As we say goodbye to 2024, it’s only natural that we’d look back at the year to see which Austin Weekly News stories resonated most with our readers.
While there’s no way for us to tell how many print readers read our articles, here are the stories that received the most page views online. The article with the most page views is listed last, and I include whatever insight I have from my reporting process sprinkled in.
10. West Siders backing Ald. Mitts call on Ald. Ramirez-Rosa to resign – 1,677 views
While Chicago’s City Council is under the spotlight for its drawn-out negotiations to approve next year’s budget, riffs within the governing body have been on display much longer. This story covers one of those instances in May, when community leaders called for the resignation of Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, alderman of Chicago’s 35th Ward. Their request came after Ramirez-Rosa was seen in court, supporting one of his staff members after he was charged with aggravated assault.
9. Train cargo theft causes delays near Oak Park – 1,760 views
Wednesday Journal reporter Luzane Draughon reported this article after a train cargo theft on Chicago’s West Side caused delays on the Metra around Oak Park.
8. Cook County program aids prospective homeowners with flexible $20,000 grants – 1,854 views
Reporter Delaney Nelson detailed how those who want to become homeowners, but may not be able to afford a house, can seek some aid through the Cook County Land Bank Authority’s Homebuyer Direct program.
7. Time to reinstate the death penalty – 2,689 views
This piece by columnist Arlene Jones makes a case for reinstating the death penalty after Illinois eliminated it 13 years ago. Jones said crimes worthy of the death penalty, like shooting women and children, are still rampant, and should be dealt with accordingly.
6. Nontraditional ways of buying a house? NACA real estate broker Josie Hood explains how – 2,939 views
For this story, reporter Delaney Nelson interviewed Josie Hood, a real estate broker from Chicago’s South Side, who explained how nontraditional homebuyers – such as those with lower credit scores or on fixed incomes – can buy a house.
5. Residents of West Suburban decry ‘disgraceful’ conditions – 3,477 views
This was the first story I wrote about the hospital, when resident doctors took a “unity break” in May to bring attention to patient safety issues and call for better investment in their education. Since, nearly a dozen others who work at or with West Suburban have come forward to share additional criticisms.
4. Applications open for Fifth City Commons affordable housing – 5,566 views
Reporter Michael Baniewicz told this story about the Fifth City Commons in East Garfield Park. Leases at the affordable housing development start this month. A bookstore and restaurant on the building’s first floor are expected to open in spring.
3. As Mars Wrigley’s Chicago plant nears closure, the company finalizes a developer – 5,994 views
In 2022, the longtime candy maker in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood announced that it would cease the plant’s operations this year. While the new developer, McCaffery Interests, has yet to announce what will replace the factory, the community has been involved in the process and say they want a mixed-use development.
2. West Suburban residents say hospital is in ‘critical condition,’ citing patient safety issues – 8,229 views
The high number of views for this story is surprising, considering it was only published at the end of November. I wrote it after resident doctors at West Suburban came to me with a letter outlining their complaints about the hospital’s management. The group first clued me into concerns they had about patient safety issues in May. We’ll see what the conversation is around the hospital, which has seen several owners and owed millions in debt over the past decade, in 2025.
1. Meghan Markle is desperate – 10,954 views
This year’s most read story is by columnist Arlene Jones and outlines her thoughts on Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. Do you agree?
And with that, thank you for reading Austin Weekly News this year! Each one of your page views means a lot to me, and I’m sure, to my colleagues as well. We will be back with more news for you in 2025.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with feedback or story ideas at jessica@austinweeklynews.com.