health
Fitness class for men meeting in Columbus Park
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A fitness group is offering free classes to men in Columbus Park. The 45-minute sessions are held on Monday mornings beginning at 5:30 a.m.
News
Some families complain about state’s crime victim compensation fund
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After her teenage son was shot to death in Austin, Sharita Galloway embarked on a complicated claim submission process that took two years to resolve. She and others hope other families have an easier, less traumatic time getting help from the attorney general’s office, which operates the fund.
youth
West Side youth create their own quality-of-life plan for Austin
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A group of about a dozen youth created their own quality-of-life plan for Austin this summer, modeled after a similar plan being implemented by Austin Coming Together. The youth’s plan focuses on public safety, mental health and youth empowerment, and will be unveiled later this fall by the group Territory.
coronavirus
COVID cases in Austin continue to rise after city closes West Side testing site
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The city shut down the Columbus Park testing site in July. Residents can be tested at four other Austin locations, including Loretto Hospital and PCC Community Wellness Center.
economic development
Chicago Avenue corridor’s revitalization continues
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As city continues to invest in Austin as part of its INVEST South/West program, city developers and non-profit partners are focusing their attention on several blocks of Chicago Avenue, from Cicero Avenue to Austin Boulevard.
racial equity
West Siders rally in Washington for justice, equity
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Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church, and Jose Abonce of Austin Coming Together both traveled to D.C. last week to take part in the “Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks.”
Austin
Community remembers teenager Elijah Sims
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A couple dozen people gathered Sunday to remember teenager Elijah Sims, who was killed four years ago, and to call for better witness protection. His case remains unsolved.
health
Big need for organ donors, especially among people of color
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Representatives from The Loretto Hospital, the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, and the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois recently discussed the demand for organs, especially among African Americans, Hispanics and Asians.
News
Dozens of young people in Austin protest police in schools
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About 50 people gathered at La Follette Park Friday before marching to Chicago Board of Education member Dwayne Truss’ residence. They were protesting the contract between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Police Department, and calling on Truss to vote against the contract at CPS’ Aug. 26th meeting.
history
A house in Austin
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Former West Sider Jacquelyn Dortch has fond memories of growing up in Austin. She devoted a chapter in her memoir to living in the community, which AustinTalks is republishing here.