Pregnant Woman Hit With Paintball + Coal Plants Clean Up, Or Else

Happy Friday Eve Chicago. Before you get into your pre-weekend plans, here's what you need to know about happenings around the city. If you want even more Patch to start your day, consider tuning in to hear the voice behind award-winning columnist Mark Konkol.

PATCH ON THE AIR: Columnist Mark Konkol appears on the Bruce St. James Show on WLS AM 890 at 8 a.m.

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Now, today's weather:

It's that magical time of year where you'll start the day off sweating and end the night with a chill with a High of 79 and Low of 65.

Here are the top stories today in Chicago:

1. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a much-anticipated energy bill into law Wednesday at the Shedd Aquarium. The bill aims to put Illinois on a path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. To achieve the lofty goal, coal plants will be subsidized for a slow shutdown and more opportunities given for wind and solar power research. It also makes some ratepayers responsible for a $700 million bailout of three nuclear plants owned by the parent company of Commonwealth Edison. (Chicago Patch)
2. Police continue to see an uptick in paintball attacks as Halloween nears, CBS Chicago reported. Three separate paintball attacks occurred in Wicker Park Wednesday just a few blocks from one another, injuring a pregnant woman and striking another person in the face. Similar attacks were reported last fall from the Loop and Streeterville to West Town and Oak Park. (CBS Chicago)
3. Chicago Ald. James Gardiner could be fined up to $5,000 per violation of the City Council ethics ordinance, the board announced Wednesday. Gardiner has been facing calls to resign after accusations that he used the power of his office to dig up dirt on constituents who opposed him and sent misogynistic texts about other aldermen and women at City Hall. (CBS Chicago)
4. A Chicago attraction will host a celebration to welcome theater, music and song back to the city. Navy Pier will host the free event next weekend and will feature performances from Broadway Chicago and the Chicago Symphony. (Chicago Patch)
5. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the new chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools Wednesday. Pedro Martinez will be the district's first-ever Latinx leader. Martinez was previously the superintendent for San Antonio schools. He takes over after CEO Dr. Janic Jackson's resignation earlier this year. (NBC Chicago)

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Today in Chicago:

• Daley Plaza City Market (7 a.m.)
• Comedy show at GMan Tavern (7:30 p.m.)
• Mag Mile Concert Series (4 p.m.)
• Goat petting and craft beer tasting (3 p.m.)
• First day of Riot Fest (11 a.m.)

Chicago Patch Notebook

• Cubs Patrick Wisdom tied the Cubs rookie home run record at Tuesday's game. The series opener took place in Philadelphia and saw Alfonso Rivas hit his first big league smash. (Facebook)
• Chicago Architecture Center announced the schedule for Open House Chicago, a chance to explore some of the most secretive and bizarre locations around the city. (Instagram)
• The National Museum of Mexican Art posted about the story behind the night of September 15th when the Mexican president shouts a version of el Grito, a battle cry, from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City. (Facebook)
• The beloved Morton Salt sign along the Kennedy Expressway will be getting a touch up as developers change the former warehouse into a music venue. (Block Club Chicago)
• Chicago Magazine is looking for a picture of your best piece of pie whether that be a quiche, tart or pumpkin goodness for their next Instagram context. The winning image will be featured in the magazine. (Instagram)

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— Eileen O'Gorman

About me: As a Breaking News Reporter for Illinois, I'll bring you the most essential stories from across the state. Graduate of Loyola University Chicago. Got a question, comment or tip? I'm all ears: eileen.ogorman@patch.com Follow me on Twitter: @Eileen_OGorman

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Chicago Patch? Reach out anytime to eileen.ogorman@patch.com.