🌱 New Renderings For Shedd Aquarium + Civilian Crash Reporting System

Hello, hello. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Warm and humid with some sun. High: 86 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. On Wednesday, the Shedd Aquarium unveiled new renderings for its upcoming $500 million redesign. The new plans include spaces for new immersive exhibits, learning areas, outdoor gardens, and more. The renovation and expansion project is part of the aquarium's"Centennial Commitment" as the institution prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2030. (CBS Chicago via Patch)
2. The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced a new Civilian Crash Reporting System in which drivers in minor crashes can report them online, without waiting for a state trooper to respond. The system can only be used under the following criteria: when there is only one car involved, no one is injured, there is only property damage, or the crash happened along an interstate or a U.S. or Illinois route. Drivers can now access the system on the ISP's website. (CBS Chicago)
3. This year's Taste of Chicago festival, with new dates of Sep. 8-10, will showcase a variety of new restaurants alongside familiar favorites and a diverse lineup of musical performances. The free event, held at Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain, will feature over 35 vendors, 15 food trucks, three stages for music, dance, and entertainment, as well as additional attractions like a beer hall, wine garden, cocktail lounge, and family-friendly activities such as bounce houses and games. Visit the link to see the recently released lineup. (NBC Chicago)

Check out what our local sponsor can do for you:

Elevate Your Health & Wellness Business. Unlock your practice’s true potential with Distinctive Coaching for Business Success. Jason Rosado specializes in transforming holistic health and wellness businesses like yours. Gain invaluable strategies to attract more patients, increase revenue, and enhance your practice. With tailored coaching programs, you'll discover the keys to building a thriving and sustainable business in the competitive health and wellness industry. Don't miss this opportunity to uplevel your business today! Contact Jason today to get started.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Chicago:

Thursday, August 3

• Hello Weekend “Sounds Of Summer” Concert Series At NEWCITY (9:00 AM)
• Back-To-School Celebration At Fashion Outlets Of Chicago (10:00 AM)
• Baby And Toddler Play At Oriole Park Branch Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for some free fun for the whole family in August? The Museum of Science and Industry's Illinois Resident Free Days have returned! Mark your calendars for Aug. 28-29 when Illinois residents can receive free admission to the museum. (Museum of Science and Industry via Instagram)
• Don't miss it! The Field Museum's current exhibition "Death: Life's Greatest Mystery" closes on Aug. 27! Explore perspectives on death and life through culture, science, and art. Grab a ticket to the museum online, and learn more about the exhibition here. (Field Museum via Facebook)
• The Chicago Architecture Center's immensely popular Great Chicago Fire Bus Tour is returning this year for one day only! Learn more about the Great Fire of 1871 and the questionable myths surrounding it: Did a cow really start it? Was the fire service outdated? Did building a fireproof city begin the next day?⁠ Tickets are available online now, and the tour will take place on Nov. 5. (Chicago Architecture Center via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• NEWCITY Hosts Hello Weekend for “Sounds of Summer” Concert Series Benefitting Jackson Chance Foundat (August 3)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another 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.