The circumstances around his death have left friends, family and others incarcerated at Stateville questioning the sequence of events around his medical treatment. Friends who witnessed his death last week said he “didn’t have to die.”
Stories by Blair Paddock
Advisory Board Says Pritzker’s Plan to Close, Rebuild 2 Illinois Prisons ‘Far From Shovel-Ready’
Hundreds gathered at hearings this week to voice concerns over Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration’s plans to close and rebuild Logan and Stateville correctional centers. At a Friday meeting, one state lawmaker said, “This is really a concept and not a plan … because a plan has details.”
At Stateville Closure Hearing, Agreement Over Poor Conditions Yet Questions Remain on Path Forward
Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday night to try to sway a vote by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) over Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration’s recommendation to close and rebuild Stateville Correctional Center.
Chicago Protesters Denounce 2nd Inauguration of El Salvador’s President, Claiming Government ‘Altered the Electoral Process’
Protestors denounced the second inauguration of El Salvador’s controversial president, Nayib Bukele. He will be entering his second term after an overwhelming victory in February — a move against El Salvador’s constitution, which prohibits presidential reelection.
Week in Review: ShotSpotter Debate; Legislative Session Wraps Up in Springfield
Chicago City Council bucks the mayor and votes to keep ShotSpotter. And it’s a wrap — almost — on the legislative session in Springfield.
Some Landscapers Say Evanston’s Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Created a Tense Atmosphere, With the Public and Fellow Landscapers Submitting More Than 1,000 Violations
Since April 1, 2023, the landscaping community in Evanston has been tasked with making a drastic change for climate and noise concerns: switching from gas- or propane-powered leaf blowers to electric. But not all landscapers are feeling pressure from the ban. The largest landscaper in Evanston also filed the most complaints against fellow landscapers.
Week in Review: Future of Public Transit; Student Encampments Continue
Advocates are upset that new leaders of public transit agencies don’t regularly ride the CTA. And what came of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s trip to the state Capitol.
Week in Review: Pritzker Calls for CTA Changes; City Council Approves $70M More for Migrant Care
Gov. J.B. Pritzker puts his foot on the gas pedal calling for changes at the CTA. And what’s in store for the Chicago Sky as WNBA ticket sales soar.
Howard Brown Health, Union Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement After 1.5 Years of Negotiations
It comes after about 1.5 years of negotiations, two strikes, a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board that found merit in charges of unfair labor practices, and the layoffs of 61 unionized workers — some of whom were subsequently brought back on due to an NLRB recommendation.
New Book ‘Disillusioned’ Explores Racial Inequity, Tension in American Suburbs
Author Benjamin Herold shares the story of five families, including the Adesina family in Evanston, in “Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America’s Suburbs.”
Proposal Would Demolish and Rebuild 2 Illinois Prisons a Review Found Not Suitable for Use
Housing at Stateville Correctional Center is “not suitable for any 21st century correctional center.” Logan Correctional Center is “inefficient, ineffective, and unsuitable for any population.”
Sisters in Cinema Celebrates Visibility and Representation in Filmmaking at New South Shore Media Center
A nonprofit celebrating the work of Black women and gender-nonconforming media makers opened its doors Friday. The Sisters in Cinema Media Arts Center, 2310 E. 75th St., will offer screenings and workshops to the community.
Howard Brown Health Hit With Complaint From National Labor Board
The move comes seven months after the NLRB found merit or partial merit in the Howard Brown Health Works United’s allegations. This complaint reiterates those allegations, including declaring an impasse and refusing to bargain over layoffs.
Week in Review: Lawmakers Approve Hybrid Elected School Board; Measles Reported at Migrant Shelter
State lawmakers overwhelmingly approve a hybrid elected school board for Chicago. More trouble at an embattled migrant shelter in Pilsen. And the race for Cook County state’s attorney heats up.
Proposal to Allow Mining in Chicago Raises Environmental, Public Health Concerns on Southeast Side
Developers have a massive underground warehouse dream for the Southeast Side. But for some, the project is potential environmental and public health concern.
While Many in Illinois Prisons Need Medication for Opioid Use Disorders, Advocates Say System Slow to Provide
Cook County Jail provides medications for opioid use disorder to incarcerated people. Where frustration comes from advocates — and local officials — is the limitations of the Illinois Department of Corrections’ medication programming in prisons.
New Gallery, Community Hub Links Incarcerated Artists to Chicago Communities: ‘We Use Art as Connective Tissue’
The West Side gallery is in line with work the Prison + Neighborhood Arts Project has been doing for over a decade: connecting teaching artists and scholars to incarcerated students through classes, workshops and lectures.
Despite ‘Lack of Progress’ Toward Consent Decree, IDOC Awards New $4B Contract to Same Private Health Care Provider
The Illinois Department of Corrections has awarded a new contract to the controversial Wexford Health Sources, the same private health care provider that’s been handling medical care in the state’s prison system since 2011.
As Illinois Officials Push Back Against Book Bans, Some Advocates Wonder About Actual Impact on Prison Libraries
The Illinois secretary of state’s office, which oversees a number of library grant programs, said the new law does apply to prison libraries as they are eligible for grants.
Week in Review: Burke Convicted in Landmark Trial; Migrants Sent to Chicago on Private Plane
Once powerful Ald. Ed Burke now a convicted criminal. A proposed shelter site on the Far South Side may be contaminated with pollutants. And Texas’ governor flying migrants to Chicago on a private plane.
‘It’s a Human Dignity Issue’: Data Reveals Racial, Economic Disparities in Access to Quality Nursing Home Care Across Chicago
A data analysis by WTTW News and the Hyde Park Herald/South Side Weekly found the disparity between access to quality nursing home care for Black and White Chicagoans is stark, with highly rated homes concentrated on the city’s North Side and housing majority White residents.
Evanston City Council Approves Northwestern’s Ryan Field Renovation, Zoning Change for Concerts
Evanston residents are getting a new neighbor: an $800 million rebuilt Ryan Field. Evanston City Council on Monday voted yes on the field revamp and on a controversial zoning change to allow concerts.
Terri Hemmert, Celebrating 50 Years at WXRT, on the Magic of Radio, The Beatles and Her Pioneering Career
Terri Hemmert is the Queen of Chicago Rock and Roll radio and a proud member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This year, she celebrates 50 years since she first walked into the doors at WXRT.
Howard Brown Workers Continue Push for Wage Increases, Affordable Health Insurance After 2-Day Strike
It’s the second time Howard Brown Health Workers United has taken to the picket line this year. The first strike in January was largely over 61 unionized workers being laid off as management pointed to drastic budget shortfalls.
Advocates Push for Illinois Legislation That Would Allow Terminally Ill Adults to End Their Own Lives With Medical Assistance
The name of the practice is debated — “medical aid in dying” to some, and “physician-assisted suicide” to others. Either way, advocates are hoping the issue comes up in Springfield soon.
Week in Review: Chicago’s Paid Leave Policy; Burke Trial Underway
A powerful alderperson gets stripped of plumb roles after confrontation with his colleague. And jury selection underway in the Ed Burke trial as COVID-19 sidelines proceedings for a week.
