ACLU Suing Over Illinois Eavesdropping Act

In Illinois it’s illegal to record a police officer acting in the line of duty even though they can record you. According to Adam Schwartz with the American Civil Liberties Union, “It’s an unfair and destructive double standard.” In an effort to prove that the ACLU filed suit in federal court to challenge that law.

The Illinois Eavesdropping Act makes it a crime to record any conversation without consent from everyone present. The ACLU states the act violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and that people should be able to record (especially police) while acting in the line of duty. read more

Chicagoans In Fear Due to Crime Misconceptions

The media is a powerful force and when Chicago media outlets pair with a few high profile cases and a troubled economy, the result is more and more Chicago residents being scared to leave their homes. This article from the Chicago Tribune paints a picture of a city living in fear and a perceived jump in crimes when crime is actually down. read more

Supreme Court Rules Chicago Gun Ban Unconstitutional

This past week the United State Supreme Court ruled the ban on private firearms within Chicago violates the 2^nd Amendment right to bear arms. Now, local officials are struggling to find ways to control firearm ownership in a city torn apart by homicide and violence.

The High Court ruled that the 2^nd Amendment left localities no room to completely withdraw a person’s right to own a firearm, negating the 28 year ban Chicago had in place. Although the ban was only sporadically enforced, it meant law abiding citizens could not get a permit to own a gun. If they wanted a firearm-they had to possess it illegally. read more

Chicago Sun-Times Warns Against Identity Theft

The Chicago Sun-Times put a call out to people this week to be extra cautious in protecting themselves against identity theft. They caution that identity theft is often more of a problem in the summer when people let their guard down and are out traveling. Because there are many ways thieves can steal your identity, they give several tips for protecting yourself. read more

11 Chicagoans Charged with Unemployment Fraud

Eleven local Chicagoan are facing federal charges of unemployment fraud. While federal cases can be quite different than those levied by the state, a crime is a crime and the potential for prison time is bad no matter what court you’re in. read more

Illinois Prison Specializes in Drug Treatment

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently did a feature on Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center, a unique prison designed specifically to help offenders who are incarcerated and battling drug addiction. As the article details, sometimes prison is the wakeup call that addicts need to get their lives straight. read more

Illinois Sexting Reform Bill Passes, Goes to Governor

The bill to reform sexting laws in Illinois has passed the state legislature by a vote of 52-0. It now moves to Governor Pat Quinn’s desk to be signed into law. The governor’s spokesperson has said that he wants to review the bill before committing to signing it. read more

Illinios Sexting Reform Bill Passes State Senate

A bill to reform felony criminal sex offense laws for teens accused of “sexting” has passed the Illinois Senate. read more

Class A Misdemeanor for Huffing in Illinois

Huffing is a long standing method of getting high by inhaling the fumes of various chemical products. In many states, the dangers of this practice have long ago led to it being categorized as a fairly serious drug crime. Now, Illinois is likely next to join those states as officials in Williamson County are pushing for the new legislation. read more

Some Chicago Officers Not Turning on Their Patrol Cameras

340 Chicago patrol cars have been outfitted with surveillance cameras. Not all of the officers are turning theirs on, however, raising questions on what they may be hiding. According to the Chicago Sun Times the new cameras will be getting adjusted so they are no longer an option. read more