š± Want a spot in Waukeganās 2026 Independence Parade lineup?
Hi Waukegan! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- Want a spot in Waukeganās 2026 Independence Parade lineup?
- How Waukeganās Jose Mendoza is excelling in class and on field
- See how Waukegan stacks up among Americaās best lake towns
Also on today's calendar: The HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show Returns! and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? š¤ (Answer below!)
- Friday: Fog in the morning, with a high of 74 and low of 46 degrees.
- Saturday: Very windy; cooler, temps: high: 53, low: 36.
- Sunday: Breezy with a passing shower, with a high of 50 and low of 34 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. Waukegan's American Independence Parade seeks applications (journaltimes.com) ā Waukegan residents can now apply online to participate in the 2026 American Independence Parade, organized by the Waukegan Park District and set for Sunday, June 28. This long-running community celebration is already gearing up and seeking entries from local groups, performers, and organizations. Itās an early chance to secure a spot in one of Waukeganās biggest summer traditions. 
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2. Bound for Yale, Waukegan's Jose Mendoza always aims high, and he rarely misses. He's batting nearly .700. (chicagotribune.com) ā A standout Waukegan High School senior, Jose Mendoza, is heading to Yale while tearing up the baseball field with a batting average near .700. Heās known around Waukeganās youth camps and varsity team as a versatile player, trusted captain, and mentor who helps teammates improve. His academic success and leadership make him a local role model. Ā Ā Ā
3. Top Cities to Live Include Illinois Locations (103wjod.com) ā Waukegan shows up on a national ranking of best lake towns, placing it among dozens of communities highlighted for quality-of-life appeal. The broader list also spotlights several Illinois cities as affordable, livable options for middle-class families seeking manageable costs and strong amenities. Ā Ā Ā
4. IDPH Issues Updated Sport Fish Consumption Advisories, Adds New PFOS Restrictions (wsiltv.com) ā If you fish at Waukegan South Harbor, new state guidelines now limit certain species to just one meal per month because of PFOS contamination. Illinois health officials updated sport fish advisories statewide, urging anglersāespecially pregnant women and childrenāto check species-specific limits before eating their catch. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Waukegan
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š
Upcoming Events in
Waukegan
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
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The HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show Returns!
Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake
10:00 am
Sunday April 26
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Independence
Waukegan, IL Calendar , 221 N Genesee St. , Waukegan
7:30 pm -
Rick Springfield
Genesee Theatre , 203 N Genesee St , Waukegan
8:00 pm -
Bachata Social Night
Waukegan, IL Calendar , 2120 N. Green Bay Rd. , Waukegan
8:30 pm -
Downtown Clean Up
Waukegan, IL Calendar
9:00 am -
Go Waukegan: Spring Into Shape GO Walk!
Waukegan, IL Calendar , 800 Baldwin Ave. , Waukegan
12:00 pm -
GO WAUKEGAN: Spring into Shape
Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center , 800 Baldwin Ave , Waukegan
12:00 pm -
April ArtWauk
Waukegan, IL Calendar Waukegan, IL 60085
5:00 pm -
The Riverside Room: Live Jazz Event Featuring Juanita Nave
Waukegan, IL Calendar , 114 S Genesee St Suite 304 , Waukegan
7:00 pm -
The HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show Returns!
Lake County Fairgrounds , 1060 E Peterson Rd , Grayslake
10:00 am
Friday April 17
Saturday April 18
Saturday April 25
š£ Waukegan Shout Outs!
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š Events Nearby
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Muffins in the Morning
Cherokee Elementary School , 475 E Cherokee Rd , Lake Forest
7:15 am -
Tennis: Boys Varsity vs. Johnsburg High School (Away)
Johnsburg High School
4:30 pm -
Track & Field: Girls Varsity vs. Bartlett Conant Grant Hoffman Es
Barrington High School
4:45 pm -
Baseball: Varsity vs. Grayslake North (Home)
Lakes Community High School Baseball Field #1 Lakes Community High School Baseball Field #1
4:45 pm
Friday April 17
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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š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hello Neighbors - A Friendly warning here.
Everyone will be selecting a landscaper or someone to do this odd jobs around your house soon. Let me warn you about a company that I have had toā¦ (Nextdoor Buckley Hills) - Installation of French drain.
Will see it this stop the water into the basement. (Nextdoor Jackson / Massena)
- Accurate Personnel, LLC posted a job opening for production supervisor in Waukegan. Apply here.
- Full House Resorts, Inc. posted a job opening for Cage - Cashier in Waukegan. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waukegan here.
Ok Waukegan! 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 NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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