discovered alone ...

UNION

Chicago Fire Production Assistants vote to unionize

By Reel Chicago Dec 22, 2025

Production assistants on NBC’s Chicago Fire have unanimously voted to unionize, marking a milestone for labor organizing in Chicago-based television production. The series...

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Ariana Grande plays Kevin in SNL Home Alone parody

By Barbara Roche Dec 21, 2025

Saturday Night Live opened one of its Christmas sketches with a surprisingly faithful reset of Home Alone. With all of the recognizable sets in place, from the exterior of ...

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Where Are They Now? The Cast of Home Alone

By Reel Chicago Dec 19, 2025

Thirty-five years after its release, Home Alone remains one of the most beloved and enduring holiday films ever made. Released in 1990 and set in suburban Chicago, the John Hug...

ONE CHICAGO

One Chicago celebrates the holidays with warmth and high stakes

By Reel Chicago Dec 19, 2025

The holidays look a little different in Dick Wolf’s television universe, but the heart is still there. This season, Wolf Entertainment is leaning into tradition, reflection, ...

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Home Alone house is being restored to its on-screen look

By Barbara Roche Dec 19, 2025

One of the most recognizable homes in movie history is getting a second act that fans have long hoped for. The house made famous as the McCallister family home in Home Alone...

CHICAGO MADE

Rob Reiner’s role on The Bear reminds us what we’ve lost

By Reel Chicago Dec 18, 2025

Hollywood lost one of its most influential voices this past weekend. Rob Reiner, the celebrated actor, director, and filmmaker, and his wife, Michele Singer-Reiner, were kil...

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Laughlin Constable’s holiday card burns with nostalgia

By Reel Chicago Dec 18, 2025

Laughlin Constable is sending a holiday card this year that smells like memories and maybe a little like your past. In a season dominated by screens, prompts, and artificial ev...

REEL MOVES

GERTRUDE expands creative leadership team

By Reel Chicago Dec 17, 2025

GERTRUDE, INC is continuing its growth momentum in its 20th year with a series of strategic leadership additions and promotions across creative and account management. The g...

In memoriam

Michelle and Barack Obama ‘were due to meet Rob Reiner’

By BANG Showbiz Dec 17, 2025

Michelle and Barack Obama were due to meet Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer-Reiner, on the day they died. The filmmaker and his wife were both found dead at their Los An...

ACCOUNT WINS

Pinnacle Advertising named AOR for Shoreline Sightseeing

By Reel Chicago Dec 17, 2025

Shoreline Sightseeing operates the largest and most diverse fleet of tour vessels and water taxis in Chicago, with 18 boats offering architecture cruises, skyline and fireworks...

CASTING

Deli Boys is casting specialty rolls for new season

By Barbara Roche Dec 16, 2025

Deli Boys has returned for Season 2 and the casting company is looking for extras and speciality rolls. Hulu’s comedy series Deli Boys is back in Chicago, gearing up to f...