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Law
Exhale, Chicago: A Little Pot May Be Fine(d)
June 27, 2012 Chicago's leadership is considering a plan that would make adults caught with a small amount of marijuana subject to a fine instead of arrest. The idea is to use police more efficiently. But not all of the city's leaders agree. They'll discuss the rule Wednesday.
Education
A New Union Battle As Chicago Teachers, Mayor Clash
June 20, 2012 Teachers in the country's third-largest school district have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if the city and their union can't come to terms this summer. The vote is just the latest example of the gulf between teachers, Chicago school officials and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Law
After NAACP Marriage Stance, Discord And Discussion
June 8, 2012 The NAACP recently took what was for some in the organization a controversial step, when it endorsed same-sex marriage. That move has now led some local officers around the country to resign — including the group's most outspoken critic of gay marriage.
History
Discovery Sparks Interest In Forgotten Black Scholar
April 23, 2012 Three years ago, a Chicago man found historic documents in an abandoned house and took them to a rare-books dealer. The papers and books belonged to Richard T. Greener, a 19th century intellectual, who was the first African-American to graduate from Harvard University.
Remembrances
Tulsa Shooting Victim Had Turned Her Life Around
April 11, 2012 Donna Fields, 49, was walking home in a predominantly black neighborhood on the north side of Tulsa, Okla., when she was shot to death Friday night. "She's been an inspiration to us ... to see what God can do with anybody," her preacher said.
Around the Nation
'Premature' To Call Tulsa Shootings Hate Crimes
April 9, 2012 Police in Tulsa, Okla., say it is much too early in their investigation to describe the murder of three black residents and the wounding of two others as a hate crime. Two men were arrested early Sunday morning, and are expected to face charges of first-degree murder and shooting with intent to kill.
Around the Nation
Trayvon Martin Case: Attorney Choice Sparks Division
March 31, 2012 Florida State Attorney Angela Corey is heading the investigation of the black teen's death. Her reputation for being tough on crime comforts some, but worries others. Corey says what she needs is patience from a public that's demanding action.
Election 2012
Jesse Jackson Jr. Makes Final Push To Win Primary
March 19, 2012 It's not only GOP voters who have a stake in Tuesday's Illinois primary. This year Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. faces a primary challenge from former Rep. Debbie Halvorson. Will an ethics investigation and Halvorson's own record be enough to unseat Jackson, who has served his district since 1995?
Race
Voters May Break Up Fight Over 'Fighting Sioux'
March 15, 2012 The University of North Dakota's Native American nickname and logo has been controversial for decades. The dispute has reached a new level as supporters and opponents fight over the validity of a state law that requires the university to keep the name.