🌱 Illinois Ends Cash Bail + River Forest Pulls Construction Permit

Hello again, everybody. It's Tuesday in Oak Park-River Forest and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, showers around. High: 68 Low: 58.

From our partner:

Apple announced some big news at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event! Click here for all the details.

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

1. Yesterday, Illinois became the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail. Some are still concerned that the decision is a threat to public safety — under the Pretrial Fairness Act, certain crimes will be eligible for detention, but it will largely be up to prosecutors to decide the terms and conditions. Data from other jurisdictions that have made similar reforms largely shows eliminating cash bail had a negligible impact on crime, but it did reduce jail populations as intended. (WBEZ Chicago)
2. On Sunday, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra agreed to a three-year contract with its musicians union. The deal replaces the interim contract that expired Sunday evening. Following the agreement, the deal must be ratified by the CSO board of trustees and the orchestra members in the Chicago Federation of Musicians. (Kokomo Tribune)
3. The Village of River Forest withdrew a permit on the long-stalled Lake and Lathrop development, halting the construction and ending years of frustration for village officials and village residents. The developer failed to meet the village's conditions after the building permit was repealed and a stop work order was issued, and as such, construction activity has been stopped on the site. The future of the site remains unknown, although work crews began repairing the disrupted sidewalks yesterday. (Wednesday Journal)

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

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.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Tuesday, September 19

• Supported Storytime At Oak Park Public Library (1:30 PM)
• Make Every Vote Count: Ideas For Political Innovations At Oak Park Public Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today is National Voter Registration Day. To mark the occasion, the Village Clerk’s Office is hosting a registration event from 1:00-3:00 p.m. TODAY in the courtyard at Village Hall, 123 Madison Street. During the event, new voters can register, and those who may be new to Oak Park or have recently changed addresses within the community can ask questions and confirm registration. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• The Village’s Permit Processing Division is hosting a "Codes & Coffee" chat tomorrow (Wednesday, Sep. 20) from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Village Hall. Stop by to learn more about the latest building codes, including the Village’s all-electric new construction ordinance. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• September is Preparedness Month, and the Cook County Department of Public Health has shared some tips for you to make sure you're ready for an emergency or disaster. 1) Be aware (learn possible emergencies and disasters in our area); 2) get prepared (build a kit, make a communications plan); and 3) take action (get CPR and first-aid certified, donate blood). Download their Emergency Preparedness booklet to learn more. (Cook County Department of Public Health via Facebook)

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:

• Make Every Vote Count: Ideas for Political Innovations (September 19)
• Boycott - presentation of movie and discussion afterwards (September 20)
• Oaktoberfest 2023 (September 23)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.