# 15 West > We make the news easier to understand and reduce misinformation about our world. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages - [Our People](https://www.15west.org/15-west-crew.md) - Meet our crew - the journalists, photographers, and community members working together to bring you hyperlocal news. - [15 West Privacy Policy](https://www.15west.org/15-west-privacy-policy.md) - At 15 West, our mission is to seek the truth and help people understand the world, particularly as it relates to the West Side of Chicago and our local community. We want you to understand how we handle your personal information. We also want you to know your rights and choices. This policy describ… - [News for everyone.](https://www.15west.org/about.md) - 15 West is a resident and student-powered newsroom dedicated to connecting people mile by mile, block by block, throughout Chicago’s West Side and neighboring suburbs. Made possible by Cook County's Digital Equity Impact Grant, 15 West is Lucky Jefferson's nonprofit newsroom. Lucky Jefferson is a 5… - [Authors](https://www.15west.org/authors.md) - [Intern Onboarding](https://www.15west.org/intern-onboarding.md) - Welcome to 15 West Learn more about us and develop your first story idea! 👋 Hi, Reporter! Welcome to your first day at 15 West! This onboarding tour will help you understand who we are, what we do, and how to start thinking like a community journalist. Your Mission Today: As you explore each stati… - [Learn to report the news.](https://www.15west.org/learn.md) - You already have a story. Learn to report the news. Training Series Regardless of your education, ability, language, or experience, our free workshops take you from understanding media to creating it and publishing it. You don't need a journalism degree, perfect English, or any prior experience. Ju… - [Welcome to Neighborhood Watch](https://www.15west.org/neighborhood-watch.md) - [How We Show Up](https://www.15west.org/organizing.md) - This is how 15 West goes beyond the story. - [Writing for 15 West](https://www.15west.org/pitching.md) - 15 West is short for 15 miles west. We cover Chicago's West Side and near-west suburbs, up to 15 miles west of downtown. This area has long been underserved by traditional media. Our mission is to provide communities like Berwyn, Cicero, North Lawndale, Garfield Park, and Austin the in-depth, local… - [Policies](https://www.15west.org/policies.md) - Editorial independence Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute i… - [Reporter Onboarding](https://www.15west.org/reporteronboarding.md) - 🎉 Welcome to 15 West! Thanks for signing your freelance agreement. Here's what happens next: ■ ■ ■ STEP 1: Complete Payment & Tax Forms You will soon receive an invite from Gusto. This is how you will be paid and where you can provide tax information. ■ ■ ■ STEP 2: Get Inspired! * Read our Reporti… - [Research](https://www.15west.org/research.md) - Research from 15 West Supported by DePaul University 1 in 4 people in West Side Chicago have disabilities, are neurodivergent, or are learning English. Most local news isn't built for them. We partnered with DePaul University's Student Urban Research Corps to understand what needs to change. 54 que… ## Posts - [The biggest misconception about Local School Councils? They don't do anything.](https://www.15west.org/featured/the-biggest-misconception-about-local-school-councils-they-dont-do-anything.md) - Local School Councils remain the most direct way West Side residents can influence decisions at their neighborhood schools. But participation remains a challenge. - [Brookfield Zoo turns its East Mall into a concert venue. Here’s how it works.](https://www.15west.org/brookfield-zoo-turns-its-east-mall-into-a-concert-venue-heres-how-it-works.md) - Roaring Nights brings sold out concerts to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall, where organizers must balance visitor access, live entertainment and animal welfare. - [‘Where Are Kids Supposed to Go?’](https://www.15west.org/featured/where-are-kids-supposed-to-go.md) - David Avila asked the question while opening Berwyn's newest