Orland Park OKs water rate hike

Orland Park residents and businesses will see higher water rates in 2022, with the Village Board on Monday approving an increase of 4.5%. Page 3

Bremen students film cupcake contest

The task seemed easy: make some cupcakes, decide which is best and film the whole process. But at Bremen High School, just like on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” the process required plenty of hard work and creativity. Page 4

Pfizer pill to treat COVID-19 gets OK

As the omicron variant causes a surge in cases and hospitalizations, health regulators in the U.S. on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus. Page 6

Last-minute gift? Try smaller stores

After a wearying nearly two years of the pandemic, independent retailers are cautiously hoping their holiday seasons will be bright, despite the challenges this year ranging from supply chain snags to shortages of hot holiday items. Page 8

Blackhawks start extended break

The Blackhawks on Tuesday got in the only work they’ll see this week during a practice at Fifth Third Arena. Page 16