Chicago|News|
Sandi Jackson Freed from Prison Early — on Her Birthday
Released today, the ex-alderwoman spent less than a year in lockup for using campaign cash to buy furs, Michael jackson memorabilia.

A Patcher Emeritus, Cleveland native and always hopeful yet frequently dismayed Cleveland Browns fan, Dennis likes dogs, and dogs like him. He likes pizza a bit too much, Ernest Hemingway books, and home renovation projects.
Before joining Patch in 2010, Dennis got some ink on his hands in Chicago during stints with Sun-Times Media and Copley Press. He led investigative and public service reporting teams that changed laws, helped people and put a few bad guys in jail.
Dennis was managing editor of the Daily Southtown in suburban Chicago (2004-2009), twice named National Newspaper of the Year for large-circulation dailies by the American Press Institute and Suburban Newspapers of America. The Southtown received a dozen awards for General Excellence, the Chicago Headline Club Watchdog Award, AP Top 10 Sports Section in America honors, Best Commentary Section in Illinois three consecutive years, and dozens of writing, reporting, public service and photojournalism awards.
Dennis was editor-in-chief of Patch for six years (2016-2021), leading the news team through a period of substantial growth and improved local journalism. Patch's local news coverage has been recognized and heralded by professional press associations in New York, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Prior to that, he founded Patch's Chicago Southland region, building it into one of the company's top regions for audience, revenue and engagement.
Today, he's a WordGrinder for hire, focused on entrepreneurial local news projects and media relations.
Released today, the ex-alderwoman spent less than a year in lockup for using campaign cash to buy furs, Michael jackson memorabilia.

The structure will be taken down this week and moved to the Stony Island Arts Bank on the South Side.
The structure will be taken down this week and reassembled at the Stony Island Arts Bank on Chicago's South Side.
UPDATE: Forced to work after his daughter died, Fidencio Sanchez made $50 on a good day pushing a street cart in his Chicago neighborhood.
Special prosecutor says grand jury would be the most fair way to decide whether criminal charges are warranted.
TOP HEADLINES: A mom, a bridge, 2 suicides stopped • Teacher's back-to-school rap video • Searching for Baby Hope's mom • Bald eagle nest
THIS WEEK: Dallas paper flips for Clinton • "And what is Aleppo?" Libertarian asks • Facebook co-founder puts up $20 million to fight Trump
Week in Headlines: Naperville setting for new play / Custom playhouses for kids / Bottle and Bottega
Week in Headlines: Another hot-car dog / Hit-and-run DUI / Another rabid bat in Will County / Plainfield fire station sold
Week in Headlines: 2 lives saved on "suicide" bridge / 3rd grader dies in Homer Glen / Oak Lawn creepers stalk grade schoolers
Got your lottery ticket? The winning numbers are now worth $207.3 million.
PHOTOS and VIDEO: The twisters tore through buildings, farmhouses and threatened several small towns in Central Illinois Friday night.
Company formerly known as Tribune Publishing ends licensing agreement with media critic Robert Feder.
Bruce Miller capped off the night vomiting at the Travelodge, going to jail and being from the team. Of course, there's video.
Let's look back at the most-read stories this summer across the Illinois Patch network.
Founder of the Eagle Forum, she was regarded as "a courageous and articulate voice for common sense and traditional values" by its members.
All-time points leader for the Chicago Bears, kicker Robbie Gould, kicked off the team in final cutdown.
If you love Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny, you should hope to fly with Southwest Airlines' Zach Haumesser.
TOP HEADLINES: Stroller-pushing woman foils attack / Bullies video touches hearts worldwide / Ex-lovers grapple on courthouse steps and more
Her old phones were busted up with a hammer. PLUS: Trump's lonely talk at an African-American church and a "taco truck on every corner."