🌱 Oaktoberfest Returns In September + New Mural At Safer Foundation

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 81 Low: 65.

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

1. Experience the joy of fall at this year's Oaktoberfest in downtown Oak Park! Enjoy live music, delectable fall treats from local eateries, craft beers, and a Kids Root Beer Garden on Sep. 22 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. and Sep. 23 from 12:00-10:00 p.m. The free event will take place at Marion Street and North Boulevard, just south of Lake Street. (Downtown Oak Park via Facebook)
2. Early on Sunday, a drive-by shooting down the road in West Garfield Park resulted in one woman being killed and four others wounded. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on West Washington Boulevard. The victims, including a 40-year-old woman who died, were taken to nearby hospitals, and no suspects have been apprehended. The area where the shooting took place has seen previous incidents of gun violence, and the 11th Police District, to which the location belongs, has experienced a 30 percent increase in homicides compared to the previous year, with 48 killings so far this year. (Chicago Sun-Times)
3. Congressman Danny Davis has been honored with a vibrant mural on the Safer Foundation building in East Garfield Park. The artwork, painted by artist Janel Young and a team, celebrates Davis' efforts to support justice-involved individuals reintegrating into society and advocating for the Second Chance Act. Davis has been dedicated to reducing barriers to employment, improving the healthcare system, and addressing the challenges faced by returning citizens, especially in communities like the West Side of Chicago. (AustinTalks)

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Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Tuesday, July 18

• Book Bike: Neighborhood Nights At Mills Park (5:00 PM)
• Tuesdays On The Terrace At WhirlyBall Chicago, Chicago (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Last week, the Cook County Forest Preserve headquarters in River Forest held its annual "Insect Fest," a fun event celebrating all things insects. Activities included an insect petting zoo and bug searches in the natural area, with the goal of encouraging appreciation for nature and preservation of the county's green spaces. (Audacy)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Oak Park-River Forest area! Get all the property details at the link. (Oak Park-River Forest Patch)
• The historic Pickwick Theatre in nearby Park Ridge will undergo new management, as the longtime owners are retiring in December. The Copernicus Foundation will partner with the owners to run the theatre, bringing live entertainment, called "Copernicus @ The Pickwick," to the main auditorium while the four theatres in the back of the building will continue showing movies. (WGN TV Chicago)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow for 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.