🌱 New Anti-Carjacking Legislation + Cook County Health Wins Award

Hey, neighbors. It's Thursday in Oak Park-River Forest and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and humid. High: 88 Low: 70.

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

1. Legislation proposed by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart to help police more quickly locate carjacked vehicles is now law. The measure will leverage pre-existing location-tracking capabilities and require automakers to staff a 24/7 hotline to relay location information on vehicles involved in a carjacking or kidnapping to law enforcement. Sheriff Dart was the first in the nation to raise this issue with automakers, requesting the industry’s collaboration in addressing carjackings. The bill was signed into Illinois state law last week and will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. (Subscription: Shaw Local News Network)
2. On Monday, Cook County Health received a quality achievement award from the American Heart Association for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure and stroke. The "Get With The Guidelines® – Heart Failure Gold Plus" award recognizes Cook County Health’s renowned and trusted cardiology program, which offers a wide range of services — from preventive care and routine check-ups to complex cardiac surgeries and interventional procedures — to address the diverse needs of patients with cardiovascular conditions. (The Chicago Cusader)
3. This week, O'Hare International Airport was named the travel website Global Traveler's “Favorite Airport Dining” experience, a designation it has received for the last four years straight. O'Hare's award-winning food offerings include iconic local food and drink establishments, such as Billy Goat Tavern, Goose Island Beer Company, Nuts on Clark, and Tortas Frontera. An event later this month will recognize Chicago with the award. (NBC Chicago)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, August 3

• Shake, Rattle & Read At Euclid Square Park (10:00 AM)
• Open Playgroup At Oak Park Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Rappin' Up The Summer: Spoken Word Workshop At Oak Park Public Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The South East Oak Park Community Organization (SEOPCO) is seeking volunteers! Lend a hand at the Farmer's Market on Aug. 12 and help make doughnuts for a cause. For this event, SEOPCO is partnering with Learning Edge, a nonprofit that provides free one-to-one tutoring to children in the community. Sign-up information can be found here. (SEOPCO South East Oak Park Community Organization via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars: The Brookfield Zoo's popular ZooBrew event returns on Aug. 26! Enjoy a summertime sampling of over 80 beers and brews while enjoying all that the zoo has to offer. Tickets are now available online. (Brookfield Zoo via Instagram)
• Enjoy nature photography? Consider entering the Forest Preserve District of Cook County's annual photo contest! Submit your best pictures to be featured in the Forest Preserves' 2024 calendar. The deadline to submit photos is Aug. 15, and you can learn more here. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)

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• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• La Grange Endless Summerfest Aug. 4-6 (August 4)
• Try best flavors from Poland + Colombia with fare from Polombia! Order by Monday. (August 9)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.