Welcome to Neighborhood Watch A participant speaks during a public education meeting. Photo by U.S. Department of Education / CC BY 2.0 Education The biggest misconception about Local School Councils? They don't do anything. Local School Councils remain the most direct way West Side residents can influence decisions at their neighborhood schools. But participation remains a challenge. By Nel Afenya • 4 min read A crowd gathers on Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall during a Roaring Nights concert, with the zoo’s Ferris wheel visible. | Provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Animal Welfare Brookfield Zoo turns its East Mall into a concert venue. Here’s how it works. Roaring Nights brings sold out concerts to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall, where organizers must balance visitor access, live entertainment and animal welfare. By NaBeela Washington • 4 min read Janura Park dirt pile as of July 12, 2026. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Berwyn ‘Where Are Kids Supposed to Go?’ 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. By NaBeela Washington • 7 min read La pila de tierra en el Parque Janura Park el 12 de Julio de 2026. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Español "¿Adónde Van a ir los Niños?" 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. By Keila Gallardo • 7 min read 5th Ward Alderman Rob Pabon at Janura Park. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Berwyn Who runs Berwyn's Democratic Party? Meet the new committeeperson. A committeeperson is a party role most Berwyn residents have never heard of. Rob Pabon just won one, and he wants to change that. By Georgia Rau • 5 min read Concejal del 5to Distrito Rob Pabon en el Parque Janura. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Español ¿Quién Maneja el Partido Demócrata en Berwyn? Conoce al nuevo Miembro del Comité 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. By Keila Gallardo • 5 min read
A participant speaks during a public education meeting. Photo by U.S. Department of Education / CC BY 2.0 Education The biggest misconception about Local School Councils? They don't do anything. Local School Councils remain the most direct way West Side residents can influence decisions at their neighborhood schools. But participation remains a challenge. By Nel Afenya • 4 min read
A crowd gathers on Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall during a Roaring Nights concert, with the zoo’s Ferris wheel visible. | Provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Animal Welfare Brookfield Zoo turns its East Mall into a concert venue. Here’s how it works. Roaring Nights brings sold out concerts to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall, where organizers must balance visitor access, live entertainment and animal welfare. By NaBeela Washington • 4 min read
Janura Park dirt pile as of July 12, 2026. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Berwyn ‘Where Are Kids Supposed to Go?’ 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. By NaBeela Washington • 7 min read
La pila de tierra en el Parque Janura Park el 12 de Julio de 2026. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Español "¿Adónde Van a ir los Niños?" 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. By Keila Gallardo • 7 min read
5th Ward Alderman Rob Pabon at Janura Park. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Berwyn Who runs Berwyn's Democratic Party? Meet the new committeeperson. A committeeperson is a party role most Berwyn residents have never heard of. Rob Pabon just won one, and he wants to change that. By Georgia Rau • 5 min read
Concejal del 5to Distrito Rob Pabon en el Parque Janura. | NaBeela Washington/15 West Español ¿Quién Maneja el Partido Demócrata en Berwyn? Conoce al nuevo Miembro del Comité 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. By Keila Gallardo • 5 min read
