EXPLAINED: Rebecca pallmeyer | Rare Historical Photos

Chicago police unit that reviews cops’ use of force ‘critically understaffed,’ Illinois attorney general’s office says

The unit had a backlog of 2,702 cases in July, which has nearly doubled to 5,116, an official told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 16, 2023

With federal shutdown looming, what does it mean for Chicago and the state?

The clock is loudly ticking toward an Oct. 1 deadline. If the shutdown happens, the impact will reverberate across the city and Illinois.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 26, 2023

US District Judge James Zagel, ‘Renaissance man’ who presided over some of Chicago’s biggest trials, dies at 82

Longtime U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel, the former leader of the Illinois State Police who went on to preside over the corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the landmark Family Secrets mob trial, and many other of the area’s biggest cases, died Saturday night after a long illness,…

Chicago Tribune · Jul 16, 2023

Former Teamsters boss John Coli Sr. sentenced to 19 months in federal prison in extortion case

CHICAGO — Former Teamsters union boss John Coli Sr. once basked in a reputation as a tough-nosed, nationally known organized labor figure, rubbing elbows with the state’s political and business elite, running up $15,000 tabs at Chicago steakhouses, and cruising around the Mediterranean on other people’s yachts.

Chicago Tribune · Oct 27, 2022

Naturalization ceremony in Daley Plaza results in 63 new U.S. citizens

“This is the first step in achieving most of the goals I’ve set for myself,” said Sharon Celestine, 20, who came to Chicago from Nigeria.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 20, 2022

Are the endangered Century and Consumer buildings headed toward landmark status?

Let’s hope so. It would be a better fate than the federal government’s plan to demolish the structures for a security plaza.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 23, 2022

City landmarks panel backs review of State Street buildings that feds say are security risk

The members act after getting a petition from more than 22,000 people who voiced support for saving the early 20th century structures, setting up a potential show down with the federal government over security concerns for the nearby Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 7, 2022

Federal court dissolves decades-old minority hiring decree in Chicago Fire Department, cites big ethnic gains

CHICAGO — A federal judge recently agreed to dissolve a 42-year-old court mandate on minority hiring within the Chicago Fire Department, finding that minority representation had increased substantially since its implementation in early 1980.

Chicago Tribune · Jun 22, 2022

Illinois’ cannabis license residency requirement faces court challenge — the latest legal fight affecting the state’s 2-year-old recreational pot industry

A legal battle over cannabis business licensing in Illinois could overturn the state’s residency requirement, throwing a wrench into the already dysfunctional process and attempts to diversify the industry.

Chicago Tribune · May 9, 2022

‘Half of my heart is bleeding’ — citizenship ceremony bittersweet for natives of Ukraine

"My family in Ukraine is really concerned with what is happening," said Yuriy Kolodiychuk. "And they beg the whole world to help people, ordinary people in Ukraine, who are under this severe attack of crazy person Mr. Putin."

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 26, 2022