Consent-decree draft submitted
After more than a year of negotiations between the city and state attorney general’s office, the final draft of the proposed consent decree aimed at reforming the Chicago Police Department was submitted to a federal judge Thursday.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago police Supt. Eddie Johnson announced the submission at a Thompson Center news conference, stressing that the agreement — which is still subject to approval by a judge — would lead to lasting reforms. “This agreement builds on reforms that we have already made,” Emanuel said. “It creates an enforceable, durable and sustainable framework for systemic changes in the Chicago Police Department.”
The decree will be enforced by Judge Robert M. Dow Jr. It has no expiration date and will be overseen by an independent monitor, who has yet to be appointed. Sam Charles
Jewel-Osco closed by city for rodent infestation now back open
City health officials cleared a Near West Side Jewel-Osco store at 1220 S. Ashland to reopen Thursday. On Tuesday, officials ordered the store shuttered after inspectors found numerous code violations, including baby mice nesting inside the store and a live mouse running from a watermelon case to a hot holding area, city records show. Mary Frances Trucco, a spokeswoman for Jewel-Osco, emphasized that inspectors determined that the store had “reached code standards.” “Our team has worked diligently to ensure the issues were fully addressed and we apologize for any inconvenience,” Trucco said. Luke Wilusz
Chicago man gets 17 years for stealing over $50,000 from pro gambler
A Chicago man was sentenced to 17 years in prison for stealing more than $50,000 from a professional gambler in 2015. Robert Chencinski, 48, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony count of robbery, according to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office. On the morning of Aug. 10, 2015, the gambler was at an intersection while driving from Rivers Casino Des Plaines to his home in Naperville, prosecutors said, and Chencinski rear-ended his vehicle. Chencinski then got out of his vehicle and put the gambler into a chokehold, then made off with $51,500 in cash. A witness called 911, and officers in Naperville soon located Chencinski’s vehicle, prosecutors said. Tom Schuba