Stories by matt masterson

(WTTW News)

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Says State Must Do More to Help FOID Revocation Efforts

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart on Friday said millions more dollars must be dedicated to helping police departments recover weapons from those who’ve had their FOID cards revoked.

A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)

Chicago Woman Charged in String of Bat Attacks on Northwest Side

Denise Solorzano, 26, has been arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, three counts of aggravated battery in a public place and one count of aggravated assault.

Some of the 600-plus catalytic converters investigators alleged they recovered from the home of a Worth Township man. (Cook County Sheriff’s Office)

600 Stolen Catalytic Converters Recovered From Suburban Home, Cook County Sheriff’s Office Says

Ramsy Sandoka, 40, has been charged with a felony count of aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor counts of failure to keep recyclable purchase records, selling/purchasing catalytic converters and a violation of recycle metal law after police found more than 600 catalytic converters at his Worth Township home.

Officer Aréanah Preston (Chicago Police Department)

4 Teens Face Murder Charges in Killing of Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston

Interim Police Superintendent Eric Carter announced that four teens have been charged with first-degree murder stemming from the fatal shooting early Saturday morning: Trevell Breeland, 19, Joseph Brooks, 19, Jakwon Buchanan, 18, and 16-year-old Jaylan Frazier, who has been charged as an adult.

A memorial to the victims of the July 4, 2022, shooting in Highland Park. (WTTW News)

Trial Date for Alleged Highland Park Parade Gunman Could Be Set at Next Hearing

Robert Crimo III, 22, appeared in court during a brief management hearing Tuesday. Lake County prosecutors outlined the extensive discovery evidence they are continuing to compile and turn over to the defense.

(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

With Warm Weather Approaching, CPD Announces Summer Safety Plans

Summer doesn’t officially begin until June, but the Chicago Police Department and Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Friday announced they’re activating what they call the “nucleus” for citywide deployment of safety personnel and resources: the Summer Operations Center.

(WTTW News)

‘ComEd Four’ Scheduled to be Sentenced in January 2024

The four former Commonwealth Edison executives and officials convicted on bribery and other charges this week in the so-called “ComEd Four” case will be sentenced early next year.

(WTTW News)

Aurora Man Charged With Threatening to Kill Gov. J.B. Pritzker in Voicemail

Steven Woletz, 46, has been charged with one count of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony, after he allegedly left a voicemail in which he threatened to kill the governor.

(WTTW News)

Pair of 13-Year-Olds Charged in Chatham Carjacking

The two teen boys were charged Thursday with felony counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking and robbery of a victim 60 years or older.

Juror Amanda Schnitker Sayers appeared on “Chicago Tonight” on May 3, 2023. (WTTW News)

‘ComEd Four’ Juror Hopes Guilty Verdicts Send ‘Clear Message’ to Springfield

“This is very clear: We do not want to stand for this sort of corruption,” juror Amanda Schnitker Sayers said during an appearance on “Chicago Tonight.”

Body worn camera video shows a Chicago police officer chasing Reginald Clay Jr., left, moments before the officer fatally shot Clay on April 15, 2023. (Civilian Office of Police Accountability)

COPA Releases Graphic Body Camera Video of Chicago Police Officer Fatally Shooting Reginald Clay Jr. Last Month

The release of the graphic video comes after Clay’s family members reportedly filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Police Department, claiming the shooting was “unprovoked and unwarranted.”

(WTTW News)

‘ComEd Four’ Found Guilty of Conspiring to Bribe Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan

Ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist Mike McClain, retired ComEd executive John Hooker and ex-City Club of Chicago president and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty were each found guilty of bribery conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying the company’s books.

(Chicago Fire Media)

16 People Hospitalized After Bus Carrying Special Needs Students Involved in Crash

According to the Chicago Fire Department, the collision occurred at 31st Street and Kedzie Avenue. Of the 16 people who were taken to area hospitals, two were adults who were listed in critical condition.

(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

Shootings, Homicides in Chicago Down 10% Through First 4 Months of Year: Police

There have been 166 homicides recorded in the city thus far this year, according to the Chicago Police Department. That’s fewer than the same time periods in both 2022 and 2021, but higher than the 156 homicides recorded through the end of April in 2020.

