Katie Prout
@katieprout.bsky.social
features writer, Chicago Reader: harm reduction, homelessness, and chicago/rust belt history.
proud member, Reader Union
kprout@chicagoreader.com; signal katie.507
https://www.katieprout.com/
proud member, Reader Union
kprout@chicagoreader.com; signal katie.507
https://www.katieprout.com/
Pinned
Katie Prout
@katieprout.bsky.social
· Aug 21
After taking some time away to have a dang baby, I'm back to work at the Chicago Reader. Have a question or tip about the state of harm reduction, homelessness, and/or drugs in Chicago? Send me a line at kprout@chicagoreader.com. I also cover: cultural lore, ghosts of all kinds, & city characters.
Reposted by Katie Prout
I'm in Detroit. It's 25 degrees & dropping. I met a woman who has slept outside for 5 months. Yesterday, all of her belongings, incl her blankets, were thrown away. She has nowhere else to go.
It doesn't have to be like this. Housing + support solves homelessness. We need political will.
It doesn't have to be like this. Housing + support solves homelessness. We need political will.
November 11, 2025 at 12:40 AM
I'm in Detroit. It's 25 degrees & dropping. I met a woman who has slept outside for 5 months. Yesterday, all of her belongings, incl her blankets, were thrown away. She has nowhere else to go.
It doesn't have to be like this. Housing + support solves homelessness. We need political will.
It doesn't have to be like this. Housing + support solves homelessness. We need political will.
Reposted by Katie Prout
For most of the original 1954 Godzilla, the monster serves as a horrific nuclear metaphor - atomic doom incarnate. However, for one scene at the end, you get to see him rather aimlessly walking around on the ocean floor, and it's always struck me as such a profoundly lonely moment.
September 17, 2024 at 8:19 PM
For most of the original 1954 Godzilla, the monster serves as a horrific nuclear metaphor - atomic doom incarnate. However, for one scene at the end, you get to see him rather aimlessly walking around on the ocean floor, and it's always struck me as such a profoundly lonely moment.
Reposted by Katie Prout
In 2014 Scott County Indiana experienced an HIV outbreak. Then Gov Mike Pence ignored evidence-based guidance and delayed the use of his emergency powers, which allowed infections to spread.
This is a look back published last month.
This is a look back published last month.
Ten years after Scott County’s historic HIV outbreak, locals dig deeper into root causes
Ten years ago, the Indiana community of Austin made headlines for its historic HIV outbreak brought on by intravenous drug use.
More than 230 people became infected with HIV in the rural town, worsen...
indianapublicradio.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:19 PM
In 2014 Scott County Indiana experienced an HIV outbreak. Then Gov Mike Pence ignored evidence-based guidance and delayed the use of his emergency powers, which allowed infections to spread.
This is a look back published last month.
This is a look back published last month.
One of Chicago’s many creatures of the night: chicagoreader.com/city-life/fe...
November 10, 2025 at 2:11 PM
One of Chicago’s many creatures of the night: chicagoreader.com/city-life/fe...
Reposted by Katie Prout
tbt to this gem from @katieprout.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 10:55 PM
tbt to this gem from @katieprout.bsky.social
Reposted by Katie Prout
ICE out of Target! The Target on Peterson Ave in Chicago allows CBP & ICE to park in its parking lot and arrest people.
November 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM
ICE out of Target! The Target on Peterson Ave in Chicago allows CBP & ICE to park in its parking lot and arrest people.
Reposted by Katie Prout
This is the most comprehensive reporting released on the DHS-alleged shooting so far. Read the entire story (reminder: reporters don't usually choose headlines).
For folks asking if it's true an ICE agent was shot: no, that is a verifiably false rumor. No injuries. A lot else remains in question.
For folks asking if it's true an ICE agent was shot: no, that is a verifiably false rumor. No injuries. A lot else remains in question.
November 8, 2025 at 10:11 PM
This is the most comprehensive reporting released on the DHS-alleged shooting so far. Read the entire story (reminder: reporters don't usually choose headlines).
For folks asking if it's true an ICE agent was shot: no, that is a verifiably false rumor. No injuries. A lot else remains in question.
For folks asking if it's true an ICE agent was shot: no, that is a verifiably false rumor. No injuries. A lot else remains in question.
Reposted by Katie Prout
Bovino went into popular Carniceria Aguascalientes in heart of Little Village.
“They said they were just here to buy something,” said Elizabeth Gutierrez. “I told them we wouldn’t serve them and escorted them out. Bovino seemed upset, but I don’t care.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/c...
“They said they were just here to buy something,” said Elizabeth Gutierrez. “I told them we wouldn’t serve them and escorted them out. Bovino seemed upset, but I don’t care.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/c...
