🌱 Roller Rink Improvements Planned + Taste Of Elmwood Park Begins

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest. Here's a guide to today's top stories.

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First, today's weather: Partly sunny and not as warm. High: 79 Low: 69.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. Both villages are expected to receive funding from the state’s $760 million share of a nationwide opioid settlement, announced last week by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Wednesday Journal reports Oak Park could receive as much as $2.8 million, with River Forest’s share estimated at $344,000. (Wednesday Journal)

2. A Buick Regal wanted in connection with a Maywood murder has been seen recently in Berwyn and Forest Park, according to police. Residents are warned to avoid the vehicle and call the police if they see the gray car with plates that potentially read “BE25791.” (Patch)

3. Elmwood Park officials voted to improve the skate park and hockey rink at 7400 West Fullerton Ave. A new surface will be installed at the end of August, among other safety features. (Paid source: Elm Leaves)

4. Oak Park and River Forest High School is teaming up with Housing Forward. Thanks to a new vote from the district board, the school can now share information with the nonprofit if a student is in need of housing assistance. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• The Taste of Elmwood Park kicks off at Central Park, featuring local restaurants, live music, games and rides. (5 p.m.)
• Support downtown businesses and hear live music at Thursday Night Out. (5 p.m.)
• Grace Episcopal Church presents a weekly summer concert. (6:30 p.m.)
• Pleasant Home hosts a "Silent Movies on the Porch" series, which will continue weekly through August. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Forest Park officials are investigating an alleged gun threat reported earlier this month at Proviso East summer school. (Forest Park Review)
• City of Berwyn employee Sarah Lopez has been fired after using a racial slur. (ABC)
• The Lantern Haus in Forest Park has closed amid a federal lawsuit filed by the owner against Mayor Rory Hoskins. (Forest Park Review)
• “Bullet Train” opens tonight at Lake Theatre. The film’s star Brad Pitt narrated a documentary about Oak Park’s Unity Temple last year. (Classic Cinemas)

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Featured businesses:

• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In the Village — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Spirito Singers Auditions (August 4)
• Elmhurst Brewing Crafts & Drafts Market! (August 7)
• One-of-A-Kind Meerkat Experience Coming to Oakbrook Center (August 30)
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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for the Friday edition.

— 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 feature articles have been recognized with awards from the 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.