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🌱 Patch AM: 4 Human West Nile Virus Cases Reported In Suburban Cook County

Coming up: Solidarity Sidekick 5K – Supporting ALS Awareness Along Route 66 on the Chicago Patch calendar

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Saturday August 29th Patch AM
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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:

  • Four West Nile cases put suburban Cook County on high alert
  • See how a River North soul food spot bounced back overnight
  • How comedy and science teamed up for civics at the Obama Center

Also on today's calendar: Solidarity Sidekick 5K – Supporting ALS Awareness Along Route 66 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 82 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny; breezy, humid, temps: high: 87, low: 72. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Hot with periods of sun, with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 4 Human West Nile Virus Cases Reported In Suburban Cook County (patch.com) — Residents in suburban Cook County, including Chicago's neighboring communities, are being warned after four adults were diagnosed with West Nile virus amid high mosquito activity. Health officials note infections rose sharply last year and urge people to use repellent, eliminate standing water, and take extra precautions at dawn and dusk. The state has also logged its first human case of 2026 in Piatt County.
   

2. Surveillance video captures shirtless man ransacking Chicago soul food restaurant (nbcchicago.com) — Chicago police arrested a man they say smashed through the front window of Soul Vibez, a River North soul food spot on Chicago Avenue, and ransacked the restaurant overnight. Surveillance video shows him nearly naked, wielding a fire extinguisher and leaving a blood trail that led to his arrest, while the owner and staff rushed to clean up and reopen for dinner the same day.
   

3. Obama Presidential Center hosts forum on learning democracy through laughter (wgntv.com) — The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago just hosted a sold-out "Learning Democracy Through Laughter" forum, using comedy and science to make politics more approachable. With guests like Bill Nye and dozens of Chicago-area science teachers, organizers say more civics-focused events are planned at the center through mid-November.
   

4. Chicago House Music Festival filled Grant Park with sound and energy (suntimes.com) — Grant Park is pulsing this weekend as Chicago House Music Festival and Conference brings DJs, dancers, and fans together to celebrate the city's homegrown sound. Crowds packed the park Friday night and events continue through the weekend, spotlighting performers and a genre born in Chicago.
   

📸 Around Chicago

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lincoln Park Community Services Hosts Taste of Fall: Casino Night —D. Ortiz Read on Patch
  • Classic Rock, Still Burning: Deep Purple and Kansas Light Up Ravinia —Scott Margolin Read on Patch
  • Peace Be With You, White Sox Fans —Chris Lanuti Read on Patch
  • Lauren Minear Confronts Emotional Distance on Driving Alternative Single "Ghost" —Robert Monroe Read on Patch
  • Darryl Maximilian Robinson Recalls A Jeff-Winning Long Day's Journey Into Night at The Heartland Cafe Studio —Darryl Maximilian Robinson Read on Patch
  • My neighbor found a black and white tuxedo cat near Lawndale and Addison.
    They're VERY friendly and hungry. Post a picture if you think it's yours! (Nextdoor Northwest Avondale)
  • Happy *day after* National Dog Day.
    He brings SO MUCH happiness to my life. He is the spoiled rascal I have always wanted. Sir Kenzie Reighn (Nextdoor Rogers Park West)
  • Distinctive Schools posted a job opening for Custodian in Chicago. Apply here.
  • Robert Half posted a job opening for Quality Control Manager 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: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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