AustinTalks | politics

News

Incumbent in the 37th Ward easily wins re-election, while 29th Ward race may need to be determined in April runoff

By AustinTalks | February 28, 2023

Ald. Emma Mitts is headed to another four-year term on the Chicago City Council, while Ald. Chris Taliaferro may still face a runoff, depending on the mail-in ballots still coming in and being processed. Voters also elected three members to both the 15th and 25th Police District Councils. And Austin resident Brandon Johnson appeared headed to a runoff in the mayoral election against former CPS CEO Paul Vallas.

News

Police District Council, 29th Ward candidates share priorities at West Side forum

By Francia Garcia Hernandez | February 6, 2023

Candidates discussed public safety, economic development, housing and mental health, among other key topics Austin residents are considering as they vote in the Feb. 28th local election.

29th Ward

Multiple challengers file to run against Alds. Taliaferro and Mitts in February

By Francia Garcia Hernandez | November 29, 2022

Incumbents Chris Taliaferro and Emma Mitts could face up to three contenders on the Feb. 28th ballot, depending on whether objections are filed and how election officials rule. Several candidates also filed to run for the newly created 15th and 25th Police District Councils.

Brandon Johnson

Austin resident Brandon Johnson running for Chicago mayor

By Michelle Meyer | October 30, 2022

Johnson is backed by the Chicago Teachers Union and United Working Families. He is the ninth candidate to join the race to challenge incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the Feb. 28th primary.

Chicago

Early voting for 2022 primary begins next week

By AustinTalks | May 18, 2022

Early voting for the June 28th primary was supposed to begin May 19th, but the date was pushed back to accommodate recent changes to the ballot, including the removal of the city ward map referendum question.

Community

Learn why redistricting matters to you and the West Side

By AustinTalks | May 3, 2022

The South Austin Neighborhood Association is hosting an event May 4th for residents to learn more about redistricting and how it affects political power.

Homepage Featured

West Side advocate sounds alarm over legislative maps

By Valerie F. Leonard | May 30, 2021

Valerie F. Leonard, founder of Nonprofit Utopia, warns residents of predominantly Black neighborhoods their rights will be diminished under approved legislative maps awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.

Austin

Austin student reflects on the impact of a new Chicago mayor

By Kendall Polidori | June 11, 2019

Austin College and Career Academy High School senior Darien McGee discussed the change he hopes will come to Austin now that Mayor Lori Lightfoot has assumed her position.

Community

Austin residents invited to mayoral forum

By AustinTalks | January 10, 2019

The candidate forum will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road. The focus will be on neighborhood issues.

election

Commissioner Boykin announces he will seek reelection to Cook County Board

By Xueer Zhang | September 29, 2017

At a press conference Thursday, the first-term official said he had decided not to challenge Board President Toni Preckwinkle.