Chicago Police Board Growing Bored?
Read more »
Justice & Crime
Police Board Mulls “Code of Silence,” Police Misconduct Case
Helmet Law Could Restrict Illinois Motorcyclists
ChicagoTalks reporter Devin Katayama reports on a new bill that would require Illinois motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Listen to the story here.
Read more »
Safe at Last: For One Iraqi Refugee, Tragedy has a Silver Lining
Crimson curtains flow in the wind of the air conditioning unit—their color a gentle contrast against the stark white walls. In the kitchen, the spatter and sizzle of the fried chicken 35-year-old Sattar Naama is making can be heard. The warm, greasy smell wafts throughout the tiny, one-room Rogers Park apartment. It doesn’t matter...
Read more »
Medicinal Marijuana Bill Finds Support in Illinois
Lisa has smoked marijuana since 1998 to relieve pain from osteoporosis and two knee replacement surgeries. The suburban mother of two grown children knows that smoking pot is illegal in Illinois, but she says the benefits are worth the risk.
“I have a terrible medical history, and smoking cannabis for medical purpose improved my lifestyle...
Read more »
Artists Brave Cold in Fight for Free Speech
Artist, educator and free speech activist Chris Drew continues to challenge the city of Chicago over its peddler’s license law and other restrictions on artists’ freedom in public places.
Reporter Patrick Smith has been documenting Drew’s struggle. His story, Artists on the march: Free speech protesters pass out artwork to draw attention...
Read more »
New Probation Bill Raises Questions of Resources, Victim Safety
First-time felons in Illinois could escape prison time and get a fresh start under a new proposal, but prosecutors and victims rights organizations say it may not ease the stress of a strained court system or protect victims.
State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) introduced SB 2607 on Jan. 21.It would allow offenders who either plead...
Read more »
Election Special for Feb. 2, 2010 Primary Election
Don’t be a dope when it comes to issues that affect you every day. Politicians influence your health insurance costs, whether you get unemployment insurance, how much you can get in student loans, and what taxes you pay for a coffee or soft drink. How much lower might your rates be if the Cook...
Read more »
Local Artist Stands Up for Rights, Might Go to Jail
Chris Drew is a master of the silkscreen. He runs a youth art program at Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center and has for years. Drew’s program at UM-CAC works “to promote the multicultural diversity of Uptown and Chicago by bringing together artists of many ethnic backgrounds to establish art exhibitions and workshops.” Read more...
Read more »
Doubts Cast on Whether ‘04 Chicago Police Shooting of Girl, Suspect Was Justified
Editor’s Note: The following article, which was co-authored by two Columbia College journalism students, ran in the Jan. 26 issue of the Chicago Tribune.
By Lauren Rozyla, Morgan McDevitt and Sam Roe, Chicago Tribune
On a summer night in 2004, two Chicago police officers chased an alleged gunman up to the front door of a...
Read more »
A Sudanese Survivor: Refugee’s Journey From “Lost Boy” to Self-Sufficiency Inspires Others
At first glance, seeing him sip a Stella Artois at a bar in the Loop, one would have no clue about the harrowing journey of the well-dressed man sporting a gray textured button-down, black dress pants, a shiny watch on his left hand and an earring in his left ear. Based on his appearance,...
Read more »