Stories by Heather Cherone

Jose Almanza-Martinez, 67, died in the crash that ended the chase on Aug. 2, 2020, near 26th Street and Pulaski Road, records show.

Arnold Day was convicted and sentenced to 60 years in prison in 1992 based on confessions coerced by Chicago police detectives trained by Jon Burge, a disgraced Chicago police commander, according to court records.

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

A push to decrease the number of Americans using antidepressants. And how local grocers are adjusting to changes in SNAP benefits.

Experts expressed concern that an emphasis on overprescribing, specifically, is somewhat unbalanced given the population of people who lack access to care for serious mental health conditions.

Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts told the Chicago City Council’s Public Safety Committee that officials are still weighing the bids submitted by nine firms, including one by SoundThinking, the firm that operates ShotSpotter.

On May 9, one of the herd's females gave birth to a calf, the first baby bison born on tallgrass prairie in the county in 200 years, officials estimate.

Any verdict or settlement in the case would be paid by Chicago taxpayers, who will also foot the bill to defend Ald. Jim Gardiner’s claims.

The fine is the largest ever levied by the Chicago Board of Ethics, which was founded in 1987.

Members of Chicago’s Board of Education are calling on state lawmakers to step up funding for Chicago Public Schools as the cash-strapped district faces impending staff cuts to fill a $732 million budget gap.

About 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year — about 14% fewer than the previous year, according to preliminary government data.

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

A move to ban so-called sweepstakes machines in Chicago. And a new biography about the first American pope.

It’s been just over a year since white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of a new pope. Now, a new biography looks at Pope Leo XIV’s life, his influences and his first months leading the Roman Catholic Church.

A new investigation by Injustice Watch, a nonprofit newsroom focused on the Cook County court system, revealed that Cook County prosecutors are challenging efforts by wrongfully convicted individuals to clear their names and secure compensation.

President Donald Trump directed the Commerce Department to explore whether the broadband funding could be withheld from states with artificial intelligence regulations that did not align with national policy.

Chicago Public Schools is planning to cut staff positions at schools across the city this summer as it seeks to close a budget deficit that tops $730 million.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a potential hantavirus case in an Illinois resident that is not linked to the deadly cruise ship outbreak, the health department announced Tuesday.

Two firefighters from Chicago and Addison also received the Medal of Honor, the highest award given to a firefighter in the state.

A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson said he supported the compromise measure even though it would undermine one of his major legislative accomplishments as he prepares to run for a second term as mayor.

The road that helped stitch the nation together with automobile travel turns 100 this year. As the starting point for Route 66, Illinois plays a central role in launching centennial celebrations.

The Chicago Park District has erected barriers at the Southeast Side park where a pair of eaglets and their parents are nesting.

Renewed debate around a state law dealing with pretrial release. And making the case that Chicago’s violence prevention efforts could serve as a model to end all global violence.

Gary Slutkin founded Cure Violence Global, formerly known as CeaseFire, an organization dedicated to training trusted community members to be violence interrupters. Interrupters work with those at risk of committing violence while providing alternative options and resources.

Illinois Republicans are pushing for changes to the law that they say would make it easier for judges to detain defendants awaiting trial. Lawmakers have until May 31 to adjust the SAFE-T Act, after which they would need to wait for the fall legislative session.

New evidence shows that kids need pauses between concentrated bouts of learning so the brain can hold and store the information. Researchers also say recess gives kids a chance to navigate relationships and build confidence, which is just as important for older kids as younger ones.