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Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Cook County Forest Preserve Strike Ends After 16 Days (patch.com) — A 16-day strike by Teamsters Local 700 workers who maintain the Forest Preserves of Cook County, including popular sites used by many Chicago residents, has ended with a new contract. The deal brings raises through 2027, one-time payments, and improved scheduling and break rules, while keeping the preserve system's operations and finances on a stable footing.
2. CPS board president candidates lay out competing visions at first forum (chicagotribune.com) — Four candidates vying to be the first elected president of Chicago's Board of Education shared sharply different ideas at a packed Uptown forum, debating CPS's shaky budget, school closures, and how aggressively to seek new state funding. Their decisions will shape everything from potential midyear cuts to whether under-enrolled schools close and whether campuses like McCutcheon Elementary finally get long-promised facilities.
3. A 100-year-old recipe is behind one the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago and the country (nbcchicago.com) — A beloved South Chicago spot, Birrieria Ocotlan, is celebrating 53 years in the city and national recognition as one of the country's top Mexican restaurants. Run by the Reyes family using a century-old birria recipe, the two Chicago locations draw crowds for slow-stewed goat in rich consommé, a legacy that has only grown since recent New York Times praise boosted business.
4. Family honors Eliza 'Nicky' Morales and all femicide victims at candlelight vigil (southwestregionalpublishing.com) — Family, neighbors, and local leaders gathered at Wentworth Park on Chicago's Southwest Side to honor Eliza "Nicky" Morales and other femicide victims with a candlelight vigil. Speakers, including Ald. Silvana Tabares and a domestic violence survivor, urged systemic change, highlighted progress from the Chicago-Cook County Domestic Violence Task Force, and encouraged continued community support as Morales's case moves forward in DuPage County court.
5. Chicago inventor launches new card game 'Rupture' (wgntv.com) — A Chicago inventor is trying to bring a new card game, Rupture, from Bucktown playtests to full production with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. Tested at board-game bar Snakes and Lattes, the fast-paced, two-deck strategy game blends elements of Magic: The Gathering and Super Smash Bros., aiming to give locals an easy, social way to play together in person.
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Ok Chicago! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
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