🌱 Ammonia Leak At Factory Near Midway + Senator Announces Retirement

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Chicago Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer; a strong p.m. t-storm. High: 95 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. The Chicago Fire Department lifted a shelter-in-place order for some residents in West Elsdon following a major ammonia leak at an ice factory near Midway International Airport on Thursday. Crews responded to a call for an ammonia smell at Home City Ice and issued a "level two hazmat" due to the respiratory impact of ammonia. Emergency crews conducted wellness checks and asked residents to shelter in place while fire crews safely entered the factory to address the leak. The leak was eventually stopped, and an investigation into the cause is underway. (NBC Chicago)
2. The Illinois State Police are installing license plate reader cameras in the Metro East area to reduce crime, similar to the successful implementation on Chicago area expressways. Shootings and homicides have significantly dropped in the Chicago area after the installation of these cameras, leading to the expansion of the program to other counties. The cameras will be used to investigate serious crimes and have also helped improve the clearance rate of homicide cases in the area. (KSDK.com)
3. State Senator Patricia Van Pelt announced her retirement from the 5th Senate District seat, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people for the last decade and accomplish positive change for the voiceless and underserved. She also thanked those who supported her during her health challenges over the past year. Her retirement will take effect on Aug. 1 at 5:00 p.m. (Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus)

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Today in Chicago:

Friday, July 28

• Wicker Park Fest 2023 At 1414 North Ashland (5:00 PM)
• Best Of Chicago Party At 4800 Block Of Damen Avenue (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of West Chicago will host a Public Information Meeting on Aug. 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the West Chicago Water Treatment Plant to discuss the proposed improvement of Harvester Road between Powis Road and Hawthorne Lane. City representatives will address various project-related topics and answer individual questions and comments. (West Chicago)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out the list of events happening in and around Chicago this weekend at the link! (Choose Chicago)
• On Aug. 2, the Chicago Department of Transportation will gather feedback and present plans for extending the Bloomingdale Trail east of the current terminus at Walsh Park. Exhibits will be available for viewing from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and a presentation will take place from 6:00-6:30 p.m. (Chicago Department of Transportation via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Kaytlyn Smith

About me: Kaytlyn Smith is a managing editor 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.