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.
Stories by matt masterson
R. Kelly Files Appeal After Federal Child Pornography, Enticement Convictions in Chicago
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.
Chicago State University Faculty Begin Strike Vote Ahead of Possible Walkout
The CSU University Professionals of Illinois announced its membership is taking a strike authorization vote that will last from Wednesday until Friday.
2 Former Cook County Prosecutors Charged in Connection With Jackie Wilson Murder Trial
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.
Illinois Department of Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys to Step Down
“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.
7 People Shot Over Holiday Weekend in Chicago: Police
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.
No Bail For Teen Accused of Gunning Down Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso
Shootout allegedly occurred near school as children took cover
“This case, from start to finish, it begins with violence and it ends with violence,” Cook County Judge Mary Marubio said in setting bail.
Lightfoot Appoints Former Charter Network Chair to Chicago Board of Education
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.
18-Year-Old Charged With Murder of Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso
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.
COPA Publishes Body Camera Video From Officers Involved in Fatal Irving Park Shooting
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.
U.S. Attorney John Lausch to Leave Office March 11 After Tenure Marked by Indictments of High-Profile Politicians
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.
Chicago’s Top Cop David Brown to Resign From Department March 16
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.
Number of Shootings, Homicides Across Chicago Down So Far in 2023 Compared to Last Year: Police
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.
Armored Car Guard Shot During Attempted Robbery in Chatham: Police
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.
16-Year-Old Boy Among 3 Killed in Weekend Shootings Across 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.
Chicago Man Charged With Hate Crime Allegedly Defaced CTA Sign
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.
R. Kelly Sentenced to 1 Additional Year in Prison, 19 Concurrent Years, Following Child Pornography and Enticement Convictions
‘I will never get back what he took from me’: Kelly's victim tells court
Federal prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber to sentence Kelly to 25 years in prison to account for the “indescribable harm” he caused his victims, including his then-underaged goddaughter “Jane.”
CPS Unveils $76M Plan to Upgrade, Expand Security Cameras at Schools
Chicago Public Schools is planning to spend $76 million to expand and upgrade the number of security cameras both inside and outside of district-run schools across the city — a move it says will improve the safety of students and staff.
Chicago Board of Education Approves New CPS Calendar for 2023-24
The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday unanimously approved the calendar for the 2023-24 school year after receiving more than 2,500 comments from the public and education stakeholders last month.
Ride-Hailing Driver Among 5 People Killed Over Holiday Weekend in Chicago: Police
According to Chicago Police Department figures, 16 people were shot in 15 separate incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Chicago Babysitter Charged With Murder After Death of 4-Month-Old Girl in Her Care
Norma Chagnama, 29, was held without bail Monday following her arrest on a single count of felony murder in the death of Zury Cruz Sumba, who allegedly suffered brain and spinal injuries while in Chagnama’s care last week.
Federal Prosecutors in Chicago Seeking 25-Year Prison Sentence for R. Kelly
“Plain and simple, Kelly does not comprehend that what he did was wrong," federal prosecutors said in a sentencing memo this week.
4 Northwestern University Employees Injured by Falling Tree
According to a statement from the Evanston Police Department, three of the four people struck were hospitalized with “serious injuries,” while a fourth was treated at the scene. Northwestern confirmed all four people are university employees.
Father of Man Charged in Highland Park Parade Shooting Pleads Not Guilty to Reckless Conduct Charges
Robert Crimo, Jr., 58, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of felony reckless conduct during a brief hearing Thursday, one day after a Lake County grand jury indicted him on those charges.
Judge Rejects R. Kelly’s Request For New Trial a Week Ahead of Federal Sentencing
A federal judge has denied R. Kelly’s request for a new trial, just a week before he is set to be sentenced on child pornography charges following his conviction in Chicago last year.
COPA ‘Unclear’ if Man Fired Shots At Police Before Being Killed by Officers in Irving Park Shooting
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Thursday said it is “unclear, nor has it been determined” by the office whether the man discharged his firearm at two officers before being fatally shot by police.
