Author

Mike Romain

Mike's Latest Articles

County Assessor Candidates Clash Over Campaign Cash, Assessment Data, and Tax Fairness at West Side Forum

The event at Collins High in North Lawndale highlighted sharp divides between incumbent Fritz Kaegi and his Democratic challenger Pat Hynes over ethics rules and how to fix an inequitable property tax system

Austin Resident Stands Alone at Cook County Board President Forum

Libertarian Michael Murphy, 32, was the only candidate to show up at the Feb. 5 candidates forum in North Lawndale

Lillian Drummond, Tireless Austin Advocate Who Took On Presidents to Protect Low-Income Seniors, Dies at 104 

Known affectionately as “Mama Lill,” the West Side matriarch helped win landmark utility protections for low-income families

Black History Lives in the Details at Austin Pop-Up Museum

The temporary exhibit at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation draws on family collections to connect Black history to real lives

Leadership Successions Announced by Organizations Founded by Prominent West Suburban Bishop 

Bishop Claude Porter’s PLCCA and Interfaith Illinois Inc. both got new leadership this month, weeks after his death in December

Explore Some of the Best Ways to Commemorate Black History Month’s 100th Year Out West 

From Austin to Westchester, communities all along I-290 are celebrating this centennial Black History Month with a range of events and initiatives

Austin Collective Action Week to Connect Youth With Civic Engagement, Jobs, and Wellness 

A weeklong series of free events, Feb. 16–22, blends civic engagement, career readiness, culture, and wellness for Austin-area youth and families

Two Upcoming Austin Art Projects to Showcase Black Culture, Local Artists 

A Black History Month Museum at the Aspire Center and “Winter Florals” exhibition at Third City Studio to kick off the new year

Republican and Democratic Candidates Pack 7th District Congressional Forum In North Lawndale

Twelve of the 15 people running to succeed longtime Congressman Danny K. Davis showed up on Jan. 27

West Siders Are Canceling TikTok Due to New Privacy Concerns, Fears of ‘Shadow Banning’ 

After the app’s U.S. operations split from its Chinese parent, creators reported sudden drops in reach and raised concerns about privacy, data use, and political speech