Carjackings On The Rise + Legislature To Evaluate Maps

It's the last day of August, Oak Park and River Forest! Let's finish the month strong with a rundown of today's local news.

First, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 80, low: 66.

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

1. A statewide mask mandate went into effect yesterday. All Illinoisans older than age two must wear a face covering in all indoor settings to slow the spread of COVID-19. (VOP)

2. Carjackings are on the rise in Oak Park, with six incidents reported in August alone. Oak Park police have made nine arrests this year in connection with 15 stolen vehicles. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

3. A woman was shot and injured at a Forest Park Walmart Sunday night. The shooting occurred in the store parking lot in the 1300 block of Desplaines Avenue. (WGN)

4. A 41-year-old man was shot on North Long Avenue in South Austin Sunday. He was treated for a graze wound at West Suburban Medical Center. More than 50 people were shot in the Chicago area over the weekend, with six deaths reported. (CBS)

5. The Illinois House and Senate are expected to meet today to update legislative boundaries in the state. Democrats say adjustments are needed due to 2020 census data becoming available. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch of Hillside and Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park called for today’s special session. (Paid source: Chicago Tribune)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest

• An International Overdose Awareness Day event takes place in Scoville Park. (2 p.m.)
• L'Institut français d’Oak Park hosts an Open House event. (5 p.m.)
• “The Dark Knight” will screen at Millennium Park for free. (6 p.m.)
• Boy Scout Troop 2 hosts an informational event for prospective families in Taylor Park. (7 p.m.)
• Virtual Adult Improv is hosted by Oak Park Public Library. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• Oak Park native Kevin McIntosh penned a new novel called “Class Dismissed.” (Wednesday Journal)
• The Oak Park Public Library will unveil its new teen space at a Sept. 8 event. (OPPL)
• Though Halloween is still two months away, the Village is planning ahead and evaluating how to keep children and families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. (VOP)
• A new law says Illinois students can miss school for mental health reasons. (Patch)
• Soccer teams at both Fenwick and Oak Park River Forest High School are off to a solid start to the season. The Friars are 2-1 and will face the Huskies Sept. 25 at the Dominican Priory. (Wednesday Journal)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! As always, here is the link to subscribe to the Daily if you'd like to share it with friends and neighbors.

— Georgi

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