On Tuesday, the prosecutors for Cook County, Illinois, dropped all charges against “Empire” star Jussie Smollett. The mayor and police said they were outraged.
Author: Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY
R. Kelly’s legal team asks Chicago judge for more time before ruling on Dubai concert trip
While the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. don’t have an extradition treaty, lawyer Steve Greenberg says said that if R. Kelly is allowed to perform in Dubai, he has no fear that the singer will jump bond and flee from the U.S. to avoid trial.
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Catholic Church scandal: 395 Illinois priests, deacons accused of sexual misconduct
A report identifies 395 Catholic clergy members in Illinois who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
Illinois Supreme Court rejects bid to resentence cop who murdered black teen Laquan McDonald
The Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a bid by prosecutors to resentence a former Chicago police officer for the controversial shooting death of Laquan McDonald, a black teen whose killing exacerbated tensions between police and the African-Am…
After Michelle Obama’s former aide’s urging, prosecutor pushed for FBI to investigate Smollett
At the time of the correspondence, Smollett was still considered by police as a victim of an assault. The actor was later charged with allegedly staging an attack to make him look like the victim of a brutal hate crime.
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Chicago will elect first black female mayor; Lightfoot and Preckwinkle advance to runoff
Votersare casting their ballots formayorin one of the most competitive races in Chicago’s 181-year history. But don’t expect a winner on Tuesday.
Chicago votes for a new mayor: 5 things to know about historic race
Voters to pick a new mayor to face the challenges confronting Chicago: Billions in unmet obligations, endemic corruption and persistent gun violence.
How did police catch ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett? Lots and lots of cameras
Dozens of security cameras played a key role in helping police unravel “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s alleged hoax attack, authorities say.
Aurora gunman’s license was revoked, but he kept his gun. That’s the norm in Illinois
Fewer than halfof Illinois gun ownerswho lose their licenses prove toauthorities theyno longerown firearms. Police don’t do much about it.
Chicago police pursue claims Jussie Smollett attack may have been faked
A police source tells USA TODAY that investigators are attempting to interview Jussie Smollett again about an attack on the “Empire” actor.