The Weekly’s Community Investigations Hub pairs residents with journalists to help you investigate issues affecting your community. Our investigations have uncovered police misconduct, housing inequality, city expenditures, and more.
We offer several ways to send us a tip, including an online form and, for confidential communications, secure text messaging and encrypted email.
We also offer workshops with the Better Government Association on the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to equip you with the tools you need to get documents from the government.
Investigative Reports
Missed Shots
Our investigation of ShotSpotter, the gunshot-detection company that has sensors in a dozen police districts on the South and West Sides.
Board of Elections Warehouse Workers Allege Poor Treatment
In response to the Weekly’s reporting, a spokesperson said the Board is retaining a law firm to investigate the allegations.
The Snelling Files
The Weekly investigates the background of Chicago Police Department superintendent Larry Snelling.
Chicago Cops Accused of Domestic Violence are Rarely Disciplined
Advocates say the lack of accountability has a chilling effect on survivors’ willingness to report abuse.
The Castle on Drexel
After millions in loans were pumped into building rehab, a historic housing cooperative abruptly dissolved and sold last year. Former members still have questions for the board
Workshops
With our partners at the Better Government Association, the Weekly offers workshops to community residents, organizers, and early career journalists that teach the basics of investigations, FOIA, and more. For workshop inquiries, please email our investigations editor.
confidential tips
To get in touch with our investigations team, fill out our tips form, and a Weekly journalist will get back to you.
We also offer several ways to send confidential tips and documents:
Signal
Signal is a free, end-to-end encrypted messaging app. You can use it to call or send text messages, images, and video directly to our investigative team.
The Weekly’s Signal number is (773) 793–9948.
Download Signal from Google Play
Secure email
Send email to our encrypted email address at SSWtips@protonmail.com. ProtonMail is a secure, end-to-end encrypted email server based in Switzerland. The contents and metadata of emails sent to our address are protected from data breaches and government surveillance. We recommend setting up a free ProtonMail account to send us confidential emails.
Postal mail
Mail letters, packages, and documents directly to our newsroom. We recommend using a mail box instead of a post office to protect your anonymity. Our mailing address is:
South Side Weekly
6100 S. Blackstone Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637