Jessica Pupovac
@jespup.bsky.social
Journalist. Audio maker. True blue Chicagoan.
Ex NPR, WBEZ/Chicago Public Media, WTTW, and Religion of Sports.
https://linktr.ee/jessicapupovac
Ex NPR, WBEZ/Chicago Public Media, WTTW, and Religion of Sports.
https://linktr.ee/jessicapupovac
When it comes to healing the deep scars left by police misconduct, Dr. Nate Gilham told me money only goes so far. What helps is for people to understand and work towards dismantling the systems that harmed them. @wbez.org
As Chicago reaches a record $266 million in police misconduct settlements this year, wrongfully convicted exonerees like James Gibson continue to struggle with lasting trauma.
What happens to survivors of police torture after the big payout?
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
When it comes to healing the deep scars left by police misconduct, Dr. Nate Gilham told me money only goes so far. What helps is for people to understand and work towards dismantling the systems that harmed them. @wbez.org
A broad coalition of #Chicago journalists and protesters is suing Trump + top admin officials over federal agents' "pattern of extreme brutality" at a local #ICE facility. "When journalists are silenced, the public loses access to the truth about government actions." www.axios.com/2025/10/06/d...
"Journalism is not a crime": Chicago reporters sue Trump over violence at ICE protests
Press groups say Trump's agents used force to silence reporters.
www.axios.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A broad coalition of #Chicago journalists and protesters is suing Trump + top admin officials over federal agents' "pattern of extreme brutality" at a local #ICE facility. "When journalists are silenced, the public loses access to the truth about government actions." www.axios.com/2025/10/06/d...
Reposted by Jessica Pupovac
BREAKING: Body camera footage obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times shows the scene after an ICE agent fatally shot Silverio Villegas González. The ICE agent said his injuries were "nothing major," video shows, but DHS reported the agent was “seriously injured.” trib.al/Utk0Szp
September 23, 2025 at 4:01 AM
BREAKING: Body camera footage obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times shows the scene after an ICE agent fatally shot Silverio Villegas González. The ICE agent said his injuries were "nothing major," video shows, but DHS reported the agent was “seriously injured.” trib.al/Utk0Szp
And this is just a 5-year span...
NEW: Chicago taxpayers paid $295M between 2019 & 2024 to resolve lawsuits naming 272 officers whose alleged misconduct led more than once to payouts, according to an analysis of city data, I report with @jaredrutecki.bsky.social for @wttw.bsky.social
Repeated Police Misconduct by 272 Officers Has Cost Chicago Taxpayers $295M Since 2019: Analysis
Chicago taxpayers paid $295 million between 2019 and 2024 to resolve lawsuits naming officers whose alleged misconduct led more than once to payouts, according to an analysis of city data by WTTW News...
news.wttw.com
September 23, 2025 at 2:36 PM
And this is just a 5-year span...
I went to a recent demo against ICE operations & found many there to be brand new to activism. They weren't politicians or "antifa," just ppl very concerned for their immigrant friends & neighbors, and for our democracy. Proud to contribute to @npr.org, now + always. 🎧 www.npr.org/2025/09/21/n...
September 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I went to a recent demo against ICE operations & found many there to be brand new to activism. They weren't politicians or "antifa," just ppl very concerned for their immigrant friends & neighbors, and for our democracy. Proud to contribute to @npr.org, now + always. 🎧 www.npr.org/2025/09/21/n...
Right now outside the ICE detention facility in Broadview, IL, a suburb of #chicago. people have been here demonstrating and making noise since 3 am.
September 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Right now outside the ICE detention facility in Broadview, IL, a suburb of #chicago. people have been here demonstrating and making noise since 3 am.
Excellent @citycastchicago.bsky.social convo w/ @pksmid.bsky.social is full of great insights on crime stats + prevention, in #Chicago + beyond. Among them: YOUR MEDIA DIET SHAPES YOUR PERCEPTION. So pull up a chair, here's a bib, have a listen: 🎧https://megaphone.link/CC2089679877
Is Crime Actually Down in Chicago? by City Cast Chicago
megaphone.link
September 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Excellent @citycastchicago.bsky.social convo w/ @pksmid.bsky.social is full of great insights on crime stats + prevention, in #Chicago + beyond. Among them: YOUR MEDIA DIET SHAPES YOUR PERCEPTION. So pull up a chair, here's a bib, have a listen: 🎧https://megaphone.link/CC2089679877
Reposted by Jessica Pupovac
BREAKING: We're filing a petition for the immediate release of Mario Guevara, a journalist who is being detained by ICE because of his reporting on law enforcement activity.