athletic field. Just steps away, a pile of dirt marks a flood relief project that remains on hold. - ["¿Adónde Van a ir los Niños?"](https://www.15west.org/adonde-van-a-ir-los-ninos.md) - David Avila hizo esa pregunta al abrir el nuevo campo deportivo en Berwyn. Pero a solo unos pasos, una pila de tierra marca un proyecto de ayuda por las inundaciones que sigue en pausa. - [Who runs Berwyn's Democratic Party? Meet the new committeeperson.](https://www.15west.org/featured/who-runs-berwyns-democratic-party-meet-the-new-committeeperson.md) - A committeeperson is a party role most Berwyn residents have never heard of. Rob Pabon just won one, and he wants to change that. - [¿Quién Maneja el Partido Demócrata en Berwyn? Conoce al nuevo Miembro del Comité](https://www.15west.org/quien-maneja-el-partido-democrata-en-berwyn-conoce-al-nuevo-miembro-del-comite.md) - Ser miembro del comité es un rol que la mayoría de residentes de Berwyn nunca han escuchado. Rob Pabon acaba de ganar uno de esos roles, y quiere cambiar las cosas. - [Beyond Campaign Promises: What State Representatives Actually Do on the West Side](https://www.15west.org/featured/beyond-campaign-promises-what-state-representatives-actually-do-on-the-west-side.md) - From school funding to constituent services, state representatives shape policies that directly affect West Side residents, but many people remain unclear about what those officials actually control. - [Summer Smash Fans Praise Performances While Raising Concerns About Organization and Accessibility](https://www.15west.org/featured/summer-smash-fans-praise-performances-while-raising-concerns-about-organization-and-accessibility.md) - From will-call delays to unforgettable performances, fans described a weekend marked by frustration, community, and lingering questions about the future of one of Chicago's biggest hip-hop festivals. - [Cymande Reemerges with Fresh Momentum and Deep Roots](https://www.15west.org/featured/cymande-reemerges-with-fresh-momentum-and-deep-roots.md) - Ahead of a June 25 stop at Fitzgerald's, bassist Steve Scipio reflects on the band's Caribbean roots, its resurgence through hip-hop sampling, and plans for new music. - [Jem Junkies está Haciendo Espacio para la Suavidad](https://www.15west.org/jem-junkies-esta-haciendo-espacio-para-la-suavidad.md) - En este estudio queer y negro de grillz y gemas para dientes, la comodidad y conversación son tratadas como parte de la experiencia. - [Jem Junkies Is Making Space for Softness](https://www.15west.org/featured/jem-junkies-is-making-space-for-softness.md) - At the Black- and queer-owned grillz and tooth gem studio, comfort and conversation are treated as part of the experience. - [Una Conversación con Julián Mercado](https://www.15west.org/una-conversacion-con-julian-mercado.md) - El cantante de música Mexicana habla de componer canciones, motivación, y de conectar con gente a través de la música. - [A conversation with Julián Mercado](https://www.15west.org/a-conversation-with-julian-mercado.md) - The música Mexicana singer discusses songwriting, motivation, and connecting with audiences through music. - [Cody Norman Imagines a Future for Plastic](https://www.15west.org/featured/cody-norman-imagines-a-future-for-plastic.md) - At Garfield Park Conservatory, artist Cody Norman uses coral-like sculptures and plastic to explore how communities might adapt to a material that isn’t going away. - [Chicago activists see May Day strike as a call for worker power](https://www.15west.org/featured/chicago-activists-see-may-day-strike-as-a-call-for-worker-power.md) - Activists and community organizers hope the May 1 strike will inspire continued worker organizing and collective action. - [Peso Pluma and Tito Double P Bring DINASTÍA to Chicago](https://www.15west.org/peso-pluma-and-tito-double-p-bring-dinastia-to-chicago.md) - The cousins ended their DINASTÍA tour in Chicago, where fans connected with the music through identity, ambition, and culture. - [One Austin Mom Couldn't Find Support for Her Autistic Son. So She's Building It.](https://www.15west.org/featured/one-austin-mom-couldnt-find-support-for-her-autistic-son-so-shes-building-it.md) - Asia