Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jonathan Ballew
Chicago Protesters March Over ‘Sick and Sad’ Police Killing of 13-Year-Old Adam Toledo Original
CHICAGO—Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Logan Square Park on the city’s Northwest Side on Friday evening to demand justice for Adam Toledo, the seventh-grader whose death at the hands of a police officer last month has shaken much of the city to its core. The protest kicked off around 5:30 p.m., and protesters began marching down Milwaukee Ave. at 7 p.m. The event started out peacefully, but anger was palpable among the crowd.
Thread by @JCB_Journo on Thread Reader App
I am reading through the 124 page Inspector General report on @Chicago_Police Here is a THREAD with things that stick out to me. Link to the IG report if you want to verify: igchicago.org/2021/02/18/rep… The report is from May 29-June 7 2020.
No Charges for Kenosha Cop Rusten Sheskey Who Shot Jacob Blake in the Back Seven Times
KENOSHA, Wisconsin—The white police officer who shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back will not be charged for the August incident that paralyzed the Black man from the waist down and set off a wave of unrest over police brutality, the district attorney announced on Tuesday. Officer Rusten Sheskey shot Blake in August 2020 as the 29-year-old tried to get into a van with his children.
After More Than 2 Years, Old Town Family Prevails In Fight To Make Landmarked Home Wheelchair-Accessible
OLD TOWN — Bill Deakin and Lisa Diehlmann fought for two years to build a wheelchair-accessible garage at their historic Old Town home for their teen daughter. But they’ve only been able to start construction on the project within the past few weeks — the culmination of a years-long battle with a powerful neighborhood association and a lawsuit that was resolved in the family’s favor. “It’s been almost two and a half years, so it’s felt like a long time,” Deakin said.
A falta de prueba – South Side Weekly
Originally published on August 11, 2020, in English Traducido por Regina Favela En 2016, el alcalde de ese entonces, Rahm Emanuel, anunció que para 2017 todos los agentes de policía de Chicago serían equipados con cámaras corporales. Las cámaras corporales se han convertido en la herramienta número uno a lo largo de la nación para mantener a los departamentos de policía responsables.
Teen Vigilante Kyle Rittenhouse Killed Unarmed Kenosha Protester Who Threw Plastic Bag at Him, Court Docs Say
KENOSHA, Wisconsin—Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen vigilante charged with murdering protesters in this city, allegedly shot one of them after they accosted him and threw a plastic bag in his direction. The Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office filed five felony charges against Rittenhouse on Thursday, including first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide, as well as a misdemeanor charge of possession of a deadly weapon.
City Hasn’t Rolled Out Tree-Saving Water Main Technology Nearly A Year After Pilot Program Promised
ANDERSONVILLE — Last year, after Andersonville neighbors and area aldermen complained the city wasn’t doing enough to save trees while fixing aging underground water mains, officials announced a pilot program to test out a tree-saving water main repair technology. But nearly a year later, the program has yet to be implemented.
Chicago Police News & Analysis
A Document of the Conflict in Grant Park By Jim Daley, Martha Bayne and Jason Schumer Superintendent Brown’s latest plan to curb gang violence has already been proven to fail By Emma Perez and Maira Khwaja As calls to remove police from schools continue, CPS chooses to keep the school-to-prison pipeline intact Simon Balto’s history of police in Black Chicago shows why CPD can’t be reformed Now is the time to fully fund social services in the name of public safety Q&A with Shapearl Wells,...
Chicago Is in Shock After Hundreds of Looters Overrun Luxury Shops in ‘Assault on the City’
Scott Olson/Getty Images More than 100 people were arrested Monday, and at least two were shot, following a night of chaos in Chicago’s upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of downtown after crowds smashed windows and looted storefronts in a move that city authorities are calling “pure criminality.” Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the looting an “assault on the city,” and officials have stressed it was not connected to any organized protest, but seemingly spurred after a...
