🌱 Heather Mack Could Plead Guilty + Library Opens Book Sale Donations

It's Friday, Oak Park and River Forest. In today's edition of the Patch Daily:

• A River Grove child died after an accidental shooting inside his home.
• An Oak Park principal returned to school this week after undergoing brain surgery.
• Fenwick High School graduate William Brandt is being remembered for his work with the Democratic party.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 91 Low: 62.

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

1. A River Grove child was killed in an accidental shooting Wednesday morning. Police said the weapon was fired accidentally by another child inside a home in the 2400 block of West Street. (Patch)

2. CBS Chicago reports Heather Mack plans to plead guilty to federal charges related to the 2014 murder of her mother. A plea hearing is set for June 14 for the former Oak Park resident, who previously served seven years in an Indonesian prison. Her federal trial was supposed to begin in August. (CBS)

3. Illinois Democrats are remembering activist William Brandt, who died of ALS this week at the age of 73. The chair of the Illinois Finance Authority befriended former Gov. Pat Quinn during their time at Fenwick High School. Quinn told the Sun-Times Brandt “was always very involved in social justice and helping people. He loved politics.” President Bill Clinton and Sen. Tammy Duckworth also paid their respects. (Paid source: Sun-Times)

4. William Beye Elementary School Principal Cheryl Sullivan returned to school this week after undergoing brain surgery to remove cancerous masses in March. The longtime Oak Park resident has been with District 97 for nearly 20 years. “The love and support from this community has just been amazing. I am blessed,” she told Wednesday Journal. (Wednesday Journal)

5. Donations for the upcoming Friends of the Oak Park Public Library used book sale can now be dropped off in the Main Library lobby. Books, DVDs and CDs can also be donated in bulk on Saturdays in June. The sale will be held July 14-16. (Library)

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

Get your home ready for Spring with a fresh coat of paint! Elite Decorating & Remodeling offers expert exterior painting services to make your home look like new. Trust their experienced team to enhance your curb appeal and protect your home from the elements. Contact Mark today at 773-332-5264 and let him help you bring your home improvement dreams to life. From painting to decks to full remodels, Elite Decorating & Remodeling has got you covered!

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Fit4Mom hosts a Stroller Strides workout at the Oak Park Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• The OPRF High School Huskie Booster Club hosts a golf fundraiser at Indian Boundary Golf Course. (11 a.m.)
• Take a ceramics class at Dole Center. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Nearly 500,000 homes in suburban Cook County could contain toxic lead paint, PBS reports. (WTTW)
• Firefighter and paramedic John Weidner retired from the Oak Park Fire Department after 27 years of service. (VOP)
• Beyond Hunger is seeking volunteers for the shelter at the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory. (Beyond Hunger)
• A local Airbnb is paying tribute to Betty White’s Oak Park roots. (Wednesday Journal)
• Kids summer reading is underway at Oak Park Public Library. (Library)

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:

• "Ariel Andrews and Friends"- A Free Benefit Recital (June 11)
• Add your event

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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.