■ PNC Bank opens in Austin PAGE 4
FREE Vol. 39 No. 5
July 30, 2025 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
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Say No to Drugs and Violence parade, page 8
With West Sub in trouble, Rep. Ford calls for accountability, communications West Sub sought a $10M state loan but was rejected By DAN HALEY and BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Editor and Reporter
With the uncertain future of West Suburban Medical Center, a West Side-based committee has formed. They aim to open communications between the Austin and Oak Park communities and the owners of the hospital, and to hold those owners, Resilience Healthcare, accountable to its neighbors. State Rep. La Shawn Ford helped organize the nascent group, which so far has met once and consists of four West Sub representatives and two community members. A second meeting, which was scheduled for Monday, July 28, was cancelled when one of the West Sub members was unable to attend. It is to be rescheduled. Ford said he has been hearing from upset and concerned constituents about issues at West Sub. “People are not satisfied with the hospital,” he said. Ford and Jaidalyn Rand, a public health administrator and member of the West Side Health Authority board, sought the group’s initial meeting. See WEST SUB on page 9
PROVIDED BY MYISHA MCGEE
COLLEGE BOUND: An incoming college student stocks up on supplies.
Packing for college: Breakthrough’s Trunk Party helps students start strong From a simple idea to a growing tradition, the evolution of the Trunk Party By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
On Aug. 2, Breakthrough’s FamilyPlex gymnasium in East Garfield Park
will transform into a one-stop shop for college-bound students at its annual Trunk Party. Its gymnasium will be set up with different sections organized by category,
including bedding, toiletries, school supplies, hygiene products and detergent. As students walk through, they will be See TRUNK PARTY on page 5
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