🌱 Chicago Native Raquel Welch Dies + Man Shot On Stevenson Expy

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Kaytlyn Mroz, your host of the Chicago Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and milder. High: 44 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories in Chicago today:

1. Chicago native Raquel Welch passed away on Feb. 15 at the age of 82. The Golden Globe-winning actress was best known for her role in "The Three Musketeers." Welch reportedly passed away after battling a brief illness. (Reel Chicago News)
2. A man was fatally shot on Thursday while traveling with his children and pregnant wife. The family was headed home when the shooting occurred on the Stevenson Expressway in Chicago. Humberto Marin-Garcia, 28, was killed, and his family, who were not injured during the shooting, are seeking answers as to who committed the act and why. (WLS-TV)
3. A new area code is coming to the 309 area. The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the addition of an 861 area code which will impact 20 counties across the region. The decision was made to accommodate "high demand" for telephone numbers across the central and western portions of Illinois. (NBC Chicago)

Today in Chicago:

• Blue Man Group At Briar Street Theatre (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• It's President's Day weekend! See what is opened or closed from now through Monday in the area at the link. (NBC Chicago)
• Illinois farmers are joining forces with Chicago's Love Fridge program to combat food insecurity and promote good health by donating fresh food to those in need. (WGN Radio - Chicago)
• Chicago Black Restaurant Week is happening next week! Here is a list of seven restaurants you have to visit. (UrbanMatter)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Kaytlyn Mroz

About me: Kaytlyn Mroz is a copywriter at Lightning Media Partners – a content creation agency. She is a Rowan University graduate where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in writing. Outside of work, Kaytlyn is a dog mom to a boglen terrier named Finn and a golden retriever named Willow.