An investigation by a group of Chicago-area newsrooms and independent journalists found that federal agents used tear gas and pepper spray at least 15 times in Brighton Park on Oct. 4 — more than the Chicago Police Department has used all year.
The Investigative Project on Race and Equity’s recent training on Investigating History for Reparative Storytelling gave journalists practical tools for weaving historical context into their reporting and highlighted real-world case studies where reporters applied these methods. Here are just a few.
This article highlights several archival resources, from citywide portals to community collections, that can help journalists uncover systemic racism and add historical depth to their reporting.
The Investigative Project on Race and Equity hosted a virtual training on “Investigating History for Reparative Storytelling,” led by investigative journalist Logan Jaffe of ProPublica and journalist and public historian Laura Kebede-Twumasi.
Illinois Answers Project hosting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) training / Virtual / December 4, 2025
Investigative Reporters & Editors and NICAR annual data journalism conference / Indianapolis / March 5-7, 2026
Our dispassionate style of fact-based, data-driven reporting uncovers systemic racial and economic disparities.
We partner with Chicago media outlets to support major investigations on race and equity issues in the region and across Illinois.
Our investigative workshop series helps journalists develop investigative skills, while creating a pipeline of diverse and skilled reporters.
Our apprenticeship program gives aspiring investigative reporters hands-on experience coupled with a training series and mentorship.
