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Brickbat: Home Sweet Chicago

30 October 2026 at 08:00
Former Chicago Police Detective Reynaldo Guevara | Terrence Antonio James/TNS/Newscom

Chicago taxpayers will pay at least $472.8 million to defend and settle lawsuits connected to former Chicago Police detective Reynaldo Guevara, who has been accused of falsifying police reports, framing suspects, and forcing witnesses to identify innocent people as criminals. The Chicago City Council unanimously approved a $260.8 million settlement for 17 men who spent a combined 383 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted in cases tied to Guevara's investigations. The settlement brings the total to 32 resolved cases, while another 25 lawsuits remain pending. The city has also paid $56.2 million to private attorneys to defend Guevara and other officers named in the cases. Many of the men who were wrongly convicted spent decades in prison, and judges have granted certificates of innocence to several people involved. Guevara retired in 2005 and still receives an annual police pension of $91,000. Despite repeated allegations of misconduct, he has not been criminally charged for his actions as an officer. The growing cost of these cases comes as Chicago faces a projected $882.5 million budget gap for 2027.

The post Brickbat: Home Sweet Chicago appeared first on Reason Magazine.

Accountant’s employee loses €6,000 in online scam

30 October 2026 at 07:57

An employee for an accountant’s office in Paphos lost €6,000 when she received an email, appearing to be from a bank, asking her to update her personal details.

The police said on Friday that the woman followed the instructions and soon afterwards found the sum had been taken from her bank account.

She immediately filed a complaint with the police.

Following the incident, the police have repeated warnings against following links and uploading personal details.

Cyclist hospitalised in Polis car crash, second cyclist fled

30 October 2026 at 07:20

A 50-year-old woman was injured in a collision involving two cyclists and a car in Polis Chrysochous on Thursday afternoon, and police are searching for the second cyclist who left the scene.

The collision happened at around 3.30pm on the Polis Chrysochous to Androlikou road, police said.

An 80-year-old man was driving the car when it collided with a bicycle travelling ahead of it.

The bicycle was then pushed into a second cyclist riding alongside, causing both women to fall onto the road.

One cyclist left the scene and is being sought by police.

The other, aged 50, was taken first to Polis Chrysochous hospital and later transferred to Paphos general hospital for further treatment.

Doctors found she had suffered an orbital fracture and leg injuries. She remains in hospital for further treatment.

Police said the injured woman was residing illegally in Cyprus.

The 80-year-old driver was taken to a police station and questioned.

Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are continuing.

22-year-old arrested after 6.4kg of cannabis seized

30 October 2026 at 06:29

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Engomi on Thursday after police seized around 6.4kg of cannabis linked to alleged drug importation and possession with intent to supply.

The investigation, initiated with the customs department, followed the arrival of a 2.56kg cannabis package in Cyprus on October 26.

On the same day, a 62-year-old taxi driver was detained after he collected a package he believed was for a customer, unaware of its contents.

Investigations led to the 22-year-old suspect, whose vehicle search revealed cannabis packages weighing about 100g, along with an additional 3.836kg found in a separate search.

Police also confiscated €4,330 and five mobile phones. The taxi driver was released due to lack of evidence.

The 22-year-old is scheduled to appear before the Nicosia district court on Friday as police seek a detention order.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Four arrested during nationwide police operations

30 October 2026 at 06:11

Four people were arrested during nationwide police operations on Thursday night for offences including motorcycle theft, assaulting and insulting a police officer, and handling stolen goods, authorities said on Friday.

Police stopped and checked 467 drivers and 99 passengers, while 26 inspections of premises resulted in two complaints.

Traffic checks led to 285 reports for various offences, including 85 for speeding.

Four traffic violation cases are also under investigation, and three vehicles were impounded.

Officers also carried out 112 alcohol tests, resulting in nine complaints.

Operations to prevent and combat crime would continue daily, police said, with increased patrols and targeted checks to protect the public and maintain order.

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