Criminal Justice
The Kim Foxx effect: how prosecutions have changed in Cook County
The state’s attorney promised to transform the office. Data shows she’s dismissed thousands of felonies that would have been pursued in the past.
Government and Politics
Chicago intercepts tax refunds to collect unpaid debt, hitting poor black areas the hardest
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Despite Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s agenda to curb unfair fees and fines, a little known program extracts millions in revenue annually from unpaid tickets, court fees and other debt from thousands of taxpayers without regard for their ability to pay.
Coronavirus
How is COVID-19 affecting your ZIP code in Illinois?
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This map will show you the latest available data on the impact of the coronavirus in your ZIP code, how that compares to the rest of the state, and the demographics of those affected in your vicinity.
Investigations
Economic Development
Alternative energy scams hit poor blacks and Latinos the hardest, complaints show
Thousands are misled into switching suppliers in the hopes of saving money but instead see their utility bills spike, sometimes driving them into debt.
Settling for Misconduct
Chicago police use ‘cover charges’ to justify excessive force
Our analysis shows a troubling pattern of officers charging alleged victims of police misconduct with aggravated battery or assault to a police officer or resisting arrest.
Unequal Discipline
Women in prison punished more harshly than men around the country
Female prison inmates are being disciplined at much higher rates than men for lower-level offenses in many states.