caseytoner.bandcamp.com/album/christ... Holiday songs from me & my pals about seeing the Christmas spirit, doing donuts in a parking lot on Christmas Eve, a one night stand, mommy and daddy claus, and the birth of Christ. Art by @danhinkel.bsky.social

No idea who this guy plays in “Sudden Death” but I’m excited to guess

In case you missed it, down below is a story I put out early this year on the many people denied by the Cook County Conviction Integrity Unit. You can also read my follow-up on State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke further weakening her office's system to figure out who they've wrongfully convicted.

the ben affleck batman always had the slight air of an obese older dog with something in its mouth that shouldnt be there, you say "what are you eating" as it makes eye contact and lumbers away

Chicago Mayor Brandon says he will not veto a 2026 budget that he has called “morally bankrupt,” in favor of staving off political gridlock and the risk of an unprecedented government shutdown.

If you haven't already now is a GREAT time to download this album for $7. All proceeds benefit Streetwise, a weekly magazine that assists and employs homeless people. We're trying to hit $500 in donations in the next couple of days

Read the full email Sharyn Alfonsi sent her team about CBS pulling their segment on the Trump admin’s deportations of Venezuelan migrants

Happy winter solstice from the birds 🐦‍⬛🌞

Injustice Watch’s weekly newsletter is an easy way to stay up to date on issues of equity and justice in the Cook County court system. Subscribe ➡️ buff.ly/pYvnM5X

And classic Violets

I feel broadly resentful of the things my electronics do but one thing my phone does that I appreciate is change my wallpaper to different pictures of my dogs. Always nice to see rare Larry shots.

We made a print zine! 📔 Donate $10 or more today and get a copy. buff.ly/tK5Ga4W

From the December Chicago FOP newsletter: Advice from the union's lawyer on what cops should do if they get pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving or shoot someone and are asked to give a BAC test. www.chicagofop.org/images/docum...

I recently connected with a handful of Chicago journalists to record an album of holiday songs just in time for Christmas. Hear classic holiday covers and a reading from legendary columnist Mary Schmich. All proceeds directly benefit StreetWise. chicagomediachorus.bandcamp.com/album/christ...

So cool to see our investigation on @crainschicago.bsky.social's front page today: @injusticewatch.org www.chicagobusiness.com

A long-running storyline in Chicago politics and law enforcement: The city doesn't prioritize the federal court order that is supposed to govern CPD operations.

Current* conditions near Gary, IN:

"Now approaching: Damen" CTA Holiday train 🎅🚂 The Robey, Wicker Park

I met Dennis at a Buster Keaton convention and he is a mensch and makes great conversation.

The mother of Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera filed a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday in which she says her daughter’s partner Carlos Baker was struggling to accept her decision to end their romantic relationship when he fatally shot her during a foot chase on June 5. tinyurl.com/5krk79br

Shout out to this lady who showed up Sunday to the Bears superfan bar in her Packers gear and did not hide her light under a bushel. thetriibe.com/2025/12/a-wi...

You won't get me to a holiday movie singalong at gunpoint but I love the Music Box and I'm intrigued by this third screen.

Reporters Without Borders said on Tuesday that Israel was responsible for nearly half of all journalists killed this year worldwide, with 29 Palestinian reporters slain by its forces in Gaza ➡️ u.afp.com/S7fB

For my money, the best big Christmas tree in downtown Chicago is the transit-themed one at Union Station. Plus, you can see the big dreidel-and-menorah display nearby. And you ride an escalator up and there’s beer and food. No need to venture outside.

All manner of interesting and fun stuff in today's @injusticewatch.org newsletter including my recommendations for seasonal horror movies. I personally do not condone the Chicago Bears but @kellygarcia.bsky.social has a recommendation if they're your thing. www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/

I share a lot of the sentiments in this spoiler-heavy review. It's a pretty, capably made movie and I enjoyed looking at it but by the end I was worn down and confused by its vacant attempts at profundity.

"At least $5.9 trillion will be inherited by billionaire children over the next 15 years, the bank calculates."

This is fantastic.

This is a Shams classic. Imagining him working his sources, on background, to see if the Bucks are enjoying losing or not. www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...

Here's a rundown of why Chicago is so slow to sell vacant lots to people who want them. I'll add the context that getting rid of vacant lots was a key element of Lori Lightfoot's halting, inexpertly executed $400 million plan to reduce violence. blockclubchicago.org/2023/02/20/b...

🚨 There are less than 3 hours left of #GivingNewsDay, and we're about $600 away from our fundraising goal. Can you chip in? Every donation today is being matched, and gifts of $50 or more come with your choice of Injustice Watch merch. buff.ly/5VFbgqa

Last chance! ⚠️ Donate $50 or more to Injustice Watch today, we’ll send you a merch item of your choice as a thank you. Support our investigations and the next judicial election guide. buff.ly/5VFbgqa

A couple years ago I reported with Jason Meisner that records unearthed in this lawsuit contradicted the under-oath account of one of the officers who took the confession - Phil Cline, a lieutenant at the time of the killing who later served as superintendent. illinoisanswers.org/2022/03/16/f...

Every donation received today will help Injustice Watch continue to produce impactful investigative journalism that holds power to account and has a real impact on our community. buff.ly/5VFbgqa

NEW from us and @chicagomag.com: When Timothy Evans was elected chief judge in 2001, he declared his political days were behind him. But Evans — who leaves office today — persevered in part because he was a savvy politician. buff.ly/I8R6R5I

Ken Burns’ ‘The American Revolution’ Ends With Number To Call If You Considering Founding Nation

The Beatles at Candlestick. Hendrix at Woodstock. Sting at the Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Ind. www.nwitimes.com/opinion/colu...

Most people running for Cook County judge seats in March are currently attorneys. Do you have experience working with them? Inform our next judicial election guide by sending your tips!

As we work on our next judicial election guide, we want to hear from you: What should voters know about these attorneys and judges? If you recognize any of these names, send us your tips. buff.ly/DlOqYRA

Today in 1988 Mystery Science Theater 3000 premiered on KTMA in St. Paul Minnesota. #MST3K

Because it was all before my time, this is a fascinating obit for German twin sisters who started in cabarets and became a regular presence on TV and in film. The Kessler sisters never married or had kids and they chose to die together Monday at age 89. (Gift link)

Join us Dec. 4 at Avondale Bowl to celebrate Injustice Watch's 10th birthday. Tickets include food, cocktails, bowling, magic, and more — and will help fuel the next decade of judicial election guides and impactful investigative journalism. buff.ly/T0E1oy8

🧵 A thread on our next judicial election guide — and how you can help!

The officer was "heading for duty" Wednesday night when his "weapon discharged and he accidentally shot himself in the testicles" in the station's parking lot, records show.

#BREAKING Federal prosecutors in Chicago move to dismiss charges against Marimar Martinez, the woman shot by Border Patrol in Brighton Park, as well as her co-defendant Anthony Ruiz.

For those keeping track: The government pursued charges against five people arrested outside the ICE facility in Broadview, IL during a protest there on Sept. 27. As of today, all five of those cases have now been thrown out.