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Unequal Discipline

This investigation is a collaboration between The Chicago Reporter, NPR News Investigations, and the Social Justice News Nexus at Northwestern University.
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Few Puerto Rican evacuees in Chicago have benefited from FEMA shelter program
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, critics say poor administration hampered the Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program in Illinois, creating confusion and missed opportunities for survivors looking for housing.
Discrimination, race, and income inequality are not easy topics to tackle head on, but at The Chicago Reporter we’ve been breaking the news in the area of social justice and civil rights and documenting it since 1972. Our watchdog reporters are working the streets and neighborhoods all over the city to bring you deeply investigated stories and relevant commentary that will enlighten you about the leaders who make and enforce laws. It’s about transparency and taking on core issues that affect us all and particularly the most vulnerable communities in Chicago.

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Throughout the year, The Chicago Reporter‘s staff participates in engaging panel discussions with advocates, researchers and activists seeking solutions to issues that affect the most vulnerable in our city. We also hold hands-on workshops and training for budding investigative and data journalists. If you want a heads up on one of our upcoming community events or to be among the first know when and where our reporters will be making appearances, sign up for our free weekly newsletter.

The Chicago Reporter, published by the Community Renewal Society, is committed to protecting your privacy. We never share personal information without your consent. View our full privacy policy.

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Beyond 95th Street

The proposed extension of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line from 95th Street to 130th Street is among the most costly and potentially transformative public infrastructure projects the South Side has seen in decades. At an estimated cost of $2.3 billion and affecting 128,000 people, transportation experts say, if done with the community in mind, it could bring thousands of jobs and economic opportunity to the area.
Empty schools, empty promises

Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s decision to close 50 public schools in 2013 ignited a firestorm among parents, educators and community groups. Now, five years later, most of the schools are still empty. This series explores the aftermath of the mass closures on the South and West sides of Chicago.
The digital divide

District leaders want schools to integrate more personalized learning technology in the classroom. But many schools lack up-to-date computers, fast internet access and quality teacher training, compounding the tech disparities students face at home. Download a PDF of the Spring/Summer 2016 issue.
Settling for misconduct

Settling for Misconduct, an interactive database created by The Chicago Reporter, tracks how much the city spends to settle civil rights lawsuits against Chicago police officers and which officers cost the city the most. Chicago has paid more than half a billion dollars since 2005 to settle lawsuits against police officers — money the city cannot afford. Rather than rein in the practices that lead to police misconduct settlements, city officials borrowed tens of millions of dollars a year to pay for these lawsuits, adding to the city’s mounting debt. Over time, the interest on the bonds more than doubles the cost taxpayers bear for police misconduct.

Explore the database>>
The rise of Noble

Begun as a mom-and-pop shop in 1999, the Noble Network of Charter Schools has grown into the largest and arguably most successful charter school network in the city. Its expansion has come with growing pains and increased scrutiny of some of its key policies, including discipline and testing. Download a PDF of the Winter 2016 issue.