🌱 Delivery Driver Robbed At Gunpoint + Harmon Reacts To ComEd Verdict

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

• River Forest police sign new contracts.
• Union tension arises in the Speaker's office.
• A guide to the upcoming Celebrating Seniors Week.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 71 Low: 51.

Here's to our local sponsors. 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.

• Looking for authentic Mediterranean cuisine from the West Loop of Chicago that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home? Aba is coming to Oak Park on Thursday, May 11 and with a focus on the lighter side of Mediterranean fare, you’ll find a menu focused on light proteins and traditional accompaniments, featuring kebabs, hummus, falafel, and more. This event is also a fundraiser for Growing Home — Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean while supporting a good cause. Order here by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

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

1. A newspaper delivery driver was carjacked at gunpoint Wednesday morning in the 400 block of Elmwood Avenue, CBS Chicago reports. Four juvenile suspects were arrested after police tracked the stolen vehicle to Harlem and Jackson. (CBS)

2. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued a statement following a guilty verdict for the ComEd four, who were indicted last fall on conspiracy and bribery charges in connection to former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan. “The behavior brought to light and put on display at this trial was shockingly gluttonous and unhealthy to democracy,” Harmon said after the federal jury issued a verdict Tuesday. (Paid source: Tribune)

3. River Forest police received new three-year contracts after two bargaining sessions with the village, the Wednesday Journal reports. New contracts took effect May 1, with a 3.25 percent salary increase in place for officers. (Wednesday Journal)

4. Employees who work for the Illinois Speaker of the House are looking to unionize, WBEZ reports. The office of Rep. Chris Welch of Hillside “won’t voluntarily recognize” the union, which includes more than 20 workers seeking better pay and clearer time-off policies. (WBEZ)

5. Celebrating Seniors Week begins next Thursday, with events including film screenings, health seminars, sports and games. Activities will be held beginning May 11 at Oak Park Public Library, Concordia University, The Nineteenth Century Club, Sheridan at River Forest and more. See the full schedule here. (Celebrating Seniors)

📷 Oak Park-River Forest Photo of the Day

Jan Pyrce shares a snapshot of Oak Park in bloom. Thanks to all who send in submissions for our featured photo of the day! If you'd like to send in a photo, please click here.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held at River Forest’s new cafe Ice Ice Baby. (10 a.m.)
• Kids ages 2-4 can learn about spring flowers at Lindberg Park through a park district nature program. (1 p.m.)
• “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” screens at Oak Park Public Library in honor of “May the Fourth.” (4 p.m.)
• It’s 2 for $22 Pizza Night at Trattoria 225. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• It’s a good night to enjoy live music in Oak Park and River Forest. Acoustic, jazz and folk performances are planned at Maya del Sol, Pleasant Home and the Main Library in Oak Park. (MDS/PDOP/OPPL)
• The Good Heart Work Smart Foundation donated $50,000 to support District 97 families. (Wednesday Journal)
• Priests and deacons at St. Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy and St. Giles Parish are celebrating anniversaries of service this weekend. (SCSLSG)
• A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday for the new Austin Aspire Center, set to take the place of the vacant Emmet Elementary School building. (CBS)
• The Cook County Department of Public Health is offering information on what the expiring pandemic emergency declaration means for the future of addressing COVID-19. (CCDPH)

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:

• Free Comic Book Day 2023 (May 6)
• BOUNDLESS with Chicago Sinfonietta orchestra (May 8)
• Get Aba delivered, and support Growing Home's Annual benefit. Order by Tuesday. (May 11)
• Surprise Mom with Chicken + Mochi Donuts from 2D Restaurant on Sunday, order by Friday! (May 14)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Trinity High School's Summer Experiences (Details)
• Add your announcement

That's all for May 4! Thank you for being here.

— 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.