High School Renovates Commons + Harmon Praises Mask Mandate

Happy Friday, Oak Park and River Forest! I hope you're well. Let's get to today's headlines.

First, today's weather: Possible light rain in the morning. High: 83, low: 66.

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

1. According to the Oak Park Department of Public Health, 37 residents tested positive for COVID-19 this week. About 29,500 Oak Park residents are fully-vaccinated; around 58 percent of the total population and two-thirds of the eligible population. (VOP)

2. The Oak Park Board of Trustees is continuing to weigh its options to assess the “training, accountability and community engagement” of the police department. (Wednesday Journal)

3. The Park District of Oak Park is making plans to demolish the building at 230 Madison St. to make room for additional parking. (Wednesday Journal)

4. Oak Park and River Forest High School students will return to a newly-renovated campus this month. The first phase of the Imagine OPRF project led to a new student common area and welcome center, with further renovation plans scheduled through 2022. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

5. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park is praising Gov. Pritzker’s statewide mask mandate to protect students from COVID-19 in schools, saying: “when we follow medical science, we make progress against this pandemic.” (Center Square)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest

• Oak Park Township hosts a webinar on the effects of domestic violence. (9 a.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library and local Girl Scouts host "The Colors of Summer." (11 a.m.)
• The Cubs and White Sox face off at Wrigley Field. (1:20 p.m.)
• Taste of Elmwood Park continues. (5 p.m.)
• River Forest Public Library hosts an interactive outdoor screening of "Finding Nemo." (7:30 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• Chicago Magazine is highlighting “Five Architecturally Significant Homes in Oak Park and River Forest” in its latest issue. (Chicago Magazine)
• The OPRF Chamber of Commerce is featuring the work of Black-owned local businesses in its weekly newsletter. (OPRF Chamber)
• Kinslahger made Eater’s list of Chicago establishments requiring proof of vaccination for patron safety. (Eater)
• Oak Park triplets Javier, Jerry and Miles Lumpkins made the news for graduating in the top 20 percent of their senior class and attending Illinois colleges on scholarships. (NBC5)
• Gov. Pritzker signed legislation this week for pads and tampons to be available for free in all Illinois schools and homeless shelters. (Patch)
• It’s the final day to donate school supplies at the Oak Park Township Office. (Wednesday Journal)

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Have a safe and healthy weekend.

— Georgi