A federal pilot program will provide microloans and teach former felons how to run their own businesses in four cities including Chicago.
Economic Development

Revamped Metra Electric could put South Side on the fast track
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A new coalition says improving the rail line would help low-income workers get to jobs and jump start new businesses.
multimedia

16 shots: the aftermath of the Laquan McDonald shooting (video)
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Chicago was enveloped in a wave of protests after the release of the Laquan McDonald shooting video on Nov. 24, 2015. Photographers for The Chicago Reporter documented the scandal’s fallout in this audio slideshow.
Video

At 106, Englewood man is part of American history
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From picking cotton at age 6 to learning how to write his name at 25, Henry Jenkins’ journey from Mississippi to Chicago has been one of hardship and hope.
Video
Seeking help for trauma
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When residents of some of the city’s most violent neighborhoods need mental health treatment, they often seek help from social service and community organizations in their neighborhoods — help that can be hard to find.
Ferguson
Ferguson: What’s next
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On Nov. 24, a St. Louis County grand jury did not indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, who fatally shot an unarmed black teenager in August. The Chicago Reporter talked to advocates for greater police accountability and asked them, “What’s next?”
Multimedia
National Day of Action Against Police Brutality
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More than 100 people rallied at Chicago’s Daley Plaza at noon on Oct. 22, the National Day of Action Against Police Brutality. Later that evening, activists held a vigil outside of the 11th District Police Station, in honor of Roshad McIntosh, 18, who was fatally shot in East Garfield Park in August.
Multimedia
Stars come out for AAHH! Fest in support of youth jobs
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Chicago hip-hop artists Common and Rhymefest joined forces on Sept. 21 to produce AAHH! Fest, a one-day music festival at Union Park, featuring Twista, MC Lyte, Jay Electronica, special guest Kanye West, and performances by local community members.
Multimedia
Sgt. Charles Brazelton: Cook County Jail
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Charles Brazelton has been a correctional sergeant at Cook County Department of Corrections for 19 years. He’s in charge of Division 2 Dorm 4, which houses 684 minimum classification inmates.
Multimedia
A victim of immigration fraud speaks out
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In October, Maricela Haro was arrested and indicted for allegedly posing as an immigration attorney and scamming 12 people. One of the victims, Ivan Perez, explains how Haro was able to gain his trust and that of others over a period of several years.
Multimedia
Returning home: Cabrini-Green
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The area around the Frances Cabrini Rowhouses has the second highest number of trespassing arrests in the city. Police have logged hundreds of stops among visitors