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🌱 Patch AM: 2 Illinois Restaurants Make Elite List Of America's Best By New York Times

Coming up: On the Rise: Celebrating FGI Chicago's Rising Stars—Past and Future on the Chicago Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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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:

  • Chicago's Creepies named one of America's 50 best restaurants
  • Illinois' $1.04B Powerball winner quietly claims prize via Chicago center
  • How Pilsen's El Grito festival feels different for Chicago families this year

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 73 and low of 69 degrees.
  • Thursday: Humid with a shower or two, temps: high: 73, low: 65.
  • Friday: Beautiful with clouds and sun, with a high of 74 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Shiloh Lindsey Finds Hope in Life's Harshest Storms on Tender Alt-Country Single —Robert Monroe Read on Patch
  • Ziggy Marley's Brightside Tour Heads to Ravinia —Scott Margolin Read on Patch
  • Art Contest Announced by Gebrüder Weiss - America in 250: The Future of Transportation —Chicago Area Contributor Read on Patch
  • Now Or Never For The White Sox —Chris Lanuti Read on Patch
  • Addicted To Love: A Robert Palmer Dance Party- live on the Outdoor Rooftop —Mike Brick Read on Patch
  • She's one of the dopest engineers NASA's seen thus far!
    Dajae Williams became an engineer after a mistaken honors geometry placement in high school changed the direction of her life. Now, she's working at… (Nextdoor Grand Crossing)
  • RIVERVIEW PARK In 1967, the gates to Chicago's greatest childhood empire were permanently locked without a single word of warning to the public.
    For over sixty years, the massive intersection of Belmont and Western avenues was unequivocally the most exciting place in the entire city. … (Nextdoor Grand Crossing)
  • Hyde Park Hospitality posted a job opening for Airport Lounge Cleaner - Full-Time in Chicago. Apply here.
  • Wells Fargo & Company posted a job opening for Mortgage Retail Sales Consultant (SAFE) in Chicago. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Chicago here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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