An online survey of 801 general election voters conducted by Change Research from Nov. 18-21 revealed a snapshot of Chicagoans’ opinions on budget negotiations, property taxes, and city spending. The poll, which had a modeled margin of error of 3.7%, explored topics ranging from politician favorability to spending priorities and Chicago’s sanctuary city policies. The […]
Author Archives: Robin Sluzas
Southwest side ward bosses ‘driving the conversation’ on Chicago’s 2025 budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration recently proposed a reduced $150 million property tax increase after the City Council unanimously rejected an earlier $300 million hike. While the administration seeks new revenue through taxes on cloud computing and streaming services, southwest side aldermen are calling for spending cuts instead. Supportive of the aldermen’s position, a statement […]
In the holiday spirit, YSV Candles and Gifts nurtures creativity, connection in Garfield Ridge
Mildred Rivera, owner of YSV Candles and Gifts, is more than a businesswoman. She’s a candlemaker and community advocate whose Garfield Ridge store is a hub for artisan wares and creative workshops. Located at 6623 W. Archer Ave., YSV Candles and Gifts offers handmade candles, natural cosmetics, and unique artisan creations from 20 local makers. […]
Residents, Chicago activists react to shooting near Garfield Ridge tavern
Garfield Ridge residents expressed fear and frustration Sunday night after a shooting Friday night in the 7000 block of West Archer Avenue killed one person and injured two. Residents and Chicago activists held a press conference Sunday night outside the former Halina’s Pub at 7023 W. Archer and called for the tavern’s permanent closure and […]
Slain West Lawn CPD Officer Martinez shooting suspect charged
A 23-year-old man has been charged with the shooting death of Officer Enrique Martinez, a Hubbard High School graduate and West Lawn resident, who was killed in the line of duty on Chicago’s South Side. The fatal encounter has reignited citywide concerns over rising gun violence and its toll on both residents and law enforcement. […]
Gutierrez wins Chicago’s 8th District school board seat; CTU’s Lopez takes 7th District
While Tuesday’s election night at Moe’s Cantina on West Hubbard Street was filled with supporters of new Illinois Attorney General Eileen O’Neill Burke, Angel Gutierrez celebrated his 8th District school board victory in Chicago with a small group of supporters at the same venue. Gutierrez, a pro-school choice candidate, defeated Felix Ponce, who was backed […]
July Chicago Lawn tornado victims can get repair help from FEMA
By 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 18, a Saturday morning, the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side, home to many Latino residents, was already bustling with energy along Kedzie Avenue near the intersection of 61st Street. It would be hard to believe that just three months earlier, on July 15, an EF1 tornado swept through […]
Aldermen push back on mayor’s school board appointments and budget strategy
A new City Hall dispute emerged on Oct. 7 as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of six temporary Chicago school board members drew criticism for bypassing City Council involvement. In response to the mayor’s appointments, Aldermen Raymond Lopez (15th), Marty Quinn (13th), and Silvana Tabares (23rd) reacted negatively to the mayor’s plan to fund Chicago’s public […]
Local aldermen rip mayor over ShotSpotter cancellation
After the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance giving Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling the authority to extend ShotSpotter technology, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s February 2024 promise to turn off the monitors set up a battle with a majority of aldermen. Three Southwest Side aldermen spoke to the Greater Southwest News-Herald about why ShotSpotter technology should […]
