Stories by Matt Masterson

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the longtime leader of St. Sabina Catholic Church and a vocal antiviolence activist, has been removed from the South Side parish following a new allegation of sexual abuse.

The former head of a southwest suburban school district is facing criminal charges alleging he used a district credit card to cover $10,000 in personal expenses, including adult websites, golf equipment and Visa gift cards.

A federal judge has found Chicago’s U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros committed a “clear violation” of a court order when he openly discussed a criminal complaint in a kidnapping and murder case that remained under seal last week.

Chicago’s next mayoral election is less than a year away and the list of candidates — and those considering a run — is growing ever larger. Here’s who is in so far.

Chicago’s U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros on Thursday announced the results of “Operation New Dawn,” a 60-day law enforcement enforcement initiative that included 11 federal agencies working together in a “cohesive, unified partnership” targeting dangerous criminals.

According to Chicago Police Department data, there were 210 homicides recorded through the end of June, an increase of nearly 6% compared to the first six months of 2025 — a year that ended with Chicago’s lowest homicide total in 60 years.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced Wednesday he plans to retire this month after three decades with the department and three years as its leader.

Federal prosecutors in Chicago announced conspiracy and fraud charges against a teenager with alleged involvement in a criminal cyber hacking group accused of committing dozens of “network intrusions” resulting in more than $100 million in ransom payments.

The high court on Tuesday granted certiorari in the case brought by a pair of Cook County residents and gun rights activists who challenged the county’s existing law, which bars residents from owning, buying or transferring 125 rifles, such as the AR-15.

The Chicago Park District announced the chicks will now be known as Buddy, Frankie, Mavis and Tweedy, after Chicago’s celebrated musicians Buddy Guy, Frankie Knuckles, Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy.

The Chicago Financial Future Task Force published a final report Thursday that included 58 policy recommendations, such as instituting a downtown congestion fee, restructuring electricity tax rates and instituting property tax increases based on the national consumer price index.

Tuesday marks the first community engagement session as CPS continues working to address its fiscal challenges ahead of an Aug. 29 deadline to pass a balanced budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

Chicago’s embattled U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said his office is reviewing scores of grand jury cases from across the 20-year career of the prosecutor now facing misconduct allegations from the “Broadview Six” protester case.

Faith leaders and elected officials called for the creation of a new gun violence prevention department, claiming the existing Office of Violence Prevention is a “ghost office” that doesn’t do enough to keep Chicagoans safe.

The Obama Presidential Center hosted a grand opening ceremony complete with a host of musical acts and notable guests.

Merlin Lu, 21, was charged with two hate crime counts as well as additional charges including arson, property damage, disorderly conduct and cross burning as a means of intimidation.

The former alderperson and current Cook County Board of Review commissioner kicked off his campaign during a lunch event on Chicago’s Southwest Side Tuesday at which he pledged to tackle the city’s fiscal and public safety issues.

Body camera footage showing the fatal shooting of Chicago police Officer Ella French was released Wednesday, nearly five years after she was killed during a traffic stop in the Englewood neighborhood.

Defense attorneys late Tuesday filed new motions asking U.S. District Judge April Perry to designate a special counsel to investigate, and if warranted, prosecute members of Boutros’ office for criminal contempt following bombshell allegations of grand jury misconduct.

Federal prosecutors will toss out felony charges against two men accused in connection with a massive COVID-19 fraud scheme amid ties to the same prosecutor and grand jury from the botched “Broadview Six” protester case.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King defended the school district amid congressional criticism of its support for trans students, the Black Student Success Plan and “ideological agendas.”

Newly unsealed transcripts detail federal prosecutors’ alleged misconduct as they repeatedly pushed for felony charges from a skeptical grand jury in the “Broadview Six” protester case.

More than 100 former federal prosecutors have published an open letter blasting U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, claiming he “tarnished the reputation” of the office in the wake of the botched “Broadview Six” case.

According to the Chicago Police Department, there were 36 homicides throughout last month, two fewer than were recorded during May 2025, a year that ended with a historically low homicide total.

“I believe government should answer to the people it serves, not political insiders or special interests,” Mendoza said in a video announcing her campaign. “Because Chicagoans are tired of paying more and getting less, tired of politics that divides people without solving problems.”

Defense attorneys filed a motion through which they will seek to recoup attorneys' fees for the now-former defendants, days after Chicago’s U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros announced his office had dismissed all charges in the controversial case.