The First Amendment is clear: Journalists cannot be detained for doing their jobs.
The First Amendment is clear: Journalists cannot be detained for doing their jobs.
August 21, 2025 at 2:11 PM
BREAKING: We're filing a petition for the immediate release of Mario Guevara, a journalist who is being detained by ICE because of his reporting on law enforcement activity.
The First Amendment is clear: Journalists cannot be detained for doing their jobs.
The First Amendment is clear: Journalists cannot be detained for doing their jobs.
I want my hands on this book! Can't wait.. Congrats to @marthabayne.bsky.social and all involved. See u on Monday! ❤️✊ www.wbez.org/books/2025/0...
A new book reveals Sinéad O’Connor’s legacy beyond the headlines
In “Nothing Compares to You: What Sinéad O’Connor Means To Us,” 25 women — including several Chicago writers — consider the controversial musician’s impact on her fans.
www.wbez.org
July 24, 2025 at 10:32 PM
I want my hands on this book! Can't wait.. Congrats to @marthabayne.bsky.social and all involved. See u on Monday! ❤️✊ www.wbez.org/books/2025/0...
What a loss -- and this is before Congress has a chance to strike its own blow later this week. www.wfyi.org/news/article...
Reporting team cut after Indiana lawmakers zero out public media funding
Hoosiers will see and hear changes in the ongoing coverage of state news after a team of local journalists was cut due to eliminated funding in the state budget.
www.wfyi.org
July 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
What a loss -- and this is before Congress has a chance to strike its own blow later this week. www.wfyi.org/news/article...
GREAT opportunity for aspiring journalists in Chicago: 5-week PAID journalism course at @windycitytimes.com! Learn to use storytelling (incl photography, audio, etc) to serve marginalized communities. Young LGBTQ+ folks esp encouraged to apply. Due March 14. windycitytimes.com/2025/03/03/a...
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
March 6, 2025 at 1:52 AM
GREAT opportunity for aspiring journalists in Chicago: 5-week PAID journalism course at @windycitytimes.com! Learn to use storytelling (incl photography, audio, etc) to serve marginalized communities. Young LGBTQ+ folks esp encouraged to apply. Due March 14. windycitytimes.com/2025/03/03/a...
Word of the Week: Vorauseilender Gehorsam
German word for ‘preemptive obedience'
(thx to @chicagohealth.bsky.social)
chicagohealthonline.com/theres-just-...
German word for ‘preemptive obedience'
(thx to @chicagohealth.bsky.social)
chicagohealthonline.com/theres-just-...
“There’s Just a Lot of Uncertainty” - Chicago Health
Ongoing NIH cuts prompt confusion, concern in Chicago medical centers.
chicagohealthonline.com
February 11, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Word of the Week: Vorauseilender Gehorsam
German word for ‘preemptive obedience'
(thx to @chicagohealth.bsky.social)
chicagohealthonline.com/theres-just-...
German word for ‘preemptive obedience'
(thx to @chicagohealth.bsky.social)
chicagohealthonline.com/theres-just-...
Some good news:
The choice of a few brave women to speak out continues to reverberate and make the world of women's #soccer safer -- now with real teeth. 💪 ⚽ ❤️
www.npr.org/2025/02/05/n... @nwslplayers.bsky.social #nwsl #Counterattack
The choice of a few brave women to speak out continues to reverberate and make the world of women's #soccer safer -- now with real teeth. 💪 ⚽ ❤️
www.npr.org/2025/02/05/n... @nwslplayers.bsky.social #nwsl #Counterattack
National Women's Soccer League reaches $5 million settlement over 2021 abuse scandal
In 2021, revelations about sexual misconduct and racism roiled the NWSL and sparked investigations. Now, the women's soccer league will set aside $5 million for victims and implement other reforms.
www.npr.org
February 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Some good news:
The choice of a few brave women to speak out continues to reverberate and make the world of women's #soccer safer -- now with real teeth. 💪 ⚽ ❤️
www.npr.org/2025/02/05/n... @nwslplayers.bsky.social #nwsl #Counterattack
The choice of a few brave women to speak out continues to reverberate and make the world of women's #soccer safer -- now with real teeth. 💪 ⚽ ❤️
www.npr.org/2025/02/05/n... @nwslplayers.bsky.social #nwsl #Counterattack
Federal officials aren't answering simple questions from actual news outlets about #ICE operations in #Chicago but they did allow Trump supporter and media personality Dr. Phil to embed with them and livestream arrests. blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/27/i...