Why the Christopher Columbus Statue Came Down in Chicago
A man in the costume of a vagina argued intensely with the president of Chicago’s police union, who wore a jacket with the word “ITALIA” emblazoned across it in bright red letters. Off-duty cops shouted at protesters. Two car accidents occurred nearby. Hundreds of street-racing motorcycles poured past, popping wheelies and squealing their tires.
What I Learned at the Revolution
When the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing came to Chicago in late May, I felt like I needed to be there. I worried about potential clashes between protesters and police, especially in a city with a long, troubled history surrounding its law enforcement. Having a reporter documenting events in real time would add a layer of accountability. I went without an assignment from any media outlet, at least initially.
Uptown’s Baton Show Lounge Has New Patio With Outdoor Drag Shows: ‘The Neighbors Love It’
The legendary drag club has moved some performances outdoors, where customers feel more comfortable gathering, said owner Jim Flint. Published on Jul 9, 2020 8:40AM CDT Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park Primary category in which blog post is published Joe Ward @jaydubward Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown Reporter See more Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s).
Chicago police investigating 78 complaints of officers removing or covering badges during protests - Chicago Reporter
Chicago police officers were photographed without identifying badges on June 4, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m. during a protest near the police academy at 1300 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago police officers were photographed without identifying badges on June 4, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m. during a protest near the police academy at 1300 W. Jackson Blvd.
Lightfoot says police officers who cover or remove name tag, badge number, should be fired
Mayor Lori Lightfoot says Chicago police officers who cover up or remove their name tag and/or badge numbers should be fired following a Chicago Reporter investigation uncovering multiple instances of officers engaging in the practice during protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. On Friday, Lightfoot said her administration is “actively working to identify” the officers. “It won’t be tolerated,” she said at a Friday news conference.
'I wonder for the future of my kids': 9 protesters in Chicago told us why they felt compelled to march after George Floyd's death
More icon Three evenly spaced dots forming an ellipsis: "...". Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification. More than 1,000 people gathered in Chicago's Rogers Park on Wednesday for a "Honk for Justice" rally supporting Black Lives Matter. Participants held up signs reading "Silence is violence" as motorists beeped their horns in approval.
Chicago Police Department investigating at least one officer who covered up badge during protest
After one of the most volatile mass protests in the city’s recent memory sparked by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, Chicago police are investigating at least one officer for covering up his badge number and name tag. Images and video circulating on social media show police officers who appear to have either taped over the name tags on their uniforms and badge star numbers or removed them entirely.
Chicago police launch investigation into officer for covering up name tag, star number at George Floyd protests - Chicago Reporter
After one of the most volatile mass protests in the city’s recent memory sparked by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, Chicago police are investigating at least one officer for covering up his badge number and name tag. Images and video circulating on social media show police officers who appear to have either taped over the name tags on their uniforms and badge star numbers or removed them entirely.
Police action was minimal during protests on Chicago's North Side compared to violent encounters over the weekend. Activists say that's because it's a white neighborhood.
On Monday evening, demonstrators shut down Chicago's Lake Shore Drive in protest of the police-related death of George Floyd. The peaceful march was a stark contrast to the violent encounters that plagued the city's South and West Sides over the weekend. "It's totally different up here," said one North Side demonstrator. "This [police] reaction is the same one we should have gotten downtown, out South, or West." Nearly 1,000 people were arrested on Saturday and Sunday, most for looting.
South Shore Cleanup Starts Monday Morning
South Shore residents and members of the Neighborhood Network Alliance participate in a Walk, Talk and Stroll event for neighborhood unity last July.Maxwell Evans/Block Club Chicago Neighborhood groups have organized a cleanup along 71st Street after storefronts were looted and damaged.
Huge Protest March Streams Past Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Logan Square Home
LOGAN SQUARE — Hundreds of protesters marched by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s home block in Logan Square on Sunday night. The protest, which continued well after the 9 p.m. curfew, appeared to be one of the largest in the city after officials shut down the Downtown area and fractured protest groups. The group gathered at the Logan Monument earlier in the day and then marched throughout Logan Square, waving signs and chanting.
