Chicago Sun-Times

Lil Reese ordered turned over to Downstate authorities

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:18:19 -0500

The Chicago rapper was arrested early Sunday after Chicago Police spotted him sleeping in a vehicle in the 4400 block of South Wells and found he was wanted on a warrant out of Champaign County. The warrant was tied to an alleged attack — caught on videotape — on a Downstate woman.

Senate passes ‘puppy lemon’ legislation

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:37:49 -0500

If the state protects consumers who unknowingly buy “lemon” cars, why shouldn’t the same safeguards exist when putting down big money on Fido, Murph or Fluffy at a pet store? State lawmakers took a serious look at that question Wednesday.

Illinois Senate OKs gambling bill that would bring casino to Chicago

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:00:31 -0500

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate on Wednesday passed a gambling expansion package that would bring a casino to Chicago and address ethics questions raised by Gov. Pat Quinn and his top gambling regulator. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), passed the Senate 32-20, with one member voting present. “We’ve put a lot of stringent requirements in this bill to make sure the honesty and safety of gaming in this state is far beyond any state in the United States,” Link said.

11 arrests in DeKalb crack probe

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:22:00 -0500

A lengthy, multi-agency investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine in the DeKalb area ended Tuesday with the arrest of 11 people, most of them middle-aged, said the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. In the case, two Chicago residents also are being sought and two other people were arrested previously, officials said. The sheriff’s office said the probe began in January and investigators learned that three Chicago men were allegedly working together to distribute crack in the city of DeKalb and nearby towns. Antonnio B. Sanders, 31, was charged with nine counts of criminal drug conspiracy/delivery and was being held in …

Cop: Woman intentionally runs over person in Park Forest

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:30:00 -0500

A 20-year-old Matteson woman was charged with purposely hitting another woman with her car during an argument Thursday in Park Forest. Bail was set Sunday at $750,000 for Alexius Keys, of the 3300 block of Savanna Lane, on aggravated battery charges, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. A 19-year-old Park Forest woman and a friend from Richton Park were driving though Park Forest when they noticed Keys following them in her friend’s car, police said. When the two reached the victim’s home in the 400 block of Rutledge Street, Keys allegedly pulled into the driveway behind the car …

Comcast technician’s murder trial begins

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:32:27 -0500

Instead of installing high-speed Internet, Anthony Triplett killed Urzula Sakowska - viciously beating, choking and sexually assaulting her in her Southwest Side residence back in 2006, Cook County prosecutors allege. Authorities suspect he killed another woman in a similar manner weeks earlier.

Slain police officer’s son wounded in shooting this week

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:42:27 -0500

Nearly three years after Chicago Police Officer Michael Bailey was murdered, just as he was on the verge of retiring, his son was in a hospital Wednesday, recovering from a gunshot wound to his side. Michael Bailey Jr., 30, was in a car at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday near 55th and Union in Englewood when he was shot by someone in another vehicle, police said.

4 adults critically injured in West Side crash

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:22:16 -0500

The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of North Central Avenue, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Paramedics took two adults in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital and two adults to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County also in critical condition, the fire department said.

Madigan muscles through pension-reform; unions balk, Senate reception uncertain

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:53:11 -0500

ANALYSIS: SPRINGFIELD — There’s a political axiom at the Statehouse that embodies House Speaker Michael Madigan’s record-setting tenure as the Illinois House’s overlord: Never bet against the speaker. And so it goes with the pension-reform package that the Southwest Side Democrat muscled out of a House committee on Wednesday — putting it on a clear track toward Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk.

Wrigley neighbors shrug off renovation debate between team and rooftop owners

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:59:28 -0500

The idea of a world-class hotel just blocks away has appeal for many Wrigley Field neighbors, but the hot debate over outfield signs and rooftop views is of little concern, they say.

UNO charter teachers vote to unionize

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:32:27 -0500

Teachers at one of Chicago’s largest charter-school networks — run by the United Neighborhood Organization — have voted to organize into a union.

Joe Walsh, ex-wife squabble over child support

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:14:00 -0500

Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh visited a Cook County courtroom Wednesday as lawyers for the fiery Tea Party Republican and his ex-wife continue to sort out his final few months of child-support payments before their youngest child graduates high school.

Police, fire crews still searching Des Plaines River for baby

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:12:00 -0500

(MAYWOOD) Police and fire crews are again searching the Des Plaines River on Wednesday for the body of a 1-year-old west suburban boy allegedly beaten to death by his mother and her boyfriend. Wednesday’s search began about 9 a.m. in several areas of the Des Plaines River near 1st Avenue and Lake Street in Maywood and going south, according to Cook County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Sophia Anasari. That’s where the pair allegedly tossed the body of Bryeon Hunter, Maywood police have said. Hunter’s mother, Lakesha Baker, 21, admitted that on April 15, her boyfriend, Michael Scott, 21, covered the child’s mouth …

Buckingham Fountain to be turned on for 86th season Thursday

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:10:23 -0500

In a sure sign that summer is on its way, the iconic Buckingham Fountain will be turned on for its 86th season Thursday morning. Chicago Park District officials and representatives of Sears Holding Corp., March of Dimes and Kmart will host the event at 11 a.m., joined by children who benefited from March of Dimes as babies. The event will serve to kick-off fundraising for the 30th anniversary of the partnership between March of Dimes and Kmart, a statement from the Chicago Park District said. Kate Sturges Buckingham (1858-1937) dedicated the structure in 1927 in memory of her late brother, …

Thousands march to mark May Day

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:30:40 -0500

Thousands of May Day protesters marched through downtown Wednesday afternoon, calling for support for everything from workers rights to immigration reform.

Mayor’s floor leader blasts Catholic Church over water squabble

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:38:03 -0500

Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s City Council floor leader lashed out at the Catholic Church on Wednesday for rejecting the mayor’s compromise offer on water fees for nonprofits even after, the alderman claimed, failing to clean its own house on the priest sex abuse scandal. “They’re clearly not owning up to the fact that there are people out there damaged by the church and they’re talking about free water. Really?” said Ald. Pat O’Connor (40th).