Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a Des Plaines truck driver is still locked in a Russian jail
Coming up: Ravi Baichwal Q&A and Brunch on the Des Plaines Patch calendar
Cheers Des Plaines! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a Des Plaines truck driver is still locked in a Russian jail
- Can Maine East's junior-heavy squad finally break its long losing streak?
- Rock legend's final tour ends with one last show in Des Plaines
Also on today's calendar: Ravi Baichwal Q&A and Brunch and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Clouds giving way to some sun, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 82, low: 65.
- Friday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 77 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Des Plaines Truck Driver Detained In Russia On Charges Of Terrorism (journal-topics.com) — A Des Plaines truck driver and U.S.-Russian dual citizen has been jailed in Russia since late 2024 on terrorism-related charges his family strongly disputes, saying evidence places him in Turkey instead. He's now held in a military prison near the Ukrainian front, facing serious health concerns, while relatives work with U.S. officials and hope for either a prisoner swap or humanitarian release. 
2. Maine East Football Looks Towards Brighter Future In 2026 (journal-topics.com) — Maine East's football program, which went winless last season, is aiming for a turnaround this fall under second-year coach Shane McNally, helped by IHSA's expanded playoff field. With a junior-heavy roster, returning playmakers, and a full 2026 schedule set, the Blue Demons hope a stronger, process-focused season can finally put them back in the win column.
3. '70s Rock Legend to Stop Touring at End of the Year (suggest.com) — Lou Gramm, the original voice of Foreigner, plans to end his touring career with a final show scheduled for Dec. 19 in Des Plaines, giving local classic rock fans a rare last chance to see him live. The 76-year-old singer says he wants to retire while still performing strongly and is savoring every remaining concert on his farewell run.
4. Who We Are (salvationarmyusa.org) — Des Plaines is home to the Salvation Army's Central Territory headquarters, one of four main U.S. hubs guiding the group's charitable work. The piece explains how the international organization is structured, how its territories and divisions operate, and emphasizes that services are offered without regard to religion or background.
5. Angelina Khalimendik drowns trying to save 7-year-old son caught in current (scallywagandvagabond.com) — A Hinsdale mother drowned in the Des Plaines River at Independence Grove Forest Preserve after rescuing her 7-year-old son from a sudden current, highlighting dangerous post-storm conditions on this local waterway. Authorities are urging area families, including Des Plaines residents who frequent the river, to be extremely cautious around flooded rivers and to review basic water safety and swimming skills.
📸 Around Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Ravi Baichwal Q&A and Brunch →
Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, 4500 Dempster St, Skokie
10:30 am - Little Legends Fall Outdoor Soccer (Ages 3-7) →
Little Legends Soccer Academy, 74 Park Dr, Glenview
4:00 pm
Sunday August 23
Tuesday September 8
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 10 Month Schools: Institute Day
Ccsd 62 Des Plaines, IL 60016 - Yearbook Pictures →
Maine West High School Auditorium
7:30 am - Girls Golf vs Regina Dominican
Maine West High School Salt Creek Golf Club, 1051 N Prospect Ave Site A, Wood Dale, IL
4:00 pm - Boys Golf vs Lane Tech
Maine West High School Chick Evans Golf Course, 6145 Golf Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053
4:00 pm - Open House
Rosemont Elem School Gym & Classrooms
6:30 pm - 10 Month Schools: Institute Day
Ccsd 62 Des Plaines, IL 60016 - Yearbook Pictures
Maine West High School Auditorium
7:30 am - Football vs Elk Grove
Maine West High School Stadium
6:30 pm - Election Protection! →
Elk Grove Village Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village
1:00 pm
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
Saturday August 29
📣 Des Plaines 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
- Yearbook Pictures
Maine West High School Auditorium
7:30 am - Niles Chamber Executive Connect Group
Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Niles Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
8:00 am - Kindergarten - AM Welcome to the HIVE (Last Name M-Z)
Westbrook Early Learning Cntr Mount Prospect, IL 60056
10:00 am - Kindergarten - PM Welcome to the HIVE (Last Name M-Z)
Westbrook Early Learning Cntr Mount Prospect, IL 60056
1:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Des Plaines PatchAM possible:
- Appliance Repair Park Ridge — (847) 449-5310
- Midtown Gastroenterology and Liver Disease — (847) 290-3800
- Al Basha Sweets Co — (708) 233-0826
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Wheeling Township Highlights Services for Senior Citizens —St. Steven PR Read on Patch
- I knew my morning was going sideways when I dropped the level before I even got started.
Nothing broke, so I took that as a win and kept moving. A few hours later I was deep into lining up wallpaper and had completely forgotten about it… (Nextdoor Forest / Alfini / Villas)
- Forward Air Solutions posted a job opening for Forklift Operator - Part Time in Des Plaines. Apply here.
- CJ Logistics USA Corporation posted a job opening for Bilingual Korean/English Coordinator, Air Import/Export in Des Plaines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Plaines here.
Ok Des Plaines! 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
