Good morning Chicago! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: IWRG vs GALLI: La Jaula de Las Locas — Chicago Showdown at Cicero Stadium, October 11 6pm and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. FBI Issues 'Zero Tolerance' Warning After Chicago Man Is Accused Of Aiming Laser Pointer At CPD Helicopter (patch.com) — A Chicago man has been federally indicted after authorities say he aimed a laser pointer at a Chicago Police Department helicopter, prompting a zero-tolerance warning from the FBI's Chicago Field Office. Officials warn that laser strikes, which have been rising in the Chicagoland area, can temporarily blind pilots and endanger people on the ground, and they urge residents to report any such incidents immediately.
2. Patch's 2026 Guide To Chicagoland's Best Halloween Yard Haunts (patch.com) — Chicagoland residents can map out their Halloween season with a 2026 guide to the area's most elaborate yard haunts, including displays in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Organized by county, the list highlights free, over-the-top decorations and invites Chicago-area readers to submit their own spooky yards for weekly updates through Halloween.
3. Shooting survivor mourns boyfriend's death while fighting to keep her home (cbsnews.com) — A Chicago woman recovering from a shooting that killed her boyfriend is now fighting to keep her South Side home after confusion over promised mortgage help from violence-prevention group Acclivus. After media inquiries, the group says the state approved an exception so her application can move forward, and she hopes the process becomes easier for other Chicago survivors seeking support.
4. Pritzker says 'so much more to do' in Illinois as he seeks rare 3rd term (kwqc.com) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, speaking from his Chicago campaign office, is asking voters for a rare third term, arguing he's stabilized state finances and expanded services but has more to do. Chicago readers will see how his plans on schools, energy, AI regulation and taxes, plus his rivalry with Darren Bailey and rising national profile, could shape the city's political and economic future.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Chicago PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Chicago Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.