Community Corner

🌱 Chicago Patch: What's Happening Today (Wed, Jan 25)

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Chicago.

(Patch Media)

Hello, everybody. Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel here with your Wednesday edition of the Chicago Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening locally, including updates on...

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But first, today's weather:

Intermittent wet snow, 2-4". High: 37 Low: 30.

Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.


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Here are the top stories today in Chicago:

Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  1. The Full List of James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists (Bon Appetit)
  2. names CEO of Long-Term Acute Care, Rehabilitation Center | UT ... (UT Health East Texas)
  3. Lawsuit Filed in Illinois Over Tiny ‘Fireball Cinnamon' Bottles That Contain No Whiskey (NBC Chicago)
  4. Police investigating Wednesday morning homicide in Gary (The Times of Northwest Indiana)
  5. Northern Illinois Food Bank hopes new digital map will help people ... (Chicago Tribune)
  6. How to Check Illinois Road, Driving Conditions Near You as Snow Falls Across Chicago (NBC Chicago)
  7. Here Are the 2023 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef ... (Eater)
  8. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard share 'Live At Red Rocks '22 ... (Brooklyn Vegan)
  9. Strongpoint Partners Announces Partnership with Retirement ... (WSIL TV)
  10. Athletico Physical Therapy Opens Logan Square North Location in Chicago, Illinois (Benzinga)
  11. Newman Schimel to Join Focus Partner Firm Kovitz Investment Group, Expanding Kovitz's Greater Chicago Area Presence in its Second Transaction Announced in 2023 (Yahoo Finance)
  12. Illinois' rejected vanity license plates in 2022 (Axios)
  13. Sports Report 1/25/23 | The Voice of LaSalle County since 1952! (1430wcmy.com)
  14. Chicago Public Schools: Mays Academy in Englewood flooded with winter coats, hats after ABC7 story (WLS-TV)
  15. IAR standardized test: activists call for big changes (WBEZ Chicago)
  16. Coach's Corner relinquishes liquor license to City of Hammond (The Times of Northwest Indiana)
  17. Chicago, Illinois, Home With 1,937 Square Feet and Two Bedrooms Asks $1.66 Million (Mansion Global)
  18. Anthony Davis (Hospitality Net)
  19. Agnes Heitz Obituary (2023) (Legacy.com)
  20. Aurora Martinez Obituary (1959 - 2023) (Legacy.com)
  21. Betty Tersch Obituary (1928 - 2023) (Legacy.com)
  22. Kevin Tefft Obituary (1986 - 2023) (Legacy.com)
  23. Phillip Jurenci Obituary (2023) - Genoa City, WI - Lake Geneva ... (Legacy.com)
  24. Josephine Regnier Obituary (1922 - 2023) (Legacy.com)
  25. Calgary in action against Chicago after overtime victory (The Associated Press - en Español)
  26. William Cavanaugh Obituary (1927 - 2023) - St. Charles, IL - Kane ... (Legacy.com)
  27. Mujeres announces Glorimar Marrero-Sánchez to direct feature doc (Reel Chicago News)
  28. Minnie Gnewuch Obituary (2023) - Forest Park, IL - Chicago Tribune (Legacy.com)
  29. Francis Yore Obituary (2023) - Land O' Lakes, FL - Chicago Tribune (Legacy.com)
  30. Dr. Ngozi Ezike reflects on COVID-19 in Illinois (CBS News)

Today in Chicago:


From my notebook:

