Good morning, DuPage! Looks like we're in for a warm, rainy Tuesday with a high of 74°F and a low of 66°F, so don't forget your umbrella!

The future of Prospect Tavern at 27 S. Prospect Ave. in downtown Clarendon Hills is in jeopardy as the Village Board prepares to vote on withdrawing a $265,000 subsidy. According to a village memo, acting manager Paul Dalen recommended the withdrawal because the business has failed to secure permits or submit construction documents in a "timely manner" since signing an agreement in late January. The village officially issued a notice of default on March 17, and officials claim the issues remain uncorrected.

The restaurant's owner, Chase Lofti, expressed surprise at the move, stating he was "caught off guard" by the recommendation. Lofti maintains that he and his architect have been working diligently on the design and planned to apply for a demolition permit this week, with full construction permits to follow. The building, which has been largely vacant since 2019, was expected to undergo a nearly $600,000 renovation. The subsidy, drawn from the downtown TIF district, was intended to spur development, but the village now appears ready to pivot if progress is not demonstrated immediately.

The ambitious grassroots movement to erect a bronze monument in honor of wrestling legend and Downers Grove native Randy "Macho Man" Savage (Randy Poffo) has officially hit the "pause" button. The project, led by the Macho Monument committee and local organizer Kevin Larke, has gained significant traction over the last year, raising thousands of dollars through the sale of viral t-shirts featuring the wrestling icon’s likeness and slogans like "I’m Randy for a Statue."

However, according to a recent report from WBBM 780, the committee has decided to temporarily halt the initiative. After consulting with professional sculptors, the organizers realized that the total cost to bring the "Tower of Power" to life—including the bronze casting, site selection, and long-term maintenance—will require significantly more funding than originally anticipated. While the project is not dead, the committee is shifting its focus toward larger corporate sponsorships and long-term planning to ensure the hometown hero gets the "Cream of the Crop" memorial he deserves.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the UNICEF UNITE Club at the College of DuPage (COD) will host a special screening of the documentary No Other Land. The event, which runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in room BIC 1437, aims to move beyond political headlines to focus on the lived human experiences within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This screening is a key part of the college’s April Diversity Month programming, designed to foster empathy and global awareness within the local student body and community.

Organizers have emphasized that the goal of the afternoon is education rather than bias or debate. The screening will feature insights from Professor Deborah Aldelman, who will offer a Jewish perspective on the film and the broader crisis. By creating a neutral space for reflection, the UNICEF UNITE Club hopes to encourage attendees to see the individuals behind the conflict and to leave feeling better informed about global humanitarian needs.

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On this day in 1981, we reached for the stars as the Space Shuttle Columbia completed its very first test flight, marking a new era of space travel! Fast forward to 2023, and the European Space Agency launched its Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, beginning its incredible journey to study Jupiter's fascinating icy moons. Talk about cosmic adventures! 

Hinsdale has a historic reputation for keeping things strictly residential. In the early 20th century, the village was so protective of its quiet, "gentleman's farm" aesthetic that it famously resisted the encroachment of commercial entertainment.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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