New Cook County prosecutor faces challenges to fix Kim Foxx legacy
New Cook County prosecutor faces challenges to fix Kim Foxx legacy
A new Cook County state’s attorney inherits crime problems aggravated by her predecessor, Kim Foxx. Eileen O’Neill Burke seems ready to fight crime without abandoning efforts to be fair to minority defendants. Here’s what she should do.
By Chris Coffey
Aggravated assaults hit 5-year high in Chicago during October
Aggravated assaults hit 5-year high in Chicago during October
Chicago’s violent crime hit the second-highest level in the past five years. Aggravated assaults increased the most during the past 12 months to hit a five-year peak. Most of the victims were Black.
By Patrick Andriesen
South Side gets 2.5X as many tickets per red-light camera as North Side
South Side gets 2.5X as many tickets per red-light camera as North Side
Red-light cameras on the city’s South Side issued the most tickets per intersection between October 2023 and September 2024, more than 2.5 times as many as cameras on the North Side. Citywide, fines are up to $61.4 million for past 12 months.
By Patrick Andriesen
Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime
Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime
Washington, D.C., and New York City have cracked down on fare evasion because it is linked to serious and violent crime. The Chicago Transit Authority should do the same to curb its growing crime problem.
By Chris Coffey
Map: How often did your Chicago neighborhood have an aggravated battery?
Map: How often did your Chicago neighborhood have an aggravated battery?
Chicagoans reported fewer violent crimes but more aggravated batteries through September. Look below to see how many happened near you and what time they happen most frequently.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago violent crime hits 5-year high
Chicago violent crime hits 5-year high
Chicago’s violent crime increased to the highest level in the past five years. Aggravated assaults increased the most in the past 12 months. Most victims were Black.
By Patrick Andriesen
ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts
ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts
Where is support strongest for the gunshot detection system Chicago’s mayor wants to dump? In the Black and Hispanic wards where it is most needed and has saved lives.
By Patrick Andriesen
SAFE-T Act Year 1: Fewer Cook County defendants detained, downstate Illinois adjusts
SAFE-T Act Year 1: Fewer Cook County defendants detained, downstate Illinois adjusts
Sept. 18 marks Illinois’ first anniversary of being the first state to end cash bail. The predicted disaster was averted. Cook County saw significant improvements. Still, changes to the SAFE-T Act could improve public safety, remain fair to defendants.
By Joe Tabor, Patrick Andriesen
Violence up 7.2%: robberies, aggravated assaults, batteries hit 5-year highs
Violence up 7.2%: robberies, aggravated assaults, batteries hit 5-year highs
Chicagoans experienced 7.2% more violent crime between August 2023 and July 204, with cases of robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated battery at five-year highs.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Democratic delegates need not go far to see why Chicago is U.S. murder capital
Democratic delegates need not go far to see why Chicago is U.S. murder capital
Chicago for the 12th year is America’s murder capital. The deadliest areas are not far from the Democratic National Convention, with at least one a moderate walk from the United Center and others that can be visited on a city-sponsored tour.
By Patrick Andriesen
New law gives more Illinoisans IDs upon release from jail
New law gives more Illinoisans IDs upon release from jail
Illinoisans released from a variety of correctional facilities have one less barrier to being a productive member of society. A new law grants them a state identification card when they are released from jails and federal facilities, an important part of getting work and housing.
By Dylan Sharkey