🌱 Attempted Armed Robbery + Local Veterans Face Food Insecurity

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's local news briefing:

• Developers say they'll "tweak" plans for a new apartment building following resident backlash.
• Local actors take the stage at Beverly Theatre Guild this weekend.
• Enter to win free tickets to a Classic Cinemas movie.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and milder. High: 66 Low: 47.

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

• Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual abuse? Attorney Tod M. Urban is a survivor of abuse himself who can help you understand your options. After 35 years as a prominent criminal defense attorney, Tod has focused his practice on helping others who have shared his experience. He’s compassionate and has deep expertise in navigating the legal complexities required to get justice and peace of mind. Visit here to learn more or call for conversation today.

• Get ready to enjoy the best BBQ in Chicago — right here in Oak Park. Smoque BBQ is bringing their Texas-style barbeque menu to our town on Thursday, May 4th. Ring in the (unofficial) start of the BBQ season with their Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork, and St. Louis Style Ribs and find out why Smoque BBQ was named the absolute best BBQ in the U.S. by The Tasting Table. Don’t forget to try their BBQ Gumbo, made with chicken, sausage, and ribs — and be sure to save room for their Pecan Caramel Bread Pudding. Order here by 12 p.m. on Wednesday May 3.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. An armed offender attempted to rob a pedestrian Tuesday in the 800 block of North Austin, according to Oak Park police. The victim struck the gunman with a clipboard and a struggle ensued before the armed person fled the scene. (OPPD)

2. More than 130 Oak Park residents attended a public meeting on the proposed development at Chicago and Ridgeland, the Wednesday Journal reports. Tim Pomaville of Ambrosia Home Developments said he plans to “tweak” the current three-story building proposal, citing “comments that weren’t favorable” from neighbors at the meeting. “We absolutely do care about Oak Park, and we care about the people who live around us,” Pomaville said. (Wednesday Journal)

3. The Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital features prominently in a new Wall Street Journal report about veterans facing food insecurity. More than 100 vets are served at the Hines pantry per week, with help from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. (Paid source: The Wall Street Journal)

4. The Collaboration for Early Childhood has a new executive director. Mary Reynolds began the role April 16. (Wednesday Journal)

5. Local authors Jessamine Chan and Deborah Shapira will speak at an Oak Park Public Library event May 13. The author talk is co-presented by the Hemingway Foundation. (OPPL)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Discuss John Irving’s “The Cider House Rules” at Cheney Mansion. (10:30 a.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library cuts the ribbon on a new creative studio at the main branch. (4 p.m.)
• A presentation on “The Black Intellectual Tradition” is held at Koehneke Community Center. (7 p.m.)
• “Murder in the Park” author Jeanne Dams visits Pleasant Home. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for River Forest Park District summer camp jobs. (Park District)
• Oak Parkers Jordyn TeBeest Fraats and Joshua Fraats will take the stage in this weekend’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Beverly Theatre Guild. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)
• Classic Cinemas is giving away two free tickets to an upcoming film. (Lake Theatre)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In the Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Triton Faculty Artist Series: Multimedia Electronic Music Concert (April 28)
• EXCLUSIVE Collaboration Pies from Pizza Friendly Pizza, only available this week! Order by Tuesday. (May 3)
• Tortas, Burritos, + More from Fan Favorite Irazu Costa Rican on Wednesday. Order by Tuesday. (May 3)
• The BEST BBQ in Chicago is coming to you! Order Smoque by Wednesday. (May 4)
• Wake-up to Do-Rite Donuts on your doorstep on Saturday! Order by Friday. (May 6)
• Add your event

That's all for Thursday! See you tomorrow for more local stories.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her feature articles have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.