As 2025 concludes, the Wednesday Journal News looks back at its most trending digital stories, which garnered over 1.86 million pageviews. These news items captured public attention and highlight key local events impacting Oak Park. The Wednesday Journal News covered a diverse range of topics that made the list, including significant personnel changes, high-profile legal and social issues, and prominent local incidents. These stories reflect the news that resonated most with Wednesday Journal News readers throughout the year.
OPRF Equity Director’s Departure: A Key Wednesday Journal News Story
The most viewed story detailed an OPRF equity director’s exit, a pivotal moment in Oak Park news. FOIA requests revealed the reasons behind this significant equity director departure. A short Facebook Live video was central to the controversy. The director reportedly modeled a waist trainer in her school office, sparking significant discussion and marking the end of her tenure. This Wednesday Journal News story garnered 43,794 pageviews.
Oak Park Finance Director Resigns: Local Finance Turnover Captured by Wednesday Journal News
Oak Park’s top finance position saw a quick turnover, as reported by Wednesday Journal News. Carrie Marckess, hired as finance director on March 3rd, resigned just five months later on August 8th. The village subsequently began recruiting for a new director, reflecting notable local finance turnover. This story attracted 31,544 pageviews. Kevin Bueso was later appointed, starting in January 2026, a development also followed closely by Wednesday Journal News.
Historic Frank Lloyd Wright Remodel Listed: A Wednesday Journal News Highlight
A significant piece of architectural history hit the market, a story of interest to Wednesday Journal News. An iconic home, remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, was listed. This century-and-a-half-old home, located at 515 Fair Oaks Avenue and updated by Wright in 1905, was listed for $2,295,000. The Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District features many of his works, making this sale a notable event in local history covered by Wednesday Journal News. This sale generated 17,081 pageviews.
Halloween Night Disturbance Grips Downtown Oak Park, Reported by Wednesday Journal News
Halloween night saw a chaotic scene in downtown Oak Park, a developing story for Wednesday Journal News. Hundreds of teens crowded the area, with reports emerging of a shot fired and multiple fights breaking out. Police used pepper balls to disperse the crowd, and one bullet hole was found in a nearby apartment. This Halloween disturbance led to an investigation and drew 15,455 pageviews for the Wednesday Journal News.
Economic Development Turnover Generates Intrigue in Wednesday Journal News Coverage
Behind-the-scenes tension emerged in village leadership, a subject meticulously covered by Wednesday Journal News. FOIA requests exposed issues related to new hires in economic development, revealing dysfunction and painting a picture of disappointment. This story attracted 14,576 pageviews and shed light on village leadership challenges, making it a key piece of Wednesday Journal News reporting on local finance turnover.
Children Hospitalized After Crosswalk Incident: A Tragic News Event
A tragic incident occurred on Lombard Avenue where three young children were struck in a crosswalk. One child was released quickly, while the other two remained hospitalized overnight. This news gathered 10,536 pageviews and highlighted pedestrian safety concerns, a topic frequently addressed by Wednesday Journal News in its ongoing coverage of Oak Park news.
OPRF Expulsions Linked to Pepper Spray Incident: 2025 News Highlights from Wednesday Journal
Several OPRF expulsions made news, tied to a November pepper spray incident involving a fight among students. This event, part of the year’s significant 2025 news highlights, was viewed 10,536 times by readers following Wednesday Journal News. It raised questions about school discipline policies within the district.
Metra Police Response to Homeless Camp Spurs Debate: Wednesday Journal News Investigates
Metra police addressed homeless individuals congregating near the Harlem and Lake train station, a response that generated considerable interest and debate. A local homelessness group criticized the action. This featured story received 12,720 pageviews and highlighted ongoing social issues, making it a significant report from Wednesday Journal News.
Former Teacher of the Year Faces Allegations: A Sensitive Story for Wednesday Journal News
A respected former state teacher of the year faced serious allegations after a student reported inappropriate touching. The teacher was placed on administrative leave, and although no criminal charges were filed, the school board confirmed his firing. This story garnered 11,684 pageviews and underscored concerns in educational settings, a sensitive but important topic for Wednesday Journal News.
Oak Park Features in Hit TV Show ‘The Bear’: Wednesday Journal News on Cultural Impact
The popular TV show ‘The Bear’ showcased local landmarks, including Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and another Wright-designed home. This cultural connection brought the area national attention, a point of pride for Oak Park news. The story attracted 10,536 pageviews and highlighted the community’s unique character, as documented by Wednesday Journal News.
These top stories, as cataloged by Wednesday Journal News, reflect a year of significant local events in 2025, ranging from institutional matters like the equity director departure and local finance turnover to community incidents such as the Halloween disturbance and the Metra police response. They illustrate the news that resonated most with Wednesday Journal News readers.
