🌱 Mayor Considers Temp Shelter For Migrants + New Baby Giraffe At Zoo

Welcome back, Oak Park-River Forest! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 59.

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

1. A new baby giraffe at Brookfield Zoo was introduced to the public yesterday. Three-week-old Kinda, which means "beautiful" in Swahili, was born on Aug. 19 at 5 foot 10 inches tall and 129 pounds. Visitors will be able to visit Kinda indoors for a week, at which point she will be brought into the outdoor habitat to meet the rest of the herd. (WGN TV Chicago)
2. Mayor Brandon Johnson's office is considering transferring the growing population of migrants to a temporary shelter in West Fulton Market, which could help ease pressure on overcrowding police stations. City of Chicago agencies have been struggling with overcrowded police districts and an increased number of altercations between migrants and police. However, an association of Fulton Market residents and businesses said housing people in the proposed five-story site there is illegal due to zoning restrictions. The situation remains up in the air as the mayor considers other temporary solutions, including constructing tent cities to house the migrants. (WGN TV Chicago)
3. The South East Oak Park Community Organization (SEOPCO) is hosting its annual BarrieFest from noon to 5:00 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 9 at Barrie Park. The free event includes activities for kids, food from local vendors, musical performances, and much more. Click here to learn more. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Saturday, September 9

• Farmers' Market Pie Bake Off At Oak Park Farmer's Market (7:00 AM)
• Shake, Rattle & Read At Oak Park Public Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• On Thursday, two Chicago women were charged with stealing over $1,400 worth of merchandise from the Nordstrom Rack at the Shops at Oak Brook. Police observed two women exiting the store with large shopping bags, and when officers confronted them, they threw the bags and attempted to flee on foot. When one of the suspects was tackled by an officer, she bit him as he attempted to restrain her. The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled for Oct. 5 for arraignment in front of a judge. (Glancer Magazine)
• Registration is now open for the Forest Preserves of Cook County's "Queerness of Nature Walk" on Friday, Sept. 15. Expand your horizons and connect with nature at this FREE event. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)
• The Illinois Department of Transportation wants to hear your ideas about how to make Cook County friendlier for cyclists and walkers. The new survey—which closes Sept. 30— will allow participants to identify areas in the community in need of repair. (Cook County Department of Public Health via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with 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.