Alonzo Small
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Articles by Alonzo Small
Smart Streets pilot program expands citywide to boost bike lane safety Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago streets can be challenging and potentially dangerous—if not deadly—amid the daily hustle and bustle. That’s why Kyle Lucas, a bicycle advocate and executive director of Better Streets Chicago, strongly supports expanding the Smart Streets program citywide. “The city of Chicago has made a lot of progress, but we have a long way to go,” Lucas said, applauding the news from City Hall.
Sleep Expert: Why we should stay on permanent standard time Original
As we fall back this weekend, the never-ending debate on keeping daylight saving time permanent continues. A bill called the Sunshine Protection Act is stalled in the Senate. But some sleep experts say we should make standard time permanent. Dr. Anita Shelgikar, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at University of Michigan Health, joined WGN’s Evening News at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, to discuss why experts are pushing for permanent standard time.
Third stadium option could keep Bears in Chicago; city leaders react Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — A gleaming domed Chicago Bears stadium at the Chicago White Sox’s current home. That’s the vision developed by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The firm proposes a stadium district with more affordable and market-rate housing, entertainment, and parks—which would keep the Bears in Chicago. In a statement to WGN News, the firm’s managing partner shared that, “The design study gives people a starting point for discussing the opportunity.
East Aurora school board member faces fraud charges over $1.3M kickback scheme Original
AURORA, Ill. (WGN) — A suburban school board member is accused of steering $1.3 million to her boyfriend’s company, where she also worked. Annette Johnson, former president of the East Aurora School District 131 Board of Education, faces two counts of honest services mail fraud and one count of honest services wire fraud, each punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Federal arraignment has not yet been set.
Caleb Williams prioritizing health with innovative cleat design despite NFL fines Original
Caleb Williams and his cleats. WGN’s Medical Team previously reported that, during the World Cup, as soccer players embraced the Caddix cleats, orthopedic surgeons called them the next frontier in sports equipment. Williams, the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback, learned about the design from his trainer and is wearing them on the field, even though he faces fines for it. Williams has spoken highly about the protective footwear.
Chicago police warn Roseland residents of armed robberies via social media Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago police on Thursday issued a community alert warning Roseland residents about recent armed robberies where the suspect uses social media to connect with victims. Concerned Ivy Park Homes residents who spoke with WGN-TV said the suspect is using addresses in their neighborhood to lure victims before they’re robbed, with an emphasis on those living in the 9200 block of S. Harvard Ave.
2 drivers critically injured in wrong-way crash on I-65 near Hobart
HOBART, Ind. ( WGN ) — Two people are clinging to life after authorities in Northwest Indiana say a wrong-way expressway crash left both drivers with life-threatening injuries. According to police, the incident happened just after 2:35 a.m. Monday on Interstate‑65 northbound at the 257.5 mile marker, located between 61st Avenue and Ridge Road.
Researchers uncover what may lead to preeclampsia — and more health headlines Original
For Monday, Oct. 26, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information, including: The dangerous and potentially deadly pregnancy high blood pressure is one of the most serious pregnancy complications, causing 16 percent of maternal deaths. Flinders University researchers found a prematurely aging placenta could contribute to preeclampsia. Doctors also found the biological pathway that triggers the placental changes.
2 drivers critically injured in wrong-way crash on I-65 near Hobart Original
Posted: Oct 26, 2026 / 05:00 PM CDT Updated: Oct 26, 2026 / 05:00 PM CDT HOBART, Ind. (WGN) — Two people are clinging to life after authorities in Northwest Indiana say a wrong-way expressway crash left both drivers with life-threatening injuries. According to police, the incident happened just after 2:35 a.m. Monday on Interstate‑65 northbound at the 257.5 mile marker, located between 61st Avenue and Ridge Road.
Male, 18, charged in death of 10-year-old boy in Woodlawn Original
Posted: Oct 26, 2026 / 03:44 PM CDT Updated: Oct 26, 2026 / 03:44 PM CDT CHICAGO (WGN) — An 18-year-old male faces felony charges in connection with the death of a 10-year-old boy, Chicago police announced on Monday. The male, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, faces a charge of first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Police said the incident occurred on Aug. 6 of this year, in the 6200 block of S. Drexel Ave. in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood.
Male, 18, charged in death of 10-year-old boy in Woodlawn
Male, 18, charged in death of 10-year-old boy in Woodlawn Mon, October 26, 2026 at 4:44 PM EDT Male, 18, charged in death of 10-year-old boy in Woodlawn CHICAGO (WGN) — An 18-year-old male faces felony charges in connection with the death of a 10-year-old boy, Chicago police announced on Monday. The male, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, faces a charge of first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Police said the incident occurred on Aug.
