🌱 Former Aldi Plans Unveiled + Cook Co. Man Beats Pregnant Woman

Good morning, hello. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 76 Low: 62.

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

1. Yesterday, a Cook County man was charged after beating a pregnant woman and threatening to shoot her. During the altercation early on Sunday, Aug. 20, the perpetrator threatened the victim with a loaded firearm, and police said the victim was beaten multiple times leaving injuries to her face. Following felony charges, the perpetrator's next court date is scheduled for Sep. 15 in Cook County. (FOX 32 Chicago)
2. Last week, the city unveiled proposals to overhaul the site of a former Aldi grocery store in nearby West Garfield Park that abruptly closed in Oct. 2021. The two competing projects, Garfield Gather And Westgate, would include mixed-use buildings with ground-level grocery stores, which developers say would revitalize the area after years of disinvestment. The winning proposal will be announced in the fall. (Block Club Chicago)
3. Following an extreme heatwave this week, Oak Park and River Forest officials took action to protect vulnerable local seniors. Senior services department workers conducted home visits, delivered meals, and conducted well-being checks for their senior clients. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people ages 65 and older are more prone to heat-related health problems and do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperatures, making these wellness checks even more vital. During the two-day heatwave this week, the Oak Park Fire Department received one heat-related ambulance call. (Wednesday Journal)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Saturday, August 26

• Village Of Oak Park Farmers' Market At Pilgrim Congregational Church Parking Lot (7:00 AM)
• Shake, Rattle & Read At Oak Park Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Doug Lalli - Live Jazz At Tre Sorelle Ristorante By Mancini (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As part of the "Clear the Shelters" initiative, all pet adoption fees are waived today at the Animal Care League! With a shelter full of wonderful animals, this is the perfect opportunity to adopt your new best friend. Stop by the Animal Care League to meet animals searching for a good home. (Patch)
• The Brookfield Zoo is hosting the American Red Cross for its summer blood drive, taking place on Aug. 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each donor will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a special edition Red Cross shirt, and one free adult admission to the Zoo. Make an appointment today! (Brookfield Zoo via Instagram)
• Volunteer with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for a Weekend Workday! Sessions are taking place today and tomorrow at locations around town — click the link for more info on times and locations. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Doug Lalli - Live Jazz - Tre Sorelle by Mancini (August 26)
• Irish Fest - Day 3 (August 27)
• What is the Difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care at Oak Park Arms (August 29)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on August 29th and 31st at DePaul University - Levan Center (August 29)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
• How To Protect Your Business: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes (August 31)
• High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
• Add your event

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