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It feels like every week, a new pass catcher steps up for the Patriots, and during New England’s 26-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, tight end Hunter Henry put on a show. Henry had a standout performance, recording seven receptions for 115 yards and scoring one touchdown. After the game, reporters asked quarterback Drake Maye how valuable Henry was in consistently coming through for the team. “It’s a new guy every week,” Maye said on Sunday. “He’s a great player in this league. He and Hoop (Austin Hooper) give us a one-two punch at the tight end position, whether it be running the football or in the passing game. They do a great job, and Hunter is ‘Mr. Consistent.’ He is every week.” New England’s offense only found the end zone once, but Henry did help lead the Patriots down th field on a handful of drives to set up field goals for kicker Andres Borregales. If Henry can consistently put up good performances, or at least be a threat, that could open up the offense for receivers like Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte. Henry will be looking to continue his success when the Patriots take on the New York Giants next Monday. More NFL: Patriots’ Drake Maye Explains Reason For Early Struggles Vs. Bengals

Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Is your turkey out of the freezer yet? Depending on how big your turkey is, you may already be behind schedule. According to Butterball, your Thanksgiving bird needs at least one day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey, up to four days before cooking. In a Thursday social media, post, the brand declared “Today’s the day.” “National Thaw Day means it’s time for your turkey to go from freezer to fridge and allow at least one day of thawing for every 4 lbs of turkey,” the post, titled ‘National Thaw Day’ said. “Got a question, call us at 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text 844-877-3456.” But there’s two methods of thawing a turkey — and while one is more time consuming, the other is more labor intensive. Here’s what to know How long to thaw a turkey in the fridge Refrigerator thawing is the preferred method, Butterball says, and the least labor-intensive. But it requires more time. Butterball recommends at least one day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey. That means, for a 12-pound turkey, you’ll be thawing it in the refrigerator for three days. The turkey should be thawed breast side up and kept in its original, unopened wrapper, on a tray in the fridge, which must be at 40-degrees Fahrenheit or below. According to Butterball, the turkey should be used within four days after the fridge thawing is complete. How long to thaw a turkey in cold water Cold water thawing takes less time than refrigerator thawing, Butterball says, but it requires more attention. If you’re using the cold water method, the turkey should be thawed breast side down in an unopened wrapper, with enough cold water to cover the turkey completely, Butterball said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends placing the turkey in a leakproof plastic bag in the sink. “The bag will prevent the turkey juice from spreading in the kitchen,” the CDC noted. “The bag also will prevent the turkey from absorbing water, which could make your cooked turkey runny.” Water should be changed every 30 minutes. If the turkey cannot be completely covered, rotate the bird every 30 minutes to keep it chilled, Butterball said. According to experts, you can expect 30 minutes of thawing per pound of turkey using the cold water method. The turkey should be cooked immediately after thawing, the CDC said. “Regardless of which turkey thawing method you choose, never thaw a turkey at room temperature,” Butterball’s website said. “You’re running low on time, try a Fresh Whole Turkey—they’re just as delicious and require little prep.” Additionally, the CDC notes that when a turkey stays out at room temperature for more than two hours, “It’s temperature becomes unsafe even if the center is still frozen.” “Germs can grow rapidly in the ‘danger zone’ between 40°F and 140°F,” the CDC said.

Two popular deli items sold at at Costco stores in the Midwest and other locations were recalled after it was found there may be pieces of plastic inside, with the warehouse giant warning customers to not eat the meals. In a Nov. 7 letter to members, Costco and supplier Ventura foods said they were recalling Caesar Salad Item #19927 and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad Item #11444 “due to the possible presence of plastic foreign material” in the salad dressing. The prepared items, which may have been sold in Costco’s deli aisle, were labeled with sell-by dates between Oct. 17 and Nov. 9, the letter, posted on Costco’s website said. Recalls Nov 19 Popular superfood powder sold nationwide recalled after ties to Salmonella outbreak; 11 sickened Health Nov 19 Cases jump to 31 in botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Here's what to know Recalls Oct 28 Why are there so many food recalls lately? What to know about food supply safety in U.S. “Please stop eating the product and return the item to your local Costco for a full refund,” the letter advised. According to Costco, the items were sold at “select locations” in the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast. It wasn’t immediately clear which Costco stores in the Midwest were impacted. Costco did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s request for comment. The recall comes after Costco initiated a recall for its Kirkland Prosecco in the Midwest, warning that bottles could spontaneously shatter.

