Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/author/alex-ruppenthal/)
Alex Ruppenthal is an independent journalist in Chicago. He previously worked for WTTW/"Chicago Tonight," GateHouse Media New England and MLB.com, and his work has been published by Chicago magazine, Energy News Network and other outlets. He can be reached at Alex.Ruppenthal@gmail.com.
Leading Democrats including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have previously voiced support for the controversial counterterrorism program now being included in broader demands to defund and divest from law enforcement.
Junaid Afeef, who directed Illinois’ Countering Violent Extremism program, is running for Kane County state’s attorney and has gotten support from progressive criminal justice reform groups.