Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Thursday, September 21, 2017.
- Rosemont hotel: There’s no video of Kenneka Jenkins walking into freezer
Surveillance video of Kenneka Jenkins walking into an industrial freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center does not exist, a hotel spokesman told CBS Chicago. There is no surveillance camera that films the entrance to the industrial freezer where 19-year-old Jenkins was found dead September 10. “I want to see her literally, actually walking into this freezer,” her mother, Tereasa Martin, said last week. Social media has exploded with theories about foul play, partially fueled by a Facebook Live video posted by one of Jenkins’s friends. [CBS Chicago] [Tribune]
- Chicagoans start to organize relief efforts for victims of Mexico City earthquake
Chicagoans are coming together to help the victims of a deadly 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City. The city helped victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in the U.S. and now many are willing to help Mexico City in any way. “Hopefully, we can work with the consulate, where we can probably ask President Trump for some aid; maybe to put a moratorium on the deportations right now as well, because we have a crisis in Mexico,” activist Esteban Burgoa told CBS Chicago. [CBS Chicago]
- R.J. Melman takes over as president of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
R.J. Melman has been named president of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, the nation’s largest independent restaurant group. Melman is the son of LEYE founder Rich Melman, who will remain chairman of the company, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. “This organization has been part of my family and I will work to not only continue but also enhance our culture, talent and innovation moving forward,” R.J. Melman said in a statement. “I’m lucky to have such a great team of partners to work with on making sure that Lettuce is not only around, but vibrant and fun for the next 46 years.” [Crain’s Chicago Business]
- More elite runners from the Olympics, NYC Marathon join the Chicago Marathon
There’s less than a month left until the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but several elite runners just entered the race. Olympic silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa and 2015 New York City Marathon champion Stanley Biwott are among the group of elite runners just announced for the 40th annual marathon. Biwott also holds a record as the seventh-fastest man to run a marathon in history. [NBC Chicago]
- Publican chef Paul Kahan releases first cookbook
Acclaimed Publican chef Paul Kahan has released his first cookbook, Cheers to the Publican. It includes not only recipes from the West Loop favorite but stories about the food, farms, chefs and more, according to Eater Chicago. [Eater Chicago]
- Kim Kardashian West, Lena Waithe join Chicago Ideas Week lineup
Kim Kardashian West and recent Emmy winner Lena Waithe are joining the Chicago Ideas Week lineup. West will discuss turning your personality into a brand with the Washington Post‘s Robin Givhan at the Harris Theater. Waithe join a group of other movers and shakers to talk about the power of storytelling. Chicago Ideas Week 2017 runs from October 16 through October 22. [Tribune]