Stories by Matt Masterson
Judge Rejects Motion Seeking Release of ‘Medically Vulnerable’ Cook County Jail Detainees
The Cook County sheriff must begin implementing additional sanitation and precaution measures at the jail, but a federal judge rejected calls for the release of large numbers of detainees.
More Than 250 Cook County Jail Detainees Have Now Tested Positive for COVID-19
New York Times calls jail ‘the largest-known source of U.S. infections’
Data released by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office shows 251 detainees have so far tested positive for COVID-19, as have 150 Sheriff’s Office employees. On Sunday, the jail recorded its first virus-related death.
Citywide Liquor Curfew Takes Effect Thursday in Chicago, No More Sales After 9 p.m.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot says the city will begin enforcing a curfew on the sale of liquor in order to prevent “congregate activity” that’s been seen across the city near stores that sell alcohol.
Cook County Jail Reports First Coronavirus-Related Death
Advocacy group: “Cook County officials have blood on their hands”
Detainee Jeffery Pendleton, 59, was pronounced dead late Sunday, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. He had been hospitalized since March 30 after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Pritzker, Lightfoot Tour McCormick Place COVID-19 Facility as Cases, Deaths Soar
Illinois health officials on Friday reported the largest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state – 1, 209 cases and 53 deaths – as Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot toured the alternate care facility at McCormick Place.
Police Board Announces 3 Finalists for Chicago’s Next Top Cop
Two police chiefs from outside Chicago with experience handling mass shootings and a Chicago native who’s risen to the rank of deputy chief are finalists in the city’s search for its next top cop. We profile each of the finalists.
Police: Homicides Increase, But Total Crime Down in Chicago
Citywide crime was down in March compared to last year, but Chicago is currently on pace for more shootings and homicides in 2020.
Report: Illinois Again Leads Nation in Exonerations
For the second year in a row, Illinois saw the highest number of criminal exonerations last year, and once again, that total was driven largely by false convictions tied to a corrupt former Chicago sergeant, according to a new report.
CPS Unveils Remote Learning Plan for Kids During COVID-19 Pandemic
The new instruction plan includes the distribution of 100,000 technology devices to the highest-need families as well as both online and non-digital learning activities.
Cook County Jail Population Decreases as Number of COVID-19 Cases Balloons
Nearly 40 detainees have so far tested positive for the virus at Cook County Jail. Officials on Friday discussed those rapidly changing circumstances and said they’re working to “safely” reduce the detainee population.
What Happens if You Violate Stay-at-Home Order? Police Say Warnings, Fines or Even Arrests
The Chicago Police Department on Wednesday issued warnings to 56 separate groups of people and made one arrest for failing to abide by the governor’s order to stay home.
More COVID-19 Cases Discovered in Cook County Jail
By Wednesday evening, 17 detainees had tested positive
The number of Cook County Jail detainees who have tested positive for COVID-19 nearly tripled between Wednesday morning and evening, according to the sheriff’s office, which has now tested 50 individuals who have begun exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
CPS Approved for $75 Million in Spending to Address COVID-19 Emergency
The Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the spending authority, which CPS says it will use to fund emergency personnel, remote learning and meal distribution.
CPS Board of Education to Hold Virtual Meeting With Limited Public Participation
District seeks permission to spend up to $75M on coronavirus response
Chicago Public Schools is seeking to spend up to $75 million to address and maintain “critical services” during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that request and the rest of the board’s monthly meeting will be heard online rather than in person.
2 Detainees in Cook County Jail Test Positive for COVID-19
The two detainees, ages 18 and 42, each began exhibiting flu-like symptoms last Friday. They are each being held in isolation at the jail’s Cermak Hospital, officials said Monday.
COVID-19 Case at Cook County Jail Prompts More Calls for Mass Detainee Release
A correctional officer who works in the Cook County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting additional calls for the mass release of some detainees by activists who want to prevent an outbreak within the jail.
Kim Foxx’s Office Won’t Prosecute Low-Level Drug Offenses During COVID-19 Pandemic
“Everyone deserves to be protected, especially during these uncertain times, and we are obligated to ensure all members of our community feel safe, including those behind bars,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
US Attorney Tabs Prosecutor to Tackle Cases of COVID-19 Fraud
The newly established COVID-19 fraud coordinator will work with law enforcement to spearhead investigations and prosecutions of anyone attempting to “take advantage of people during this time of crisis.”
Lightfoot: CPS Schools to Remain Closed Until Mid-April Due to Spread of COVID-19
Chicago’s public schools were set to reopen by the end of the month, but students will instead remain out of class until April 21, according to Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Cook County Sheriff: Cutting Jail Population a ‘High-Priority’ Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Sheriff’s Department looking to release some nonviolent, low-level detainees
The Sheriff’s Department says it has placed a “high priority” on reducing the number of nonviolent, low-level offenders in its custody, particularly those who are at an increased risk of the new coronavirus.
Neville, Reyes Remain in Tight Race for Illinois Supreme Court Seat
The man who two years ago was appointed to fill the shoes of longtime Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles Freeman is in position to keep that seat for another decade. But there are reportedly thousands of votes that remain uncounted.
CPS, Lightfoot Urge Students to Stay Home; Schools Could be Closed Into Next Month
Chicago Public Schools buildings will only be open to provide food and enrichment activity supplies to families during COVID-19 closures.
Shomari Legghette Found Guilty of Murder in 2018 Shooting of Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer
A Cook County jury on Friday convicted Shomari Legghette of gunning down Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer outside the Thompson Center, a shocking murder that marked the highest-ranking Chicago officer to be killed in the line of duty in decades.
Defense Rests After Shomari Legghette Declines Witness Stand in Murder Trial
In a surprise twist Thursday, Shomari Legghette’s defense attorney closed his case after questioning just one witness. Legghette was expected to testify that he shot Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer in self-defense.
Prosecution Rests its Case in Cmdr. Paul Bauer Murder Trial
With the prosecution’s case concluded, the defense attorney for Shomari Legghette will begin calling witnesses Thursday morning. The case is expected to conclude by Friday.
CPS Not Yet Planning to Close More Schools Amid Coronavirus Testing at Vaughn
No additional students or faculty members at Vaughn Occupational High School have tested positive for COVID-19 after one staffer was found to have contracted the virus last week.
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