With immigration raids targeting multiple parts of the city and suburbs, here are tips from local community groups on what to do. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/9/5/ice-raids-chicago-how-to-get-help

An Inner-City Muslim Action Network’s program brings people together for mentorship & care after prison. Executive Director Alia Bilal discusses how leaders blend spirituality, justice, and organizing. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/12/1/iman/green/reentry/program/intergenerational/healing

Four emerging reporters looked into the people, places and organizations bringing different generations together. They explored how they work with varying viewpoints to facilitate collective action, how to live together and more. https://www.citybureau.org/intergenerational-relationships

Chicago residents risk daily lead exposure from toxic lead service lines, the underground pipes that connect buildings to the city’s water supply. Here's how to test your water and get free filters! https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/9/2/lead-pipes-chicago-how-to-protect-yourself

2025 was a pivotal and defining year for City Bureau! We responded to urgent challenges, equipped communities for action, and made an undeniable impact. Our Yearbook & Annual Report shares the stories, milestones, & momentum informing our next chapter! https://www.citybureau.org/annual-report-2025

Chicago moms navigate numerous challenges to balance parenthood with securing stable work and housing. It’s an uphill battle, but through grit — and community — these moms are finding a path forward. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/1/8/young-chicago-mothers-housing-and-work-community

TOMORROW || Calling all @chidocumenters.bsky.social! Join us for a workshop on covering detention hearings. Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.citybureau.org/events/covering-your-local-government-january-gadbt-d4pec-wfgn3

We love to see @signalcleveland.bsky.social in the news! Documenter Doug Breehl-Pitorak spoke to students participating in the Cleveland Media Academy. https://www.cleveland.com/academy/2026/02/doug-breehl-pitorak-speaks-to-high-school-students-about-the-importance-of-covering-local-government.html

📣 Our judicial election guide for the March 2026 primary is here! We spent months researching each candidate’s background, legal experience, political connections, conduct, and more — all so you can make informed decisions about who should be a Cook County judge. buff.ly/O4cRnL6

In a world that is increasingly online, 14 suburban Cook County orgs have spent the past year exploring solutions to ensure everyone has access to a virtual cornucopia of knowledge. Here's how they're doing it! https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/1/27/digital-equity-public-newsroom

Jahmal Cole, founder of youth advocacy organization My Block My Hood My City, said it’s critical for mentors like him to show young people how local politics affect their lives. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2024/12/18/young-voters-chicago-election

Previously and currently incarcerated people in Illinois can’t vote or face numerous hurdles to cast a ballot. Several initiatives in Chicago aim to make that process easier and more accessible. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/3/6/chicago-elections-incarcerated-people-voting-rights

New work requirements for SNAP endanger benefits for nearly 400k Illinoisans. Safety net community groups are expecting a tough year as more families look for support and organizers strain to meet the increasing needs. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/2/11/snap-cuts-puts-families-at-risk

🧐This week in the #Newswire: Revisiting restorative justice courts. Plus, their history and impact in Chicago⬇️ www.citybureau.org/newswire/202...

Join us tonight for a #ChicagoDocumenters workshop! You’ll practice core skills relevant to a range of paid assignments, learn about public meetings law, and collaborate with fellow Documenters. RSVP here: https://www.citybureau.org/events/chicago-documenters-orientation-february

When you have questions about what’s happening in Chicago, where do you look? Do you appreciate our explainers? Our print zines? Our video recaps? Please let us know by filling out our survey! https://medill.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eShfyyVDy5qQmbQ?Newsroom=City_Bureau

Four emerging reporters are diving into Chicago’s $16.6 billion budget for 2026. They'll go beyond the spreadsheets & numbers to examine how these complex policy decisions trickle down to impact everyday life. Learn more about our winter fellows here! https://www.citybureau.org/2026-chicago-budget

Want to become a @chidocumenters.bsky.social? Here's the first step! This 2-hour workshop will start with a walk-through of our platform and assignment workflow. Learn more and RSVP here for Feb 18! https://www.citybureau.org/events/chicago-documenters-orientation-february

#PublicNewsroom Alert! Step into the community darkroom at Tuley Park Cultural Center, stewarded by The Darkroom Chicago, for a guided walk led by the young people who bring it to life. RSVP for our free Film Photo Demo on February 26! www.citybureau.org/events/publi...

Through puppeteering, Latino artists are carving out spaces for themselves and generations to come. Here's how they are striving to make their performances accessible across generations, languages and music genres. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/2/2/changosnakedog/latino/puppeteers

THURSDAY || Join City Bureau at Colibri Coffee for a Cup of Community! No agenda and no pressure, just good coffee and good people. See you there! ☕️ https://www.citybureau.org/events/city-bureau-cup-community-chicago-colibri-coffee

“We know firsthand that hunger is not a motivator; it’s a barrier.” —José M. Muñoz, executive director of La Casa Norte. SNAP cuts puts families at risk according to advocates. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/2/11/snap-cuts-puts-families-at-risk

Get the news you need, now. Stay informed with the latest reporting on local government, policy, and community. Check out our latest local reporting on Chicago issues ranging from lead in water pipes, protecting your neighbors from ICE, and job searching. https://www.citybureau.org/latest-reporting

“On an individual level, I’m also grappling with larger implications of tech industries in regards to capitalism and what that means.” —Ishmael Mendoza Here's how to strengthen digital access and safety for everyone. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/1/27/digital-equity-public-newsroom