Shots fired at immigration agents in Little Village as residents confront Bovino, Border Patrol, authorities say
Community members once again confronted a convoy of Border Patrol agents led by Cmdr. Gregory Bovino as it moved through Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Bovino went into popular Carniceria Aguascalientes in heart of Little Village.
“They said they were just here to buy something,” said Elizabeth Gutierrez. “I told them we wouldn’t serve them and escorted them out. Bovino seemed upset, but I don’t care.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/c...
“They said they were just here to buy something,” said Elizabeth Gutierrez. “I told them we wouldn’t serve them and escorted them out. Bovino seemed upset, but I don’t care.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/c...
Reposted by Katie Prout
Federal immigration agents once again moving through Chicago's Little Village neighborhood this morning; Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino among them.
Video shared online a little after 10 am shows Bovino and another masked federal agent carrying long guns in the street near 26th and Troy.
Video shared online a little after 10 am shows Bovino and another masked federal agent carrying long guns in the street near 26th and Troy.
November 8, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Federal immigration agents once again moving through Chicago's Little Village neighborhood this morning; Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino among them.
Video shared online a little after 10 am shows Bovino and another masked federal agent carrying long guns in the street near 26th and Troy.
Video shared online a little after 10 am shows Bovino and another masked federal agent carrying long guns in the street near 26th and Troy.
Reposted by Katie Prout
In this past decade of mass death, there were timid steps in the right direction - at first. But the most coherent, passionate response from the state (and its various apparatus) has been to smash DULF, hire more cops & roll back what little harm reduction we had won.
Breaking: the founders of DULF have been found guilty of three counts of drug trafficking. @michellegamage.bsky.social will have the full story later today thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Safe Drugs on Trial: DULF’s Trafficking Case Begins | The Tyee
The founders are charged with trafficking. Their lawyers argue they had a legal exemption from drug laws.
thetyee.ca
November 7, 2025 at 9:03 PM
In this past decade of mass death, there were timid steps in the right direction - at first. But the most coherent, passionate response from the state (and its various apparatus) has been to smash DULF, hire more cops & roll back what little harm reduction we had won.
Reposted by Katie Prout
After @mandophotos.bsky.social photographed federal agents pointing rifles at 26th/Lawndale yesterday, I inquired with DHS about what threat had prompted them to pull weapons on a busy commercial strip (pictured). This is the response I got from a representative of the United States government.
November 7, 2025 at 9:31 PM
After @mandophotos.bsky.social photographed federal agents pointing rifles at 26th/Lawndale yesterday, I inquired with DHS about what threat had prompted them to pull weapons on a busy commercial strip (pictured). This is the response I got from a representative of the United States government.
Reposted by Katie Prout
“There were about seven other day laborers on the corner there that scattered, and [the agents] seemed to just grab the first person they could get their hands on,” a witness told @katieprout.bsky.social.
Horrifying reporting on unhoused people disappearing: chicagoreader.com/news/reader-...
Horrifying reporting on unhoused people disappearing: chicagoreader.com/news/reader-...
Many unhoused Chicagoans uncounted among the disappeared
Abductions by federal immigration agents follow recent city-sponsored evictions of homeless residents from public parks.
chicagoreader.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:13 PM
“There were about seven other day laborers on the corner there that scattered, and [the agents] seemed to just grab the first person they could get their hands on,” a witness told @katieprout.bsky.social.
Horrifying reporting on unhoused people disappearing: chicagoreader.com/news/reader-...
Horrifying reporting on unhoused people disappearing: chicagoreader.com/news/reader-...
Reposted by Katie Prout
FYI, scene musician Amaya Peña performs tonight as part of a New Now presentation at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago—its clergy includes Rev. David Black, who was infamously shot with pepper balls by ICE guards at the Broadview facility
November 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM
FYI, scene musician Amaya Peña performs tonight as part of a New Now presentation at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago—its clergy includes Rev. David Black, who was infamously shot with pepper balls by ICE guards at the Broadview facility
Reposted by Katie Prout
For the morning crowd looking for about 4,000 words on contemporary youth subculture
Since 2022, Horsegirl, Lifeguard, and Friko have gone global—but what happened with the teen scene they grew out of? I talked to 18 different people about the Hallogallo scene now
chicagoreader.com/music/music-...
chicagoreader.com/music/music-...
What happens when a teen rock scene grows up? - Chicago Reader
The Hallogallo scene has produced international successes—Horsegirl, Friko, Lifeguard—as its grassroots DIY spirit spreads beyond Chicago.
chicagoreader.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
For the morning crowd looking for about 4,000 words on contemporary youth subculture
Reposted by Katie Prout
I felt horrified hearing this story and also feeling like this woman lost her husband. And that she had to learn about this across borders over a phone. I am glad that it seems she has a lot of people in her life that have listened to her sharing and share her outrage.
