Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How District 62’s new budget could shape your child’s school experience

Coming up on the Des Plaines Patch calendar: Record Show at River Rand Bowl

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Hey there, Des Plaines! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How District 62's new budget could shape your child's school experience
  • Why Des Plaines is still getting condos while other projects stall.
  • See which Maine West coaching legends just entered the Hall of Fame

Also on today's calendar: Record Show at River Rand Bowl and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Peeks of sunshine, with a high of 67 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Clouds giving way to some sun, temps: high: 67, low: 52.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 68 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Dist. 62 Buckles Up For Future Expenses As Kindergarten Construction Winds Down (journal-topics.com) — Des Plaines Elementary District 62 has approved a 2026-27 budget that closes out costly full-day kindergarten construction while warning of tighter finances ahead. Despite a construction-driven deficit, the district expects an operating surplus and maintains strong reserves, but rising healthcare, transportation, and technology costs mean leaders are bracing for slower revenue growth and possible state funding uncertainty.
   

2. New Apartment Construction Just Collapsed. Lender Capital Aimed at Multifamily Hasn't. (realtytoday.com) — A new multi-family condominium project is moving forward in Des Plaines even as apartment construction nationally and across the Midwest slows sharply due to high costs and tougher financing. For local residents, that means new housing is still coming here while investors increasingly shift money from new builds to buying distressed existing properties elsewhere.
   

3. Maine West Honors Two Coaches With Hall Of Fame Honors (journal-topics.com) — Maine West celebrated two longtime coaches, Jim Sullivan and Russ Swenson, with induction into the school's Coaches Hall of Fame during the homecoming football game in Des Plaines. Fans also enjoyed a dominant football win, a jersey retirement, and a visit from a full WNBA team, highlighting the school's strong athletic tradition and community pride.
   

4. The McDonald Brothers Sold Their Hamburger Business for Just $2.7 Million. Did They Regret It? (people.com) — Des Plaines plays a starring role in McDonald's history as the site of Ray Kroc's first franchise restaurant, opened in 1955 before the chain exploded nationwide. The story looks back at how the McDonald brothers built the original concept, why they sold for $2.7 million, and how they later felt about missing out on the company's massive growth.
   

📸 Around Des Plaines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Plaines

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Des Plaines. Apply here.
  • Mondelez International posted a job opening for Full Time / Part Time - Order Writer / Nabisco Merchandising in Des Plaines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Plaines here.

Ok Des Plaines! 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: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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