Village Creates Grant Program + Band Performs At Pitchfork

Good morning, Oak Park-River Forest! Let's get you caught up on today's local news.

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First, today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 76, low: 59.

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

1. The Oak Park Village Board has approved distribution of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The “Oak Park Business and Non-Profit Coronavirus Recovery” grant program will benefit small businesses and nonprofits. The board estimates that the $550,000 in funds could benefit up to 60 small businesses and more than 30 nonprofit organizations. (Wednesday Journal)

2. The Illinois House of Representatives will reconvene today in Springfield and is expected to vote on the much-discussed energy bill. The legislation, which passed last week in the Illinois Senate led by Oak Park’s Don Harmon, aims to reduce the state’s carbon emissions by 45 percent. (Politico)

3. Triton College has developed five new courses on human diversity, with the help of a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. “The majority of our students are minorities so this really is something that our college should have,” said Dr. Elizabeth Collins, a history and humanities professor at the River Grove college. (Paid source: Elm Leaves)

4. Oak Park natives Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger will take the stage tomorrow in Chicago’s Union Park at the pandemic-delayed Pitchfork Music Festival. According to Third Coast Review, their indie rock band The Fiery Furnaces has not performed a full show together in more than 10 years. (Third Coast Review)

5. Another pair of siblings from Oak Park are leading the Fenwick High School cross country team this fall. Senior Zac Daley and junior Bella Daley were all-regional runners in the shortened 2020 season. “We don’t run as much together now because our paces are so different, but I think it connects us in a way,” Zac said. (Wednesday Journal)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• The Oak Park Public Library hosts a “Try-It Thursday” craft in Scoville Park. (4 p.m.)
• Join the final Thursday Night Out of the season in downtown Oak Park. (5 p.m.)
• Beyond Hunger distributes information on Hunger Action Month. (5 p.m.)
• New thriller “The Card Counter” opens at Lake Theatre. (7 p.m.)
• The Park District of Oak Park Board meets. (7:30 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• O'Hare Airport is now offering touchless food vending and retail options to protect patrons from COVID-19. (ABC7)
• Brookfield Zoo has begun administering COVID-19 vaccinations to its animals. (WTTW News)
• Another Frank Lloyd Wright home is on the market in South Bend. (WSBT)
• Animal Care League has pets available for adoption. (Patch)
• The Cook County Department of Public Health is offering free rides to vaccine appointments. (CCDPH)

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That's all for today, neighbors! See you back in your inbox tomorrow for the Friday edition.

— Georgi

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