🐦 Bird flu arrives at Lincoln Park Zoo

Local Ceasefire Reactions

People gathered Wednesday in Bridgeview, aka Little Palestine, to celebrate the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of conflict in Gaza. [ABC7]

• Chicago saw many demonstrations against violence in Gaza, especially during the Democratic National Convention. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Bird Flu Hits Lincoln Park Zoo

A Chilean flamingo and a harbor seal died last week at the North Side zoo after contracting bird flu, according to zoo officials. Staffers suspect the animals made contact with infected waterfowl. [WTTW]

• There are still no confirmed human cases of bird flu in Illinois. [Hey Chicago 💻]

Chicago Reader in Trouble

The beloved alt-weekly said it’s at “imminent risk of closure” due to operational challenges and financial losses. The Reader laid off six non-union employees this week. [WGN]

In Good Animal News …

A coyote was rescued from a grocery store, fewer birds are clashing into McCormick Place, and Brookfield Zoo is expecting a baby dolphin 🥹 [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

This Week’s Must-Read and Must-See

• Learn about the life and legacy of Young Lords founder José “Cha Cha” Jiménez who died last week at age 76. [Block Club]
• Get tickets ASAP to see “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater! While the play takes place in a Harlem beauty salon, a few Chicago creatives helped bring it to life. [WBEZ]

Between a high-profile city leader stepping down to Chicago's first elected school board being sworn in, it's never a dull minute in Chicago news. How closely were you paying attention? Test yourself in our weekly news quiz — here's the first Q.

Chicago is without permanent heads of which city agencies?

• Transit
• Schools
• Public housing
• All of the above