🌱 Concordia Athletes Hospitalized After Workout + Howard Brown Strike

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest! Here is Patch's five-minute guide to the latest local stories.

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy. High: 37 Low: 27.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. Five Concordia University basketball players were hospitalized last week after a “high-intensity” workout, as reported by the school’s Athletic Director Pete Gnan. Some players allege the “rigorous” practice was a punishment for breaking curfew after a road game last month. One athlete remains in the hospital, according to multiple outlets. Head Coach Steve Kollar has been temporarily removed. (ESPN/CBS/Tribune)

2. A catalytic converter was stolen from a car parked at Bed Bath & Beyond in Forest Park. The theft occurred Dec. 28 at the Harlem Avenue store while the owner was inside shopping. Police are investigating. (Review)

3. Howard Brown Health workers ended their strike Thursday. The newly-formed union was protesting more than 60 lay-offs at the health organization. Picketing locations included the Brown Elephant in Oak Park. (Block Club)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Thrive Counseling Center and Rush Oak Park partner for a community health and wellness event, including free screenings for heart disease and mental health. (1 p.m.)
• Make abstract drawings at Dole Center. (1 p.m.)
• Tre Sorelle Ristorante hosts a "jazz jam." (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• One Lake Brewing has submitted its imperial stout into the Illinois Craft Beer Association’s Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer. (Wednesday Journal)
• The Oak Park Public Library is commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a window exhibit. (OPPL)
• Tomorrow is your last chance to view the OPRF Infant Welfare Society’s virtual holiday house walk. (OPRFIWS)

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That's all for today! 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 Daily? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.