If there’s one thing that defines the #DocumentersNetwork, it’s collaboration in action. Here's how local programs are growing their impact through creativity, connection, and care. https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/2025/11/12/what-were-learning-from-documenters-programs-across-the-country-part-2

✨️ Save the date for these upcoming @chidocumenters.bsky.social workshops! We'll see you soon for these opportunities to get involved in local government 👇 citybureau.org/events www.citybureau.org/events

We chronicled and categorized Chicago alders’ actions and statements regarding protection for immigrant communities and the actions of federal agents in the city. Here's where they stand. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/11/7/alders-on-ice

And @citybureau.bsky.social continues to be one of the best examples of how to actually build journalism infrastructure in Chicago! Their fall cohort spent 16 weeks reporting on intergenerational relationships. I love this!

Here's what #DocumentersNetwork leaders are taking away from our Documenters Summit! From the power of gathering to ensuring local government transparency, Documenters are proving people-power remains vital. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OWdtnGocbE

Eight in 10 Americans get at least some of their news from a smartphone, computer or tablet. But a lack of access to digital information persists. Here's how to strengthen digital access for everyone. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/1/27/digital-equity-public-newsroom

🧐 This week, in the #Newswire: SNAP benefits are changing — here's what to know. Plus, food access resources ⬇️ www.citybureau.org/newswire/202...

Long-time supporter or first-time reader? We want to hear from you! Take this brief survey to help us understand how to serve you better. https://medill.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eShfyyVDy5qQmbQ?Newsroom=City_Bureau

Hey @chidocumenters.bsky.social this is your chance to unpack what actually happened in Chicago’s latest budget season! Join us for Dollars & Sense: Decoding Chicago's City Budget this Wednesday. https://www.citybureau.org/events/dollars-sense-decoding-chicagos-city-budget

People helping people helping people -- love this work from @detdocumenters.bsky.social cc @citybureau.bsky.social

TODAY || Join City Bureau’s Engagement team for a community-centered gathering where neighbors, civic-doers, and the curious come together at LVL Up Coffee from 11:30-1:30pm. https://www.citybureau.org/events/city-bureau-pop-up-january-22

"Wherever you are in your search process, know this: you’re not starting from scratch. Even in a volatile job market, you’re starting from experience, from clarity, from growth." https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/2026/1/20/navigating-career-uncertainty-with-an-abundance-mindset

🤔Straight out of this week's #Newswire: Chicago balks at buying back its parking meters. Plus, a look at the original disastrous deal⬇️ www.citybureau.org/newswire/202...

Four emerging reporters looked into the people, places and organizations bringing different generations together. They explored how they work with varying viewpoints to facilitate collective action, how to live together and more. https://www.citybureau.org/intergenerational-relationships

The federal shutdown is over, but upcoming work requirement changes mean #SNAP benefits are still in danger. Food assistance advocates are reminding people how to make sure they meet the new rules. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/12/12/snap-new-work-requirements-illinois-what-to-know

Join City Bureau for a pop-up at LVL UP Coffee on January 22! Come connect with Chicagoans who care about civic life and making our neighborhoods stronger. https://www.citybureau.org/events/city-bureau-pop-up-january-22

Meet Sophia, City Bureau’s Community Accountability Reporter! As a Report for America Corps Member, their writing centers civic life and solutions with a focus on Chicago’s South and West Sides. https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/meet-sophia-city-bureaus-community-accountability-reporter

Chicagoans risk daily lead exposure. Here’s how to choose a water filter. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/12/9/chicago-how-to-choose-a-water-filter-for-lead

✨ Here's our #DocumentersNetwork Wrapped! From thousands of assignments to four new sites, eight peer exchanges, and one national Summit, we collected impactful highlights from across our #DocumentersNetwork. https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/2026/1/13/documenters-network-2025-wrapped

🌐✨ Tomorrow is the last day to apply for our Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program! Check out our info session for any last minute questions that may strengthen your application. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u_CyO_3aBE

With mental health at the forefront, young people are trying out new ways to gather with peers or serve their communities — with or without help from older adults. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2025/12/16/chicago-youth-led-third-spaces-mental-health

🌐✨ It's the last week to apply for our Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program! Are you a part of a Cook County organization working to improve access to the internet, technology, and digital literacy resources? Learn more here! https://airtable.com/app7NvmnnLSpOgWWt/paglBlSWYON5n7UWp/form

TOMORROW || Join us for Chicago Documenters workshop on how to take audio at public meetings! RSVP and meet us at City Bureau in Bronzeville. https://www.citybureau.org/events/how-to-take-audio-for-chicago-documenters-january

“Adopting AI tools in local journalism should go hand in hand with implementing more equitable, civically focused, participatory forms of journalism…exemplified by the @documenters.org program from @citybureau.bsky.social ” knightcolumbia.org/content/part... Thanks @joshuadarr.bsky.social !

Chicago moms navigate numerous challenges to balance parenthood with securing stable work and housing for their families. Here's how these moms are finding a path forward. https://www.citybureau.org/newswire/2026/1/8/young-chicago-mothers-housing-and-work-community

Digital access for all is necessary for informed, connected communities. Here's how integral improving access to the internet, technology, and digital literacy is for strong civic information networks.