(WTTW News)

‘This Was a Hell of a Plum’: Madigan Ally Tells ‘ComEd Four’ Jury He Was Paid For Years To Do Little or No Work

A former precinct chief and longtime ally of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan testified that for years he received checks from Commonwealth Edison representatives to do “little or no work” as part of an alleged scheme to corruptly influence Madigan.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. (David Mark / Pixabay)

Here’s the NASCAR Street Race Traffic Plan. Get Ready To Navigate Street Closures, Chicagoans

City and race officials on Monday detailed their traffic plans for the July 2 race, which will include a 12-turn, 2.2-mile track that will close off several streets around Grant Park from June 25 into mid-July.

(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

2 Teens Among 3 People Killed in Weekend Shootings Across Chicago: Police

According to Chicago Police Department data, 20 people were shot in 17 separate incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Victims included 15-year-old Demea Morris and 17-year-old Daniel Rios, who were each killed.

(WTTW News)

At ‘ComEd Four’ Trial, Ex-Board Member Testifies Michael Madigan Gave Him Appointment Updates

Juan Ochoa testified at the ongoing trial of the “ComEd Four,” who are accused of corruptly seeking to influence Michael Madigan. Federal prosecutors claimed Ochoa’s appointment to the board was a part of that conspiracy to further garner support from the former speaker.

Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson addresses the media after meeting with Gov. J.B. Pritzker on April 7, 2023. (WTTW News)

‘We Share a Lot in Common’: Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson Meets With Gov. J.B. Pritzker After Runoff Victory

“Those who want to see our city divided, today this is a very clear day, an indication that those are the politics of old,” Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said Friday.

A file photo of Chicago State University. (WTTW News)

Chicago State University Faculty, Staff Begin Strike Monday

The Chicago State University chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (CSU UPI) authorized a potential strike last month, and after the latest bargaining session Saturday didn’t lead to a new contract, members decided to begin a work stoppage Monday.

Flames can be seen pouring out of a high-rise building Wednesday at 1212 North Lake Shore Drive. (Chicago Fire Department)

Veteran Chicago Firefighter Dies After Fire Breaks Out at Lake Shore Drive High-Rise

Second firefighter killed in line-of-duty this week

The Chicago Fire Department responded after flames broke out in a high-rise building at 1212 North Lake Shore Drive Wednesday morning. While there, the CFD called for a mayday and an emergency medical response after one firefighter suffered critical injuries and later died.

A resident in the 40th Ward gathers their documentation as they prepare to vote in the April 4 Chicago runoff election at the Budlong Woods Library polling location. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

‘Slow and Sleepy’ Chicago Voting Totals on Par With February Election Turnout

Voter turnout sat at 33.2% when polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with 530,382 ballots cast, according to the Chicago Board of Elections. That's compared to 32.1% turnout for the Feb. 28 election.

Defendant Micheail Ward during the trial for the fatal shooting of Hadiya Pendleton at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago on Aug. 21, 2018. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune / Pool). Inset: Hadiya Pendleton.

Appellate Court Grants Man Convicted of Killing Hadiya Pendleton New Trial

The First District Appellate Court issued a 38-page ruling Friday, ordering that Micheail Ward will be given a new trial after statements he made to investigators after he invoked his right to remain silent were used in court.

Lindblom Math & Science Academy (Google Earth)

Lindblom Math & Science Principal Removed Following Investigation

Chicago Public Schools on Friday informed parents and students at Lindblom Math & Science Academy that it had removed Abdul Muhammad from his principal duties, citing “an investigation that substantiated findings” against him.

(WTTW News)

‘ComEd Four’ Attorneys Grill Government’s Star Witness on Lobbying Tactics, Madigan’s Influence

Fidel Marquez, the government’s witness, continued testifying for the fourth day, now under cross examination from defense attorneys seeking to show how their clients’ actions were above board when they tried to garner Madigan’s support on legislation in Springfield.

(WTTW News)

‘If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It’: Prosecution’s Star Witness Continues Testimony in ‘ComEd Four’ Trial

Fidel Marquez, the government’s star witness in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial, continued his testimony for a second day Tuesday as he detailed how former utility officials allegedly conspired to corruptly influence Michael Madigan.