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Feature March 24
How Chicago Got Its Gun Laws
It’s nearly impossible to separate modern-day gun laws from race.
By Lakeidra Chavis
An officer inspects one of the two long guns on a table.
Feature March 23
5 Things to Know About the Failed War on Gun Violence
Gun possession arrests are a major policing tactic in the fight against gun violence. Here’s how that plays out.
By Lakeidra Chavis and Geoff Hing
A photo collage displays images of side profiles of police officers, an individual being detained, ripped pages of a map of Chicago and a diagram of a gun.
Feature March 23
The War on Gun Violence Has Failed. And Black Men Are Paying the Price.
In Chicago and elsewhere, gun possession arrests are rising as shootings go unsolved.
By Lakeidra Chavis and Geoff Hing
A Black man, wearing a gray beanie and brown puffer jacket, sits in front of a touch screen monitor at a voting booth. He looks at the screen together with his daughter, who is wearing glasses, a floral shirt and pink jean jacket.
Closing Argument March 4
Crime Dominates Voters’ Minds and Politicians’ Tongues
Chicago’s mayoral runoff and other spring elections in cities such as Denver and Akron, Ohio, will hinge largely on crime and public safety issues.
By Jamiles Lartey
Three police officers in riot gear walk down a slope outdoors.
Closing Argument January 21
How Police Unions Try to Tilt the Scales on Oversight Boards
As more cities set up police watchdogs, some officers’ unions seek new ways to try to weaken them.
By Jamiles Lartey
A group of about 15 people stand in line with their backs facing the camera, in front of a bus.
Closing Argument September 3, 2022
Thousands of Migrants Are Now Pawns in Immigration Politics
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s policy of busing migrants to other states has ignited heated political debate. People are caught in the middle.
By Jamiles Lartey
A man with gray hair, wearing a plum-colored t-shirt, has his arm around a woman with reddish-brown hair, wearing a blue t-shirt. She is holding hands with a woman with blonde hair, wearing a red t-shirt. They all stand in front of police tape, looking down the street.
Analysis July 6, 2022
What You Need to Know About the Rise in U.S. Mass Shootings
A high-profile mass shooting at a Chicago suburb’s July 4 parade was the nation’s fourth in recent weeks.
By Anastasia Valeeva, Wendy Ruderman and Katie Park
Analysis June 14, 2022
What Can FBI Data Say About Crime in 2021? It’s Too Unreliable to Tell
The transition to a new data system creates huge gaps in national crime stats sure to be exploited by politicians in this election year.
By Weihua Li
Life Inside October 21, 2021
I Was Sentenced to Life as a Juvenile. Now I Help Kids Build Brighter Futures.
Imprisoned for 25 years, Fred Weatherspoon was shocked to return to a Chicago he didn’t recognize. He found belonging in an unexpected way — working with vulnerable young people and their families.
By Fred Weatherspoon as told by Lakeidra Chavis
Feature December 15, 2020
Cops Could Use First Aid to Save Lives. Many Never Try.
Most officers get training to respond to injuries, but are often not required to use it.
By Taylor Elizabeth Eldridge
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