  • Chicago Bears: "Sound off on your favorite play of the season ⬇️" (Chicago Bears via Instagram)
  • Chicago Bears: "Congrats to @bjones_52 on being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team! 👏" (Chicago Bears via Instagram)
  • Chicago Bears: "Caption this 🫡 Best answer gets $25 to @dunkin" (Chicago Bears via Instagram)
  • Chicago Bulls: "Another DeMar milestone. DeMar DeRozan has reached 21,000 points in his NBA career!" (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Chicago Bulls: "DeMar's 1000th game & DeMar's 1st game." (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra: "After a magnificent concert in Mesa, Arizona, the CSO traveled west to their next tour destination, Costa Mesa, California, for a performance and community engagement activities presented by the @philharmonicsocietyoc. In the morning, a ..." (Chicago Symphony Orchestra via Instagram)
  • Chicago Bulls: "Greatness in the form of durability. DeMar DeRozan has reached 1000 career games played 👏" (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Chicago Bulls: "Ayo Dosunmu sends Derrick upstairs!" (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Chicago Blackhawks: "What a goal and celly for Showtime 🎬" (Chicago Blackhawks via Facebook)
  • Chicago Bears: "Congrats to Braxton Jones on being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team! 👏" (Chicago Bears via Facebook)
  • Chicago Architecture Center: "The Chicago Board of Trade building houses an expansive vault in the basement which has sat empty for decades, making this forgotten cavern an attraction unto itself. Built by the Chicago Board of Trade Safe Deposit Co., the vault has se..." (Chicago Architecture Center via Instagram)
  • Chicago Bulls: "LIVE: Postgame Media Availability following tonight’s game against the Pacers" (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Chicago Bulls: "Starters tonight vs. Pacers." (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Chicago Blackhawks: "We never get tired of these! Welcome to the league, Luke 👋" (Chicago Blackhawks via Facebook)
  • Chicago Bulls: "DeMar scored 33 points on 14-of-21 shooting but it wasn't enough last night." (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
  • Museum of Science and Industry: "Your mission: Give someone a compliment today, and enjoy the positive effects of all the neural processes it kicks off! #NationalComplimentDay 😊 #msichicago #complimentday #brainscience #dopamine #serotonin #sciencelovers #msideepscience" (Museum of Science and Industry via Instagram)
  • The Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department: "Please scroll down and support one of our members GoFundme. John is battling cancer for the third time! You got this John!" (The Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department via Facebook)
  • Chicago Architecture Center: "In many ways, the fate of the LaSalle Street corridor and the broader downtown are intertwined. If the most viable future for downtown is flexible adaptation to a mix of uses, there is no better place to test this hypothesis than along t..." (Chicago Architecture Center via Instagram)
  • Lincoln Park Zoo: "Klipspringers are elusive creatures and generally difficult to observe, but it looks like new arrival Reo has been warming up to her habitat at Regenstein African Journey. #FromAKeeper 📸 Taylor Kess" (Lincoln Park Zoo via Facebook)
  • Chicago magazine: "Will Johnson, CEO of the Harris Poll, talks about why politicians would be wise to soften their arch stances.⁠ ⁠ "Voters are exhausted, certainly on a national level, from name-calling and strong inflammatory rhetoric from both sides."⁠ ..." (Chicago magazine via Instagram)
  • Enjoy Illinois: "Get your kicks on Route 66 with a modern road trip down the iconic highway! ⁣ ⁣ 🔗 Start your 3 day trip at the link in our bio ⁣ ⁣ #EnjoyIllinois #MiddleofEverything" (Enjoy Illinois via Instagram)
  • Chicago Architecture Center: "Do you know a kid who is interested in architecture, design or engineering?? They would LOVE the Chicago Architecture Center Engineering Fest! ⁠ ⁠ Kids ages 8-14 are invited to build and learn, view the CAC's special exhibitions, meet en..." (Chicago Architecture Center via Instagram)
  • US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois: "[2:50 pm CST - 1/24/2023] Here are the Tuesday afternoon update graphics for the expected incoming wintry weather late tonight into Wednesday. For the latest forecast updates, go to weather.gov/Chicago For updated graphics, go to weather..." (US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois via Facebook)
  • US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois: "Road conditions are quickly deteriorating across the area this morning. Expect slippery, snow-covered roads and heavily reduced visibility through the morning. Allow plenty of extra time for your morning commute and prepare to take it slow!" (US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois via Facebook)
  • Crain's Chicago Business: "The Gold Coast courtyard building on Dearborn Parkway is a ghost. It's well maintained, but has been locked up with no signs of life for decades." (Crain's Chicago Business via Facebook)
  • Block Club Chicago: "The new home of the food pantry will have a large dining space, commercial kitchen, grocery shopping area and more." (Block Club Chicago via Facebook)
  • US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois: "[Wednesday January 25, 2023 7:07 AM CST] Snow continues to fall this morning leading to slippery and snow covered roads. The snow is also causing reduced visibilities under one mile at times. The hazardous travel conditions are expected ..." (US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois via Facebook)
  • US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois: "[4:35 AM CST 1/25/2023] Here are the early Wednesday morning update graphics for the ongoing impactful wintry weather. For the latest forecast updates, go to weather.gov/Chicago For updated graphics, go to weather.gov/lot/weatherstory" (US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois via Facebook)