George Floyd Protests In Chicago: The Weekend In Photos
CHICAGO — Demonstrations protesting the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis absorbed Chicago on Saturday and Sunday. Massive peaceful protests throughout downtown gave way to violence and widespread property destruction, though city officials said protesters were not responsible for causing damage and injuries.
LIVE UPDATES: Chicago Shuts Down CTA As Neighborhoods Looted, Protests Continue In Wake Of George Floyd’s Killing
CHICAGO — After a Saturday night that saw widespread damage to the Loop and River North, destruction and retail thefts spread to Chicago neighborhoods Sunday, with multiple incidents around the city. The city of Chicago shut down roads into Downtown on Sunday and the CTA suspended all buses and trains throughout the system the day after thousands came to the Loop for protests of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Please Don't Destroy Our Neighborhoods
ENGLEWOOD — A destructive Sunday rocked Chicago as dozens of stores in neighborhoods all over the city were broken into and ransacked, leaving behind broken glass, empty shelves and shattered businesses. The widespread looting played out one day after people smashed windows in the Loop and River North, stealing merchandise, vandalizing ATMs and spray-painting walls.
‘Selfish and Gross’: Illinois Natives Plot Bar Sprees in Wisconsin
Tannen Maury/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock When the Wisconsin state Supreme Court struck down the governor’s extended stay-at-home order in a bitterly partisan ruling on Wednesday, crowds descended on bars throughout the state, and local officials raced to impose or reaffirm restrictions meant to keep COVID-19 infections at bay. Meanwhile, residents of neighboring Illinois saw opportunity. The Daily Beast spoke with several Illinois residents who shared plans to travel this weekend to Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Coronavirus Stay-at-Home Order Lift Has Illinois Natives Plotting Bar Sprees
When the Wisconsin state Supreme Court struck down the governor’s extended stay-at-home order in a bitterly partisan ruling on Wednesday, crowds descended on bars throughout the state, and local officials raced to impose or reaffirm restrictions meant to keep COVID-19 infections at bay. Meanwhile, residents of neighboring Illinois saw opportunity. The Daily Beast spoke with several Illinois residents who shared plans to travel this weekend to Wisconsin.
Even the People Handling Unemployment Claims Are Terrified of Working
As Americans continue to shelter in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a record 22 million people have filed for unemployment over the past four weeks, and many more have struggled to access benefits. But some of the very workers who process those claims have started to fear for their own health.
coronavirus - The Daily Beast
“I’m not a doctor. I’m one guy with a bar. If it kills two million people, then most of what we are talking about won’t matter, there will be nothing left.” Published Mar. 17, 2020 Many Russians suspect the Kremlin is hiding the real number of infections in their country, which borders the two "epicenters" of the pandemic. The political motive is clear. Published Mar.
Owner of Snappers Bar & Grill in Illinois Tries to Stay Open After Coronavirus Ban
Despite a mandate from the state’s governor to close bars and restaurants effective at 9:00 p.m. Monday, one bar owner in a small Illinois city tried to keep his business running in the face of America’s increasingly deadly coronavirus crisis. In Clinton, IL—population of less than 8,000—Snappers Bar & Grill continued operating late into the night Monday, according to owner Joe Sartie.
She Says He Raped Her Over 40 Years Ago. Now He's a Suspected Serial Killer.
When Fran met Bruce Lindahl, he didn’t seem like a monster. Today, more than 40 years later, she considers herself lucky to be alive. She was 15 and Lindahl was in his early twenties when he first invited Fran and her friends over to his apartment in Lisle, Illinois, she recalled to The Daily Beast. He would buy alcohol for the girls and host parties at his place with his live-in girlfriend.
She Says He Raped Her Over 40 Years Ago. Now He's a Suspected Serial Killer.
