iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 07/10/2026

Want to pick up a print copy of our Cook County judicial election guide? Check out our interactive map with distribution locations across the county. buff.ly/4XvjChh

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Where to find the 2026 judicial election guide

Injustice Watch printed 200,000 copies of the judicial voting guide for the upcoming November 3 general election — more than ever before — and is

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 05/10/2026

We're so excited to celebrate with you tonight! Here's what to expect: 🎟️ Free entry and food (while supplies last) 🎶 Tunes by DJ Jesse Sandwich 🎤 A convo with reporters about the judges on your ballot RSVP: buff.ly/JHyjGkq

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 26/09/2026

Unlike other elected officials, Cook County judges seeking retention do not run against opposing candidates. In a retention election, voters have the option to vote “Yes” to keep judges on the bench or “No” to remove them. buff.ly/X6haOZK

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What are Cook County judicial retention elections?

Why we vote to retain judges and your other questions answered.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 24/09/2026

📢 The Injustice Watch judicial election guide is here! We spent months researching all 61 Cook County judges on your ballot this fall so you can make an informed decision about who should remain a judge. buff.ly/jpBxfAa

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Cook County November 2026 Judicial Election Guide

Injustice Watch's guide to the November 2026 Cook County judicial elections.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 26/08/2026

Across Illinois, police, sheriffs, and even prosecutors have helped federal immigration agents route people into the deportation system — despite a state law limiting the practice. www.injusticewatch.org/projects/ice...

injusticewatch.org

ICE Informants

Across Illinois, police, sheriffs, and even prosecutors have helped federal immigration agents route at least 150 people into the deportation system since Trump returned to office — despite a state…

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 28/08/2026

Losing a home over a tax debt as low as $110 shouldn't happen — but it does, disproportionately to Black senior homeowners in Cook County. Join Injustice Watch and @raceandequityproject.org for free workshops Sept. 15 and 17. RSVP: buff.ly/jN3B0TU

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 11/08/2026

When local prosecutors have political or personal ties to a defendant, judges bring in the Illinois Special Prosecution Unit. In a sweeping new series, David Jackson finds the little-known unit has been clouded by allegations of corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest. buff.ly/oJSrou7

injusticewatch.org

‘The wrong side of justice’

Illinois’ Special Prosecution Unit has been responsible for dozens of questionable cases, while acting outside of public view and with little oversight.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Appreciate this breakdown from @freedom.press about how the Trump administration has been weaponizing legal orders to intimidate journalists and target leakers pressfreedomtracker.us/blog/leak-hu...

pressfreedomtracker.us

Leak hunting with legal orders

Dear Friend of Press Freedom,Welcome back to your newsletter around press freedom violations in the United States as captured by …

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 27/07/2026

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.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 23/07/2026

House subpoena of @btnewsroom.bsky.social threatens press freedom. We strongly urge the House Ways and Means Committee to withdraw its subpoena against BreakThrough News and stop using congressional oversight as a tool to retaliate against independent media.

freedom.press

House subpoena of BreakThrough News threatens press freedom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:New York, July 23, 2026 — In a direct attack on the First Amendment, the House Ways and Means Committee has subpoenaed independent news outlet BreakThrough News, demanding intern...

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 13/07/2026

🧢 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

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 15/07/2026

Update: Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed this legislation into law. Read our work below with @boltsmag.org to see how Illinois is raising the compensation for wrongfully convicted people, who often leave prison with few means to rebuild their lives.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 02/06/2026

We’re researching the Cook County judges running for another term in November for our judicial election guide. Have something to share? Let us know. www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...

injusticewatch.org

What can you tell us about these Cook County judges running for retention?

We’re researching the Cook County judges running for another term in November for our judicial election guide. Have something to share? Let us know.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 03/06/2026

Join us for a summer social and fundraiser at KOVAL Distillery on Monday, June 22. Enjoy cocktails, food, games, raffle prizes, and learn more about our work. Early bird tickets are $40 and available through June 8. All funds raised will support our next judicial election guide.

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Injustice Watch Summer Social and Fundraiser

Join us for a fun summer evening celebrating public service journalism!

