■ Space to Grow opens at Spencer Academy PAGE 6
FREE Vol. 39 No. 26
July 2, 2025 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
3 family members, Austin editor die in North Ave. fire
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West Side nonprofit leads the Pride Parade, page 9
Outrage over health care cuts
Leaders Network offers $5K reward to solve ‘horrific travesty’ By DAN HALEY Interim Editor
Three members of the Brown Henry family were among the four people who died in the early morning hours of June 26 when a suspicious and intense fire gutted a mixed-use building on North Avenue. Also killed in the fire was Brad Cummings, 76, the longtime editor of The Voice newspapers serving the West Side. Gina Brown Henry, 32; Destiny Brown Henry, 28, and Jayceon Henry, 5, died in the fire at 5220 W. North Ave. The three were cousins of Rev. George Smith Jr. In a statement issued by The Leaders Network, a coalition of West Side religious leaders, Smith said, “I’m really at a loss for words about my three cousins’ deaths. … It hurts so bad. They lived life to the fullest. … I loved the way they stayed together and respected their mother. … They are, were just good girls.” The Leaders Network announced at a Sunday press conference a $5,000 reward for anyone pro-
Congressman Danny Davis vents his frustration at West Suburban Hospital regarding proposed drastic cuts in federal funding.
See FIRE on page 8
TODD BANNOR
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