🌱 Pools Close Due To Unhealthy Air Quality + Blue Line Construction

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's quick guide to the latest local headlines:

• President Joe Biden gave a "major address" Wednesday in Chicago.
• An iconic Chicago movie featuring an Oak Park actor is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
• Crafting, wine samples, history discussions and more are on today's OPRF calendar.

But first, today's weather: A strong thunderstorm. High: 89 Low: 69.

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

1. President Joe Biden gave an economic address Wednesday at Chicago’s Old Post Office. Also in town for a Democratic fundraiser, he spoke of adding “over 13 million jobs, more jobs in two years than any president has added in a four-year term.” (Paid source: Tribune)

2. Two catalytic converters were stolen Tuesday from cars parked in the 1100 block of Ontario Street, according to Oak Park police. Another was taken from a car in the 1000 block of South Highland. (OPPD)

3. Park district pools were closed, and outdoor events were canceled Tuesday and Wednesday in Oak Park due to dangerously poor air quality in the area. Chicago remained in the “very unhealthy” range on the national index Wednesday, Block Club reports. A “slight improvement” is expected today, with “moderate” air quality anticipated this weekend. (PDOP/Block Club)

4. The CTA is planning major renovations this summer on the Blue Line with the aim of improving “slow zones” around Forest Park. Closures and construction are set to begin in late July. (Paid source: Tribune)

5. Major League Baseball will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Rookie of the Year” this weekend with a special screening at Wrigley Field. Oak Park actor Amy Morton plays Mary Rowengartner in the iconic Chicago film, which is also screening tonight as part of Elmwood Park’s “Movies in the Park” series. (MLB/Village of Elmwood Park)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum host a free “Stories in the Forest” program. (10 a.m.)
• Join the park district’s “Read with Pride” story time and crafts in Scoville Park. (10:45 a.m.)
• The Oak Park Public Library hosts a “Rapping Up the Summer” songwriting workshop. (2 p.m.)
• Enjoy food and music at Thursday Night Out downtown Oak Park. (5 p.m.)
• Sample “wines from old vines” with Anfora Wine Merchants at the Cheney Mansion Greenhouse. (7 p.m.)
• The Hemingway Birthplace Museum hosts a free program on the Oak Park author’s time serving in World War I. (7 p.m.)
• Discuss “Devil in the White City” with the OPRF Museum’s history book club. (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Oak Park trustees began “cultural competency training” this week. (Wednesday Journal)
• Oak Park Public Library is hosting educational sessions today on Medicare and the benefits of electric vehicles. (Library)
• The Villages of Oak Park, River Forest and more received a $150,000 Childhood Obesity Prevention & Environmental Health and Sustainability Award Grant for the Cross Community Climate Collaborative. (VRF)
• Forest Park, River Forest and OPALGA+ are continuing their Pride Month celebrations. (Wednesday Journal)

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Featured events:

• Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th (July 4)
• Delicious Savory Crust empanadas delivered to your door! Order by Tuesday. (July 5)
• The new favorite, Pizza Friendly Pizza coming! Order by Wednesday. (July 6)
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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for more local news.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her writing has been recognized with awards from the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.