🌱 New Illinois Education Laws + Loretto Hospital Workers On Strike

Hello, everybody. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Chicago Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Hazy sun. High: 83 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. Ahead of the new school year, the Illinois legislature has passed seven new education laws that will impact many students and families. New measures in the state legislature include the prohibition of book bans in public libraries, tighter restrictions and reporting measures on bullying, recognition of Constitution Day as a commemorative holiday, increased training for school leadership on mental health and trauma, excused absences for students participating in civic events, and more. Many of these new laws will take effect in 2024, during this school year. (NBC Chicago)
2. Around 200 workers at Loretto Hospital have gone on strike, demanding higher pay and more hiring to address unsafe staffing levels. Represented by SEIU Healthcare Illinois, the workers began picketing outside the hospital's emergency room at 7:00 a.m. Monday, after contract negotiations ended without an agreement. The hospital claims that the strike is due to the union's demand for impractical wage increases, but the union argues that it is about addressing staffing crises and ensuring patient safety. (CBS Chicago)
3. Nine women were shot in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Sunday morning, resulting in one death and eight injuries, according to authorities. Police say a group of women were gathered outside when a black Jeep pulled up and multiple individuals got out and began firing shots. There are currently no suspects in custody, and Area Four detectives are investigating the circumstances of the shooting. (NBC Chicago)

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Today in Chicago:

Tuesday, August 1

• Lincoln Square Farmers Market At Lincoln & Leland Avenues (7:00 AM)
• Back To School Celebration At Fashion Outlets Of Chicago (10:00 AM)
• Interactive Music For Kids And Families With Rick Kelley At West Addison Branch Library (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Ed Sheeran took a surprise shift this past Saturday behind the counter of Wieners Circle. Hundreds of fans lined up for their chance to get a hot dog from the Grammy-winning musician, which went viral on social media. (Block Club Chicago via Facebook)
• New temporary Red Line stations opened on Friday at Argyle and Bryn Mawr, but two more years of work are expected before the project is complete. (Block Club Chicago via Facebook)
• Did you know the Lincoln Park Zoo maintains a garden just for chimps and gorillas? The horticulture team has a garden of edible flowers and herbs that the primate care team uses each day. Be sure to check it out the next time you visit! (Lincoln Park Zoo via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— 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.