Stories by Matt Masterson
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.
Testimony in Paul Bauer Murder Trial Delayed Due to ‘Extenuating Circumstances’
The second week of testimony in the murder trial of Shomari Legghette was unexpectedly delayed Monday by an unknown issue “beyond the control of the court.”
Chicago Police Adding 50 Officers to CTA Lines to Combat Recent Violence
A new transit safety plan calls for dozens of police officers on CTA lines and a dedicated support center that will focus on solving crimes committed on the city’s trains and buses.
Prosecutors Reject Plea Deal in Case of Slain Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer
Jury selection is underway in the trial of a 46-year-old man charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Paul Bauer, a 31-year police veteran near the Thompson Center in 2018.
Ousted Lincoln Park High School Leaders File Defamation Lawsuit Against CPS
Former interim principal John Thuet and assistant principal Michelle Brumfield claim CPS disseminated “unfounded, false statements” about them after they were fired last month.
Proposed CPS Calendar for 2020-21 Has Students in School into Late June
Students at Chicago Public Schools have headed back to class earlier and earlier in recent years, but the proposed schedule for next year has classes begin well into September and end late in June.
Jussie Smollett Pleads Not Guilty to New Disorderly Conduct Charges
The former “Empire” star appeared at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Monday, almost a year to the day after he first entered a similar plea in the initial case against him.
CPS Watchdog Finds ‘Unusual Patterns’ in District’s NWEA Testing Practices
District contends findings don’t “call into question the accomplishments of our students”
CPS Inspector General Nicholas Schuler said analyses conducted by his office found possible “gaming and cheating techniques,” including longer than average test durations and high numbers of pauses.
Lincoln Park High School Staffer Removed After ‘Altercation’ With Student
This marks the latest incident at a school that has already seen multiple administrators removed and several investigations launched in recent weeks.
Chicago Man Charged in Sexual Assault of 3-Year-Old in River North Restaurant
Christopher Puente, 34, was charged Thursday with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim younger than 13, and an unrelated misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing.
Lawsuit: Female Prisoner Says She Was Raped by Transgender Inmate
An inmate at Illinois’ largest women’s prison says she was raped by a transgender inmate and claims Illinois Department of Corrections officials conducted a “sham investigation” to help cover up the incident.
Now Free, Blagojevich Thanks Trump, Blasts ‘Broken’ Justice System
Speaking to a throng of reporters from his North Side home, the impeached former governor expressed his appreciation for President Trump and his efforts to fix “a broken criminal justice system.”
Trump Commutes Prison Sentence of Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich
President Donald Trump, who had previously floated the idea of using his powers to help the disgraced former governor, commuted the 14-year sentence Tuesday. In making that move, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Trump “abused” his pardon power.
Lightfoot Says Chicago Won’t Be ‘Bullied’ as ICE Ramps Up Immigration Enforcement
New York Times reports specialized ICE Agents being sent to Chicago, sanctuary cities
President Donald Trump will deploy specialized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactical units to nearly a dozen so-called sanctuary cities, including Chicago, according to The New York Times.
R. Kelly Hit With New Federal Indictment in Ongoing Sexual Abuse Case
Already facing the possibility of three separate trials in 2020, the R&B singer was hit with a new federal indictment this week alleging he engaged in sexual activity with a minor in the late 1990s.
Senn High School Staffer Removed Amid Investigation Into Racial Discrimination Allegations
The teacher who was accused by a Hispanic student of telling her to “go back to your country” after she refused to stand for the pledge of allegiance has been removed from the school.
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