  • CDPH: "Stay safe, Chicago! Each winter, the combination of cold temperatures and strenuous snow shoveling can trigger medical emergencies. Learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack: https://bit.ly/ShovelingSafety #Snow #WinterSafety" (CDPH via Instagram)
  • Southwest Chicago Post: "Congratulations to the St. Laurence High School cheerleaders (aka the Golden Girls) for winning first place in their division at the Spartan Showdown at Marian Catholic High School on January 22. . As you might imagine, Southwest Side gi..." (Southwest Chicago Post via Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Rogers Park East: "Good morning 🌞 here is a pic of Hermés. - That is all. 🎉" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Little Italy: "LOST DOG: LUCY LEOPOLD - ***REWARD*** LITTLE ITALY/WEST LOOP Please help me bring home my service dog Lucy of six years. We are a bonded pair and I am so worried for her safety. She got out on 1/7, while I was moving a piece of furnitur..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, St Boniface: "There’s a couple helicopters over Andersonville. - Anyone know what’s going on?" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Maple Park: "Good morning neighbors! - I have 2 4 month girl puppies looking for a forever home. Let me know if you’re interested." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Park Manor: "I haven't blocked this piece yet, but I'm already digging it. - Granny Square vest with Facets yarn, a roving acrylic." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, West Loop North: "Hey neighbors just wanted to share some positivity with yall. - On January 18th, My dad just had his 50th bday and I have the honor of sharing a bday with my father! So here's a clip of what I planned for him. I made him cry yall 😭 Co..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, East Lincoln Park: "Chicago mayor election: Lightfoots own poll shows her in the lead. - what a joke. The key words here are Her own poll. Please go out to vote this incompetence out. Otherwise if you like the crime, carjackings and the perpetual increasing..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Grand Crossing: "History HAROLD’S CHICKEN SHACK or The Fried Chicken King (10 pics) was founded by Harold Pierce in 1950 - five years before Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s and two years before the Colonel began franchising his secret recipe, - The ..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Edgebrook: "Hey Neighbors! - I am doing my research on dog breeds as I am thinking about becoming a first-time dog owner. Does anyone have or had experience owning a Samoyed? Would love to pick your brain and learn more about them. Thank you!!" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, TRIP: "Hi, Neighbors. - I'm looking for other homeowners (condo or single family) who are being victimized by predatory price increases by Republic Waste Services in Chicago or the Chicago Metro area. They have continually increased pricing o..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Calumet Heights: "Package Thrives Caught in the Act! - Shout Out to a concerned Calumet Heights neighbor who is an off-duty CPD Sergeant on his way to work and got involved!! #PillHill #CalumetHts Thanks neighbor for allowing me to share." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Resurrection/Edison: "Recently had security cameras installed and noticed this cat is coming around nearly every night but at different hours. - It looks to be orange or gray. Ottawa/Thorndale area. Any ideas/suggestions to help this cat are appreciated. I do..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Calumet Heights: "95th Stony Island Viaduct Expansion! - If you missed Alderman Michelle Harris’s Town Hall Meeting at Imani Village where the Illinois Department of Transportation presented to 8th Ward residents here is what the expansion will look like...." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Chatham: "Attended 6 Ward Candidate Forum on Saturday January 21st. - Mr. Terry from Channel 2 news was moderator. He did an excellent job. There was a full house of candidates. They all presented their platforms. Mr. (reverend) Hall was the ..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Rogers Park East: "So I've just got hired at my new job. - Waiting until I get a call to setup orientation at my local grocery store. Have been unemployed for over 6 months and I feel glad I got an opportunity to be in the workforce again." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Belmont Central North: "Hi neighbors, asking for help in locating my dog. - 😢 Her name is Ruby, she ran away from our backyard at around 8PM she’s a small toy poodle Maltese mix She’s an older dog (14yrs) so she’s really family. She did not have her collar on ..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Horner Park: "I am looking for recommendations on companies that build decks. - I have an old 2 story deck that needs fixing/some replacements. Thanks in advance for any replies." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Grand Crossing: "Great show! - My Kids learned reading from interactive books, computer software educational games, PBS and Me reading to Them! Book!" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, East Lincoln Park: "I started a new show with Stand Up Comedians doing stand up sets then sitting down for a quick chat with me at the World Famous Laugh Factory. - I have some complimentary tickets for the debut on Monday Jan 30th. There is a 2 drink mini..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Palmer Park: "Best one yet! - Lol" (Nextdoor)

That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update!

Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Chicago Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com

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