New stretch of I-490 opening in Chicago’s suburbs Original
Posted: Oct 23, 2026 / 04:54 PM CDT Updated: Oct 23, 2026 / 04:54 PM CDT CHICAGO (WGN) — It’s nearly a billion dollars over budget and more than two years late, but a new stretch of the Illinois Tollway is opening. It’s expected to change travel and lessen congestion to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. “For generations. O’Hare has connected Chicago to the world.
From the WGN archives: Mike Ditka talks ‘Kicking and Screaming'
As Chicago continues to honor the late, great Mike Ditka, WGN dug through our own archives and found a gem of an interview with the charismatic Super Bowl-winning coach.
Man gets 70 years in prison for 2024 shooting death of Northwest Indiana teen
WHITING, Ind. ( WGN ) — A man will spend decades in prison after being found guilty in the 2024 killing of a 14-year-old boy in Northwest Indiana The Lake County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday announced that Leonardo Nunez was sentenced to a total of 70 years in prison in connection with the March 23, 2024, shooting death of Damien Abenante. According to police, the deadly shooting unfolded in the 1600 block of LaPorte Avenue, in Whiting.
Man gets 70 years in prison for 2024 shooting death of Northwest Indiana teen Original
Posted: Oct 22, 2026 / 05:38 PM CDT Updated: Oct 22, 2026 / 05:38 PM CDT The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday announced that Leonardo Nunez was sentenced to a total of 70 years in prison in connection with the March 23, 2024, shooting death of Damien Abenante. Leonardo Nunez (Photo/Lake County Prosecutor’s Office) According to police, the deadly shooting unfolded in the 1600 block of LaPorte Avenue, in Whiting. Arriving officers found Abenante had been shot in the chest.
From the WGN Archives: Mike Ditka talks ‘Kicking and Screaming’ Original
by: Alonzo Small, Kevin Doellman Posted: Oct 22, 2026 / 02:58 PM CDT Updated: Oct 22, 2026 / 02:58 PM CDT As Chicago continues to honor the late, great Mike Ditka, WGN dug through our own archives and found a gem of an interview with the charismatic Super Bowl-winning coach.
Man charged after shooting incident near Kluczynski Federal Building downtown Original
Posted: Oct 22, 2026 / 01:33 PM CDT Updated: Oct 22, 2026 / 01:33 PM CDT Federal prosecutors in Chicago allege that Edmund J. Horvath, 36, of Lynwood, illegally possessed a loaded firearm outside the downtown Chicago federal building, located at 230 S. Dearborn St. Horvath had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. (Photo/WGN) According to court documents, the incident unfolded at around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct.
Brink’s truck robbed of cash during service at Cicero bank Original
Posted: Oct 14, 2026 / 08:15 PM CDT Updated: Oct 14, 2026 / 08:15 PM CDT CICERO, Ill. (WGN) — Armed robbers made off with an undisclosed amount of money from a Brink’s truck that was servicing a bank in Cicero, town officials said on Wednesday. SkyCam9 flew above the scene of a PNC Bank in the 4800 block of W. Cermak. It was at around 12:20 p.m. that police said a courier was leaving the bank and headed to the company’s armored truck when multiple armed suspects approached and robbed them.
Suburban cemetery workers file suit after ICE clash at Des Plaines River Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Two cemetery workers have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming agents attacked them during Operation Midway Blitz. The suit points to a confrontation last fall at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park. At the time, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents said they wanted to access the property to reach a man in the Des Plaines River, but employees refused to open the gate.
The pope effect: Lung cancer diagnosis sparks push for screenings Original
As the world awaits news about Pope Leo XIV following his lung cancer diagnosis, regarding next steps and whether he needs more treatment, the news has shed light on the importance of early detection and a screening many people should consider. Doctors say the ‘pope effect’ could save lives. Lung nodules like the one detected in the pope are common, says Dr. Seth Krantz, chief of thoracic surgery at Endeavor Health.
Pope Leo has lung cancer. Local doctor explains diagnosis and next steps Original
As Pope Leo recovers from surgery to remove a lung nodule, a local thoracic surgeon explains the diagnosis, the next steps, and what it means for his health. Dr. Seth Krantz is the chief of thoracic surgery at Endeavor Health. “That’s a more irregular area there, right? It has some haziness, you see. It’s almost pulling on this line. So that area right there, that’s a lung nodule,” Krantz said. “We see over time that those hazy nodules are getting more solid.
