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

The ceremony honored Officer Krystal Rivera of the Chicago Police Department and Detective Tim Jones of the Park Forest Police Department. Held annually on the first Thursday in May, the event is a tradition to honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty the previous calendar year.

Chicago architect John Ronan, who leads the local design firm John Ronan Architects, was chosen earlier this year to design the memorial in Washington, D.C.

"The role of the journalist has never been more important, and the ideals of a free press never more consequential than it is today," architect John Ronan said.

Lawmakers, dignitaries and everyday citizens came together to pay tribute to Judy Baar Topinka today. But is there any resolution to who her successor will be?

We talk with the South African Consul General about an event giving Chicagoans a chance to mourn and celebrate Nelson Mandela.

Dignitaries and top chefs come together to celebrate Charlie Trotter. Paris Schutz has the story.