Bee spent years navigating a system that offered Black families like hers little more than a diagnosis. Now she's creating the community she never had through Darrin’s Voice, one Saturday at a time. - [Little Village mural honors lives lost to cancer](https://www.15west.org/featured/little-village-mural-honors-lives-lost-to-cancer.md) - After losing several family members to cancer, Dolores Castañeda created a mural at 26th Street and Drake Avenue. Over 50 names honor residents lost to cancer and encourage early screenings. - [Inside the Continental Pageant’s Legacy of Glamour and Resistance](https://www.15west.org/featured/inside-the-continental-pageants-legacy-of-glamour-and-resistance.md) - An inside look at the Continental Pageant, which has evolved into an international platform celebrating artistry, advocacy, and resilience within the LGBTQIA+ community. - [Organizers Work to Expand Disability Access on Chicago’s West Side](https://www.15west.org/featured/organizers-work-to-expand-disability-access-on-chicagos-west-side.md) - After a new city report highlighted stark neighborhood inequities for Chicagoans with disabilities, local advocates say the work to make the city more accessible is far from finished. - [Chicago never stopped policing “immoral” women](https://www.15west.org/featured/chicago-never-stopped-policing-immoral-women.md) - A 2018 loitering law allows police to act on perceived intent, echoing Chicago’s early anti-vice crackdowns. - [Oak Park residents question wording of indoor pool referendum](https://www.15west.org/featured/oak-park-residents-question-wording-of-indoor-pool-referendum.md) - Ballot measure asks voters to approve $40 million in bonds, but does not mention that the Ridgeland Common outdoor pool would be replaced. - [Anita Piotrowski Al Fin es Visible](https://www.15west.org/anita-piotrowski-al-fin-es-visible.md) - Durante su jubilación, se ha vuelto la artista que siempre fue. - [Anita Piotrowski Finally Gets to Be Seen](https://www.15west.org/anita-piotrowski-finally-gets-to-be-seen.md) - In retirement, she's become the artist she always was. - [After Operation Midway Blitz, Little Village refuses to disappear](https://www.15west.org/after-operation-midway-blitz-little-village-refuses-to-disappear.md) - Six months later, residents are still healing. But they're also organizing, shopping local, and refusing to be broken. - [Como la Fundación Ojalá esta Construyendo la Comunidad Latino Musulmana que Chicago Nunca Tuvo](https://www.15west.org/como-la-fundacion-ojala-esta-construyendo-la-comunidad-latino-musulmana-que-chicago-nunca-tuvo.md) - Lo que pasa cuando una comunidad Latino Musulmana decide construir su propio hogar y deja la puerta abierta para otros en el proceso. - [How Ojala Foundation Is Building What Chicago's Latino Muslim Community Never Had](https://www.15west.org/featured/how-ojala-foundation-is-building-what-chicagos-latino-muslim-community-never-had.md) - What happens when a Latino Muslim community decides to build its own home and leaves the door open for others in the process. - [Pilsen Has Lived Through One Bad Demolition. Residents Are Fighting to Make Sure Fisk Is Different.](https://www.15west.org/featured/pilsen-has-lived-through-one-bad-demolition-residents-are-fighting-to-make-sure-fisk-is-different.md) - Residents say the Fisk site is full of heavy metals and coal ash that haven't been properly tested. They halted the demolition once. Now they're fighting to make sure it stays halted until the city does it right. - [In the first live-streamed genocide, Chicago challenges media narratives on Gaza](https://www.15west.org/featured/in-the-first-live-streamed-genocide-chicago-challenges-media-narratives-on-gaza.md) - Local artists, educators, and journalists are using exhibitions, research, and storytelling to counter what they see as dehumanizing coverage of Palestinians. - [De Terrenos Vacíos a Jardines de Resistencia](https://www.15west.org/de-terrenos-vacios-a-jardines-de-resistencia.md) - Las comunidades de Chicago y alrededores se unen a un movimiento nacional para reescribir la