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 26/05/2026

We won a Local Media Digital Innovation Award in the "Community Engagement" category for “Know Your Building. Know Your Landlord." The multi-platform engagement initiative helped Chicago renters understand building code violations, property ownership, and housing conditions.

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2025 LMA Digital Innovation Awards winners

Local Media Association revealed its 2025 Digital Innovation Awards on Wednesday, celebrating the local media organizations, journalists and teams pushing the industry forward through creativity,…

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

This event is a month away and we've seen a ton of interest in it already. Whether you're a forensic science professional, a legal professional, or just someone who's interested in these issues, join us for a webinar moderated by @mdoukmas.bsky.social. RSVP here: airtable.com/appxuo0SNj05...

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 21/05/2026

NEW: The Department of Homeland Security circulated a nationwide “Be on the Lookout” alert targeting comedian Ben Palmer, whose only offense was satire. Read the latest from @aurabogado.bsky.social, copublished with @us.theguardian.com. buff.ly/T9SQHg6

injusticewatch.org

DHS placed a comedian on law enforcement’s radar. Illinois spread the word.

Illinois State Police distributed a federal “Be on the Lookout” alert for comedian Ben Palmer over a satirical immigration tip line that went viral.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

www.politico.com/news/magazin...

A screenshot of a POLITICO article about US-Cuba relations

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

-the event he’s being indicted over happened 30 years ago -if anyone is responsible for the brothers to the rescue shoot down it’s the US FAA for failing to ground the planes for years -this is such an unwise & unnecessary escalation

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 05/05/2026

Join us Wednesday, June 3, at Walls Turned Sideways for an informal conversation about certificates of innocence: what they are, why they matter, and how Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke is trying to make them harder to get. airtable.com/appxuo0SNj05...

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 04/05/2026

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.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 04/05/2026

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

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

We heard from nearly 500 readers (most of them newsletter subscribers) through our audience survey last year, and learned which of these categories of special content they liked most.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

During weeks in which we didn't publish a new story, I included mini features that I reported myself. Some focused on court history, others summarized significant hearings or meetings, and still others took readers behind the scenes of our reporting process.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

When we launched the new layout, I asked subscribers to vote on whether or not they liked it. Thankfully, most loved it.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

I redesigned the newsletter to make it more visually appealing. I spend a lot of time looking at our newsletter, and wanted it to better match our visual identity. I also wanted to create sections for local court-related reporting from other publications + a place to resurface past work of ours.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

I had so much fun collaborating with former senior reporter @writeralejandra.bsky.social and visual reporter @veromartinezart.bsky.social on this.

A screenshot of an email from the Injustice Watch new subscriber welcome series, featuring an illustrated day in the life of a senior reporter

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

I added a new email to the welcome series for new subscribers featuring a day in the life of an Injustice Watch reporter. My goal was to help readers feel more connected to our team and shed light on what it's like to be an investigative journalist covering the court system.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

The gorgeous photos are by Marisa Klug-Morataya 🤩 And if you don't follow Humboldt Park Mag, please do. It's such a great example of hyperlocal media produced with care and intention, curated by someone (editor Tanya Bermudez) who has deep ties to the community.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

I had the opportunity to profile Chicago's new poet laureate, Mayda Del Valle, for Humboldt Park Magazine. You can read the full piece (for free!) by entering your email address here: www.humboldtparkinchicago.com

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Dan Hinkel @danhinkel.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

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.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 17/04/2026

Senior reporter Maya Dukmasova and visual reporter Verónica Martinez won the 2026 McElheny Award for “Fake Science, Faulty Methods, Misleading Testimony." Judges applauded the skillful storytelling, which “weaved impactful scenes with science, accountability, and human stories.” buff.ly/WlNcREA

injusticewatch.org

Investigation Into Rogue Toxicology Lab Wins 2026 McElheny Award

Reporting by the Chicago-based newsroom Injustice Watch exposed a lab tied to more than a dozen wrongful convictions for driving under the influence.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Reuters Institute @reutersinstitute.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

4️⃣ Online video is very popular amongst young audiences, but many still prefer to read Adults under 25 are more likely than older groups to favor listening to or watching news online, but the preference for reading is still ahead in most markets.

Three bar charts showing news consumption preferences across age groups in 2025.

