Home Intruder Arrested + Parents Debate Mask Mandates

Good morning, OPRF! Thanks for starting your day with Patch's newsletter.

First, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 85, low: 68.

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

1. Gov. Pritzker announced Wednesday a statewide mask mandate for public and private schools in Illinois. Parents of Oak Park and River Forest students were expressing concern about how local schools would handle the COVID-19 crisis this fall. Children 12 and younger are ineligible for vaccination, leading some parents to push for mask mandates in schools to protect younger, more vulnerable students from illness. (Wednesday Journal)

2. An intruder broke into an apartment in the 1100 block of South Oak Park Avenue Tuesday night, according to a Village spokesperson. The 17-year-old Chicago man reportedly punched the homeowner and her friend before attempting to flee. He was arrested shortly after and the Cook County State’s Attorney is reviewing the case. (Oak Leaves)

3. The Oak Park Township Board is seeking candidates for Township Clerk. The part-time role involves keeping the township’s records and serving at all board meetings, among other duties. Letters of interest from qualified candidates are due Aug. 17. (Oak Park Township)

4. Cook County is offering free rides to vaccination appointments, and many childcare providers are offering free child care to parents and caregivers while they get vaccinated. (WTTW)

5. The Biden administration and the CDC have implemented a new nationwide eviction moratorium through Oct. 3. "Working Americans at risk of eviction [should] be stably housed during this really tenuous, challenging period of time," CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. (NPR)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest

• Enjoy Thursday Night Out in downtown Oak Park. (5 p.m.)
• The Taste of Elmwood Park begins today in Central Park. (5 p.m.)
• “The Suicide Squad” opens at Lake Theatre. (7 p.m.)
• Game night at Oak Park Brewing Company. (7 p.m.)
• The Redmonds perform on the Dominican University quad. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• Pick Oak Park has a directory to help residents support local businesses. (POP)
• Read the latest crime report from Oak Park police. (Oak Leaves)
• Firecake Donuts will open a new location in Naperville. (Patch)
• Local students are making headlines: Talib Becktemba-Goss was honored by Bank of America and RC Davis won a national award from Scholastic’s Alliance for Young Writers. (Oak Leaves)
• Your daily reminder from the Cook County Department of Public Health: the most effective ways to avoid more COVID-19 mitigation measures are to get vaccinated and wear a mask. (CCDPH)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Georgi Presecky

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Daily? Feel free to email me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.