Community
What does Austin need most?
|
Enjoy a candid conversation with state Rep. La Shawn at the new Austin coffee shop Urban Essentials, 5300 W. Chicago Ave., at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 21.
News
Rep. Ford pushes overdose prevention sites for Chicago
|
Medical experts, advocates and community outreach groups support the move.
Community
Rep. Ford calls for pause on utility shutoffs
|
In the wake of last weekend’s torrential rain that flooded hundreds of basements on Chicago’s West Side, state Rep. La Shawn Ford is urging ComEd and People’s Gas to temporarily stop utility shutoffs of those affected by the storms and also offer assistance.
Community
Illinois drivers can’t be pulled over for items on windows, mirror
|
Austin lawmaker La Shawn Ford pushed the proposal, which will ban police from stopping a vehicle solely because there is an item hanging from the rearview mirror, windshield or side windows. The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.
Community
Bikers will ride through several Chicago neighborhoods to raise money for West Side group
|
Dozens of riders are expected to start at 8 a.m. June 3, traveling through Austin Englewood and other neighborhoods on their 50-mile trek through Chicago.
Chicago mayor
Group of Chicagoans want Rep. Ford to run for mayor
|
State Rep. La Shawn Ford, an Austin resident, is “open” to running for mayor, though he will not be participating in an event Thursday night organized by others to garner support.
drugs
Bill proposed to allow safe drug injection sites on West Side
|
State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford has introduced legislation that would allow people to inject illegal drugs under supervision. He hopes lawmakers will vote on the proposal later this year.
News
Resources available to fight opioid use, reduce drug overdoses
|
The West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force offers training each month to help reduce the record number of overdose deaths.
criminal justice
Criminal justice forum held Thursday night
|
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will hold a virtual forum on criminal justice at 7 p.m. Feb. 11. The panel will include state Rep. La Shawn Ford.
health
Austin Walmart doling out COVID vaccines, but there’s concern over who’s getting the shots
|
The Walmart Supercenter in Austin is offering COVID-19 vaccines, but some are concerned the mostly African American community isn’t taking advantage. City data shows 2,742 people in the 60639 ZIP code, where the Walmart is located, have received their first dose. At 3.1% of the ZIP code’s population, it’s among the lowest vaccination rates in the city.