Young West Siders Launched A ‘Safe Zone’ To Stop Area Violence. Hours Later, One Says He Was Punched By A Cop
Tae Dudley was swarmed by police, punched and cuffed without explanation, he said. He was never charged with a crime. Now, police and the Mayor's Office are investigating the incident.
Police Officers Lied About Why They Dragged Mia Wright From Car, Hurled Racist Slurs In Brickyard Mall Attack, Watchdog Says
When a bystander tried to stop officers from pulling people out of the car, one officer called the person a “f—ing animal," a "c—-,” a "whore" and used other racist and sexist language, the report states. He was allowed to retire.
After 17-Year-Old Boy Killed On CTA Bus, Union For Drivers Says Transit Agency Must Act To Keep Workers, Passengers Safe
Many CTA employees fear the job may be too dangerous due to a spike in violence on buses and trains, a union official said.
City Council Greenlights Plan To Transform Laramie State Bank Into Housing, Cafe, Museum And Incubator
The $44.2 million plan received a key zoning change needed to redevelop the vacant building for the benefit of the community and local economy as a flagship project of the Invest South/West initiative.
City Council Approves Sale Of Discounted West Side Lots To Retiring Alderman’s Wife
Planning officials said the land sale to the recently-resigned alderman's wife of two lots in don't cross any ethical lines.
Monique Scott Appointed To Her Brother’s Job As 24th Ward Alderman As He Retires
The mayor dismissed critics who said Monique Scott was chosen to replace her brother Michael Scott Jr. based on nepotism, calling the criticism "frankly lazy."
After 11-Year-Old Ja’lon James Killed In Hit-And-Run, Mentor Raising Money To Help Boy’s Devastated Family
The GoFundMe for Ja'lon James was launched by his boxing mentor, who said the child could "fill a room with his presence." Already, $27,000 has been donated.
With Much Of Douglass Park Closed To Public For 3 Music Fests, Some Residents Say ‘Almost The Entire Summer Is Ruined’
Summer Smash took over much of Douglass Park Juneteenth weekend and Heatwave Festival and Riot Fest are coming later this summer. It can take weeks to set up and tear down the fests each time.
Laramie State Bank Redevelopment Bringing Museum, Housing, Café, Plaza To Long-Vacant Building Gets Key City Approval
The $44.2 million project to revive the nearly century-old building on Chicago Avenue is set for City Council votes.
West Side Street Where Hit-And-Run Driver Killed 11-Year-Old ‘Like A Drag Strip,’ Neighbors Say
Jalon James is at least the third child a driver has killed in three weeks in Chicago. Neighbors said speeding drivers and the lack of stop signs long have been a problem.
Woman Who Stole Police Car, Hit Officer Had Been Sexually Assaulted, Report Says
The woman's bail was set at $2 million. She has no criminal history.
Chicago Hospital Workers Want Regulators Take Action On Short Staffing To Protect Patients
Short staffing at Loretto Hospital and other area medical centers has diminished the quality of patient care and posed occupational risks to workers, members of the SEIU Healthcare Illinois union said.
As Lightfoot Seeks Reelection, Mayor Counts On West Side Allies To Help Her Snag 2nd Term
The mayor said part of her reelection campaign will emphasize the city's investments into neighborhoods previously overlooked by City Hall, including the Invest South/West initiative.
List To Replace Lawndale Ald. Michael Scott Includes His Sister, Chief Of Staff
Mayor Lori Lightfoot now has to appoint a new 24th Ward alderperson this summer. See the list of 19 applicants here.
Without Easy Access To The Lake, West Siders Hope Pools Will Remain Open Despite Lifeguard Shortage
Though pools at major parks like Douglass Park, Columbus Park and Garfield Park will reopen, some indoor pools will close for the summer due to a lack of staff.
Renovations To West Side Stadium Will Give Student Athletes ‘A Sense Of Pride,’ District Says
The Rockne Stadium in Austin is getting a new turf field, an upgraded track and other renovations to modernize the outdated CPS athletic facility.
Weekly Pop-Up Grocery Store Brings Fresh Food Options To West Garfield Park After Aldi Closure
The pop up is the latest effort from neighborhood organizers to ensure West Siders have access to fresh food amid the dire lack of grocery stores.
Chicago Cop Shot Unarmed 13-Year-Old In His Back While His Hands Were Raised, Family Says In Lawsuit
The boy's family is suing the city and the unnamed officer who shot the teen. “He stopped and put his hands up," one of the family's lawyers said.
Ald. Michael Scott To Run Cinespace Film Studio’s Community Relations
Ald. Michael Scott Jr. will join Cinespace Film Studio, which is based in his ward, to lead the company's community engagement efforts.
Ald. Michael Scott, Key Lightfoot Ally On West Side, Resigns
Scott told Block Club he's leaving to pursue other endeavors and spend more time with his family. He's been in office seven years.
