🌱 Invasive Strep Cases + UpRising Bakery May Close Due To Controversy

Hi all. It's me, Kaytlyn Mroz, your host of the Chicago Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick guide to the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds. High: 51 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. Health officials in Illinois have issued warnings about a rise in dangerous cases of strep throat. The warning is focused on the invasive Group A strep throat, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) both alerting the public to the increase in cases. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra urged parents to be vigilant for early symptoms of the illness, including a sudden onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing, and fever, and to contact their health providers for testing and treatment. At least five pediatric deaths were reported in the state so far. (NBC Chicago)
2. UpRising Bakery and Cafe, a suburban Chicago bakery, has announced its possible closure due to harassment and losses stemming from plans to host a family-friendly drag brunch in July 2022. The bakery became the target of a national controversy, including hateful comments, negative reviews, and threats of violence and vandalism leading up to the planned event. Owner Corinna Sac has faced ongoing harassment and a lack of support from the local government, leading to a decline in sales and ultimately the possibility of closure if losses cannot be recovered by Mar. 31. (NBC Chicago)
3. Former Chicago Public Schools employee Pedro Soto, 48, was sentenced to 18 months of probation and a $3,000 fine after pleading guilty to making false statements to the FBI during a criminal investigation. Soto provided non-public information to a lobbyist's colleague regarding the awarding of a $1 billion contract for custodial services, in exchange for promised benefits. Soto admitted to intentionally misleading the FBI and denying the act when questioned in 2019. (Department of Justice)

Today in Chicago:

• JID And Smino At Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom (6:30 PM)
• The Cave Comedy Show At Bourbon On Division (8:00 PM)
• Lemons Lemons Lemons At The Theatre Building of Columbia College Chicago (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tracy Kenny, one of the first female fire chiefs in Illinois, is retiring after 20 years. The Broadview FireHouse chief was, at one point, the only female fire chief in the entire state. (FOX 32 Chicago)
• One of Illinois' "Most Unwanted" invasive species – the spotted lantern fly – could return to the Midwest earlier than usual this year due to warmer temperatures. See what the experts think at the link. (NBC Chicago)
• PAWS Chicago is in need of supplies! Consider donating to the PAWS Pet Food Pantry which provides pet care necessities to those without access. (PAWS Chicago via Instagram)

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• Free Learn for Life Webinar: Emotional Intelligence (March 22)
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Featured announcements:

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Kaytlyn Mroz

About me: Kaytlyn Mroz is a copywriter at Lightning Media Partners – a content creation agency. She is a Rowan University graduate where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in writing. Outside of work, Kaytlyn is a dog mom to a boglen terrier named Finn and a golden retriever named Willow.