Skip to main content

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Stay in the loop with what's happening in DeKalb

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

🌱 How NIU’s AI scholars quietly turned DeKalb into a global research hub.

DeKalb, Illinois Patch AM: a 5 min read

Hello DeKalb! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How NIU’s AI scholars quietly turned DeKalb into a global research hub.
  • Why DeKalb expanded license plate cameras despite strong privacy pushback
  • What DeKalb County residents should do after a rabid bat was found

Also on today's calendar: Sundog Anniversary Party & DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the turtle cross the road ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's DeKalb Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's DeKalb Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near DeKalb. Advertisement

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 75 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Thursday: An afternoon shower or two, temps: high: 78, low: 57.
  • Friday: Nice with clouds and sun, with a high of 78 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. From NIU to the world: Scholars help create field of AI research (niutoday.info) — NIU scholars in DeKalb are helping define a new global field called Human-Machine Communication, now officially recognized as a full research division by the International Communication Association. Their work examines how people interact with AI tools like Siri and chatbots, drawing growing interest from NIU students and positioning the local university as a leader in international conversations about artificial intelligence.
   

2. DeKalb police Flock contract OK'd for license plate reader cameras; Some residents voice privacy concerns (shawlocal.com) — DeKalb city leaders have approved a two-year, $27,500 contract for Flock Safety to manage the city’s license plate reader cameras, despite vocal privacy concerns from several residents. Police say the expanded Flock network will help investigate serious crimes, while critics worry about surveillance, data ownership, and how long information is stored. City officials insist safeguards, audits, and state law will guide how the technology is used.
   

3. Rabid bat found in rural southern DeKalb County (shawlocal.com) — Health officials report the first rabid bat case of the year in DeKalb County, found in a private home in Leland on June 18. Residents are urged to avoid direct contact with bats, watch for unusual animal behavior, and seek immediate medical care after any possible exposure. All animal bites to humans in DeKalb County must be reported to Animal Control.
   

4. Brennan Wedl Announces New Self-Titled Album Co-Produced By Katie Crutchfield & Featuring Snail Mail: Hear "Pretty Little Fantasy" (stereogum.com) — DeKalb music fans can catch rising singer-songwriter Brennan Wedl at the Egyptian Theater on October 11 as part of her newly announced tour. She’s releasing a self-titled debut album produced by Katie Crutchfield and Brad Cook, featuring collaborators like Snail Mail, and previewing it with the bold new single “Pretty Little Fantasy.”
   

5. Sycamore District 427 superintendent: New admin hires ‘maximize support for students and staff' (shawlocal.com) — Sycamore District 427’s new superintendent Kristen Campbell is adding four administrative positions, including assistant principals at West and North Grove elementary schools, to better support students and staff. Union leaders say they welcome more building-level help but want clear communication on duties, funding, and accountability. The district plans a new online Transparency Page to explain restructuring and invite community questions.
   

📸 Around DeKalb

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in DeKalb

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 DeKalb Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Dekalb District 428 posted a job opening for Substitute Custodians 26-27 SY in Dekalb. Apply here.
  • Nestle posted a job opening for Transportation Manager in Dekalb. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near DeKalb here.

Ok DeKalb! 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: She was going to the shell station (Thank you Nettie D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Stay in the loop with what's happening in DeKalb

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in DeKalb

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.