Good morning Chicago! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: On the Rise: Celebrating FGI Chicago's Rising Stars—Past and Future and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. 2 Illinois Restaurants Make Elite List Of America's Best By New York Times (patch.com) — Chicago diners have a new point of pride as Creepies, a French Midwestern bistro on West Randolph Street, lands on The New York Times list of America's 50 best restaurants. The piece highlights its Chicago-inflected French dishes and notes that Kouklas Greek Eatery in nearby Niles also earned a coveted spot on the unranked national list.
2. $1.04B Powerball Winner Comes Forward In Illinois (patch.com) — Chicago plays a key role in Illinois' latest billion-dollar lottery milestone, as the anonymous $1.04 billion Powerball winner finalized their claim through the Illinois Lottery's Chicago Prize Center. Officials describe the rare jackpot's impact on the state, including millions generated for schools and bonuses for retailers, while keeping the winner's identity confidential.
3. Pilsen celebrates Mexican Independence Day with El Grito festival (wgntv.com) — Pilsen neighbors can head to West 22nd Place this week for the 13th annual El Grito festival, celebrating Mexican Independence Day with music, food, and arts outside St. Paul Catholic Church. After past fears tied to immigration enforcement, organizers say this year feels safer and more joyful, with added security and a strong message of resilience from Chicago's Mexican community.
4. 'Disgusting': Fear spreads after multiple groping incidents, sexual assaults in Chicago (nbcchicago.com) — Multiple recent groping incidents and sexual assaults on CTA trains and in neighborhoods like Avondale and Wicker Park have Chicago riders on edge as police search for suspects. Authorities are urging residents to review doorbell and surveillance footage to help identify attackers and restore a sense of safety on public transit and local streets.
5. Google links with artist Sanford Biggers to create a major outdoor sculpture for Loop headquarters (suntimes.com) — Google's Chicago headquarters in the Loop is getting a major new public artwork, a 30-foot quilt-inspired sculpture called Vector by artist Sanford Biggers, to stand where the Thompson Center's Dubuffet once did. The project, part of a $280 million renovation finishing in 2027, will reshape the atrium, restore original design elements, and add another landmark to downtown's famous public art corridor.
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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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
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