🌱 Uber Driver Carjacked + Pepper Spray At Middle School

Happy Friday, Oak Park and River Forest readers! Because it's a busy day in OPRF, I'll forgo the usual notebook news until tomorrow. Now let's get to the news for Nov. 19!

The Daily is made possible by local business Focus Point Training.

Want to see your business featured in this spot in the newsletter? Click here to get started.

First, today's weather: Sun giving way to clouds. High: 40 Low: 36.

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

1. Residents in a southwest Oak Park corridor are starting a campaign to combat violence in the area. Members of the group said a shootout between two vehicles on Lexington Avenue last week was “the last straw.” (Wednesday Journal)

2. An Uber driver was carjacked at gunpoint Nov. 5 in Forest Park, according to the police department’s latest crime report. The incident occurred in the 600 block of Lathrop Avenue near the Cook County Department of Public Health building. (Forest Park Review)

3. Pepper spray was accidentally discharged in an Elm Middle School classroom Thursday, leading to a soft lockdown and medical attention for those involved. The incident is still under investigation. (FOX 32)

4. Health Director Theresa Chapple McGruder spoke to Bloomberg this week about confusion over COVID-19 booster shots. The epidemiologist said “waning efficacy of the vaccine supports the argument for boosters for all adults” and believes widening eligibility is the right call. (Bloomberg)

5. Oak Park River Forest High School students are collecting food donations to benefit the community pantry. The multicultural leadership club will collect items through Dec. 14. (Wednesday Journal)

From our sponsor:

Hey Oak Park-River Forest, want a smarter home for the holidays? Take our interactive tour to see the latest and best smart home products, hand-selected by Patch's editors.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Christkindl Markets open in the Loop and Lakeview. (11 a.m.)
• “Film Lover Fridays” at River Forest Public Library. (Noon)
• Starring Will Smith as the father of tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams, “King Richard” opens at Lake Theatre. (1 p.m.)
• Make gift boxes at Dole Center. (6 p.m.)
• Christ Episcopal Church hosts an Open Mic Night. (6:30 p.m.)
• Ethan Philion Trio performs at the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum. (7 p.m.)
  
• Women’s Book Club meeting at Pilgrim Church. (7:30 p.m.)
• Ecstatic Groove performs at the Buzz Café. (11 p.m.)
  

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Chicago Artisan Market (Holiday Market) in Ravenswood — Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 27-28 (November 27)
• Add your event

That's all for today, OPRF! See you tomorrow for more news.

— Georgi Presecky

If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.