Written inside Dixon Correctional Center, The Story of Violence is one of more than 15 original works created by a dozen men who were part of the Dixon Performing Arts program. A play written by men incarcerated in an Illinois prison won a regional Public Media Journalists Association Award for Audience Engagement this week. The […]

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For Chicago residents who live in food deserts, the future of access to fresh, affordable meat has become increasingly uncertain. Could meat grown in a lab help expand access in Chicago’s food deserts? Surging grocery prices—which noticeably spiked during the pandemic—continue to trend upwards in 2026. Since 2019, the average cost of food items in […]

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Three years ago, Illinois passed the Pretrial Fairness Act. TCR examines how the law has reshaped pretrial detention in Cook County and where racial and economic disparities persist, particularly among people charged with gun possession. Illinois eliminated cash bail in 2023 through the Pretrial Fairness Act—a policy that was championed by advocates who pointed to […]

The post Illinois ended cash bail. Who gets held before trial in 2026? appeared first on The Chicago Reporter.

The Chicago Reporter brought together journalists, advocates, community leaders and supporters on May 14 in Bronzeville for its inaugural Justice Photojournalism Showcase. The evening, hosted at Parkway Social, was dedicated to honoring the power of visual storytelling through community-centered journalism in Chicago. Hosted by Emmy-nominated Chicago journalist Nate Rodgers, the event highlighted photography’s ability to […]

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Chicago is holding its first full Board of Education election, with all 21 seats on the ballot as the city moves toward a fully elected system. Chicago had its inaugural school board election in 2024 and is set to have its second election November 3, but this one will look slightly different than the last.  […]

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