WRITING

NEWS:
“One Commissioner observed a hearing in which there was ‘no time for introduction or discussion. [The Prisoner Review Board hearing officer] was reading the wrong form and initially was going to deny parole. Then someone walked by and noticed the sheet did not match the kid sitting there. [The] youth was paroled.’” (Huffington Post)
“Right after [the 9/11 terrorist attacks] happened, we knew there would be an enormous backlash of Islamophobia, and as Jews, we know how anti-Semitism feels,” said Pamela Klier-Weidner, the development director of the JCUA. “How could we not stand up against that?” (Huffington Post)
The June 2011 death of William “Denny” McCann could have been prevented by a number of checks within the legal system of Cook County, Ill. Police could have intervened earlier the night Saul Chavez sped and swerved through Logan Square in Chicago with a blood alcohol content of 0.29 — before he struck the 66-year-old man, dragging him down Kedzie Avenue, and then fled on foot. (Huffington Post)
Social media’s expanding role in college admissions
Examining the growing influence of social networking sites on the college decision process, both from students’ and admissions offices’ perspectives. (Politics Daily)
“For-profit schools are an important part of the mix of post-secondary institutions,” Sen. Tom Harkin said. “[But] this data begs for oversight of this industry, which will begin . . . today.” (Politics Daily)


False friends: How fake Facebook profiles open the door to monitoring
A fake Facebook profile within Northwestern’s network could be linked to a series of alcohol-related code of conduct violations concerning materials posted on the site. (North by Northwestern)

What’s A Green Job, Anyway?
The expectations that green-collar jobs can provide a pathway out of poverty are challenged when a comparison of citywide “green” business listings proves a great disparity in what qualifies a green-collar job. (The Chicago Reporter)

FEATURES:
Recruiting girls into engineering becomes nationwide priority
As the rates of women pursuing degrees in engineering decreases, schools and programs respond to President Barack Obama’s call to engage girls at a young age. (Medill News Service)

Drive to succeed (PDF)
Tired of watching young people fall victim to a cycle of violence and stagnation, Rev. Henry Barlow took an innovative approach to rehabilitation and career-building. (The Chicago Reporter)

Harsh winter hits homeless hardest
An extreme snowstorm in Washington illuminates the risk extreme temperatures can pose to a city’s homeless population, and what types of response are necessary to limit fatalities. (Medill News Service)

PERSONALITY:
Richard Steele on Racial Disparities in Chicago, and the 2011 News Stories That Confronted Them
Steele, a South Shore resident, award-winning radio host and correspondent for WBEZ, spoke with HuffPost Chicago about his take on what this year’s news, and the panel’s conclusions, say about this city and the issue of race. (Huffington Post)

David Grisman Celebrates Chicago Bluegrass and Blues with Fest Founder and Todd Fink
Mike Raspatello, Todd Fink of the Giving Tree Band and David Grisman discuss the future of blues and bluegrass music and why Chicago will always be a part of it. (Huffington Post)
It became clear just how much I misunderstood the social power-balance at play in our relationship when I read about his NU-themed rap song on Gawker two years later. (Huffington Post)
COLUMNS:
A weekly column profiling unusual gadgets, products and websites surrounding a certain theme. (North by Northwestern)

The Junk Pile: The gift that says: “you mean a little to me”

The Junk Pile: Slightly crazy ways to wake yourself up in the morning

The Junk Pile: Things old people like that you can like, too

The Junk Pile: A perfume by any other name would be better