News
West Siders gather for Mandela Day, call for economic empowerment
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Dozens of West Side residents gathered to commemorate Nelson Mandela and call for economic empowerment in Austin.
labor
Union, hospital reach tentative agreement
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SEIU Illinois and The Loretto Hospital reached a tentative contract agreement last week. The new contract includes wage increases, regular raises for staff and staffing protections. Workers will vote on the agreement on Wednesday. On Monday, they’ll will gather outside the hospital as part of the “Strike for Black Lives National Day of Action” to their solidarity for workers across the country “calling for the resources, wages and workplace protections needed to protect Black lives on the job and in our communities.”
Community
Block club hosts community beautification event
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The Austin Adams Block Club hosted the event last weekend. They planted rose bushes along Adams Street, ate barbecue from Smoky Zo’s and were visited by the mayor. Another community event is planned for this Saturday.
News
Workers at Loretto Hospital threaten to strike
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SEIU Illinois has announced that the nearly 200 workers it represent at the Austin hospital have authorized a strike as early as July 20. SEIU accuses Loretto of unfair labor practices and failing to bargain in good faith. The hospital says it’s “offered favorable terms, especially in light of the current economic environment.”
hunger
Church launches community pop-up pantry Saturday
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Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield Ave., is launching an outdoor pop-up pantry on Saturdays from 10 a.m. till noon, starting this Saturday, July 11. The pantry will distribute non-perishables, such as canned goods and possibly fresh produce. There will also be household items available, including cleaning supplies, toilet paper, diapers, hand sanitizer and face masks.
economic development
Four Austin businesses awarded grants from city
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The businesses – Avery and Pryor Construction, DLV Printing Service, L. May Creations and T&C Fitness Club – will receive a total of $717,320 from the city’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. It was started in 2016 to help support commercial corridors in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. In the latest round of funding, 32 businesses on the West, South and Southwest Sides will be getting a total of $5.4 million.
juneteenth
West Side residents celebrate July 4th, not Independence Day
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For many Austin residents, celebrating the Fourth of July means fireworks, lighting up the grill and time with family and friends – but it’s not a celebration of independence. That day was celebrated on June 19th.
education
Austin teen and future mathematician graduates top of his class
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James Nnabuihe graduated as valedictorian last month from Austin College & Career Academy. He will be the third sibling to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he plans to study math.
violence
Dozens attend rally in Austin after deadly weekend
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People gathered for a rally to remember a toddler and 13-year-old who were killed in separate shootings over the weekend in Austin. They were two of more than 100 people injured or killed in shootings in Chicago over Father’s Day weekend. Faith leaders and community groups are offering a $13,000 reward for information leading to the person who killed 3-year-old Mekhi James.
Uncategorized
Juneteenth celebrated on West Side
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West Side organizations hosted events in celebration of Juneteenth on Friday. Commemorating Juneteenth this year was seen as especially important in the wake of the national movements sparked by the police killing of George Floyd.