Mick Dumke
Bio:
I’ve been writing for the Reader since 2005, mostly reporting in-depth stories on urban issues such as government privatization, gun control, economic development, and drug policies. I’ve also been known to share thoughts on life as a sports fanatic who somehow always ends up cheering for losing teams. Previously I did stints as a staffer for the Chicago News Cooperative, the Chicago Reporter, and newspapers in Michigan and Virginia, and along the way my work has appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune Magazine, and other publications you’ve never heard of.
I’ve been writing for the Reader since 2005, mostly reporting in-depth stories on urban issues such as government privatization, gun control, economic development, and drug policies. I’ve also been known to share thoughts on life as a sports fanatic who somehow always ends up cheering for losing teams. Previously I did stints as a staffer for the Chicago News Cooperative, the Chicago Reporter, and newspapers in Michigan and Virginia, and along the way my work has appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune Magazine, and other publications you’ve never heard of.
- Blogs, Bleader, Mar 6, 2014
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When news of El Chapo Guzmán's capture reached a federal prison
The capture of the Sinaloa cartel leader won't stop the flow of drugs, says a west-sider locked up for selling heroin
- Blogs, Bleader, Mar 4, 2014
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Democrat Tio Hardiman wants you to know that he and his campaign for governor still exist
The longtime antiviolence activist vows to "shock the world" in the March 18 Democratic gubernatorial primary.
- News & Features, Feature, Mar 3, 2014
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Federal bribery cases are at the center of two west-side races
Ex-con and former alderman Isaac Carothers and embattled state rep Derrick Smith seek forgiveness as they aim to stay in politics.
- Blogs, Bleader, Feb 27, 2014
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The 2014 primaries offer the latest evidence that it pays to be rich if you're running for office
Another election, another influx of jaw-dropping donations from wealthy contributors, including the candidates themselves
- Blogs, Bleader, Feb 25, 2014
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Congressman Danny Davis blasts social injustice in the most entertaining way possible
The veteran politician tells stories of his childhood during an appearance before the City Club.
- Blogs, Bleader, Feb 14, 2014
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Amid calls for drug policy reforms, Chicago-to-Iowa heroin dealer gets stiff sentence
New sentencing guidelines from the Obama administration didn't help former Chicagoan Dwayne Appling.
- Blogs, Bleader, Feb 12, 2014
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Representative Derrick Smith is not available to take your call
The so-far-fruitless quest to get in touch with the indicted legislator running for reelection.
- Blogs, Bleader, Feb 8, 2014
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Convicted former alderman Ike Carothers explains why he thinks he deserves another chance at public office
Despite being convicted on bribery and tax charges, Ike Carothers says he never sold out his community—and now he wants to represent it on the Cook County board.
- News & Features, Feature, Jan 31, 2014
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Dismantling the stigma of guns
Gerald Vernon believes conceal-and-carry laws and responsible firearm owners are crucial to keeping people safe—especially in the communities hit hardest by crime.
- News & Features, Feature, Jan 21, 2014
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The latest Cook County Jail fight
Officials continue to battle over who's getting locked up.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jan 10, 2014
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Court rulings keep firing away at Chicago's gun laws
Successful Second Amendment challenges have reshaped gun-control policies and politics well beyond the city limits.
- Blogs, Bleader, Dec 24, 2013
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Poverty and addiction created a heroin entrepreneur
Parris Fultz was a self-described independent operator in a business—drug dealing—dominated by larger-scale players.
- News & Features, Politics, Dec 23, 2013
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The year in politics: Our third annual awards for political 'achievement'
Recognizing some of the most unforgettable deeds by our local elected leaders in 2013
- News & Features, Feature, Dec 18, 2013
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The Chicago connection
How heroin—and dealers—moved from the city to eastern Iowa
- Blogs, Bleader, Dec 18, 2013
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A look at how Chicago's heroin trade has adapted and thrived for more than a century
Drug dealing hasn't always been done in the open—but it has been going on for generations.
- News & Features, Feature, Dec 4, 2013
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Heroin, LLC
The open-air drug market on the west side thrives in the same way that legal businesses do—by meeting demand, capitalizing on a cheap and plentiful workforce, and offering excellent customer service.
- Blogs, Bleader, Nov 27, 2013
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All year long we moan and groan, so it's time for a little thanks
There are things to be thankful for in Chicago.
- Blogs, Bleader, Nov 1, 2013
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Mayoral ally thanks police for ignoring the pot decriminalization law he sponsored
After months of demanding fixes to Chicago's marijuana policies, Alderman Danny Solis deems them "very effective."
- Blogs, Bleader, Oct 24, 2013
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If facts are taken into account, Rahm's budget claims don't all add up
Fact-checking Mayor Emanuel's budget speech
- Blogs, Bleader, Oct 21, 2013
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Chief judge: Court problems could be solved if other officials understood civics the way I do
The bail and jail system may be a mess, but at least Timothy Evans understands the separation of powers.
