Community Corner

🌱 What should NIU students experience around DeKalb before graduation?

Coming up: STEM Fest 2026 on the DeKalb Patch calendar

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Hi DeKalb! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What should NIU students experience around DeKalb before graduation?
  • Police still investigating fatal shooting of recent DeKalb High graduate.
  • How much have recent FDA food recalls really affected DeKalb County?

Also on today's calendar: Police Badges & Watch Fobs Auction and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 75 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Friday: Periods of sun; less humid, temps: high: 75, low: 63.
  • Saturday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 79 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. What to do before graduation from NIU (northernstar.info) — NIU students in DeKalb have plenty of nearby options to explore before graduation, from browsing downtown shops and catching shows at the Egyptian Theatre to gaming at the Esports Arena and stargazing at Davis Hall Observatory. You can also unwind with trivia nights and student discounts at Cast Iron, making it easy to support local businesses while enjoying campus life.
   

2. Teen killed in DeKalb shooting graduated in May from high school (shawlocal.com) — DeKalb officials have identified 18-year-old King Howell, a 2026 DeKalb High School graduate, as the victim of a Sept. 11 shooting on West Hillcrest Drive. He died later that night at a Rockford-area hospital, and police say the investigation continues with no arrests yet announced, while the school district and coroner offer condolences to his family.
   

3. FDA recalls cause little impact for DeKalb County, NIU (northernstar.info) — Recent FDA food recalls have had only limited impact in DeKalb County, with a handful of Cyclospora-related illness cases but no outbreak and no major issues reported at NIU dining. Campus vendors say they quickly pull recalled items, while residents can sign up for FDA alerts or contact the DeKalb County Health Department with food safety questions.
   

4. Naperville North boys golf secrues 139 score in triangular win (nctv17.org) — DeKalb High School's boys golf team competed in a triangular at Naperville's Cress Creek Country Club, where junior Noah Simonson tied for the Barbs' best round with a 40. Despite strong individual efforts, Naperville North edged both Waubonsie Valley and DeKalb, posting a low team score of 139 as the conference tournament approaches.
   

5. Labor Day safety campaign results in over 130 citations in DeKalb County (mystateline.com) — DeKalb County drivers saw 133 citations and four DUI-related arrests during the Labor Day weekend safety campaign led by the sheriff's office. The federally funded effort targeted impaired, unbelted, and distracted driving, with dozens of seat belt and cellphone violations cited to reinforce statewide "Drive Sober" and "It's Not a Game" safety messages.
   

📸 Around DeKalb

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🗓 Upcoming Events in DeKalb

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday September 19
  • STEM Fest 2026 →
    The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commons - NIU MLK Commons, DeKalb
    10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 DeKalb Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Tutera Senior Living & Health Care posted a job opening for Dietary Aide in Dekalb. Apply here.
  • Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Dekalb. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near DeKalb here.

Ok DeKalb! 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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