Program Unites River Forest Schools + Catalytic Converters Stolen

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! Welcome to a new week of Patch’s daily newsletter.

In today’s Daily, catalytic converter thefts continue, a new program unites two River Forest universities and a Forest Park business gives new life to old sports equipment.

First, today’s weather: Possible light rain and humid throughout the day. Temps will reach 80 with a low of 71.

Here are the top five stories in Oak Park today:

1. At least four catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles in Oak Park last week, according to the Oak Park Police Department. The stolen parts range in value from $500 to $1,700 and were reported from cars parked in the 700 block of North Elmwood Avenue, the 500 block of South Humphrey Avenue, and the 800 blocks of North Harvey and Hayes Avenues. (Oak Leaves)

2. Concordia and Dominican Universities are launching a joint cybersecurity governance certificate program. The four-course program is expected to be available this fall and taught by professors from both River Forest schools. Courses will be entirely online and can be completed over two semesters. (Oak Leaves)

3. A new Play It Again Sports opened Thursday at 7443 Madison St. in Forest Park, selling new and used equipment for 20 sports. Oak Park coach and father Erich Krumrei franchised the location to address the growing cost of youth sports. People interested in selling used equipment can bring items to the store to have their condition evaluated by an employee. (Oak Leaves)

4. Gov. Pritzker will soon consider real estate tax changes that could impact Oak Park and River Forest residents. A new bill would give local taxing bodies in Illinois “the ability to make up for refunds they’ve issued due to erroneous property over-assessments by shifting those costs onto the rest of their taxpayers.” Pritzker has not yet commented on his position on the bill. (Chicago Tribune)

5. The White House is taking steps “to combat the alarming rise in homicide rates in America’s cities,” the New York Times reports, along with the news that despite popular perception, Chicago is in fact not the “murder capitol of the country.” (New York Times)

Today in Oak Park:

• Outdoor story-time on the River Forest Library lawn. (10 a.m.)
• The Oak Park Board of Trustees meets. (6:30 p.m.)
• The River Forest Board of Trustees meets. (7 p.m.)
• It’s the final day to stream “The Long Shadow” for free through Oak Park Public Library. (All day)

Oak Park Patch Notebook

• Illinois is reportedly ending its rental eviction moratorium in August, but there are several programs available to assist renters and landlords. (ABC7)
• Several pets are up for adoption at Oak Park’s Animal Care League. (Patch)
• Oak Park resident Judith Alexander penned a letter in support of Lake Theatre: “If we don’t go to The Lake, it won’t be able to stay open.” (Wednesday Journal)
• Dole Library will officially reopen July 6, the final branch of the Oak Park Public Library system to reopen to readers since its COVID-19 closure. (Wednesday Journal)
• Cook County is making plans to spend its $1 billion from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan. (WBEZ)

That's all for Monday in Oak Park and River Forest! Have a great week.

-Georgi