Chicago lifeguards can report alleged sexual violence to a new hotline
The Cook County state’s attorney put a similar call out in 2019 to ask women abused by singer R. Kelly to call her office directly.
Patrick Smith
Reporter, Criminal Justice
![]()
![]()
A Chicago alderwoman now wants the park district CEO out over lifeguard abuse
Ald. Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez adds to the growing pressure on Park District CEO Michael Kelly, who has defended his handling of the sex abuse allegations.
![]()
The agency that investigates Chicago police shootings is being underfunded, yet again
COPA’s budget is under $15 million, millions short of the amount mandated by city ordinance.
![]()
Convicted in New York, R. Kelly Faces Another Federal Trial Back Home in Chicago
The singer’s Chicago attorney says Kelly’s Brooklyn defense team made a mistake by trying to “victim blame” witnesses.
![]()
Could Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Plan To Sue Gang Leaders Make Violence Worse?
Critics say Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan is an impractical political stunt and will do more harm than good.
![]()
A New Contract For Chicago’s Police Includes $378 Million In Retroactive Raises
The deal, supported by 80% of union members, also allows the city to investigate complaints against officers without a sworn affidavit.
![]()
New Cook County Unit To Search For Long-Missing Girls And Women
Sheriff Tom Dart will use three dedicated detectives, DNA technology and a tip line to solve missing-person cases more than three years old.
![]()
A Mom, An Activist, A Musical Cop: Meet The People Fighting Chicago Violence
We spent the summer talking with Chicagoans working to reduce shootings. Here’s what they say is driving violence — and is needed to stop it.
![]()
He Dropped Out Of High School After Witnessing A Murder. 10 Years Later, He’s Graduating.
Members of the anti-violence program Chicago CRED are graduating high school Thursday, a major moment in their path away from gun violence.
![]()
Roller Skating Is Back On Chicago’s West Side — And It’s Free
A new park replaced an empty lot. It’s meant to bring fun and positivity to an area hurt by disinvestment and gun violence.
