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🌱 Patch AM: Why did an overnight explosion rock a Chicago alderman’s Pilsen block?

You won’t want to miss USA Vein Clinics Hosts Free Vein Screening Event In Chicago on the Chicago Patch calendar

Tuesday June 16th Patch AM

Hello Chicago! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Why did an overnight explosion rock a Chicago alderman’s Pilsen block?
  • Will Chicago prosecutors put the ex-ComEd executives back on trial?
  • Could your AI smart glasses soon be illegal while driving in Illinois?

Also on today's calendar: USA Vein Clinics Hosts Free Vein Screening Event In Chicago and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the elephant wear pink socks? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A shower and t-storm; windy, with a high of 73 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Thunderstorms, some severe, temps: high: 71, low: 60.
  • Thursday: A shower; breezy in the a.m., with a high of 71 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Chicago alderman says explosion outside his home was ‘act of intimidation' (nbcchicago.com) — Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez says an overnight explosion outside his Pilsen home, likely from a firework, felt like an act of intimidation while his three children slept inside. Chicago police are investigating, city leaders have been briefed, and the Latino Caucus is condemning any hint of political violence as neighbors share video and information with authorities.    

2. Chicago's top federal prosecutor 'weighing' options after appeals court formally undoes ComEd convictions (suntimes.com) — Chicago’s top federal prosecutor is deciding whether to retry former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago formally threw out their remaining convictions. The ruling, shaped by a recent Supreme Court decision, comes as the U.S. attorney’s office faces criticism over alleged misconduct in other high-profile Chicago-area cases.    

3. Illinois lawmakers eye nation's first ban on AI-powered smart glasses for drivers (suntimes.com) — Illinois lawmakers have advanced a bill that would make the state — and therefore Chicago drivers — the first in the nation banned from wearing AI-powered smart glasses behind the wheel. Backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the proposal targets growing concerns about distracted driving, cheating on driving exams, and the risks posed by video, messaging, and other screen features in traffic.    

4. Ep. 29: These Are Chicago's 50 Best Restaurants (chicagomag.com) — Chicago diners get an inside look at how Chicago magazine’s critics ranked the city’s 50 best restaurants, from classic steakhouses and Hyde Park favorites to buzzy tasting menus and neighborhood gems. The hosts explain how post-pandemic changes, evolving menus, and standout service shaped the list, and spotlight several must-try spots across the city and nearby suburbs.    

5. South suburban Catholic school closing due to declining enrollment (nbcchicago.com) — Families at Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park face a sudden closure after the Archdiocese of Chicago confirmed the school won’t reopen for the 2026-27 year due to steep enrollment declines and a looming deficit. Archdiocesan officials say they’ll help students move to other Catholic schools in the Chicago area, while acknowledging recent personnel concerns further eroded family trust.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Chicago International Violin Competition 2026 - Divisions & Repertoire - REGISTRATION OPEN —Chicago Violin Competition Read on Patch
  • City of Chicago Proclaims June 25 as "Horace Grant Day" —Maria Pazin Read on Patch
  • Chicago’s Brutal 2026 "Pollen Punch": Why Your Allergies Are Suddenly Worse Than Ever —Sonia Shah MD Read on Patch
  • The Bankes Brothers Channel Hopeful Longing on Warm Indie Rock Single “Aaliyah” —Robert Monroe Read on Patch
  • ESC's Darryl Maximilian Robinson On 40th Anniversary of His King Richard's Faire Debut in MURDER, THEY QUOTH —Darryl Maximilian Robinson Read on Patch
  • Aimbridge Hospitality posted a job opening for Talbott Hotel - Housekeeper in Chicago. Apply here.
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian (Part Time) in Chicago. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Chicago here.

Ok Chicago! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because his blue socks were in the wash. (Thank you Mary C. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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