Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2022

Eliminating cash bail and regulating police officers were parts of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act that some lawmakers blame for a rise in crime and loss of police officers. Republican state lawmakers want it repealed, while Democrats say it just needs tweaks.

TAGS: Chicago, crime, police, SAFE-T Act

Lightfoot admits speed cameras hurt low-income Chicagoans more

By Patrick Andriesen

01/12/2022

A university study of Chicago automated traffic cameras commissioned by the city found minority and low-income residents are hurt more. Researchers recommended the city reform the regressive system of fines.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

Chicago’s speed cameras ticket 8X faster after limit drops to 6 mph

By Patrick Andriesen

01/03/2022

Chicago’s speed cameras in 10 months churned out nearly as many tickets as the prior 3 years combined, handing every city household 2.2 tickets. The 8-fold spike came immediately after the city started ticketing at 6 mph over the limit.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

‘Home Alone’ in real life could land you in an Illinois jail

By Dylan Sharkey

12/13/2021

Illinois sees leaving a child younger than 14 ‘Home Alone’ as a crime, one that state employees have vigorously applied.

TAGS: home alone, Illinois, negligence

Illinois prison inmates to get ID cards upon release

By Dylan Sharkey

11/03/2021

Inmates should have fewer troubles returning to their lives thanks to a new program intended to hand them an ID as they leave Illinois prisons.

TAGS: identification, IDOC: Illinois Department of Corrections, recidivism

Pritzker offers National Guard if Chicago cops’ COVID-19 vax statuses thin ranks

By Dylan Sharkey

10/15/2021

With Chicago Police officers refusing to report their COVID-19 vaccination statuses, city streets soon could go unprotected. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is offering to call out the National Guard to keep order.

TAGS: FOP: Fraternal Order of Police, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot, vaccine mandate

Chicago police union fighting Lightfoot COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By Brad Weisenstein

10/13/2021

Chicago’s police union is planning to challenge Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate and encouraging officers to ignore demands to report their vaccination status by Oct. 15. Only about 25% of police are vaccinated.

TAGS: Chicago, FOP: Fraternal Order of Police, Lori Lightfoot, vaccine mandate

Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

By Patrick Andriesen

06/25/2021

For nearly 80 years, Illinoisans have voted against the state fireworks ban by crossing state lines each July to buy fireworks, despite threatened penalties. The state is now one of four nationwide to prohibit celebrating Independence Day with fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Illinois, Independence Day

Digital license plates could solve Chicago carjackings, but give hackers data

By Noah Shaar

06/18/2021

Chicago’s surge in carjackings prompted an Illinois Secretary of State candidate to call for digital license plates. The plates could be a convenience that could create privacy problems.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Lightfoot pushes permanent 10 p.m. curfew on liquor store sales in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

05/26/2021

Grocery and liquor stores would be barred from selling beer, wine and liquor after 10 p.m. if Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets her way. She said the move would curb crime by stopping gatherings outside liquor stores and help recovering bars and restaurants.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, curfew, liquor laws, Lori Lightfoot