November 7, 2025 at 5:36 AM
I felt horrified hearing this story and also feeling like this woman lost her husband. And that she had to learn about this across borders over a phone. I am glad that it seems she has a lot of people in her life that have listened to her sharing and share her outrage.
Reposted by Katie Prout
This story makes me think more about how many families in Chicago of deported residents need support and also need to feel they can share their stories. They need to feel safe. This is one story I'm sure of many many more.
November 7, 2025 at 5:33 AM
This story makes me think more about how many families in Chicago of deported residents need support and also need to feel they can share their stories. They need to feel safe. This is one story I'm sure of many many more.
Reposted by Katie Prout
This account also feels in line with some of what other people that have been in Broadview have shared.
Lawsuit Alleges Inhumane Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility
Federal authorities moved two plaintiffs in the suit out of state; a judge has ordered they be returned Monday.
southsideweekly.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:40 AM
This account also feels in line with some of what other people that have been in Broadview have shared.
Reposted by Katie Prout
He said there was no room to sleep. People sat up, slept on the floor, standing up. He saw many pregnant women there too. The conditions were unbearable. His wife is horrified by his account.
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 AM
He said there was no room to sleep. People sat up, slept on the floor, standing up. He saw many pregnant women there too. The conditions were unbearable. His wife is horrified by his account.
Reposted by Katie Prout
Her husband was at Broadview one month and she was never able to talk to him. Not until he was already in Mexico. He had been in Chicago for 20 years. Her husband shared that the numbers of people there were astounding. It just makes me think how many people that are not counted/just disappeared.
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Her husband was at Broadview one month and she was never able to talk to him. Not until he was already in Mexico. He had been in Chicago for 20 years. Her husband shared that the numbers of people there were astounding. It just makes me think how many people that are not counted/just disappeared.
Reposted by Katie Prout
He said that the agents would throw food at them to eat. The agents threatened to withhold food for a week and to beat him up if he didn't sign deportation papers. He said he saw others refuse and get beaten/receive no food. He signed because he was afraid.
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 AM
He said that the agents would throw food at them to eat. The agents threatened to withhold food for a week and to beat him up if he didn't sign deportation papers. He said he saw others refuse and get beaten/receive no food. He signed because he was afraid.
Reposted by Katie Prout
Her husband told her that detainees at Broadview had to get up at 5am to get in line for one bathroom. He often peed himself. One time he had to wait until 2pm to use the bathroom. You could only use the bathroom once a day. He said the agents would beat you if you used the bathroom on yourself.
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Her husband told her that detainees at Broadview had to get up at 5am to get in line for one bathroom. He often peed himself. One time he had to wait until 2pm to use the bathroom. You could only use the bathroom once a day. He said the agents would beat you if you used the bathroom on yourself.
Reposted by Katie Prout
A family friend was telling us about what her husband shared about his experience in Broadview before he was deported back to Mexico. She's been sharing to friends and family because she's just in disbelief & horror what her husband told her. She wasn't able to talk to him until he was in Mexico.
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 AM
A family friend was telling us about what her husband shared about his experience in Broadview before he was deported back to Mexico. She's been sharing to friends and family because she's just in disbelief & horror what her husband told her. She wasn't able to talk to him until he was in Mexico.
Reposted by Katie Prout
The goddamn nerve of Jeff Bezos' newspaper to talk shit about raising the minimum wage at a moment when workers at Jeff Bezos' online superstore -- who are paid so little half of them in one study were on SNAP benefits -- are going hungry.
The fucking arrogance.
The fucking arrogance.
Wow, sounds like Jeff Bezos is mad
(from A Washington Post editorial entitled "Zohran Mamdani’s victory is bad for New York and the Democratic Party")
(from A Washington Post editorial entitled "Zohran Mamdani’s victory is bad for New York and the Democratic Party")
November 7, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The goddamn nerve of Jeff Bezos' newspaper to talk shit about raising the minimum wage at a moment when workers at Jeff Bezos' online superstore -- who are paid so little half of them in one study were on SNAP benefits -- are going hungry.
The fucking arrogance.
The fucking arrogance.
Reposted by Katie Prout
Some screenshots from itp_chicago IG. You can see how federal agents stake their presence around some of these communities in intersections in the middle of traffic and sidewalks in front of businesses. This feels very particular to the SW Side with Little Village being a prime target for this.
November 6, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Some screenshots from itp_chicago IG. You can see how federal agents stake their presence around some of these communities in intersections in the middle of traffic and sidewalks in front of businesses. This feels very particular to the SW Side with Little Village being a prime target for this.