A police source tells USA TODAY that investigators are attempting to interview Smollett again, so they can question him about the brothers’ account. Attorneys for Smollett say there is no truth to reports that the actor played a role in an assault.
Author: Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY
As historic cold blasts Midwest, cities focus on vulnerable, homeless
As the Midwest girdsfor days of subzero temperatures, officials arescrambling to get some of theirmostvulnerable out of the cold.
St. Louis cop Russian roulette death: Lawyer for alleged shooter calls it ‘tragic accident’
Police sayOfficer Nathaniel Hendren, 29, and Officer Katlyn Alix, 24,were playing Russian roulette when he shot her early Thursday
St. Louis cop charged in Russian Roulette shooting death of fellow officer, police say
A St. Louis police officer was charged with manslaughter Friday for allegedly shooting a colleague as the two played Russian Roulette, authorities said.
Police interview R. Kelly after getting report singer was holding women hostage
Police visited the Chicago home of R&B singer R. Kelly Friday after receiving a tip that two women were being held hostage but foundno evidence to support the allegation, a police spokesman said.
EBay throws attention on smaller cities as it aims for growth in crowded e-retail sector
The attention to merchants in cities like Akron, Ohio, comes in the midst of a broader push to make eBay more attractive to younger shoppers.
Chicago mayor wants to legalize marijuana, open casino to deal with city’s pension crisis
The outgoing mayor of Chicago wants to legalize recreational marijuana and open a casino to help address a growing pension crisis in the nation’s third largest city, a source close to the mayor said Tuesday.
 …
Nation’s first charter school strike ends, but could portend more battles on choice
The strike affected only about 7,500 of Chicago’s 371,000 public school students. But itwas closely followed by labor leaders and charter advocates around the country.
Prosecutors in Laquan McDonald coverup trial say Chicago cops failed to obey the law
Prosecutors said three Chicago cops accused of covering up the deathof Laquan McDonald broke the law. Defense attorneys called the cops victims of an overzealous prosecution.
Alaska hit by dozens of small earthquakes as recovery continues after big temblor
Dozens of smaller temblors have shaken parts of Alaska as officials in Anchorage continued recovery efforts Saturday.