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  • Jennifer Geer

    Chicago daily roundup: Rats in the city, Portillo's stock, Chicago's most haunted hotel, and more

    2021-10-23

    (CHICAGO) It's Thursday, October 21, and welcome to the daily roundup. What's going on around town on this chilly, autumn day?

    Orkin names Chicago as the rattiest city...again. Also, fans of Portillo's can now own shares of the beloved Chicagoland fast-food restaurant known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and famous chocolate cake.

    In other news, the Black, woman-led collective at froSkate creates a safe space for underrepresented people to meet up and skate.

    And finally, what is it like to stay overnight in Chicago's allegedly haunted Congress Plaza Hotel?

    Chicago ranked 'rattiest city' by Orkin pest control for 7th straight year

    It's not a title any city would want. But here we are.

    Chicago has been dubbed the "rattiest city" for the seventh year in a row by the pest control company, Orkin.

    Next in line are Los Angeles and New York. According to Orkin, rats grew more aggressive during the pandemic while searching for new food sources.

    For loyal Portillo’s customers, IPO puts a new item on the menu: shares in a favorite company

    Starting today, Thursday, October 21, Portillo's is going public. Fans of the fast-food joint can own shares of the company. The chain is offering 20.3 million shares at $20 per share.

    According to a news release by the company Wednesday night, one share is "a little less than the cost of three Italian beef sandwiches."

    At froSkate, women, people of color and queer skateboarders shine after years of skate park intimidation

    “At froSkate, our favorite saying is, 'All love, no hate.'"

    FroSkate is a skate collective where women, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and queer people can meet up to skate together in a safe and supportive environment.

    It began in 2019 at a group chat with friends who felt underrepresented in city skate parks. FfroSkate has held 14 meetups this year at parks throughout the city.

    I spent 3 nights in Chicago's most haunted hotel, and it was just as terrifying as 'The Shining.' Take a look inside

    There may not be any proof of ghosts in this report, but Frank Olito of Insider has an unsettling tale of his three-night stay at the reportedly haunted, old Congress Hotel.

    "From the sleepless nights to the eerie feeling that I was the only one in the hotel, my stay at the Congress Plaza will definitely haunt me for some time."

    Want NewsBreak stories delivered directly to your phone? Download the NewsBreak App here. (Full disclosure: I do get a small commission if you click my referral links.)

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    Laura Snow
    2021-10-26
    Chicago is being kicked by Orkin for using Orkin's services. We kill rats in Chicago we don't make pets out of them and eat them like other cities do.! 😁🔱
    Laura Snow
    2021-10-26
    Thanks for putting Portillo's a beloved business and Rats in the title. Very clever of you but we don't need controversy that hurts our businesses! And their food is 👍 Great! The only rats are you.
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