Dan Hinkel

@danhinkel

Chicago journalist at Injustice Watch.

581 Siguiendo1944 Seguidores1465 Publicaciones

YouTube Bluesky

¿Es tu perfil?Reclámalo y danhinkel.dirty.social es tuyo.Reclamar perfil

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· 2d

RIP to Jason Strong, who did 15 years in prison after Lake Co. prosecutors won a murder conviction despite not knowing the identity of his supposed victim. The cops and prosecutors in his case built many other wrongful convictions based on false confessions. www.chicagotribune.com/2015/05/28/l...

We join in the grief shared across the country today with the passing of Jason Strong. With involvement for the last decade, Jason, while not an IIP client, was an ardent supporter of our work and he shared his story with countless students and supporters over the years. Jason was one of the original #exonerees to join our speakers bureau for what is now IIP's Wrongful Conviction Awareness and Avoidance police training program. All police recruits across the state of Illinois must now legally complete this training, and one of the most impactful aspects is when they hear the personal stories directly from those #wrongfullyconvicted such as Jason, who lost 15 years of his freedom before being exonerated in 2015. Since then, he shared his story with hundreds of individuals who are now serving our communities as police officers around the state.
Jason was an outstanding representative for these efforts, as he was an easy person to talk to and make a personal connection with. "Jason loved being a part of this family and always spoke of how much it meant to him to do this work," says WCAA Training Director Marcus Beach. We join Marcus and everyone involved in WCAA in sending along our deepest sympathies to Jason's loved ones, many friends and the numerous individuals across the IIP community who considered him a true friend.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· 11d

I enjoyed all of these but was particularly haunted by Dead Calm’s vision of being terrorized by a sarcastic man in board shorts.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· 12d

Today’s @injusticewatch.org newsletter has all sorts of important news about the courts and also a major exclusive: a list of my favorite Freddy Krueger movies. www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

My household just finished a watch/rewatch of the canonical “A Nightmare on Elm Street” films, which is a good way for horror fans to get ready for Halloween cinema season. Leave aside the stranger danger panic and half-baked messages about criminal justice and enjoy the darkly funny, inventive action set pieces that play out on the landscape of dream logic. My favorites are 2, 3, 4, and the truly excellent “New Nightmare,” a layered metafictional story that makes a fitting coda to the main run of the series. —Dan Hinkel, senior reporter

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· 19d

One stone classic, two that were OK and one that a lot of people liked that I really hated.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jul 10

The song Bad Company by the band Bad Company from the album Bad Company

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 27

I have a new prize possession

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 27

At the thrift store enjoying this series of now-hilarious SI covers

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 24

She was being paid several times more than any journalist I have ever known, and this was how she handled commenting for a story. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/n...

In early May, after The Times began reporting this article, Ms. Russini responded to a reporter’s request for an interview via text message. She cited the “intense scrutiny and personal attacks” she had faced, saying, “This has had a significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally.” At the end of the message, referring to herself as a “former journalist,” Ms. Russini asked the reporter not to quote from the text.

The interaction demonstrated a different approach to journalism from the way that it is conducted in traditional newsrooms.

When the reporter told her that this article would include portions of her text message because no agreement had been made for them to engage in an off-the-record correspondence, Ms. Russini objected and then emailed Mr. Perpich, the publisher of The Athletic, as well as two senior editors at The Times to reiterate her wish that her comments not be included.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 24

No disrespect to Giannis but he’s the past of the Milwaukee Bucks. The future is the huge Serbian teenager named Bogoljub the Bucks drafted in the 2nd round last year.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 20

I’m in the middle of a Nightmare on Elm Street series rewatch, so I’m also surveying Freddy-themed music and, with due respect to Dokken and the Fat Boys, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the French Prince’s A Nightmare on My Street is the best music anyone made about Freddy, and New Line cinema sued them!

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 15

Matter of fact, a couple of those exonerated men joined protests when the same bar association gave Waller an award in 2014. www.chicagotribune.com/2014/03/11/c...

The protest group is expected to include two men — Juan Rivera and Bennie Starks — who spent a total of 40 years in prison for crimes that DNA indicated they didn’t commit. Their cases are two of the four in which Waller’s office insisted the right men had been jailed despite forensic evidence suggesting the opposite, drawing national attention to the Lake County justice system’s errors.

“I don’t think he deserves an award for anything,” Starks said, noting that several freed former inmates, including him, have sued Lake County law enforcement authorities. “For what? For costing the taxpayers millions and millions of dollars?”

