AustinTalks | News and information covering Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the West Side

Congressional candidates debate issues at Austin forum

By Mateusz Janik | February 23, 2020

All four Democrats running for the 7th Congressional seat, which represents Austin in Congress, appeared at last week’s event: Congressman Danny Davis, and challengers Anthony Clark, Kina Collins and Kristine Schanbacher.

election

Presidential candidate Bloomberg opens office in Austin

Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg opened a field office in Austin at 5607 W. Division St. earlier this week. He’s one of eight Democrats seeking that party’s nomination to challenge President Donald Trump in the fall general election.

Protection

Self-defense instructor offers tips on protecting yourself

Torriente Toliver tips with about 35 people who gathered Friday night at the Westside Health Authority to learn how to protect themselves from kidnapping and assault. Toliver, a former teacher, is the owner of Mind Body Defense. State Rep. La Shawn Ford organized the free session.

election

All but one 7th congressional candidates attend forum

Though incumbent Rep. Danny K. Davis was absent, the other three candidates – high school teacher Anthony V. Clark, healthcare advocate Kina Collins and attorney Kristine Schanbacher – made the case for voters to support them in the March 17 Democratic primary.

News

Westside group to deliver valentines to local residents

The Westside Health Authority’s Good Neighbor campaign will deliver cards and candy to 100-some seniors and homebound residents on Friday. “The Good Neighbor campaign is all about bringing our neighbors together and showing them how to love one another and being there ...
State lawmaker to host cannabis workshop in Austin

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) will host a social equity cannabis workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
A runner’s journey

By Vanessa Stokes Ten years ago, I said, “Let’s do this, Vanessa!” I always wanted to run a marathon. I know it’s kind of extreme running a marathon, but I thought I could do it.
Homicides down in Austin in 2019

There were 47 homicides in Austin in 2019, 10 fewer killings than the previous year, according to the Chicago Sun-Times homicide tracker. All but four of last year's homicide victims were male, and all but two were African American.
Groups seek to end Chicago Police Department’s gang database

The man hoped to become a sheriff’s deputy. It wasn’t until he submitted his job application that he learned he was one of nearly 200,000 people whose names appear in the Chicago Police Department’s gang database.
Sen. Duckworth, advocates push for bill to lower phone calls from prison

When Wandjell Browning was growing up in Champaign, both of her parents were in prison. Phone calls were the way they kept in touch.
Austin celebrates first year of 5-year quality of life plan

A few hundred people gathered Saturday to mark the one-year anniversary of implementing Austin’s five-year quality-of-life plan and to celebrate $13 million that has been committed this past year to improving the city’s largest neighborhood. “It’s been a really momentous year.
29th Ward projects decided for 2020

After two weeks of voting, Ald. Chris Taliaferro's (29th) office tallied 330 votes from this year’s participatory budget election - and six out of the seven projects will be funded.
Black lawmakers push West Siders to take part in census

Several elected officials stopped in Austin recently to encourage West Side residents to take part in the once-a-decade count of the U.S. population. Traveling as part of the “Get Counted” bus tour, members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus made a stop at MacArthur’s Restaurant, 5412 W. Madison St., to unveil a new partnership they hope will help hard-to-count areas such as Austin get an accurate count in next year's U.S. census.
Loretto Hospital jumps in patient safety rating after new report

After receiving low ratings for the past two years, Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave., has improved its patient safety measures on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Report. “We worked very hard, and we recognize this as an important measure by Leapfrog,” said George N. Miller, 68, president and CEO at Loretto Hospital, which received an A rating for its fall report, after receiving average ratings of C’s and D’s.

Recent Updates

Free workshop on helping children affected by trauma
Learn where the 7th congressional candidates stand on the issues
New law makes it easier for the incarcerated to vote

Thirty years ago this month, Nelson Mandela, the first president of the new Republic of South Africa, was released from prison. He had been imprisoned for 27 years.
Stop by Austin’s fresh produce market this weekend
Valentine’s concert for kids Saturday
Free community meal on Saturday
Cultural jam at Amundsen Park on Friday
Free seminar on kidnap awareness and avoidance
Four 7th District congressional candidates face off Thursday
CPS to hold public meetings on school funding

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will be holding a series of community meetings to discuss funding strategies that will help ensure schools have the resources they need to meet the changing demographics and needs of their students. As part of their commitment to promoting greater funding equity, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson recently announced the district would begin a community process to identify potential opportunities to increase school funding.
Get your broken household items repaired for free
Women of color invited to storytelling workshop
New Year resolutions?

By Daryl Satcher “This year I’m gonna finally get back in shape.” “On New Year’s Eve, I will eat my last pizza for three months.” “In 2020, I will shut the haters out of my life, starting on Facebook.” What if you are your biggest hater? New year, new you; that is what you tell yourself, right?
Census Bureau seeks workers
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day Monday in Austin

Happy Birthday, Dr. King! This year, I look forward to teaming up with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Tau Xi Zeta Chapter) to host our 14th annual family health challenge honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event - which includes honoring Dr. King with a special historical program and healthy activities such as learning about healthy eating, fun games, yoga, African dance and gymnastics - will take place at George Leland Stem School, 512 S. Lavergne Ave.

AustinTalks - News and information covering Chicago's Austin neighborhood on the West Side

Congressional candidates debate issues at Austin forum

By Mateusz Janik | February 23, 2020

election

Presidential candidate Bloomberg opens office in Austin

Protection

Self-defense instructor offers tips on protecting yourself

election

All but one 7th congressional candidates attend forum

More Headlines

Rep. Ford demands removal of lead water pipes on West Side

Columbus Park gets techie

Little change in Austin schools’ enrollments, ratings