Classes will resume Tuesday at four Chicago International Charter Schools following a two-week long strike that ended early Monday morning.
Stories by Matt Masterson
19 Exonerees File Federal Lawsuits Against Former Police Sergeant
Plaintiffs claim they were framed by disgraced former police Sgt. Ronald Watts and his tactical team at a South Side housing project, and that a “code of silence” allowed it to happen.
Jason Van Dyke’s Wife, Attorneys Demand Answers After Prison Beating
“The next time this could happen they could kill him,” Tiffany Van Dyke told the media through tears at a press conference Thursday. “I cannot bury my husband.”
Source: Jason Van Dyke Beaten by Fellow Inmates in Prison
Former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke was beaten by his fellow inmates shortly after being transferred to an out-of-state prison, a source close to his family confirms.
4 More Cleared in Latest Exonerations Tied to Former Chicago Police Sergeant
Four men were exonerated of false drug convictions Wednesday, joining more than 60 others who’ve been falsely convicted and later exonerated in cases related to former Chicago Police Sgt. Ronald Watts.
Attorney General, Special Prosecutors Asking for Review of Jason Van Dyke Sentence
Illinois’ top legal officer and the special prosecutor in charge of the Jason Van Dyke murder trial are challenging the legality of the prison sentence handed down to the former Chicago police officer.
Lawsuit Claims Acero Charter Violated Special Education Law, Retaliated Against Whistleblower
A former reading specialist at a Chicago charter school claims she faced retaliation and termination last year after voicing concerns about special education students she believes were illegally denied proper supports.
CPS Teacher Removed After Allegedly Bringing in Friend to Beat Student
“I want my mama,” the 9-year-old victim pleaded as he was being beaten with a belt inside his school's bathroom, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday. His attacker told him, “I am your mama.”
State Board of Education Rolling Out New Proficiency Exam Next Month
Illinois is moving away from the PARCC assessment, but students might not notice much of a difference when the Illinois Board of Education rolls out its new federally mandated exam this spring.
Teachers at 4 Chicago Charter Schools Go On Strike
Educators say Chicago International Charter School leadership refuses to use a $36 million surplus on staff raises or classroom improvements. Around 2,200 students are being impacted by the strike.
Van Dyke Prosecutor Joseph McMahon, Attorney General Discussing Sentence Challenge
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The lead prosecutor in the Jason Van Dyke murder trial says he’s spoken with the state’s top legal officer about the possibility of challenging the prison sentence handed down to the former Chicago police officer.
Police Hoping to Identify Bank Robbery Suspect
Chicago police release surveillance photos in the hopes of identifying a man suspected of robbing a pair of downtown banks in broad daylight last month.
‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Breaks Silence on ‘Horrific,’ ‘Cowardly’ Attack
In his first public comments since reporting an attack, actor Jussie Smollett said he’s working with authorities and has been “100% factual,” disputing rumors online that he has been less than forthcoming with Chicago police.
Police: January Crime Stats Show Fewest Number of Murders Since 2010
The Chicago Police Department points to an increase in officers and an expansion in technology in helping draw down crime and violence totals in the first 31 days of 2019.
Police Release Photos of ‘Persons of Interest’ in Attack on ‘Empire’ Star
Chicago police are asking for help identifying two persons of interest captured in surveillance images in the area of the Tuesday morning attack of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett.
Federal Judge Approves Historic Chicago Police Consent Decree
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U.S. District Judge Robert Dow called the historic decree “an important first step toward needed reforms of the Chicago Police Department and its policies.”
Frostbite Can Hit in Just 5 Minutes. Here’s What You Can Do To Prevent It
With temperatures nearing record lows across the Midwest, frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes. We ask a local surgeon about frostbite symptoms, treatment and prevention.
CPS Cancels Thursday Classes, Students Off Until Next Week
“Since temperatures are expected to stay at dangerous levels through Thursday, we are canceling school to ensure families have ample time to plan ahead,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement Tuesday.
Laquan McDonald’s Family, Advocacy Groups Demand Action on Van Dyke Sentence
Attorneys from several legal groups penned a letter on behalf of the slain teen’s great uncle, claiming the former cop received an “illegal” sentence based on reasoning that “cannot be reconciled” with Illinois law.
State Education Superintendent Tony Smith Leaving Office
Tony Smith announced Tuesday that his contract will not be renewed after it ends on Jan. 31, bringing to a close his nearly four-year term as Illinois’ schools chief.
Police: ‘Empire’ Star Attacked in Possible Racist, Homophobic Hate Crime
Chicago police are asking for help in identifying two offenders who allegedly attacked a star of the TV series “Empire” in what investigators believe may have been a “racially-charged assault.”
Cook County Courthouses to Close Wednesday and Thursday Due to Cold
Bail hearings and some pretrial hearings will continue, but all other court operations will be postponed for part of the week in anticipation of a near-record cold snap.
Kim Foxx Plans to Expunge Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions
In announcing the plan, the Cook County state’s attorney said her office must avoid “needlessly bringing people into the criminal justice system” and instead focus on prosecuting violent crime cases.
Attorney General, Special Prosecutors Reviewing Van Dyke Sentence
Last week, a Cook County judge handed down an 81-month prison sentence to former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. But was a different sentence required? The state attorney general’s office says it’s now taking a look at that decision to see if it fits with state sentencing requirements.
CPS Watchdog: 33 Adults Pulled from Schools Over Sex Abuse Allegations
Nearly three dozen Chicago Public Schools staffers, including 12 teachers, have been removed from schools due to sexual abuse allegations in recent months, according to the district’s watchdog.
