The author reflects on a Halloween spent chasing the 'ghosts' of people disappearing due to ICE raids, paralleling this with the historical struggles of George Dale, a journalist who fought against the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. T...
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Dan Sinker is a writer, podcaster, and former director of OpenNews, passionate about communities, communication, and independent media.
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Danny Fenster's biographic comic captures his six-month imprisonment in Myanmar, intertwining personal love stories with broader themes of hope and resilience amidst despair.
6.1Disasters, Invisible and Visible
2025-09-27 • activism media chicago immigration ice
The blog post discusses two significant disasters in Chicago's history: the invisible flood of 1992 caused by a leak in an old coal delivery tunnel and the current crisis involving ICE raids targeting immigrant communities. The au...
5.9On Joy and Resistance
2026-02-23 • art self-esteem strength joy fascism
Alysa Liu's gold-medal performance exemplifies the radical joy of self-acceptance and the power of art as resistance against oppression.
The author shares insights from their research into 1920s Indiana newspapers for their book, focusing on Halloween advertisements from that era. They highlight the beauty and historical significance of these ads, noting the cultur...
5.9The Fog of War
2025-10-04 • community chicago social justice ice tear gas
On a warm October day in Chicago, a peaceful scene at Armitage and Central Park quickly turns chaotic when an ICE agent releases tear gas from an unmarked SUV, causing panic among bystanders. The incident highlights the increasing...
5.6Whistle Up
2025-11-22 • community engagement zine 3d printing ice whistles
The blog post discusses the rise of whistle usage in Chicago as a community response to the presence of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents. It details the distribution of whistles, the organization of events like 'Wh...
5.6I'm Writing a Book!
2025-10-09 • history journalism book release fascism ku klux klan daley
The author reflects on their previous blog post about George Dale, a newspaper editor who fought against the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. The post gained significant attention, leading the author to explore a larger narrative about ...
The post explores the lasting influence of Jenny Holzer's Truisms on the author's life and connects it to current grassroots movements against systemic oppression.
'Fairytale of New York' is a hauntingly beautiful Christmas song that captures the complexities of love and hope amidst life's struggles.
The author reflects on the resilience of Chicago, drawing parallels between the city and a boxer who endures relentless challenges. Inspired by the late artist Tony Fitzpatrick's thoughts on Chicago's uniqueness, the author discus...
The text describes a series of simultaneous kidnappings occurring in Chicago, where individuals from various backgrounds, including landscapers and roofers, are being targeted. The author emphasizes the urgency of community organi...
Childhood fears and the adventure of 'The Goonies' inspire reflections on resilience, community, and the importance of underground spaces in challenging times.
5.2We Are All We Have
2026-01-22 • activism community support covid-19 resilience
The author shares their journey from making masks during Covid to producing whistles for community support, emphasizing the power of collective action in times of crisis.
A candid reflection on the unrelenting challenges of 2025, emphasizing personal loss, societal issues, and the vital role of community support in overcoming adversity.
The text is a passionate tribute to Chicago, celebrating its resilience, culture, and identity. It references historical events, local cuisine, and the spirit of its people, emphasizing unity and pride in the city's imperfections ...
A community-driven initiative has led to the production of over half a million whistles to alert neighborhoods about ICE activities, showcasing grassroots activism and collaboration.
The Snooping Newsie Awards honor Unraveled Press and LA Taco for their courageous independent journalism in the face of federal challenges, emphasizing community support for such vital work.
Reflecting on a challenging year, the author emphasizes the importance of discipline in writing as a source of sustenance and announces a new zine compilation of their work.
4.7A Brilliant Mistake
2025-10-17 • community podcast donald trump clinton says who
The author reflects on the journey of the podcast 'Says Who,' which began in 2016 during the Trump-Clinton election. Initially intended to be a short series of eight episodes to help cope with the election's anxiety, it evolved in...
A personal gift guide showcasing unique merchandise and curated collections, emphasizing the value of physical items during the holiday season.
The blog post presents a curated gift guide featuring unique items from independent artists and makers, emphasizing handmade and small-run products. It highlights various creators, including Chicago letterpress printer Jen Farrell...
The blog post reflects on the author's long-time appreciation for Holly Golightly's album 'The Good Things' and shares a selection of uplifting recommendations, including Annalee Newitz's book 'Automatic Noodle', the launch of the...
Resilience and hope are essential as we navigate the challenges of the new year, inspired by music and sports triumphs.