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FREE Vol. 37 No. 26
June 28, 2023 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
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Austin shootings dropped last summer as peace-building efforts grew Active efforts, modest funding support connections block-by-block By JOSE ABONCE Contributing Reporter
Between 2018 and 2020, Austin ranked first in Chicago in the number of homicides and non-fatal shootings — collectively categorized by the city as “serious victimizations.” A one-year assessment of Chicago’s Our City, Our Safety violence reduction plan identified Austin as the community most affected by violence. While some are demanding a greater police presence or aggressive policing tactics to combat gun violence, members of the Austin community are trying alternative solutions. Rather than solely relying on police to address public safety challenges, it is embracing novel, peace-building efforts, which activate public spaces through neighborhood block clubs, gardening programs, and additional resources for youth and families. See SHOOTINGS DROP on page 11
IGOR STUDENKOV
Finalists wait for the 1st Cook County District Selection Committee to chose the successor for Brandon Johnson’s seat on the county board (Left to right: Tommie Johnson, Ira Acree, Tara Stamps, Zerlina Smith-Members, Claiborne Wade)
Austin activist chosen to fill Brandon Johnson’s county board seat Backed by mayor, Tara Stamps wins seat By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter
The Democratic Party selection committee chose union activist and former Chicago aldermanic candidate Tara Stamps to succeed Brandon Johnson on the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
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The meeting, held June 20 at The Carleton Hotel in Oak Park, 1110 Pleasant St., lasted a little over three hours, with about half of it involving interviews of See TARA STAMPS on page 8
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