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 15

The Lake Co. Bar Association gave an award to former SA Michael Waller. Waller was responsible for numerous wrongful convictions. These were egregious in that prosecutors under his command defended the convictions for years despite ironclad physical evidence showing they'd locked up innocent men.

From the Lake County Bar Association: Congratulations to Michael J. Waller on receiving the 2026 Benedict J. Ori Award.

This distinguished award recognizes a former Lake County prosecutor whose contributions have had a lasting impact on law enforcement, the legal profession, the judiciary, and the citizens of Lake County.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 11

My work. Events at the state level clash with the actions of Cook Co. State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke, who is trying to make it harder for wrongfully convicted people to get declarations of their innocence. That's frustrating for exonerated people who want to move on. (w/@boltsmag.org)

In an interview, Drew said he’s frustrated that prosecutors seem to get endless opportunities to accuse him of the crime, even after dropping the charges. He wants the case off his record because he’s afraid of police pulling him over and seeing the murder conviction.

He got locked up at 18 years old and lost the chance to have the life he wanted. He said he just wants prosecutors to admit they were wrong.

“At 46, I have no children. You took that from me, man. You fucking took that from me,” he said through tears.

“It’s not fair,” he added. “It cost me 25 years out of my life.”

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 9

Yeah, that’s what it was like when I worked there, for sure

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jun 8

Christina Whitehouse, founder of Bike Lane Uprising, said that stretch of Halsted is a notorious “high-crash corridor.” But cyclists have few options for going north or south there, and “painted bike lines don’t stop anything,” she said.

“We’re seeing elected officials post that they’re so sorry, but many of them have done nothing to improve cycling safety in their wards or the city, so they have a role in this, too,” Whitehouse said. “I just really grieve for [CDOT employees] knowing they have to go to work and face the same pushback after their coworker who tried very hard to improve cycling safety was killed in unsafe bike lanes.”

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· May 20

Respect paid at Nisei Lounge

Sam Sianis memorial at at Nisei. The cubs suck.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· May 8

Lots of interesting stuff in the @injusticewatch.org newsletter today, including details on our upcoming "article club" event, where I'll discuss my story on Cook County prosecutors opposing certificates of innocence. www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

I’m excited to share that we’re launching an “article club” to bring people together to discuss our reporting about the Cook County court system. Expect an informal gathering every few months with refreshments, good conversation, and an opportunity to go behind the scenes of Injustice Watch stories. Our first meeting takes place on Wednesday, June 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Walls Turned Sideways (2717 W. Madison St.). We’ll be discussing senior reporter Dan Hinkel’s recent investigation into certificates of innocence. Learn more and RSVP here. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· May 1

From my story: Kevin Jackson served 23 years before his exoneration. Prosecutors want to block a court order formally clearing his name. He wants that in-part because he hopes it will help him get a passport. He's set on visiting Bora Bora, which he learned about in prison via Anthony Bourdain.

Jackson, 44, said he’s been losing sleep over the certificate of innocence battle. He said he wants both to expunge his case and have the certificate so he can show it to prospective employers and police at traffic stops.

He also has a hope that germinated in front of a prison television: to go to the island of Bora Bora, which he learned about from the dining and travel show “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.”

“Crispy blue water, sunshine. I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m going there when I get out,’” he said.

But he’s been struggling to get a passport. He suspects federal officials are giving him a hard time because of his record, and thinks they’d be more likely to help him if he had a certificate of innocence.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Apr 30

My story on Cook Co. prosecutor Eileen O'Neill Burke battling exonerated people who want declarations of their innocence. Tyrece Williams, freed after 20 years in prison, said he wants to give his certificate of innocence to his 4 kids, as an acknowledgment that what happened to them was wrong.

Tyrece Williams watched his four children, including his son Derrick Griffin, grow up largely through photographs his family mailed to him in prison. Photo by Taylor Glascock

“You can’t get that back. My kids are grown. I can’t watch none of them graduate high school, grammar school,” he said. “This is what they took from me. But they don’t see it.”

