“We have endured quite a bit,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “It has been a barrage of just crisis after crisis that I’ve had to manage, but again, you know, I’ve made it very clear that it’s a lot more effective and easier to lead when you are leading with your values and your convictions.”

As of May 13, the World Health Organization reported eight confirmed cases related to the MV Hondius cruise ship, along with one inconclusive and two probable cases. Meanwhile, public health officials in Illinois reported a possible hantavirus case in Winnebago County that is unrelated to the cruise ship outbreak.

The changes to SNAP outlined in what President Donald Trump dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” go into effect this month and require thousands of Illinois households to fulfill new work requirements or submit for an exemption.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mourners gather for the funeral of a Chicago police officer killed in a hospital shooting. And Mayor Brandon Johnson lobbies state lawmakers for more funding.