Community Corner

đŸŒ± Patch AM: How OPRF’s big jump in state rankings stacks up to rivals

Happening soon: Week 2 of the "Magical Musical Moving Sale" on the Oak Park Patch calendar

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Saturday August 22nd Patch AM
Saturday August 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello again Oak Park! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How OPRF's big jump in state rankings stacks up to rivals
  • What this federal court win means for Oak Park's gas-free future
  • What new Oak Park gems made this year's Answer Book?

Also on today's calendar: Week 2 of the "Magical Musical Moving Sale" and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 82 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunshine, nice and less humid, temps: high: 77, low: 62.
  • Monday: Partly sunny and delightful, with a high of 79 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• OPRF jumps 10 spots in U.S. News annual rankings (oakpark.com) — Families in Oak Park and River Forest can see OPRF climb to 24th in Illinois in the latest U.S. News high school rankings, with strong scores in college readiness and state assessments. The report highlights high AP participation, a 95% graduation rate, and a smaller achievement gap than the state average, while comparing OPRF to other top suburban schools.
   

• Gas appliance ban in Oak Park, Illinois, upheld by federal judge (smartcitiesdive.com) — Oak Park's 2023 ban on gas appliances in new construction has been upheld by a federal judge, confirming the village's authority to favor electric systems as part of its climate strategy. The ruling contrasts with decisions in other states and could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, while local officials say it validates Oak Park's push to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
   

• 2026 Answer Book (oakpark.com) — Oak Park residents get a fresh 2026 Answer Book packed with practical tips on local libraries, museums, music and cooking classes, and beloved community institutions. The guide highlights Oak Park and River Forest's close-knit feel, historic attractions, and even a locally famous scone, helping both newcomers and longtime neighbors discover more to do close to home.
   

📸 Around Oak Park

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Oak Park

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Oak Park Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Saturday August 22
  • Back to School Bash
    Kelly Hs Chicago, IL 60632
    8:30 am
  • Audio Booth Reservation
    Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US
    9:00 am
  • Seed Giveaway
    West Addison Branch Library 7536 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60634
    9:00 am
  • OPRF Alliance Club Coach Meeting
    Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US
    9:30 am
  • English Language Conversation Hour
    Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US
    10:00 am
  • Shake, Rattle & Read
    Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301, US
    10:00 am
  • Understanding Our Village
    River Forest Public Library 735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, US
    11:00 am
  • Oak Park Micro Brew Review →
    Downtown Oak Park, 1010 Lake St Suite 114, Oak Park
    1:00 pm
  • Meditation Soundbath
    River Forest Public Library 735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, US
    2:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Oak Park PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Caught Off Guards To Perform Outdoor Concert Friday At Oak Park Arms —Andy Richardson Read on Patch
  • Pacific Life Insurance Company posted a job opening for Real Estate Associate in Oak Park. Apply here.
  • Classic Cinemas posted a job opening for Assistant Manager Classic Cinemas in Oak Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oak Park here.

🗞 Nearby News

River Forest

  • The cultural and educational splendors in our backyard (oakpark.com)

Forest Park

Elmhurst

  • Elmhurst Park District May Be Taken To Court For Blocking Bandshell Petition (patch.com)
  • Man Scammed Elmhurst Restaurants Out Of Customers' Credit Cards: Police (patch.com)
  • Sexual Battery On Elmhurst's Illinois Prairie Path, Suspect Seen On Camera: Police (patch.com)

Ok Oak Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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