Pitches Oct 2020

[South Side Weekly]

Hey South Side Weekly writers,

It feels like a long time! Below are some story ideas (aka pitches), which you can claim by going to our Resource Hub, more info below.

WARD REMAP REPORT

As we wrote about earlier this year, one of the results of the Census is the redrawing of the lines of legislative districts. Chicago's ward map, particularly on the South Side, is notoriously gerrymandered. There are some groups who are looking to push Mayor Lightfoot on her commitment to more citizen involvement and reform to the ward remapping process; interview representatives from some groups for a ~800-1k word story on what their efforts are going to entail in coming months.

WILL CASH BAIL IN ILLINOIS FINALLY END?

After decades of work by advocates and attorneys, the legislature seems closer than ever to ending cash bail during this legislative session, especially given a recent show of support from Gov. Pritzker. At the same time, reforms instituted in 2017 continue to be attacked by law enforcement interests. Talk to advocates from the Coalition to End Money Bail and legislators like state Senator Robert Peters about whether it is finally time for cash bail in Illinois to end.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN FILING TAXES IN 2021

With an unprecedented number of unemployment benefits applications, the CARES Act that distributed stimulus checks to all who previously filed taxes, the extra $300 a week managed by FEMA, the federal payroll tax holiday that began on Sept. 1, and those who received funds from mutual aid organizations, 2020 is already gearing up to be one of the most convoluted tax years ever. Since most of the relief that was granted this year were deferrals, many people will end up having to owe the government money instead of receiving a refund in 2021. It is important to talk with tax experts to inform the public about what to expect in 2021 and why filing your own taxes next year might not be recommended.

THE REAL ID

The Department of Homeland Security extended its deadline for REAL ID to be enforced to October 2021. Originally a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission to combat terrorism, it's original purpose was raise standards for accessing federal facilities, boarding planes, and entering nuclear power plants. Although Illinois and Chicago like to position themselves as a sanctuary state and city, the looming deadline has raised concerns for the undocumented immigrant community who are unsure of how to proceed once the federal law is enforced next year. It would be good to report this in tandem with a Spanish speaking reporter and translate it. Will IDs/Driver's Licenses stamped "Federal Limits Apply" still be issued in the State of Illinois? Will they be phased out? Can one switch from an Illinois ID/DL to a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL)? Etc.

REVIEWS OF THE FOLLOWING BOOKS:

- Nate Marshall's Finna

- Marisel Vega's The Taste of Sugar

- Maria Hinojosa's Once I Was You

FULL LIST OF PITCHES:

1) go to: https://resources.southsideweekly.com

2) click on "pitch doc" on the bottom left

3) type in the password: weeklypitch

4) click any entry on the list to expand the details

5) click "claim a pitch"

You can also schedule a time to meet with me in the Resource Hub.

Looking forward to seeing more of you!

Jackie Serrato

Editor-in-chief

South Side Weekly

[Olivia Villarreal]

Hello: Did anyone take: 

WILL CASH BAIL IN ILLINOIS FINALLY END?

After decades of work by advocates and attorneys, the legislature seems closer than ever to ending cash bail during this legislative session, especially given a recent show of support from Gov. Pritzker. At the same time, reforms instituted in 2017 continue to be attacked by law enforcement interests. Talk to advocates from the Coalition to End Money Bail and legislators like state Senator Robert Peters about whether it is finally time for cash bail in Illinois to end.

Olivia Villarreal

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Olivia Villarreal