Key findings:

Reading: Remains the most popular method for all ages, but preference increases with age, from 42% (18–24s) to 53% (55+).

Watching: Shows the opposite trend, being most popular among 18–24s (32%) and declining to 25% for the 55+ group.

Listening: Also preferred more by younger audiences, with 18–24s at 16% compared to 10% for those 55 and older.

The data highlights that while reading is the standard, younger audiences are notably more inclined toward watching and listening to news online.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Reuters Institute @reutersinstitute.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Today we published a report on younger news audiences. Authored by Craig T. Robertson, @amyrossarguedas.bsky.social @mitalilive.bsky.social and @richardfletcher.bsky.social, it's based on DNR and other surveys Full report reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/understandin... Seven findings in thread

group of young people sitting on stone steps, focused on their smartphones. Below the image, text reads: "March 2026. Understanding young news audiences at a time of rapid change. A new report by Craig T. Robertson, Amy Ross Arguedas, Mitali Mukherjee and Richard Fletcher."

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 10/04/2026

Israel killed three journalists in one day in Gaza and Lebanon. This isn’t just a tragedy. It’s a pattern enabled by impunity — and by U.S. political and military backing. Israel has killed at least 257 journalists in five countries since 2023, according to @pressfreedom.bsky.social.

cpj.org

Israel kills 3 journalists in Gaza and Lebanon in one day; CPJ calls for international action - Committee to Protect Journalists

New York, April 8, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns in the strongest terms the killing of at least three journalists in Lebanon and Gaza by Israel in one day, at least one of which w...

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 09/04/2026

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

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 08/04/2026

Check out our election results page to see the final percentage of the vote each Cook County judicial candidate received in the March primary. buff.ly/B2of5A4

2026primary.injusticewatch.org

March 2026 Cook County Judicial Election Guide | Injustice Watch

Injustice Watch's guide to the March 2026 Cook County judicial primary elections.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 08/04/2026

Yesterday, the Chicago Board of Elections and Cook County Clerk's Office announced the official results of the March 2026 primary election. Our judicial elections results story is now updated to reflect who will fill each judicial vacancy in Cook County. www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...

injusticewatch.org

Judicial election results: Three appointed judges rejected by voters in Cook County judicial primaries

Voters had no choice in more than half the races, which were uncontested. Several candidates won despite negative ratings from local bar groups.

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Honored to be named as a finalist in four Lisagor categories, especially best newsletter. I’m biased but I think the Injustice Watch newsletter is informative AND beautiful. Subscribe! www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 30/03/2026

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!

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 26/03/2026

NEW: The Illinois General Assembly is considering a trio of bills that would amend the state’s property tax sale laws. Here’s what’s in the bills — and what additional reforms advocates say are needed. (w/ @raceandequityproject.org) www.injusticewatch.org/project/take...

injusticewatch.org

Steps Illinois lawmakers could take to reform the state’s tax sale laws

The Illinois General Assembly is considering a trio of bills that would amend the state’s tax sale laws to make sure that homeowners are fairly

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Maggie Sivit @msivit.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

🗣️ CHICAGO! Who are your favorite creatives / videographers producing short (5-25 min.) documentaries?

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 18/03/2026

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

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 16/03/2026

Election Day is tomorrow! Use our Cook County judicial election guide before you head to the polls. Don’t forget: You can bring your printed selections — or your phone — with you when you vote.

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March 2026 Cook County Judicial Election Guide | Injustice Watch

Injustice Watch's guide to the March 2026 Cook County judicial primary elections.

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 14/03/2026

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

Injustice Watch senior reporter Carlos Ballesteros handing out copies of the judicial election guide

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Reposted by Maggie Sivit

Injustice Watch @injusticewatch.org · 12/03/2026

Real estate investor Greg Bingham made a fortune taking Cook County homes through tax foreclosure. Along the way, he has been dogged by allegations of fraud, according to court records and a previously undisclosed probe by the Treasurer’s office. (w/ @raceandequityproject.org) buff.ly/e3qgChL

injusticewatch.org

The King of Liens

Tax buyer Greg Bingham has amassed hundreds of tax-foreclosed properties in Cook County since the 1990s. Along the way, he’s been dogged by allegations of fraud, an Injustice Watch investigation…

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