The Chicago Reporter was founded in 1972 by John A. McDermott to measure Chicago’s progress toward racial equality as the civil rights era ended. Since its inception, it has been housed at the Community Renewal Society, a faith-based social justice organization.
As one of America’s most segregated cities, Chicago continues to experience racial and economic inequality. The Reporter serves a critical role in the city and nation by focusing the power of investigative reporting on issues of inequality that rarely receive thorough and regular examination by mainstream media organizations. Our breaking news investigations cover education and schools, criminal justice, housing and development, income inequality, jobs and labor, and transportation.
Be a force for an open and just government with these tools developed specifically by The Chicago Reporter investigative reporting team, as well as additional advocacy resources offered by the Community Renewal Society.
The Chicago Reporter Tools:
Monitor Chicago’s police reforms
The Justice Department made 99 recommendations to reform the Chicago Police Department. In the absence of a consent decree, we’re tracking CPD’s progress.
Explore our database of police misconduct lawsuits in Chicago
Search our database of police settlements by officer, neighborhood, or amount.
What happened to the closed school in your neighborhood?
This interactive map tracks the status of the Chicago public schools still empty after mass closures in 2013, providing details on which have been sold and repurposed and which have yet to be reused.
Subscribe to The Chicago Reporter Free Weekly Newsletter
Become an e-subscriber to The Chicago Reporter to receive our free newsletter and keep up-to-date with all of our breaking news stories on race, poverty, and income inequality.
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.
Community Renewal Society Resources
Not sure who represents you? Find your local, state and federal legislators along with their contact information by entering your zip code.
The Policy team offers educational workshops to help community leaders and advocates better understand Community Renewal Society key issues, the state legislative process, and how to be an effective advocate. Legislators at local, state, and national levels of government listen to their constituents—they want, and need, to hear your perspective.
CRS offers regular training opportunities for member congregations and outside leaders and organizations. Building powerful, knowledgeable leaders who can impact change is central to the mission of CRS. If you would like us to bring an individualized training to your church, school, or organization, contact Drea Hall, at ahall@communityrenewalsociety.org