Stories by Heather Cherone

Chicago’s effort to address reparations for the descendants of enslaved people stalled as suburban Evanston became the first city in the nation to offer reparations.

Winners will be announced in late July and will receive $500, plus bragging rights. For every eligible contest entry received, the association will donate $25 to South and West Side community gardens. 

Dolostone beat out sandstone and limestone for the honor of state rock. Never heard of it? Join us for a deep dive.

A New York City jury found Kelly guilty of racketeering and multiple other counts last year at a sex-trafficking trial. Prosecutors alleged that the entourage of managers and aides who helped Kelly meet girls — and keep them obedient — amounted to a criminal enterprise.

“The defendant has shown that he’s a loose cannon, whose behavior is erratic and unpredictable,” Assistant State’s Attorney Sean Kelly said Thursday. “He creates a significant risk to the community at large.”

Ryan Kelley, one of five Republican candidates for Michigan governor, was charged with misdemeanors Thursday for his role in the 2021 postelection riot at the U.S. Capitol. 

That stance marks a sharp reversal of the U.N. health agency’s initial assessment of the pandemic’s origins. WHO concluded last year that it was “extremely unlikely” COVID-19 might have spilled into humans from a lab.

As members of Congress weigh potential measures to protect against mass shootings, one often-mentioned option is a so-called red flag law. Illinois already has one. But is it working?

When thousands of families were forced to move out of the ABLA Homes public housing complex two decades ago, leaders promised they would be able to come back to new housing. Now, after building less than a third of the promised new units, officials are moving to redevelop the largest plot of empty land at ABLA — but not for housing.

Mayor Lightfoot launches a re-election tour across Chicago. How well do Illinois’ red flag gun laws work? Why Cook County could see population gain from climate refugees. And a tribute to Miles Davis.

Jazz great Miles Davis is the focus of an ambitious concert this weekend at the Kehrein Center for the Arts in the Austin community. It is part of a new partnership between the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and the Art Center. 

Whoever the mayor picks to fill the 24th Ward seat and is confirmed by the City Council will have a leg up if they run for a full term in the next municipal election, set for February 2023.

A new study concludes that Cook County has become one of the most desirable places for those escaping the extreme effects of climate change. Climate refugees seeking more stable environments look to cities across the Midwest. But is the Midwest really a safe haven? 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot began her campaign for a second term as mayor on Wednesday with a whistle-stop tour focused on the South and West sides, vowing to battle the forces that continue to segregate Chicago and exclude Black and Latino residents from getting their share of city resources and investment.

Working in private rooms in a Capitol office building, the seven Democrats and two Republicans have participated in hours of interviews, hearing testimony from members of former President Donald Trump’s family, former Justice Department officials and Trump White House aides. 

Music festivals, artisan markets, a royal experience and Swedish traditions usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Andre Gonzalez, 35, has been charged with four felony counts of armed robbery involving a dangerous weapon. A judge ordered him held without bail during a hearing Wednesday afternoon

The production not only ideally captures the mix of the comical, satirical, fantastical and romantic aspects of Miguel de Cervantes’ story, but with its beautiful sets, costumes, projections, puppets and aerial tricks it also is an ideal showcase for the Joffrey.

State attorney general offices across the country told CNN that they have received complaints about people who are taking advantage of a nationwide formula shortage to charge inflated prices.

Starting in July, minimum wage employees of larger businesses will see their paychecks rise by 40 cents an hour to $15.40

In 2020, the murder rate with handguns was the highest in 25 years, with over 10,000 gun-related deaths of children and adults younger than 24. Firearm-related murders increased by 35% among children and young adults, from 2019 to 2020. And it has a significant impact on young people’s mental health.

Mayor Lightfoot announces she’ll seek another term. One-on-one with another entrant into the race. Previewing the Jan. 6. Congressional hearings. And combatting mental health issues in youth.

The state has awarded 48 cultivation licenses to craft cannabis growers, and 100% of the licenses are going to social equity winners — folks who were most impacted by the nation’s so-called war on drugs.  

The charges against members of the angry pro-Trump mob range from low-level misdemeanors for those who only entered the Capitol to felony seditious conspiracy charges against far-right extremists. It’s the largest prosecution in the history of the Justice Department.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s opening argument in her bid to be the first woman to be re-elected as Chicago mayor acknowledges that much of her term in office has been marked by bruising and at times deeply personal confrontations. “Change doesn’t happen without a fight,” Lightfoot said in the video.

Late last week, another candidate got into the race for mayor: 6th Ward Ald. Roderick Sawyer. Sawyer has a long history with City Hall; his father Eugene Sawyer – served the city of Chicago as mayor for a brief period after the death of Harold Washington. And in 2011, the younger Sawyer was elected to lead the ward where he was born and raised.