When Fran met Bruce Lindahl, he didn’t seem like a monster. Today, more than 40 years later, she considers herself lucky to be alive. She was 15 and Lindahl was in his early twenties when he first invited Fran and her friends over to his apartment in Lisle, Illinois, she recalled to The Daily Beast. He would buy alcohol for the girls and host parties at his place with his live-in girlfriend.
After Contentious Fight With Neighbors, Uptown School’s Plan To Build A Gym Will Move Forward
UPTOWN — Despite protests and a lawsuit filed by nearby homeowners, plans to add a gym to McCutcheon Elementary School in Uptown are moving forward. The City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate approved a measure Tuesday allowing the city to acquire property surrounding McCutcheon for the purposes of building the school a gym. McCutcheon, 4865 N. Sheridan Rd., is one of five CPS elementary schools that lacks a gym.
This South Side Dance Team Won Nationals - Even When The Music Stopped Playing During Performance
After raising more than $20,000 to make the trip to Florida, the U-14 dance team overcame technical difficulties to win the American Youth Cheer national championship. Published on Dec 20, 2019 2:55PM CST Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore Primary category in which blog post is published Maxwell Evans @afrodip Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s).
Uncle Fun-Inspired Gag Gift Shop Coming To Diversey And Milwaukee
The shelves will be lined with gag gifts and novelty items not found in your typical store like ranch dressing flavored pop.
Construction Begins On $81 Million Overhaul Of Former Ravenswood Hospital
Evergreen Real Estate Group will turn the vacant 10-story hospital into 119 supportive living apartments and 74 independent living apartments. Published on Dec 20, 2019 11:15AM CST Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park Primary category in which blog post is published Alex V.
Rejoice, Travelers: Warm Temperatures, No Snow Expected For Christmas And Hanukkah
There could be periods of fog, but traveling for the holidays should be pretty easy this coming week. Published on Dec 20, 2019 8:24AM CST Downtown Primary category in which blog post is published Kelly Bauer @BauerJournalism Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s). This includes directly interviewing sources and research / analysis of primary source documents.
Family Who Wants To Add Garage To Historic Home For Daughter In Wheelchair Sues Old Town Group Trying To Block It
OLD TOWN — More than a year ago, the Deakin family thought their bitter feud with a neighborhood group had ended when they won permission to add a garage to their historic home for their daughter who uses a wheelchair. But work on the property was blocked by a lawsuit filed by the preservation-minded neighbors. Now, the Deakins are fighting back. This week, the family filed a Civil Rights lawsuit in federal court against the Old Town Triangle Association.
Scenes From The Día De Los Muertos Processional In Pilsen (PHOTOS)
PILSEN— With giant puppet skeletons, ofrendas and hand-pushed carts, hundreds gathered to honor the memory of loved ones who have died with an evening processional Saturday in Pilsen. The 40th annual Muertos de la Risa processional, presented by arts group ElevArte and SGA Youth and Family Services, brought colorful displays, Aztec dancers to Pilsen’s streets to close out the three-day Dia De Los Muertos holiday.
Alley Near Jefferson Park Blue Line Station Will Become A Pedestrian Plaza With Stage, Seating
Business owners and neighbors are being asked to give their feedback a new pedestrian plaza planned for the alley at 4870 N. Milwaukee Ave. Published on Nov 4, 2019 8:05AM CST Jefferson Park, Portage Park Primary category in which blog post is published Alex V.
City And CTU Reach Tentative Pact - But Teachers Say An End To Strike Hinges On Making Up Days
If the mayor agrees, the deal potentially ends a two-week strike and sends the district’s 25,000 teachers back to work. Published on Oct 30, 2019 9:31PM CDT Downtown Primary category in which blog post is published Yana Kunichoff, Chalkbeat Chicago @yanazure DOWNTOWN — After a tense 24-hour stalemate that saw hopes raised and dashed of a possible deal, delegates for the Chicago Teachers Union voted 364 to 242 in favor of a tentative contract.
