Teen Charged In Fiery Crash That Killed Woman In Home
Lawsuit: Children In State Care Abused At Chicago Hospital
CHICAGO — Cook County’s public guardian is suing a private psychiatric facility that treated children who were in state custody calling it a “hospital of horrors.” The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday on behalf of seven children and teenagers who were formerly patients alleges sexual abuse and improper medication. The lawsuit against Chicago Lakeshore Hospital also names several Department of Children and Family Services officials. The state stopped admitting children to the troubled hospital last year. Hospital officials have said they’ve made improvements. Messages left Wednesday for those named in the lawsuit weren’t immediately returned. – Associated Press
Chicago Police Overhauling Detective Divisions
CHICAGO – The Chicago Police Department is beefing up its detective ranks and spreading detectives around the city in the hope of catching up to departments in other major cities that solve a far higher percentage of homicide cases. Interim Police Superintendent Charlie Beck announced Tuesday that the number of detective divisions will increase from three to five _ a move that comes seven years after the city closed two detective divisions to save money. The department says by moving detectives closer to where many crimes are committed, they’ll be able to reach crime scenes before witnesses have dispersed and evidence has been destroyed. – Associated Press
City Appoints First Poet Laureate
AURORA – Karen Fullett-Christensen is the city of Aurora’s first poet laureate. She started writing poetry after journaling. Her mission is to work with the city’s young people. An official installation ceremony will take place in January at Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School. Click here to read one of her poems. – Yvonne Boose, WNIJ News