Stories by Shelby Hawkins

Residents of south suburban Matteson were in for a shock the morning of June 27 when a major freight train derailment caused nearly 25 cars to fall off the tracks, resulting in a temporary evacuation order for up to 300 people.

Some of the city’s most vulnerable populations are still facing barriers of access when it comes to receiving equitable health care. The Black community faces notable obstacles when it comes to addressing mental illness.

Chicago is currently at the center of a queer country renaissance with acts like Marlowe, Andrew Sa and #QueerCountry Bandwagon taking center stage.

Boaters and lakefront enthusiasts alike can join in on the fun at the Venetian Night boat parade on Saturday, July 20, at Lake Michigan’s Monroe Harbor. 

With a budget crunch, union negotiations and other challenges ahead, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez appeared on “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the current state of CPS.

Claudia Sheinbaum made history earlier this month by becoming the first woman and first Jewish person elected president in Mexico. Her net is so wide-reaching that it drove thousands of Mexican nationals living outside of their home country to stand in line for hours waiting for their opportunity to cast a vote.

Carol Moseley Braun has had a storied career spanning more than three decades and six presidents. Most notably, she shot into the cultural zeitgeist in 1993 when she became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) came up with the idea following a violent attack on May 31 when a group of teenagers allegedly assaulted a couple in the Streeterville neighborhood. The man was hit in the head several times, and the woman was kicked in the stomach, which she said caused her to suffer a miscarriage.

More than 2,300 Negro Leagues players from 1920 to 1948 were added to the online database — a historical correction that’s four years in the making. It was announced in December 2020 that the MLB would be “correcting a longtime oversight.”

Illinois is one of seven states that do not have a statewide public defender body. Currently, 60% of Illinois counties have no office of public defense and instead hire private attorneys on a part-time basis.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is seeking $10 million from state lawmakers to tackle what he calls in a recent report “A Firearm Regulation Crisis.” 

“We are looking at issues that have been covered for a long time, but we’re looking at them at the root. We’re seeing people as complex people that control their own stories, and that’s really important,” City Bureau senior reporter Sarah Conway said.

The Chicago Sky looks different this year with brand new leadership and players on the roster including Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Heidi Mueller was appointed director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in February. She is the 13th director in 14 years.

 Chicago native Sendy L. Soto became  the city’s first chief homelessness officer. Part of her new role will be to devise a five-year plan to end homelessness. 

In her new book, “It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness,” Chaz Ebert shares personal anecdotes and stories of awe-inspiring individuals.

Last week’s announcement of a proposed new domed, lakeside stadium brought with it more questions. Namely, the price tag.

“At the end of the day, it’s about respect for this community — the immigrant, Mexican community of Little Village, and it’s about justice,” attorney Scott Rauscher said.

The nonprofit A Long Swim is planning an open water swim event in the Chicago River this fall. Proceeds will support ALS research and Learn to Swim, a program that teaches children in underserved communities how to swim.

The new docuseries uses firsthand accounts, archival footage and animation to better explain complex practices like redlining and blockbusting, and how Black families were systemically barred from homeownership.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office is hosting its fourth Missing Persons Day on Saturday as a way to provide support and resources for the loved ones of missing persons.