Good morning, DuPage! Looks like a lovely, albeit cloudy, Thursday ahead with a high of 71°F and a low of 56°F. Grab some light layers and enjoy the warmth!

The Veterans Clubs at Naperville North and Naperville Central High Schools were recently honored with the "Make Kindness Count" award by KidsMatter and the Collaborative Youth Team. Nominated by Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, the students were recognized for their leadership and consistent dedication to supporting those who have served. This award highlights the ongoing efforts of local youth to provide meaningful service and foster connections with the community’s veteran population.

The students’ work includes a wide range of initiatives, from assembling care packages for active-duty military members to visiting local nursing homes to spend time with residents. By organizing community fundraisers and raising awareness for veteran-related issues, these clubs have created a lasting impact on both their respective high schools and the broader Naperville area. This recognition serves as a testament to the students' commitment to civic duty and the positive influence of student-led volunteerism.

Super Ego Holding LLC, a trucking company based in Elmhurst, is facing a federal class-action lawsuit involving over 800 drivers who allege they were victims of a widespread scheme to steal compensation. The lawsuit claims that the company secretly altered rate confirmation sheets from freight brokers to reflect lower prices, allowing them to skim money from the 88% revenue share promised to drivers. In some instances, the alleged overcharging for fuel and truck rentals was so severe that drivers reportedly received negative paychecks despite working weeks on the road.

Beyond financial fraud, the lawsuit alleges that the company pressured drivers to reset their digital logs to bypass Department of Transportation safety limits, forcing them to drive well beyond legal hours. This case surfaces as federal authorities ramp up "Operation SafeDRIVE," a nationwide crackdown on "chameleon carriers"—dangerous trucking operations that attempt to evade oversight by shutting down and reopening under different names. While legal proceedings and discovery are ongoing, the case highlights a growing push for transparency and safety within the regional and national trucking industry.

For a more cerebral evening, the Addison Public Library is hosting a fascinating presentation titled "The Founding Fathers: Myths, Realities and Legacies" at 7:00 PM. With the nation’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, this session will peel back the legends to look at the actual men behind the history books. It’s a great local follow-up to Tuesday’s "Direct Democracy" town meeting.

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On This Day in 1972, we launched into space with Apollo 16 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, continuing humanity's incredible journey among the stars! 

If you want to see exactly what the ground in Elmhurst looked like 200 years ago, you can visit the Keith A. Olson Prairie (part of the Wild Meadows Trace). It is a narrow strip of land that was saved by accident because it sat between railroad tracks. It is officially the oldest living environment in Elmhurst and has never been plowed or developed, containing the same native grasses and "nodding wild onions" that grew there for thousands of years.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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