Southern Poverty Law Center says it faces a criminal investigation by the Justice Department The Southern Poverty Law Center says it’s the subject of a Justice Department criminal investigation and faces possible charges over its use of paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups.

BREAKING: The Southern Poverty Law Center says it faces investigation by Justice Department over past use of paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups.

Illinois ‘millionaire’s tax’ proposal faces political barriers and a tight deadline If such a move ultimately becomes law, the tax on Illinois’ 28,000-plus millionaires could bring in an additional $3.7 billion in 2027 for the state, and $4.4 billion by 2030.

“Ford’s bill would dedicate the new funds to property tax relief, likely in the form of $1,500 rebates for Illinois homeowners, while Manley’s would divide revenue between property tax relief and education funding for schools.” www.chicagobusiness.com/politics-pol...

Oh no! Lots of people with the munchies! :)

Candycopia wins the internet today. Check them out in Oak Park and Elmhurst on 4/20– or any other day!

Judge grants motion to dismiss lawsuit over National Guard deployment in Illinois Six months after federal troops were preparing to deploy to Chicago during Operation Midway Blitz, a federal judge on Monday granted a motion to dismiss the state’s lawsuit over the mobilization amid ...

“…Judge April Perry said that even though President Donald Trump had threatened on social media to ‘come back’ to Chicago with troops eventually, she cannot issue ‘advisory opinions’ about orders that are no longer in effect.” www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/20/l...

Manhole cover at F.L. Wright's Heurtley House, Oak Park 1902

By Wright's #1: Heurtley House, 1902 #manholecovermonday
@robertloerzel.bsky.social @rogersparkman.bsky.social @sparrersway.bsky.social @willpunctuate.bsky.social @kevinirvine.bsky.social @jamesfinngarner.bsky.social @jillthewheel.bsky.social @dmercer.bsky.social

Businesses can claim refunds starting Monday for Trump tariffs declared unconstitutional A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs which the U.S. Supreme Court eventually struck down is scheduled to launch on Monday.

“Customs and Border Protection said in court filings that over 330,000 importers paid a total of about $166 billion on over 53 million shipments.” abc7chicago.com/post/trump-t...

On 4/21, the Oak Park Village Board will consider a 3-hour time limit for Village-owned EV charging stations, and a $0.25 per minute idle fee thereafter. Agenda item: oak-park.legistar.com/LegislationD...

The Oak Park Village Board will discuss the Roosevelt Road corridor project on 4/21, rescheduled from 3/24. Agenda item: oak-park.legistar.com/LegislationD...

On 4/21, the Oak Park Village Board will discuss a potential local shuttle service. Cost is $1.7-4.6M. A shuttle from 2004-2008 was discontinued due to low ridership. (The Township provides a shuttle for residents 60+ and those with disabilities.) Agenda item: oak-park.legistar.com/LegislationD...

“The FBI responded with a statement, attributed to Patel: ‘Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court—bring your checkbook.’” Which probably means… quite true.

This is about West Sub’s *River Forest* location only.
“Insight has nothing to do with claims of a clinic reopening at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park… or any efforts to restart hospital services there.”

Today is Record Store Day! Also check-out Orbit Records in the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago— my favorite right across the border from Oak Park! XRT promotions and more! orbitrecords.com

On April 19th, Timothy Higgins performs his Concerto for Trombone with Jay Friedman conducting the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest.
🔗 www.lastrowmusic.com/event/higgin...

I saw an outdoor production in Oak Park, Ill., decades ago, utterly conventional/traditional, from the Elizabethan costumes to the piped-in Mendelssohn, and it's one of my greatest theatrical experiences.

(Of course, it started as the sun was going down and ended in nighttime, which, come on.)

1.5-story Craftsman brick bungalow with a red tile roof with multiple gables and half-timbering in the gable above the front porch.

Trying to get back into local architecture--Craftsman/Tudor Revival on Cuyler Avenue in Oak Park. Built in 1917.

Might have been this. Still going strong! Hamlet this summer. oakparkfestival.com/about/

Burdened by costs of an ICE facility in town, Broadview reckons with a spotlight it never wanted While communities elsewhere have been shielded from the costs of ICE facilities, the western suburb was stuck with bills for nearly $400,000. The costs continue as Broadview preps its new budget.

“Broadview’s mayor recently made an ambitious request for federal reimbursement… and announced grand plans to have the ICE facility shuttered to become a museum to help change Broadview’s image. But her requests are a long shot.” chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/04...

Sign-ups begin 4/28 for the midterms. “Our initial states include Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. We'll start sign-ups for competitive US House races in additional states in June.” Mailing dates are in October.

First chunk of new transit money to be spent on security, service for CTA, Metra and Pace The new money will start kicking in June 1, when the RTA is replaced by NITA, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, which will have expanded powers over the transit agencies it oversees.

“The biggest chunk of cash, $20 million, will extend funding through the end of the year to cover more Chicago police officers patrolling the CTA… another $10 million will go to funding more K-9 patrols on the CTA…” chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...

Both headlines appeared within minutes of each other this morning. Pretty sure we put more effort into organizing our high school prom than Trump is putting into this.

First in Oak Park, first in Illinois, co-housing Oak Park Commons opens - Wednesday Journal It’s been over eight years in the making, but Oak Park Commons, Illinois’ first co-housing community, is finally open

“For Shack, the building is already fulfilling its promise through community-wide events, brunches, meetings and encounters in the hallways. ‘It’s very different from previous condos. You meet people, and it’s more than just conversation. You know them.’” www.oakpark.com/2026/04/16/c...

Oak Park Energy Navigator program is helping residents save money and energy 💡Free home assessments, guidance on upgrades, and access to incentives. “Programs like this can act as an accelerator,” says Mark Milby of Elevate. Read the full story: tinyurl.com/22p33yzd

1980s photo of a pedestrianized Lake Street in Oak Park, IL with beautiful spring flowers and park-like setting instead of car traffic. (Village of Oak Park Archives)

1970s photo of a pedestrianized Marion Street in Oak Park, IL. People instead of car traffic. (Village of Oak Park Archives)

1975 photo, a year after it opened, of a pedestrianized Lake Street in Oak Park, IL with people sitting on benches in park-like setting instead of dealing with car traffic. (Village of Oak Park Archives)

A crowd of people in a 1980s photo of a pedestrianized Lake Street in Oak Park, IL enjoying the day outside instead of dealing with car traffic. (Village of Oak Park Archives)

Throwback: As a former Oak Parker, remembering when both Lake and Marion Streets were pedestrianized. Lake from Harlem to Forest 1974-1988. Marion from Lake to North Blvd 1974-2007.

Illinois Senate passes e-bike and e-scooter safety bill to regulate fast-growing devices The Illinois Senate on Wednesday advanced a measure without opposition that would establish a regulatory framework for electric bicycles, motorcycles and scooters.

Good news. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/16/i...

MeidasTouch host Katie Phang testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the proposed merger of Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros.:

"Democracy cannot survive if powerful people get to decide which facts are allowed to exist and what version of the truth they want to peddle for profit."

honestly it’s hilarious that he’s trying to fight the pope and the pope is like “I don’t think about you at all”

Oak Park township meeting postponed for vote on Israel boycott question - Wednesday Journal Oak Park Township had to postpone its annual meeting last night as too many people came out to vote than the space could safely accommodate.

Oak Park township meeting postponed for vote on Israel boycott question