News
Homicides down in Austin in 2019
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Mirroring a trend across Chicago, Austin reported 10 fewer homicides in 2019. Forty-seven people were killed, down from 57 in 2018, according to the Chicago Sun-Times homicide tracker.
Community
National night out celebrated this evening in Austin
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Bring your lawn chairs tonight to Moore Park, 5055 W. Adams, to take a stand against crime in your neighborhood. The annual event, sponsored by the 15th Police District, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to stop by tonight’s event.
Opinion
Gun violence hits close to home
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A 22-year-old man was shot to death near state Rep. La Shawn Ford’s family home last weekend. Nearly 30 people have been killed in Austin so far this year. Ford urges city leaders to take more aggressive steps to protect West Side residents and “end this violence now.”
Community
Austin’s quality-of-line plan to be unveiled Saturday
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After years of work involving dozens of West Side residents, the spotlight will be on the plan from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dec. 15. The event – organized by Austin Coming Together – will be held at Michele Clark High School, 5101 W. Harrison St.
Community
Show your support for murder victim’s family
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Residents are asked to join family and friends on July 25 as they continue to search for answers in the 2016 death of 15-year-old Demetrius Griffin Jr.
unity
Wear red shirt Wednesday to show support for peace
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Members of the 15th District CAPS office, various Austin churches and community groups have been “loitering” on several corners in Austin every Wednesday in June and July since 2010 in an attempt to reduce crime.
25th Police District
25th District hosts National Night Out event
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Police, residents came together once again for their annual community block party held in Chicago and other U.S. cities every summer.
Crime
Multi-million dollar federal grant awarded to Safer Foundation to help ex-offenders
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The West Side nonprofit is among 32 groups nationwide receiving money from the U.S. Department of Labor to continue to provide job training and other services to former inmates looking for a job.
Community
Elected official, ministers asking for city/county plan to keep neighborhoods safe
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Cook County Commission Richard Boykin, Bishop Joseph Jones and Rev. Ira Acree will host a “state of the emergency” meeting 6 to 8 p.m. July 19 at Pleasant Ridge Church, 116 S. Central Ave.
Ald. Chris Taliaferro
Austin celebrates garden that honors two residents who fought for the community
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Police officers, community groups and others worked on the Ed Bailey-Leola Spann community garden, which is sponsored by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s West Side Community Justice Center.