Stories by Matt Masterson

The CSU chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (CSU UPI) on Thursday filed their 10-day intent to strike notice with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. In doing so, the union could begin a work stoppage as early as April 3.

Kurell Purnell, 18, was allegedly driving at more than twice the posted speed limit seconds before he slammed into a Kia Sorrento carrying Zainab Subhoh, 78, and six of her family members Tuesday night in North Park.

An elected school board. A new teachers union contract. The end of a moratorium on school closures. Those are among the biggest education hurdles Chicago’s next mayor will have to navigate over the next four years

The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday announced multiple proposed shifts to the way it handles business, beginning with a shift toward public briefings on board agenda items before well ahead of scheduled votes beginning in May.

According to Chicago Police Department data, 18 people were shot in 14 separate incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter will serve as interim police superintendent until the city’s next mayor can officially appoint a replacement.

Opening statements in the trial of the “ComEd Four” — who are accused of illegally currying favor with former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan — began Wednesday.

Dozens of potential jurors were brought in for questioning in the case against ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist Mike McClain, retired ComEd executive John Hooker and ex-City Club of Chicago president and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty.

The trial of the “ComEd Four” — ex-CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist Mike McClain, retired ComEd executive John Hooker and ex-City Club of Chicago president and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty — will begin this week.

Alejandro Arellano, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 26-year-old woman, whom he allegedly stabbed at least four times with a folding pocket knife. He was ordered held without bail during a hearing Monday.

Federal prosecutors announced drug trafficking charges against 11 people who allegedly worked on behalf of the La Familia Stones street gang to distribute the drugs primarily in Albany Park between 2021 and 2022.

Kelly’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean on Thursday filed her notice with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. That move is not a surprise, as Bonjean last month noted her intent to appeal Kelly’s convictions on three child pornography and three child enticement charges.

The CSU University Professionals of Illinois announced its membership is taking a strike authorization vote that will last from Wednesday until Friday.

Special prosecutor Lawrence Oliver on Wednesday announced a 14-count indictment against former Assistant State’s Attorneys Nicholas Trutenko and Andrew Horvat following the botched prosecution of Wilson, who was facing his third trial for the 1982 murders of police Officers William Fahey and Richard O’Brien.

“I’m grateful to Director Jeffreys for his years of service, ensuring the dignity and safety of the incarcerated people of Illinois,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement. 

According to Chicago Police Department data, 23 people were shot in 23 separate shooting incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Monday, which marked Casimir Pulaski Day in Chicago.

“This case, from start to finish, it begins with violence and it ends with violence,” Cook County Judge Mary Marubio said in setting bail.

Miquel A. Lewis, the acting director of Probation Services at the Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services Department, will be joining the board where he’ll replace former Vice President Sendhil Revuluri, who left his position late last year.

Steven Montano is facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm and two additional misdemeanors, the Chicago Police Department announced Thursday.

Body camera footage of the fatal police shooting of a man in Irving Park last month appears to show he was attempting to get up off the ground and run away when he was killed.

John Lausch, who has served as U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Illinois since 2017, is planning to leave the office in “early 2023,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced during an unrelated press conference Thursday.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot — who nominated Brown for the position in 2020 and will be leaving office herself after failing to make April’s mayoral runoff election — announced Brown will be leaving the department effective March 16.

According to Chicago Police Department data published Wednesday, the city has recorded 79 homicides through the end of February — a total that is down 14% compared to the same point last year but 13% over 2021.

An armored car guard is in good condition after being shot in his bulletproof vest during an attempted robbery in Chatham Tuesday afternoon, according to Chicago police.

According to Chicago Police Department data, 14 people were shot in 12 separate shooting incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

​​Ryan Slaski, 36, will be held on a $10,000 D-bond following his arrest Thursday on the hate crime charge, as well as additional counts of criminal damage to property and possession of a controlled substance.