Illinois Newsletter
Dive Deeper Into Our Reporting
Each of our email newsletters are written by a ProPublica Illinois journalist, and we also republish each edition here online. One week, you may get a reporter’s take on what’s left out of a recent story. Another week, maybe you’ll read a Q&A between a reporter and a source on a particular topic. Sometimes, we may ask you to weigh in on a specific topic or issue. Your input can help fill gaps in our reporting, as well as shape what we cover and how we cover it. Regardless, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get a lonely, skeletal feed of headlines in your inbox. We’re all people here.
Check out the archive of newsletters on this page. If you really like something we’re doing on here — or really don’t — or if you have ideas that can help shape our newsletter, let us know. We’re all ears.
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Explore Racial Disparities in Hundreds of Illinois Schools and Districts
Takeaways from our “Miseducation” app and how you can use it, too.
It’s Our Birthday
We’ve published nearly 150 articles, filed thousands of open records requests and taken a lot of road trips. Now, we’re excited for what’s next.
Illinoisans on Illinois: Tips and Tales From Around the State
We told you we were getting out of Chicago. You told us where to look.
Southbound on the Amtrak Saluki, and Getting to Know Illinois
The best way for a Chicago reporter to learn about the rest of the state is to go there. Often.
What More Can We Learn From Chicago Ticket Data?
We’ve made the data easy to download, and we invite you to use it as we keep reporting.
Crossing the Divide: The Challenges and Rewards of Working in Spanish-Language Media
A conversation with Chicago journalist Jackie Serrato about bottom-up reporting, building trust and covering local arrests by ICE.
Did Three Immigrant Teens Run Away From a Chicago Shelter Last Month?
Yes, but you wouldn’t know it if we relied solely on the agency paid to protect thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children in Illinois.
Why Trump Should Have Read “Ask ProPublica Illinois” Before He Tweeted
In fact, Mr. President, there are real people behind those unnamed sources, and reporters at reputable news outlets work hard to verify the information they provide.
Looking at the Archives From the Time of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and Seeing Familiar Themes
Protesters villainized. Journalists blamed. Politicians exploiting public anxieties.
“Do Something, Please,” Doctors Testify at DCFS Hearing
This week, reporter Duaa Eldeib attended a hearing called after our investigation found hundreds of children in state care who were stuck in psychiatric hospitals — sometimes for months. Here’s the dispatch from our newsletter.
When Mapping the Many Disparities in Chicago, It Can Feel Like It’s the Same Story Being Told
But maps can turn personal experiences into powerful evidence.
We’re Writing About Problems at the Immigrant Shelters Housing Children and Teens — in English and Español
“Lax” supervision at Heartland shelters contributed to runaways, sexual activity and alleged inappropriate relationships.
The “Terrible” Consequences of Chicago’s Ticketing Policies
The city tried to raise revenues by hiking the cost of sticker tickets, but instead hurt motorists in low-income, black neighborhoods.
Download the Gang Databases We Got From Illinois State Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Chicago Police Department
There’s info that’s unverified, subjective and simply wrong, yet government officials can access and use it, with potentially troubling consequences.
All the Ways You Can Help Our Reporting Right Now
We’ve got a lot of stories in the works. Here are the questions we’re putting to you.
How ProPublica Illinois and WBEZ Worked Together to Find Thousands of Duplicate Tickets in Chicago
We heard from you about how ticket debt, especially from $200 city sticker citations, has affected you. And we would like your help as we continue our reporting.
I Went in Search of Abandoned African-American Cemeteries
I found a couple, and some fascinating history, too.
Who Are You, Readers? And Do You Trust Us?
Hi, I’m Helga, ProPublica Illinois’ engagement reporting fellow, and I would like to ask for your help.
Understand “Variety.” Listen to Young People. Pay Attention to Changing Community Reputations.
Here’s what we learned from our theater-journalism workshops in Rock Island and Toulon.