Five iconic Chicago Christmastime events will kick the holiday season into gear this weekend, with tree lightings, Christmas markets and more. But the festivities also mean increased traffic, large crowds and street closures. “The City of Chicago’s holiday and winter season events ramp up in the city this weekend with gatherings and increased traffic and travel throughout the city,” The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications said in a release, adding that motorists, residents and visitors should be aware of increased crowds. From the Chicago Christkindlmarket to the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony, here’s what to know about each event and when they take place. Christkindlmarket Two popular Chicago area Christkindlmarket locations open on Friday, Nov. 21: One is located in suburban Aurora, and one will be set up in Daley Plaza. The Wrigleyville location will open its gates on Sunday, Nov. 23. The free markets are famous for offering exclusive collectible items, seasonal goods, German food and hot spiced wine, the popular markets are a favorite holiday tradition among Chicagoans. In Daley Plaza, the market opens at 11 a.m. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The markets also have special hours for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The final day of operation for the Daley Plaza market will be Christmas Eve, organizers said. Guests should also expect street closures around he market and Clark and Washington. Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony The city’s official Christmas tree for 2025, a 68-foot Norway Spruce from Glenview, was installed at Millennium Park earlier this month. The tree will be light up Friday near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, and will remain on display through Jan. 11, 2026. Pre-show entertainment with music and more Friday begins at 5 p.m., with the official ceremony stating at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow, organizers said. NBC Chicago will stream the ceremony and festivities live once they begin, in the video player above. Parking and street closures: Guests can enter the Park through multiple entrances on Monroe Street and Randolph Street. Street closures begin at 10:00 a.m. on November 21 for the following streets: Washington from Wabash to Michigan Madison from Wabash to Michigan Michigan Avenue from Randolph to Monroe Garland Court from Randolph to Monroe Lincoln Park ZooLights The popular annual event at Lincoln Park Zoo begins Friday, Nov. 21, with more than three million lights across the zoo grounds. “Guests will experience hundreds of nostalgic LED light displays, ethereal and interactive elements, and memory-making holiday experiences throughout the zoo,” a description of the event said. “They can take in stunning views of ZooLights from above on the towering Ferris Wheel and walk through the expansive light tunnel on Main Mall.” Tickets start at $7, with flexible admission tickets available for the first time. The event also offers free tickets on select nights. “With the exception of December 22, Mondays at ZooLights are free with registration,” the Zoo said. “These tickets are released one week in advance at 11 a.m.” ZooLights runs through Jan. 4. Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival The popular 2025 parade and lights display takes place Saturday, Nov. 22. An outdoor celebration known as “Lights Festival Lane” will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. before the parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m., bringing more than one million lights to more than 200 trees along Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile. The parade, with floats featuring a number of beloved Disney characters, will step off at Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, culminating in a festive fireworks display that begins at 7:15 p.m. over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue. The following street closures will be in effect for the festival and parade: Street Closures: Closed 3 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November…

Chicago will be a bit merrier and brighter beginning this weekend, as the city’s official Christmas tree will be lit up for the season. The city’s Christmas tree, a 68-foot Norway Spruce, was installed at Millennium Park earlier this month, and it’s set to dazzle residents throughout the holiday season after it’s lit up for the first time. According to city officials, the lights will be switched on during a ceremony beginning on Friday night at approximately 6 p.m. The tree, located in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, will remain illuminated through January 11, officials said. Large viewing areas will be set up for fans to capture the action, vibrant music will fill the air, and seasonal treats will be available for all to purchase, city officials said in a news release. This year’s tree for the longtime Chicago tradition hails from north suburban Glenview, and is one of the “largest” in city history. A pre-show will get underway at 5 p.m. inside the park, with the lighting itself taking place after 6 p.m. Finally, the evening will conclude with an epic fireworks display, according to city officials. The city will flip the switch on lights along the Magnificent Mile the following day, and Chicago residents will be treated to the full splendor of the holiday season as Christmas looms just over a month away.