RARE PHOTOS: 7 - The Real Truth

Attorney accuses Cook County judge of making racist comments in domestic abuse case

Attorney Matthew Fakhoury said Judge Williams Hooks “stereotypically” commented about people accused of domestic violence and said “Middle Eastern men are also controlling and abusive.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 20, 2023

Civil asset forfeiture is a problem in Cook County

It’s pretty obvious that civil asset forfeiture, whether federal or local, is an unethical, flawed system that violates due process and harms our already marginalized neighbors. It’s time to end it, one advocate writes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 20, 2023

CPS gym teacher accused of sexually abusing elementary school students: prosecutors

Andrew Castro, 36, allegedly sexually abused three students who, at his request, referred to him as “godfather,” Cook County prosecutors said Friday during his bond hearing.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 16, 2023

$7.25 million settlement from Chicago for man locked up nearly 30 years after wrongful conviction for deadly arson

The Cook County Board will be asked to sign off on an identical $7.25 million settlement to compensate Arthur Brown for alleged prosecutorial misconduct, according to his attorney.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 12, 2023

Accused of stealing Tuskegee Airman’s savings, ex-Cook County judge could now face criminal contempt charge

Patricia Martin was ordered last month to pay $1.2 million after she failed to turn over records or answer questions about her handling of Oscar Lawton Wilkerson Jr.’s money.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 12, 2023

Arlington Heights still odds-on favorite to land Bears as team huddles ‘to squeeze out the best deal they possibly can’

It’s too early to tell whether the team was bluffing when it said Arlington Heights has competition and introduced Naperville to the stadium game. Were the Bears angling for an Arlington Heights tax break?

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 11, 2023

Ex-Cook County judge, accused of stealing decorated Tuskegee Airman’s life savings, is ordered to pay $1.2 million

A default judgment was entered against Patricia Martin, former presiding judge of the Cook County juvenile court’s child protection division, after she failed to respond to Oscar Wilkerson Jr.’s lawsuit.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 9, 2023

No objection to waiving court fees for low-income defendants, Cook County state’s attorney says

Fines and fees are used to help fund the court system, but the office said “a disproportionate amount of its financing is shouldered by people of color and those living in poverty.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 6, 2023

Bill could spring more Cook County properties from tax sale maze

A measure sent to the governor would let public agencies take action on vacant homes before they get lost in Cook County’s tax sale process.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 5, 2023

Drug-laced paper secretly brought into Cook County Jail is dangerous for inmates

Jail programs are still able to use reading and writing materials, and individuals in custody also receive legal mail and documents from their attorneys, after it is screened for drugs and contraband. There is no ham-fisted ‘book banning’ or denying legal material.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 30, 2023