ICE Targets Hundreds Of People For Arrest In Chicago — With Dr. Phil Broadcasting Live
U.S Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officially launched "enhanced targeted operations" in Chicago Sunday, following a weeklong frenzy of reported sightings since President Trump’s inauguration.
blockclubchicago.org
January 27, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Federal officials aren't answering simple questions from actual news outlets about #ICE operations in #Chicago but they did allow Trump supporter and media personality Dr. Phil to embed with them and livestream arrests. blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/27/i...
Not sure if it's the frigid temps, but the lack of foot traffic at school dropoff this morning was stark, despite CPS assurances. Anyone know whether local school communities anywhere are organizing to support parents who aren't comfortable making the trip?
With the threat by President Donald Trump’s administration to target Chicago for mass deportation, public school officials are telling parents without legal status that their children are safe from immigration agents inside their classrooms. www.wbez.org/education/20...
What can CPS schools and parents do in the face of Donald Trump’s mass deportation threat?
Chicago Public Schools does not allow immigration officers into schools without a criminal warrant. Experts weigh in on how to talk to your children about the days ahead.
www.wbez.org
January 22, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Not sure if it's the frigid temps, but the lack of foot traffic at school dropoff this morning was stark, despite CPS assurances. Anyone know whether local school communities anywhere are organizing to support parents who aren't comfortable making the trip?
Ahhh!! I've been jonesin' to hear Aadam's recording of an old New Order (was it NYE?) show ever since @monicaeng.bsky.social @curiousdukes.bsky.social came back to @wbez.org with a copy 6 yrs ago. Such great news!
Congrats @ajc-project.bsky.social & thank you! 🙏 www.wbez.org/curious-city...
Congrats @ajc-project.bsky.social & thank you! 🙏 www.wbez.org/curious-city...
January 14, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Ahhh!! I've been jonesin' to hear Aadam's recording of an old New Order (was it NYE?) show ever since @monicaeng.bsky.social @curiousdukes.bsky.social came back to @wbez.org with a copy 6 yrs ago. Such great news!
Congrats @ajc-project.bsky.social & thank you! 🙏 www.wbez.org/curious-city...
Congrats @ajc-project.bsky.social & thank you! 🙏 www.wbez.org/curious-city...
Reposted by Jessica Pupovac
New: Meta employees are furious about a new policy that allows users to call LGBTQ+ people "mentally ill." Some have resigned in protest. Some LGBTQ+ employees have started saying they if they are 'mentally ill' they should get leave of absences from work
www.404media.co/its-total-ch...
www.404media.co/its-total-ch...
‘It’s Total Chaos Internally at Meta Right Now’: Employees Protest Zuckerberg’s Anti LGBTQ Changes
Meta's decision to specifically allow users to call LGBTQ+ people "mentally ill" has sparked widespread backlash at the company.
www.404media.co
January 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
New: Meta employees are furious about a new policy that allows users to call LGBTQ+ people "mentally ill." Some have resigned in protest. Some LGBTQ+ employees have started saying they if they are 'mentally ill' they should get leave of absences from work
www.404media.co/its-total-ch...
www.404media.co/its-total-ch...
Reposted by Jessica Pupovac
In all, Chicago taxpayers spent more than $73 million from January 2019 to August 2024 to resolve two dozen lawsuits filed by Chicagoans injured during police pursuits, according to an analysis of city data by @wttw.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2024/12/12/j...
Jury Awards Nearly $80M to Family of Girl Killed During 2020 Chicago Police Chase
If the verdict is upheld, it would nearly equal city’s annual $82 million budget to cover the cost of police misconduct lawsuits.
news.wttw.com
December 13, 2024 at 3:26 PM
In all, Chicago taxpayers spent more than $73 million from January 2019 to August 2024 to resolve two dozen lawsuits filed by Chicagoans injured during police pursuits, according to an analysis of city data by @wttw.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2024/12/12/j...
" #Police are the enemy," was @rosabrooks.bsky.social's famous mom's reaction when she decided to become a DC reserve officer. But she did it & learned a TON. Enjoyed working on this episode of #InTheRoom w/Peter Bergen. #Defund or Unleash: What does effective policing look like?
Episode 79: Defund or Unleash: What does effective policing look like?
Check out this great listen on Audible.com. In recent years, several high-profile abuses of power have fractured public trust in police and created a false tension between police accountability and pu...
www.audible.com
December 13, 2024 at 5:15 PM
" #Police are the enemy," was @rosabrooks.bsky.social's famous mom's reaction when she decided to become a DC reserve officer. But she did it & learned a TON. Enjoyed working on this episode of #InTheRoom w/Peter Bergen. #Defund or Unleash: What does effective policing look like?