narrativa sobre el acceso a alimentos y espacios verdes. Residentes organizan recuperar terrenos abandonados y convertirlos en espacios vivos que cultivan alimentos y fortalecen comunidad. - [From Vacant Lots to Gardens of Resistance](https://www.15west.org/featured/from-vacant-lots-to-gardens-of-resistance.md) - Communities across Chicago and its suburbs are joining cities nationwide in rewriting the narrative around food access and green space. Residents are turning abandoned lots into vibrant spaces for growing food, building community, and practicing resistance. - [Candlelight Vigil Reunites All Fred Hampton and Mark Clark Survivors After 56 Years](https://www.15west.org/featured/candlelight-vigil-reunites-all-fred-hampton-and-mark-clark-survivors-after-56-years.md) - Survivors of the 1969 raid, former Black Panthers, residents, and community organizers gathered at the site of the assassination to honor how the Black Panthers' revolutionary work continues today, amid opposition over who has the right to tell their story. - [After Playoff Run, Chicago Winds Find New Talent for Year 2](https://www.15west.org/after-playoff-run-chicago-winds-find-new-talent-for-year-2.md) - The team proved women's tackle football has an eager audience in Chicago, and they're just getting started. - [Vigilia con Velas Reúne Sobrevivientes de Fred Hampton y Mark Clark Luego de 56 Años](https://www.15west.org/candlelight-vigil-reunites-all-fred-hampton-and-mark-clark-survivors-after-56-years-2.md) - Sobrevivientes del asalto de 1969, Black Panthers, residentes y organizadores del pasado se reúnen en el lugar del asesinato para honrar como el trabajo revolucionario de los Black Panthers continúa hasta el día de hoy, en medio de la oposición sobre quien tiene el derecho de contar la historia. - [Chicago's Community Organizers Build Rapid Response Model as ICE Shifts Focus Nationwide](https://www.15west.org/chicagos-community-organizers-build-rapid-response-model-as-ice-shifts-focus-nationwide.md) - Community groups across Chicago are equipping residents with legal guides, know-your-rights trainings, and rapid response networks to protect immigrant families. - [Viva la Vida: Honoring Memory Through Dance in Chicago](https://www.15west.org/featured/viva-la-vida-honoring-memory-through-dance-in-chicago.md) - At CICA’s Brighton Park studio, young dancers spent weeks rehearsing Veracruz-style folklórico for the Día de Muertos showcase on Nov. 2, learning the music and traditions behind the performance. - [Estuvimos Aquí, pt 2](https://www.15west.org/estuvimos-aqui-pt-2.md) - En la segunda de tres partes, un ensayo fotográfico explora como las comunidades del West Side de Chicago insisten en su presencia y dignidad ante el desplazamiento, revelando la persistencia de la vida donde otros solo ven ausencia. - [a mascletà for burning and flowering: Natasha Mijares on ritual, resistance, and rebirth](https://www.15west.org/featured/a-mascleta-for-burning-and-flowering-natasha-mijares-on-ritual-resistance-and-rebirth.md) - Artist Natasha Mijares brings the Valencian tradition of mascletà to Humboldt Park through spoken word, textile, and performance. - [We Are Here, pt. 2](https://www.15west.org/we-are-here-pt-2.md) - In the second of three parts, a photo essay explores how Chicago's West Side communities insist on presence and dignity in the face of displacement, revealing the persistence of life where others see only absence. - [Eating Our Way Home: Addis Cafe](https://www.15west.org/featured/eating-our-way-home-addis-cafe.md) - Part one of a series featuring food spaces that feel like home, this cafe thrives at the intersection of Ethiopian tradition and community turned family. - [Construcción en la Estación Austin Fuerza Pasajeros a Caminar una Cuadra Extra](https://www.15west.org/construccion-en-la-estacion-austin-fuerza-pasajeros-a-caminar-una-cuadra-extra.md) - Meses de construcción pone a prueba la paciencia de los transeúntes mientras que el proyecto de accesibilidad de de $25 milliones continúa - [Austin station construction forces riders to walk extra