Our next article club is two weeks away! Join us for an informal conversation about the intersection of traffic court, immigration enforcement, and due process. RSVP here: buff.ly/vGOvw1w

This summer, we’re leading listening sessions with young Chicagoans to learn where they get their news and what they want to better understand about youth incarceration. Here are a few of the answers we’ve heard so far, from young people at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation and Stick Talk.

🧢 Through the end of July, if you make a donation of $50 or more, we’ll send you the “check your judges” hat of your choice as a thank you. buff.ly/qlx1NfS

🧢 Donate $50 or more through the end of July, and we'll send you the "check your judges" hat of your choice as a thank you. All funds raised will support distribution and community engagement efforts for our next judicial election guide. buff.ly/1OmAcuT

🧢 We have new hats! They come in two styles and colorways, and feature the slogan we’re best known for: “check your judges”. Through the end of July, if you donate $50 or more, we'll send you the hat of your choice as a thank you. buff.ly/1OmAcuT

If you’re an attorney, a litigant, or a court watcher, there’s a good chance you know a judge who will be on the ballot this fall. Check out the list of Cook County judges up for retention and submit a tip to inform our next judicial election guide. buff.ly/Ygwa2AT

Thanks for coming to our summer social + fundraiser! We had a blast seeing old friends and meeting new ones over drinks, food, and games. With your help, we met our fundraising goal and will be able to add 50 distribution sites for our fall judicial election guide. We couldn't do this without you.

TOMORROW: Join us for a conversation about crime lab oversight. Panelists include: 🔹 Kate Judson, Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences 🔹 Sarah Chu, Cardozo School of Law 🔹 Peter Stout, Houston Forensic Science Center 🔹 Amy Watroba, Illinois Forensic Science Commission buff.ly/5Ceqd22

We're proud to be participating in Chicago Story Fest: a night of live storytelling by local journalists that you can only experience in the room. The event takes place Thurs. Sept. 18 at the Athenaeum Center. Early-bird tickets start at $30. Get yours today. blockclubchi.co/4xuVpK2

TOMORROW: Join us for a drink with the Prison + Neighborhood Arts / Education Project and the Uptown People’s Law Center from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free. RSVP here: buff.ly/pY76K8U

Over the last few decades, Illinois forensic labs — most of which are run by the Illinois State Police — have been rocked by scandals involving misconduct by analysts and backlogs in case processing. Join us for a conversation about how we got here and what comes next. buff.ly/UvZLEHr

One week away: Join us for an article club to discuss senior reporter Dan Hinkel's recent story about certificates of innocence. RSVP: airtable.com/appxuo0SNj05...

Junk science in the courtroom is a bigger problem than you may realize. In Illinois, flawed scientific practices at accredited crime labs have contributed to wrongful convictions. Join us for a conversation about how we got here and what comes next featuring a panel of experts. buff.ly/UvZLEHr

This week, senior reporter Maya Dukmasova participated in a panel at the Home Illinois Summit focused on media approaches to covering homelessness and housing — and how reporters can build trust with vulnerable people who take a risk to share their personal stories. (Photo by Jonathan Castillo)

Tune in to WTTW today at 5:30 p.m. CT to catch senior reporter Dan Hinkel on "Chicago Tonight" discussing his recent reporting on how Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke is changing her office's approach to certificates of innocence. buff.ly/jd9qdbL

Rosondunnii Marshall, founder of the Darkroom Chicago, recently started leading film photography workshops at the Cook County Jail. We caught up with her to learn more about her work. Subscribe to our free newsletter to receive the full conversation in your inbox tomorrow. buff.ly/onSIoFY

Tyrece Williams is seeking a certificate of innocence in part to give his four children an official acknowledgement that what happened to their family was wrong. He watched his children grow up largely through photographs his family mailed to him in prison. (w/ @boltsmag.org) buff.ly/GAxhSl8

One thing we learned from reporting on Illinois’ property tax foreclosure system with the @raceandequityproject.org: Some homeowners — especially older adults — may not realize they’re behind on their property taxes until it’s too late.

Robert Hill spent a decade in prison before being freed in 2017. A judge denied his certificate of innocence petition, so he couldn’t get his conviction expunged. He’s afraid of getting pulled over by police who might see the case on his record. (w/ @boltsmag.org) buff.ly/GAxhSl8

Know someone who’d be a good fit? We’re looking for someone with fundraising experience and a passion for accountability journalism to be our next executive director. www.injusticewatch.org/about/jobs/e...

Tune in to WGN-TV today at 4:30 p.m. CT to hear senior reporter @danhinkel.bsky.social discuss his latest investigation, "Cook County prosecutor fights to block exonerated people from clearing their names." wgntv.com

On April 27, senior reporter Carlos Ballesteros will be part of a panel discussion on housing coverage. Learn more and RSVP here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Read the investigation here: buff.ly/IGLCVLo

Today is the first annual Local News Day, a national day of action connecting people to local, independent, and trusted news sources. Join us in celebrating by subscribing to our free newsletter, sending our stories to a friend, or making a donation to support our work. givebutter.com/lasDtm

Members of our team are finalists for Peter Lisagor Awards across 11 categories. The winners will be announced May 8. Congratulations to all the finalists! buff.ly/gPmFhkh

Community engagement manager Charles Preston won the 2026 Dr. Timuel D. Black Award for Civic Engagement. The award recognizes those who demonstrate "a commitment to elevating community narratives, engaging in active citizenship, and building a more fair and just society." Congratulations, Charles!

We're bringing you live election results from the Cook County judicial races. Our page updates every 5 minutes. Follow along: 2026primary.injusticewatch.org/results

Who can run for circuit judge in Cook County? 👨🏽‍⚖️ Community engagement manager Charles Preston went to the Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly to test people’s knowledge of eligibility requirements. How many did you get right? 👀

You can bring a print copy of our Cook County judicial election guide (or your phone!) into the voting booth with you. buff.ly/TU92VTl

Thanks to everyone who stopped by! And huge thank you to the 61st Street Farmers Market for having us.