Richard M. Sullivan

The contested remains of Caitlin Tracey, who was found dead in her husband's South Loop condo building, will be laid to rest by her family following a court decision this week. On Wednesday, a Cook County judge denied an emergency motion filed by Adam Beckerink, Tracey's husband, to delay her funeral arrangements, affirming a previous ruling that granted Tracey's parents, Andrew and Monica Tracey, exclusive control over her remains. This ruling comes after a weekslong custody battle between the parents and Beckerink, whom they allege has a history of abuse against their daughter, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

A coalition of anti-abortion groups and certain employers in Illinois have put forth a legal challenge against a state regulation requiring health insurers to cover abortions, bringing to the fore a clash between reproductive rights and religious freedom. In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the plaintiffs, including Students for Life of America, the Pro-Life Action League, and Midwest Bible Church, argue that the mandate forces them to subsidize abortions through insurance premiums against their moral or religious convictions, according to The Chicago Tribune.

In a watershed legal decision, the Illinois Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, which has been linked to a 2019 hate crime hoax. Justice Elizabeth Rochford authored the ruling that argues double jeopardy and due process were violated due to a previously agreed non-prosecution deal, veering from the stance of the special prosecutor that the dismissal of the case endorsed by the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office should not impede further prosecution. According to NBC Chicago, the court detailed that they "resolve a question about the State's responsibility to honor the agreements it makes with defendants."

In a turn of events that comes as a culmination of a two-year deferral agreement with federal prosecutors, AT&T Illinois looks to operate unencumbered by criminal charges for the first time since 2020, related to allegations of involvement in a public corruption scheme linked to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. According to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso has agreed to dismiss the criminal case after the company adhered to the terms by cooperating with the investigation and submitting to a $23 million fine.

The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert after a girl was sexually abused in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, an incident stirring warranted concern amongst local residents. The crime, detailed as aggravated criminal sexual abuse, occurred in the Austin District and the PD is now soliciting the public’s help in identifying the perpetrator.

Residents in Chicago's 9th District, particularly senior citizens, are being urged to stay vigilant after a series of robberies have plagued the area, leaving the community on edge. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, offenders have targeted victims ranging from 63 to 80 years old, employing violence and intimidation tactics such as shoving, punching, brandishing pocket knives, and spraying with oleoresin capsicum, popularly known as pepper spray. These attacks occurred throughout November, with several assaults taking place in the Armour Square neighborhood.

The holiday spirit is cascading over Chicago as the city dresses up in festive glory, beginning with the grand debut of the tallest Christmas tree from the 900 North Michigan Shops and the light-up of the official city tree, a towering Colorado Blue Spruce, in Millennium Park, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago and

In a celebration of culture and community, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) and the Mexican Consulate are teaming up to provide Chicago's youth with a splash of artistic vibrancy and a taste of tradition. According to the Chicago Sun-Times

The Chicago Police Department has issued an alert for missing 13-year-old Davina Blackman who was last seen by her family on October 7. Blackman is described as a Black female with black hair and brown eyes, standing about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 120 pounds. According to the Chicago Police Department's news release, she was last spotted in the Oakland community in Chicago wearing a black jacket with white writing on both sleeves.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and counterparts from 37 other states, has decidedly stepped up to challenge Google's dominance in the search engine market. The coalition aims to dismantle what they describe as Google's unlawful monopoly and restore fair competition for the benefit of consumers. "For too long, Google has maintained a monopoly as an online search engine," Raoul said, as stated by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.