🌱 National Convention Leadership Lineup + Girl, 8, Fatally Shot

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Kaytlyn Smith, your host of the Chicago Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

A thunderstorm. High: 84 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories in Chicago today:

1. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has announced its leadership lineup for the upcoming national convention in Chicago, along with new roles to support President Joe Biden's re-election campaign. Minyon Moore, who has a background in Biden's White House and a history of political involvement, has been chosen as the Chair for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Additionally, Alex Hornbrook will take on the role of convention executive director, and the DNC introduced various dual convention-campaign positions, including Louisa Terrell as a senior adviser to both the convention and the Biden-Harris campaign, and Roger Lau as a senior advisor with the Biden Victory Fund while assisting with the convention preparations. (NBC News)
2. DJ Casper, the renowned creator of the "Cha Cha Slide," has sadly passed away at 58 after a battle with cancer. Hailing from Chicago, he gained global fame for his iconic line dance, sharing his positivity and community spirit. Despite health challenges, Casper's enduring legacy lies in his belief in unity and the joy his "Cha Cha Slide" brought to countless lives worldwide. (WLS-TV)
3. On Saturday, an 8-year-old girl in Chicago was tragically shot in the head and killed while riding her scooter by a man who was upset about the noise. Witnesses were bewildered by the senseless act and had tried to reason with the shooter to let the kids play. After the incident, the shooter was subdued by the girl's father and wounded in a struggle before being hospitalized, prompting authorities to review the case for potential charges. (Associated Press)

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Today in Chicago:

Wednesday, August 9

• Live Jazz Wednesdays With Myles Hayes At The Ritz-Carlton (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a career? The Chicago Transit Authority is hiring! You can view job openings and apply here. (Chicago Transit Authority via Facebook)
• Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 1818, which establishes a commission to assess the current state flag, potentially leading to the creation of a new design. The Illinois Flag Commission, established by the bill, will assess whether to create a new state flag, with a decision expected by Sep. 1 this year; if a new flag is recommended, potential designs will be reviewed, and a final design recommendation will be presented to the General Assembly by Dec. 3, 2024. (NBC Chicago)
• Are you interested in taking a trip to one of Chicago's many museums? Check the link for free museum days this month! (NBC Chicago)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— Kaytlyn Smith

About me: Kaytlyn Smith is a managing editor 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.