🌱 COVID Surges In River Forest + Tax Levy + Christmas Closures

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! Let's get to the news for Dec. 23.

I also wanted to give a special shout-out to some of our Patch Supporters, AJ Massie, Jacqueline Anderson, Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Angela Atwater and Carole Embry. Thanks for helping make local news happen in Oak Park and River Forest! If you want to support local news in Oak Park and River Forest, click here to learn more about becoming a Patch Supporter.

First, today's weather: Breezy and milder. High: 45 Low: 37.

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

1. COVID-19 cases in River Forest are up 131 percent over the past two weeks, according to the county health department. No deaths have been reported in the village since January. Three people in River Forest have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. (Wednesday Journal)

2. Pioneer Press reports four teenagers were robbed at gunpoint in Elmwood Park on Dec. 4. Chicago police were able to retrieve and return the stolen items to the victims, who were confronted by armed robbers in the alley in the 1600 block of 75th Court. (Paid source: Elm Leaves)

3. River Forest trustees voted this week to seek a 2.18 percent tax levy for 2021. The village froze the 2020 levy due to the pandemic. (Wednesday Journal)

4. The Village of Oak Park is offering parking tips for holiday guests as Christmas approaches. Overnight parking is available at the Holley Court Parking Garage and The Avenue Parking Garage. (VOP)

5. River Forest Village Hall will close tomorrow and reopen Dec. 28 in observance of Christmas. Oak Park and River Forest Public Libraries will also begin their holiday closures tomorrow. (OPPL)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• “The Matrix Resurrections” opens at Lake Theatre. (12:50 p.m.)
• Celebrate "Christmas with The Garfield Park Jazz Collective" at Eastgate Cafe. (6 p.m.)
• Stand-up special “How About Some Classy?” takes the stage at Madison Street Theater. (7 p.m.)
• Free team trivia at Scratch on Lake. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• “A Journal For Jordan” and “Licorice Pizza” open tomorrow at Lake Theatre. (Classic Cinemas)
• The Nineteenth Century Club held a festive “Merry Measure” holiday celebration Dec. 20. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)
• Oak Park resident Morgan Pawlak penned a letter to the editors of The Atlantic about Alden Global Capital’s acquisition of local newspapers. (The Atlantic)

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That's the news for Dec. 23! I'm wishing you a safe, healthy and happy holiday and I look forward to returning to your inbox on Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Thank you, sincerely, for reading.

— Georgi Presecky