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Apr 17

Today's @injusticewatch.org newsletter has a little update to my reporting on the former CPD detective Brian Forberg, the subject of many allegations of coercion. And, in lighter news, my admission that I find Criterion Closet Picks and the like very enriching. www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

I know video series such as Criterion Closet Picks, “What’s in My Bag?” from Amoeba Music, and the Severin Cellar are just selling me things, but they’re things I want to be sold. I use these clips — in which musicians and actors and directors recommend movies and albums — to build out my ever-expanding lists of art I want to check out. A favorite metal band, Blood Incantation, put me onto ambient and prog gems. Ryan Coogler reminded me of movies I need to see. Director Joe Dante highlighted horror oddities. I can’t escape consumerism, but I can try to be an interesting mark. —Dan Hinkel, senior reporter

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Mar 13

Today's @injusticewatch.org newsletter has all sorts of good stuff, including, most importantly, the rundown on @cb-312.bsky.social's new story, but also staff recommendations for two cool things: Belmont Tavern and The Singing Nun. www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

Staff picks
My wife and I have a small vinyl record collection, including our no-skips favorite albums, but the real treasures are the bargain-bin jazz classics and left-field curiosities. The best is one a friend gave us from his late uncle’s collection: “The Singing Nun,” by Soeur Sourire (French for “Sister Smile”), a Belgian Catholic nun who died in 1985. She was once famous enough to be on the Ed Sullivan Show and the subject of a film adaptation, but her buoyant French singing and gentle guitar strumming came as a revelation to us. Her music is widely available online and can be heard on weekend afternoons in my living room. —Dan Hinkel, senior reporter

The rumors are true. After 25 years, the Belmont Tavern has reopened its doors. First opened as a butcher shop and saloon in 1890, Belmont Tavern has seen multiple owners — current owner Nick Kokonas is prioritizing maintaining its historic charm and serving some great cocktails. Located in Avondale, right off the Belmont Blue Line, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a post-work happy hour with friendly staff who are more than happy to talk about the tavern’s history. —Verónica Martinez, visual reporter

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Feb 27

I’m zipping around town dropping off stacks of the print version of the @injusticewatch.org judicial election guide. Find them all over the dang place or online at that link. 2026primary.injusticewatch.org

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Feb 17

HBD from me and Charlie O’Brien

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Feb 16

The @injusticewatch.org newsletter had a bunch of interesting stuff the other day - including the headline news that our Cook County judicial election guide is out - but it also had restaurant recommendations from @kellygarcia.bsky.social and I. www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Feb 1

Notes: The authority encouraged to do the prosecuting here - Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke - has not made clear how she views this. And here's the line from the union that represents most Chicago police, whose leaders are vocal Trump and Tom Homan supporters.

In an email, a spokesperson for State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke said her office “remains committed to protecting public safety, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law alongside our law enforcement partners. We look forward to reviewing the Mayor’s Executive Order now that we have received it.”

Johnson said Burke was “in complete support” of his order, but she later released a statement saying that her office hadn’t been briefed. “We do not provide legal approval of any matter until we’ve reviewed it. On such a critical issue, it’s important we get it right,” Burke said.

Fraternal Order of Police: Chicago Lodge No. 7
odepntSrosf1709t27h09hham8l
1
u40l40g82f
h
471t
7
lfmiam2tmlhgh9i8
·
Statement in response to the 5th floor child's latest tantrum.
The only good thing in that piece of toilet paper is "no CPD member will be required to arrest any federal agents"
This is just more political bluster from city hall to make himself feel important, strong, and relevant. He is none of those.
To demonstrate the level of incompetence in the mayor's office, corporation council, and law department, I simply point out the line about most immigration matters being civil and not criminal. Can those running this city be any dumber? Entering illegally is a misdemeanor that is punishable up to 6months in jail. A second offense is a felony with up to 2 years in jail. They only violation that is civil would-be visa overstay.
The same guy who hates the police now wants to use they for his own personal and political relevance.
Lastly, the really concerning thing is the requirement to make a report if wrongdoing is alleged against a federal officer. That needs to be a 2way street and I will advise our members of such. Citizens can also be named offenders.
Oh and btw, isn't media more concerned about the nation's 3rd largest city being driven slowly into financial ruin ?
We will be exploring the legal jeopardy Brandon Johnson might be placing our members into.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jan 20

Absolutely dying at the idea of suffering a devastating loss and being consoled by a guy in a big funny novelty hat

Ed Reed consoling Malachi Toney in a big funny hat

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jan 13

It has been remarkable to see the historical echoes between the Democratic response to Renee Good’s killing and the cycle of reform touched off by Laquan McDonald’s murder in Chicago. I see we are now knee-deep in the Training Discourse. abcnews.go.com/amp/US/chica...

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jan 12

If you approach my desk, you’d better be ready to laugh.

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jan 10

A wonderful recent development is the wide availability of this candy in the Chicago area. They’re the answer to “how about circus peanuts, except good?”

Dan Hinkel@danhinkel· Jan 1

I had somehow not read this and it is incredible.