block](https://www.15west.org/austin-station-construction-forces-riders-to-walk-extra-block.md) - Months of construction test commuters' patience as $25 million accessibility project continues - [Forgotten to flourishing: Heritage students transform school garden](https://www.15west.org/forgotten-to-flourishing-heritage-students-transform-school-garden.md) - Heritage Middle School students are learning that food doesn't just come from grocery stores; it grows from soil, seeds, and hard work in their seven-bed community garden. - [Estuvimos Aquí](https://www.15west.org/estuvimos-aqui.md) - En la primera de tres partes, un ensayo fotográfico explora como las comunidades del Oeste de Chicago insisten en su presencia y y dignidad mientras enfrentan el desplazamiento, revelando la persistencia de la vida donde otros solo ven ausencia. - [We Were Here](https://www.15west.org/featured/we-were-here.md) - In the first of three parts, a photo essay explores how Chicago's West Side communities insist on presence and dignity in the face of displacement, revealing the persistence of life where others see only absence. - [Grandma Irma's Cocina Feeds Everyone](https://www.15west.org/grandma-irmas-cocina-feeds-everyone.md) - After 36 years as a waitress, Irma Ceballos opened her own Mexican restaurant in Little Village, where family recipes and unconditional hospitality have made her a neighborhood pillar. - [La Cocina de Irma Alimenta a Todos](https://www.15west.org/la-cocina-de-irma-alimenta-a-todos.md) - Luego de 36 años como camarera, Irma Ceballos abrió su propio restaurante Mexicano en Little Village, donde sus recetas familiares y hospitalidad incondicional la han hecho un pilar del vecindario. - [Summer Smash Brought the Heat. Chicago’s Still Feeling It.](https://www.15west.org/summer-smash-brought-the-heat-chicagos-still-feeling-it.md) - Two months later, the festival’s energy, emotion, and performances still echo across Chicago’s hip-hop scene. - [Residentes de los Lados Oeste y Sur Cuestionan el Plan Más Reciente de la Cuidad en Contra de Las Altas Temperaturas](https://www.15west.org/residentes-de-los-lados-oeste-y-sur-cuestionan-el-plan-mas-reciente-de-la-cuidad-en-contra-de-las-altas-temperaturas.md) - El nuevo Indice de Vulnerabilidad al Calor de Chicago busca señalar los vecindarios más vulnerables al calor, pero los residentes en áreas historicamente desinvertidas cuestionan si los datos traerán ayuda significativa. - [West, South Side Residents Question City's Latest Extreme Heat Plan](https://www.15west.org/west-south-side-residents-question-citys-latest-extreme-heat-plan.md) - Chicago’s new Heat Vulnerability Index aims to pinpoint the neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme heat, but residents in historically disinvested areas question whether data will lead to real help. - [El Silencio No Basta: Líderes de Berwyn Presionan por Transparencia](https://www.15west.org/el-silencio-no-basta-lideres-de-berwyn-presionan-por-transparencia.md) - Cansada de las preguntas sin respuesta y pedazos de información, Janel King y otros residentes de Berwyn estan creando nuevas vías para la transparencia. - [Silence Isn't Good Enough: Berwyn Leaders Push for Transparency.](https://www.15west.org/featured/silence-isnt-good-enough-berwyn-leaders-push-for-transparency.md) - Tired of unanswered questions and fragmented information, Janel King and fellow residents are creating new paths to transparency in Berwyn. - [En Key Glock Confiamos](https://www.15west.org/en-key-glock-confiamos.md) - El hip-hop de Memphis volvió a la vida en la parada de Key Glock en Chicago. - [In Key Glock We Trust](https://www.15west.org/in-key-glock-we-trust.md) - Memphis hip-hop came alive at Key Glock's Chicago tour stop. - [News for everyone](https://www.15west.org/news-for-everyone.md) - In an increasingly digital world, it makes sense that 15 West leans into digital stories and digital innovation that unite communities through free, easy-to-understand, and honest reporting. ## Optional - [RSS Feed](https://www.15west.org/rss/) - [Sitemap](https://www.15west.org/sitemap.xml) - [Full content of pages and posts](https://www.15west.org/llms-full.txt)