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☂️ Today's weather: Rain this morning with a high of 75.

🎂 Happy birthday to our members Alan Donahue, Maureen Friel, Mark Fisher and Jennifer Rosenberg!

Today's newsletter is 1,112 words — a 4-minute read.

Chicagoans are getting a fresh look at Google's transformation of the Thompson Center in the Loop.

Why it matters: The latest renderings reimagine the Thompson Center as an inviting downtown anchor, an attractive place for workers to meet and linger. Google also revealed its commitment to retaining elements of Helmut Jahn's design.

Flashback: Google announced plans to purchase the Thompson Center in 2022 for $105 million.

Context: When the tech giant first announced plans to buy the building, admirers worried whether the postmodern "People's Palace," as some preservationists call it, would retain the integrity of Jahn's design.

• Critics who had complained about "the spaceship" pushed for its demolition.

The latest: The new renderings show a cascading staircase with terraced seating and retail shops around the 17-story atrium.

• Google promises to bring "a curated mix of quality food, distinctive retail, and space for seasonal events" rather than just a thoroughfare on the way to the L, Google's Mike Miller said in a blog post yesterday.

In a nod to Chicago's dedication to public art, Google commissioned artist Sanford Biggers, a School of the Art Institute graduate, to create a new sculpture at the Randolph Street entrance.

• "Vector," the 30-foot-tall sculpture, reimagines traditional quilt patterns, including those from historic 19th-century quilts at the Illinois State Museum and Chicago History Museum, into sleek, geometric shapes.

What's next: Google plans to reopen the Thompson Center to the public in 2028.

More on Thompson Center's history

After a remarkable start to the season, the White Sox are stumbling down the stretch.

Why it matters: The Sox energized Chicago this year after three consecutive 100-loss seasons. They've gone 5-10 in September and are in danger of not only losing the AL Central, but missing the playoffs entirely.

The latest: The Sox lost their third straight series — this time to the Cleveland Guardians, who moved ahead of them in the AL Central for the first time since July.

State of play: Several players who fueled the Sox's surprising season have gone cold at the worst possible time.

By the numbers: Early AL Rookie of the Year candidate Munetaka Murakami has struck out in half of his plate appearances this month.

Zoom in: The Sox not only have to play catch-up in the division, but also fend off the hard-charging Texas Rangers for the final wild-card spot.

Between the lines: The September swoon is disappointing for Sox fans, who have flocked to the team's young energy after stomaching back-to-back-to-back terrible seasons.

• The Sox will need to reignite that energy to hold onto a wild-card spot — or even reclaim first place in the AL Central.

The good news

YWCA Evanston/North Shore trains survivors of domestic violence for restaurant jobs as they rebuild their lives.

Why it matters: Participants in the YWCA Culinary Program are often transitioning from an unstable, volatile environment. Job training sets them on a path toward independence.

The latest: The Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) recently awarded the program $50,000, allowing YWCA to grow the program from 16 to 24 participants each year.

How it works: Trainees work 22 hours a week, alternating between classwork and hands-on training with a classically trained chef, and finish with the necessary certifications to work in kitchens.

• The 12-week program offers resume writing and interview preparation, plus connections to mental health professionals.

Zoom in: Some graduates go on to start their own businesses, like Martina, who is running a food truck. (YWCA doesn't share full names to protect participants' privacy.)

State of play: The constant change and impermanence that many survivors face affect job security. Some lack a permanent address, while others need to miss work for medical care.

• Abusers often withhold transportation, documentation needed to get a job or paychecks.

The bottom line: Survivors leaving abusive relationships face uncertainty in every corner, including the workforce; giving them necessary tools is a step in the right direction.

Read more

🏠 Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposal to overhaul tenants' rights, which would give renters more power, passed a City Council committee and will head to the full council for a vote. A separate group of alders has its own proposal, which is expected to get a Housing Committee vote today. (Tribune)

📸 Alders are considering expanding the downtown automated ticketing system for drivers blocking bus and bike lanes citywide. (Block Club)

🏆 Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 43rd and 44th home runs last night, surpassing Cubs legend Billy Williams for the most homers in a season by a left-handed batter in franchise history. (The Score)

🏈 D'Andre Swift was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three touchdowns against the Panthers last Sunday. (Bears.com)

Chicago's largest Latino theater festival returns with productions exploring federal immigration enforcement and its impact on Latino communities.

Why it matters: Destinos uses theater, dance and storytelling to explore the heightened fear Chicago's Latino community has faced since the Trump administration launched Operation Midway Blitz last year.

What to expect: Now in its ninth year, Destinos features more than a dozen productions across nine Chicago venues, stretching from Aguijón Theater in Belmont Cragin to the Wirtz Center in Streeterville.

• The fest runs through Oct. 11.

Zoom in: The shows include "Disposable," a one-person documentary-style work exploring the parallels among low-wage temp workers, day laborers and working professionals.

• "Unpacking Home" uses dance and poetry to dig into memories and ancestry.
• "El Evangelio Jornalero" follows day laborers at "Home Deport" as they wait for work, telling stories of wage theft, work discrimination and immigration enforcement.

Flashback: Chicago's leading Latino arts and cultural organizations created the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) in 2016 to give a bigger platform to Latino theaters and artists.

What they're saying: More than a year after President Trump unleashed federal immigration officers to Chicago, CLATA executive director Jorge Valdivia says it's more urgent than ever for city leaders and patrons to show up for the fest.

What's next: Check out the full schedule and get tickets.

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Edited by Larry Graham.

♥️ Carrie falls into the Thompson Center lover category. She can't imagine downtown without it. She is curious if the Sbarro will return…

🍿 Justin is going to rewatch "Running Scared" to see the old Thompson Center in action.

🗓️ Monica is on sabbatical.

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