🌱 CFD Member's Son Died In House Fire + Mr. Beef Founder Passed Away

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Chicago Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Follow along to find out the most important things going on these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

A little snow, mainly early. High: 37 Low: 32.

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Here are the top three stories in Chicago today:

1. A 7-year-old boy named Ezra Stewart passed away due to smoke inhalation from a house fire in the Montclare neighborhood on Wednesday. Ezra's father is a member of Chicago Fire Department who was on duty at the time of the blaze. Ezra's mother and two other siblings, ages 7 and 2, are still hospitalized and in critical condition. (NBC Chicago)
2. Joseph Zucchero, founder of the famous Chicago Italian beef shop, Mr. Beef, passed away at the age of 69 while undergoing treatment for cancer. The sandwich joint has been a neighborhood staple for years but gained national attention after being portrayed on the FX TV show, "The Bear." Zucchero's son, Christopher, co-owner of the restaurant, expressed that nothing will be the same at Mr. Beef without his father, who was a magnificent and charismatic human being. (Associated Press)
3. Illinois is considering legalizing and regulating the process of "natural organic reduction," also known as human composting, in which human remains are decomposed into compost. The proposal has passed the House Energy and Environment Committee and may become law if it is approved by the House of Representatives. If lawmakers in Illinois pass the bill, the state will become the seventh state to legalize the process after Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, and New York. (WGEM)

Today in Chicago:

• Harry Potter: Magic At Play At Water Tower Place (Times Vary)
• The Winery Dogs With Special Guest District 97 At Arcada Theatre (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Snow showers could be possible this morning after a winter storm passed overnight in surrounding areas. Be safe on your morning commute! (Patch)
• The Chicago Police Department paid their final respects to officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso yesterday who was killed in the line of duty. (Chicago Police Department via Facebook)
• Buy the "Bayliss Family Pizza" at Piece Pizzeria & Brewery this month and help PAWS pets! (PAWS Chicago via Instagram)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Kaytlyn Mroz

About me: Kaytlyn Mroz is a copywriter 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.