Back To School Thursday? CTU Could Vote To End Strike Tonight - If Lightfoot OKs Make Up Days
Chicago Teachers Union chief Jesse Sharkey (center) said Oct. 21, 2019, that hopes have receded for a quick settlement to the strike.Yana Kunichoff/Chalkbeat The 10-day teachers strike could be coming to an end as members of the Chicago Teachers Union's house of delegates plan to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday to vote on a tentative agreement.
Truman College’s Free Clothing Closet Is Helping Its Students Get Ahead
UPTOWN — There is a new closet at Truman College, and it is helping refugee students, immigrants and English learners. The program, called OneTRU Clothing Closet, offers Truman students the opportunity to take up to five items of clothing per week for free. There is no income requirement or threshold for students to meet; any student who needs clothing items is welcome. The entire closet is stocked with items donated by Truman staff members.
High Lake Levels Are Pushing City To Prepare For A Dangerous Winter And A Precarious Future
ROGERS PARK — For years, rising lake levels and shoreline erosion have been a concern. On Monday evening, aldermen and city experts described a crisis that Chicago can no longer wait to address, including lakefront flooding that could impact homes and roads this winter. Alds. Harry Osterman (48th) and Maria Hadden (49th) were joined by a team of experts at a packed public meeting at Loyola University’s lakefront campus, 6339 N. Sheridan Road.
Wing Hoe Restaurant’s Edgewater Mansion To Be Torn Down For Apartment Building Under Newly-Approved Plan
The 106-year-old mansion at 5356 N. Sheridan Road has housed Wing Hoe since 1971. Published on Oct 18, 2019 1:35PM CDT Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park Primary category in which blog post is published Jonathan Ballew @JCB_Journo Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s). This includes directly interviewing sources and research / analysis of primary source documents.
As Lakefront Levels Reach 30-Year High, North Side Aldermen Frantically Work To Find Fix To Shoreline Problem
The city has installed barriers to prevent flooding onto Lake Shore Drive, but Ald. Brian Hopkins said they are nothing more than a band-aid. Published on Oct 18, 2019 8:08AM CDT Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park Primary category in which blog post is published Jonathan Ballew @JCB_Journo Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s).
Why We’re Striking: Chicago Teachers Tell Us What They’re Up Against
DOWNTOWN — Thousands of Chicago Public Schools teachers went on strike early Thursday. The strike, the first since 2012, means more than 300,000 are out of class. But teachers said they voted for the strike to help those same kids. While some teachers said they do want raises, they pointed to other concerns: There is not enough support to help students suffering from trauma, they want more nurses and counselors, they don’t want to lose prep time and they’re worried about the sizes of their classes.
Field Museum Will Give You A Behind-The-Scenes Tour Of Its Huge Collection - If You Volunteer This Week
A Field Museum volunteer works with a child.Lucy Hewett, Field Museum/Provided The museum is hosting an event, WeDigBio, where volunteers can help digitize information on its fossils, plants and other specimens. Published on Oct 16, 2019 1:44PM CDT Downtown Primary category in which blog post is published Kelly Bauer @BauerJournalism Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s).
Peek Inside Edgewater Beach Apartments And Colvin House Mansion At Open House Chicago
Open House Chicago features tours of 15 buildings in Edgewater and Andersonville this weekend.
Explore Uptown’s Coolest Buildings At Open House Chicago
This year's Open House Chicago, set for Oct. 19-20, features 8 buildings in Uptown.
Here’s What To See In Rogers Park and West Ridge During Open House Chicago
This year's Open House Chicago, set for Oct. 19-20, features 14 buildings in Rogers Park and West Ridge.
A New Cafe Is Coming To Historic Edgewater Beach Apartments - With A Wine Bar If City Council Gives The OK
The owner of the Edgewater Beach Cafe has been working with the alderman and neighbors to bring a new cafe and wine bar to the historic pink building. Published on Oct 16, 2019 8:00AM CDT Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park Primary category in which blog post is published Jonathan Ballew @JCB_Journo Credibility Indicators These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s).
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jonathan
Contact Jonathan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack