Chicago
Abusive Behavior May Be Contagious Among Police
New research on the Chicago Police Department finds that working with fellow cops who have been accused of excess force increases the odds that an officer will face similar charges later on.
Remembering the Legislation That Kept Northern Schools Segregated
The Milliken v. Bradley ruling sanctioned a form of segregation that has allowed suburbs to escape being included in court-ordered desegregation and busing plans with nearby cities.
Video Hearings in Immigration Court Are Harming Immigrants' Cases
Critics say video hearings are a flawed design of a system seeking deportations.
'Irredeemably Dysfunctional and on the Brink of Collapse': A Journey Through Chicago's Immigration Court
Far from the border, Chicago's Immigration Court reveals the failings of the nation's asylum system.
'There Aren't Clear Heroes': Eve Ewing on the Chicago Race Riots of 1919
In her new book, Ewing uses poetry as a form of historical investigation, revisiting the deadly riots that tore through Chicago a century ago.
A Chicago Jail Might Be the Largest Mental Health Care Provider in the U.S.
After Illinois cut funding for mental-health services, Cook County Jail now handles a large portion of the state's patients. A new book tells their story.
Viewfinder: Lori Lightfoot Is Sworn in as Chicago's First Female African-American Mayor
Lori Lightfoot addresses guests after being sworn in as mayor of Chicago during a ceremony at the Wintrust Arena on May 20th, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
Subsidies Meant for Low-Income Communities Are Paying for Luxury Developments
Tax increment financing, originally meant to spur development of "blighted" neighborhoods, is now being redistributed upwards.
Viewfinder: Protests Against the Cook County State's Attorney Over the Jussie Smollett Case
Protesters organized by the Fraternal Order of Police call for the removal of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx on April 1st, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
Alex Kotlowitz Sees Hope in Chicago 'Despite the Bloodshed'
The author discusses his new book, the tragic violence in Chicago, and his love for the city's "messy vitalities."
Viewfinder: Chicago River Dyed Green
The river has been dyed on St Patrick's Day every year since 1962.
Rent Control Passed in Oregon. Will It Work as a Housing-Crisis Solution Nationwide?
If rent-control measures pass in all of the states and cities where they're currently on the table, nearly a third of all renter households in the United States could secure relief.
Viewfinder: A Frozen Lake Michigan Shoreline
Ice covers the Lake Michigan shoreline on January 30th, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
The Laquan McDonald Case and Police Brutality in America: An Essential Reading List
Jason Van Dyke has been sentenced to over six years in prison. Read Pacific Standard's most relevant stories on the Chicago policeman's murder of a black teenager.
Viewfinder: Inspecting R. Kelly's Recording Studio in Chicago
A police officer stands guard in front of R. Kelly's recording studio in the West Loop as city inspectors go through the property on January 16th, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
A Clever New Map Shows Which Chicago Neighborhoods Are Most at Risk From Pollution
The NRDC hopes its new research into municipal pollution can help organizers push for sound, equitable policy.
The Needle Van: A Converted Breadmobile Patrols Chicago, Delivering Syringes and Advice
Riding along with the man who helps Chicago's heroin users stay safe.
Viewfinder: Teachers Strike in Chicago
Educators from the Acero charter school network hold signs as they protest during a strike outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters on December 5th, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois.
Trump Is Still a Fan of Stop and Frisk. But Does It Work?
President Trump on Monday echoed arguments from his campaign, but his information seems outdated.
Jason Van Dyke Is Convicted on Murder and Aggravated Battery Charges
On Friday, a jury convicted Jason Van Dyke, a white Chicago police officer, of the second-degree murder of black 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.
Viewfinder: Protesting Police Brutality at an Officer's Trial in Chicago
A demonstrator holds an American flag emblazoned with the names of victims who were fatally wounded by police officers.
Tracing the History of Regional Speech in Chicago and Pittsburgh
How shifting economies, demographics, and provincial neighborhoods shaped the well-known accents of many Midwestern cities.
Jeff Sessions Claims the ACLU Caused a Spike in Chicago Homicides—Here's Why He's Wrong
The research the attorney general drew his conclusions from had some serious flaws.
The Edit, Episode #9: A Conversation About Climate Justice and Vulnerable Communities
On the latest episode of Pacific Standard's podcast about how our stories are made, contributing writer Sophie Yeo discusses the impact of climate change litigation.