Chicago played host to the CBC Radio One show "Q" this week as part of the Canadian  public broadcaster's effort to reach more American listeners.

"Saturday Night Live" anchorman Seth Meyers and "Trainspotting" novelist Irvine Welsh were among the guests interviewed in recording at the sold-out Victory Gardens Biograph Theater that aired Friday.

The trip wasn't an entirely altruistic one, though.

Since it can't currently sell commercials on its radio airwaves, with the exception of political ads during election campaigns, the CBC has been forced to get more creative to compensate for limited budgets.

The effort has included offering sponsorships on the podcast versions of the programming and a channel on subscription-based satellite radio.

While critics of the $1 billion in federal funds funneled to the CBC in 2010 suggest it should support itself through pledge drives instead, the current model doesn't allow for those, either.

But outlets like Chicago Public Media's WBEZ are reliant

Read More »from CBC Radio travels to Chicago with ‘Q’ in backhanded search for financial support

How will Kate and Will follow bucking broncos at the Calgary Stampede? Try the sun and surf in California.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have tacked three days to the end of their Canadian tour for a pit stop to celebrity central for a little sightseeing and handshaking. One thing that has definitely been crossed off the agenda is a visit with former state governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The recent love-child scandal led to this meet-and-greet's quiet removal from the itinerary.

A quick jaunt to American soil will surely keep WillKat in the pages of celebrity tabloids for another few months based on the high interest south of the border in all things hot, young and royal.

The highlight of the newlyweds' trip will be a black-tie reception with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Prince William, as academy president, has a long history with the group geared at promoting up-and-coming British talent. Perhaps they'll also take in the Hollywood Museum and a

Read More »from Royal visit will be shorter but sweeter for California residents

Welcome to Morning Brew, our daily roundup of early-bird news:

• The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries has applauded Health Canada's admission that they should not be in the business of selling marijuana, and has expressed hope that the existing compassion clubs can now gain greater federal legitimacy. (CNW)

• Loblaw has faced a challenge over its new non-food product line, everydayliving, which is currently the name of a Canadian cosmetic surgery website; after it turned down an offer to buy the trademark, Loblaw found its related Facebook page deleted due to a complaint. (The Globe and Mail)

• Bethenny Frankel, the star of "The Real Housewives of New York City," has signed a distribution deal to bring her calorie-reduced Skinnygirl Margarita to liquor stores across Canada, which was initially developed after she mentioned the recipe on the reality show. (CNW)

Read More »from MORNING BREW: Marijuana compassion clubs hoping to secure legtimacy in Ottawa

McDonald's now wants Canadians to know it serves regular food.

A new advertising campaign has emphasized its beef is the same kind sold at a butcher shop, the fries are made from the same potatoes found at a vegetable stand and the breakfast eggs are no different from ones at the supermarket.

Nonetheless, the chain hasn't shied away from indulgent items. Next week, all its Canadian locations will once again serve the McRib.

Similarly, recent same-store sales growth in the U.S. was partially credited to the introduction of Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, which few would mistake for a health shake.

Yet, the company also wants to draw attention to its growing social consciousness through a U.K. advertising campaign that emphasizes its ethical focus.

The efforts to reduce the environmental affect of the golden arches supply chain have been highlighted. Litter patrols were created to pick up discarded take-out packaging.

For its restaurants across Canada, though, the most visible change will be

Read More »from Return of the McRib not mentioned in McDonald’s promotion of fresh ingredients

Walmart has found a way to both downsize and expand at the same time.

The first of its new smaller Express locations, designed to compete with dollar stores, opened last week near corporate headquarters in Arkansas.

When it comes to its Canadian operations, however, the company has actually reinforced its desire to go big or stay home.

Recently, a decade-long battle to keep a new Walmart out of the east end of Stratford, Ont. went down in flames.

While small business owners were supported by Mayor Dan Mathieson, the city lifted an interim control bylaw that prevented a store from being built because it wasn't likely to hold up at the Ontario Municipal Board.

Now, taxpayers in Stratford are on the hook for the $1.3 million spent on a previous hearing that ruled against the retail giant. The resulting store will be built just a couple hundred metres away from the original proposed site.

Mathieson told the London Free Press he hopes to work with Walmart to help them support local

Read More »from Walmart fights for its right to dominate the Canadian retail landscape

Meeting royalty isn't something most Canadians do every day. Those who are lucky enough to see The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in person during the couple's Canadian tour will want to make a good impression.

So, now is the time to start reviewing proper etiquette for meeting royalty.

Use the correct title: Yelling, "Oy, over here Willy!" is completely out. If Prince William or Catherine speak to you (as you should only say something if they initiate conversation), call him or her "Your Royal Highness." After the first instance, you can address them either as "Sir" or "Ma'am."

Use good judgment in your attire: While there isn't a dress code for meeting the Duke and Duchess on this visit like there was for their wedding, be conscious of your appearance when attending events. Patriotic T-shirts for Canada Day are probably perfectly fine. Cut-off jeans or ample cleavage are not ideal.

Don't hug the royals: Even Michelle Obama caused a backlash in 2009 when she put an arm around Queen

Read More »from Etiquette guidelines for meeting the Prince William and Kate

• Burglaries have spiked in the summer months across Canada, according to data compiled by insurance group Aviva, which concluded that residential break-ins have a 13 per cent, 20 per cent and 31 per cent higher frequency in June, July and August compared to April. (CNW)

• Bell Media has announced three projects spawned by the work of Canadian mystery writers, after it optioned the television writes to novels by William Deverell and Giles Blunt, along with an adaptation of Robert Rotenberg's debut novel "Old City Hall." (Channel Canada)

• Entertainment Weekly has recruited Vancouver actor Ryan Reynolds to write the cover story tied to the release of his new film, "Green Lantern," on a subject that he can relate to better than anyone: "Why I'm Obsessed With Ryan Reynolds." (Entertainment Weekly)

Read More »from MORNING BREW: Residential break-ins found to spike in summer across Canada

Vancouver Canucks fans react after a Boston Bruins goal while watching game 6.In a city preparing for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, officials are taking extra precautions to keep crowds under control.

Vancouver closed several major streets and thoroughfares at noon to make way for the anticipated crowds.

At least 100,000 people are expected to make their way to the downtown to watch the game at one of the city's designated viewing areas.

Extra police officers from around the Metro Vancouver Region have been called to help patrol and monitor celebrations and attempt to avoid a repeat of the Stanley Cup riots of 1994 which erupted after the Canucks lost to New York Rangers in Game 7 of that year's Stanley Cup finals.

In addition, one of the measures to control the crowds is an edict from the province requiring all downtown liquor stores to close by 4 p.m.

Most employers will allow staff to leave work early so they can catch the game for the 5 p.m. local start time. Those at work, however, are having trouble concentrating.

Todd, an accountant at a Vancouver

Read More »from Vancouver prepares for Game 7 by closing streets, bringing in more police and closing liquor stores