■ Stateville prisoners make case for parole in play PAGE 5
FREE Vol. 37 No. 29
July 19, 2023 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
@AustinWeeklyNews
@austinweeklynews
@AustinWeeklyChi
Leaders Network demands flooding aid and investigation Call for city to free up rainy-day funds, look for long-term solutions By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter
The Leaders Network, a collaborative of West Side faith and community leaders, is urging the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to investigate the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) handling of the July 2-3 flooding, make sure all affected West Siders are compensated for the flood damage and work on longer-term solutions to make sure that, the next time the West Side faces this much rainfall, it won’t be as damaging. Two weeks after the west and southwest sides of Chicago and the western suburbs got as much as 8 to 9 inches of water, the flood damage remains a pressing concern as the water created mold, damaged personal belongings and, in some cases, damaged boilers, leaving some households without hot water. On July 11, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for all of Cook County and several downstate counties impacted by flooding, allowing state agencies to send resources to the affected areas. A state disaster declaration is a prerequisite to a federal disaster declaration, which could send Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to the West Side. Leaders Network heads said that, while they welcomed a state disaster declaration, they wanted to see more See FLOODING UPDATE on page 6
Attendees enjoy dance and live music at 2022 Chicago SummerDance neighborhood event. DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Chicago SummerDance brings a neighborhood party to Austin Town Hall On Aug. 2, bring a friend and join a summer celebration of movement, line dancing and community By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter
On Wednesday, Aug. 2, Austin residents will see the park adjacent to Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St., turn into a lively dance floor for people of all ages practicing their best line dance steps. “[Front Porch Arts Center] is thinking about this par-
WS ! NEF H S A L
ty as being a true summertime experience that feels like gathering with friends in the backyard for a barbecue,” said John Rich, theater and dance coordinator for the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This year, Front Porch Arts Center partnered with DCASE to create Austin’s SummerDance event, inviting Austin residents to get moving and dancing. “Line dancing is the way that everybody can participate. You learn the dance as the music is playing,” Rich said. Starting at 4:30 p.m., attendees can participate in creative activities for all ages, including yard games. Attendees are also invited to paint on panels that will be used to create See SUMMERDANCE on page 2
You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box. Sign up for FREE at AustinWeeklyNews.com