Cook County Plans To Resume Jury Trials In February, But Will Jurors Show Up?
Thousands have been waiting in limbo because of the pandemic, but employees are scared that resuming trials could put them in danger.
Criminal Justice
The investigative reporters on WBEZ’s criminal justice desk tell the stories of the thousands of individuals churning through the legal systems every year in Chicago, Cook County and Illinois and hold to account the powerful officials in charge of those systems. Covering policing, jails and prisons, gun violence and solutions to it, WBEZ’s Criminal Justice team works to bring understanding to some of the most difficult problems facing our region.
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Big Wins For CTU, Illinois Black Caucus On Education Reform
The Legislative Black Caucus and the Chicago Teachers Union both scored major victories during the lame-duck session in Springfield.
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Illinois Lawmakers Pass ‘Transformational’ Criminal Justice Legislation In 11th Hour Of Lame Duck Session
The legislation, opposed by law enforcement groups, is in response to protests this summer over police violence.
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Will Chicago Police Union President John Catanzara Resign? Don’t Hold Your Breath.
The public has no role in choosing Fraternal Order of Police leaders. And Catanzara retains support among cops — especially white cops.
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Calls Grow Louder For Chicago Police Union President To Step Down
FOP President John Catanzara is apologizing for comments he made in support of the rioters who stormed Capitol Hill last week.
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Cops Say Chicago Shooter Who Killed 3 People Posted Social Media Rants
Authorities say a man posted disturbing videos before he killed three people and wounded four others in a series of shootings on Saturday.
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First Victim of Deadly Shooting Spree Identified as PhD Student From China
Authorities say a man killed three people and wounded four others in a series of shootings over roughly four hours that started on Chicago’s South Side and ended with his death in a shootout with police north of the city.
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Chicago Police Union President Says He’s ‘Sorry’ For Backing Capitol Rioters
“I brought negative attention to our lodge, the FOP family and law enforcement in general,” John Catanzara wrote.
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Chicago Police Union President Defends Those Who Stormed The U.S. Capitol
John Catanzara, elected to represent 12,000 police officers, echoes President Trump’s false claims that the election was stolen.
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Body Cam Footage Shows Chicago Police SUV Crushing Woman’s Leg For 8 Minutes
Martina Standley, 32, suffered traumatic head and leg injuries after she was hit by a police SUV in November 2019.