Deadly stabbing renews calls for heightened CTA safety measures Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — There’s a renewed call across Chicago for accountability and better safety measures after a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) employee was stabbed to death at the Damen Green Line stop on Thursday. Police sources say a 37-year-old suspect turned himself in later in the night, telling officers he’s the person who stabbed someone on the CTA earlier in the day. Police have not publicly identified or announced any charges against the suspect, who remains in custody.
Judge orders psychiatric evaluation for woman accused in 7-year-old’s murder Original
CHICAGO (WGN) – The woman accused in the deadly stabbing of a 7-year-old girl appeared in court on Friday. One day after family and friends held a visitation for Eddimar Paola Hernandez, the 7-year-old’s loved ones locked arms as they entered court Friday morning. It was on Saturday, Oct. 3, shortly after exiting a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus at 86th and Cottage Grove with her 17-year-old sister, that the Tanner Elementary School student was fatally stabbed.
CTA janitor killed in stabbing at Damen Green Line station
CHICAGO ( WGN ) – A Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) worker is dead after a stabbing attack at a Green Line stop on the city's Near West Side. ATU Local 308 president Pennie McCoach identified the victim as 41-year-old Julian Mobley, a rail maintenance janitor and 8-year union veteran. McCoach said he was a husband to his wife of 20 years and a father of two children, the youngest just 18 months old. “I stand before you with a heavy heart and a united voice.
Person in critical condition after reported stabbing at CTA Green Line station Original
CHICAGO (WGN) – One person is in critical condition following a reported stabbing at a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station on the city’s Near West Side. Details remain limited, but Chicago Fire Department (CFD) personnel say first responders rushed the victim from the CTA Green Line to a nearby hospital. (Photo/WGN) Early reports suggest the incident took place in the 100 block of N. Damen Ave.
Man, 22, charged in Oak Lawn video gaming terminal thefts
OAK LAWN, Ill. ( WGN ) — Oak Lawn police have announced another arrest in a spree of video gaming terminal (VGT) thefts at local businesses. Sincere Lanier, 22, of Calumet Park faces two felony burglary charges in connection with various VGT thefts. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has charged Lanier with additional felony counts of criminal damage to property, theft, and burglary-related offenses.
DuPage County reports first West Nile virus death of 2026 Original
Posted: Oct 7, 2026 / 04:47 PM CDT Updated: Oct 7, 2026 / 04:48 PM CDT DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) – A DuPage County resident is the first to die this year from West Nile virus (WNV), its health department announced on Tuesday. The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) says it’s the first West Nile virus-related death of 2026 amid six reported human cases. Last year, DCHD reported a total of 14 WNV cases, including one related death reported in the county.
Calumet Park man charged in Oak Lawn video gaming terminal thefts
OAK LAWN, Ill. (WGN) — Oak Lawn police have announced another arrest linked to a spree of cases involving the theft of video gaming terminals (VGTs) at local businesses. Sincere Lanier, 22, of Calumet Park faces two felony counts of burglary in connection with various VGT thefts. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has charged Lanier with additional felony counts of criminal damage to property, theft, and burglary-related offenses.
Chicago named 'best big city' in US for 10th consecutive year
CHICAGO ( WGN ) — Chicago is once again the toast of the town. Chicago has topped Condé Nast Traveler's list of The Best Cities in the US: 2026 Readers' Choice Awards for a 10th consecutive year with roughly 800,000 votes cast. The lakefront, museums, architecture and food are all big hits with readers.
Chicago named ‘Best Big City’ in US for 10th consecutive year Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago is once again the toast of the town. Chicago has topped Condé Nast Traveler’s list of The Best Cities in the US: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for a 10th consecutive year with roughly 800,000 votes cast. The lakefront, museums, architecture and food are all big hits with readers. “A world-class destination known for its impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene, it’ll take several repeat visits to get through your list of must-dos.
Fake Cartier watches worth $28M intercepted at O'Hare Airport
CHICAGO ( WGN ) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport seized a shipment of 200 counterfeit Cartier watches from Hong Kong valued at nearly $28 million, the agency announced on Wednesday. The Hong Kong shipment was headed toward California.
Fake Cartier watches worth $28M intercepted at O’Hare Airport Original
Posted: Sep 30, 2026 / 02:40 PM CDT Updated: Sep 30, 2026 / 02:40 PM CDT CHICAGO (WGN) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport seized a shipment of 200 counterfeit Cartier watches from Hong Kong valued at nearly $28 million, the agency announced on Wednesday. The Hong Kong shipment was headed toward California.
Chicago police sergeant charged after allegedly punching teen in viral video
CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago police officer is now facing charges after allegedly punching a 17-year-old girl in a video that went viral. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged 45-year-old Sergeant Jeremy Sikorski with a pair of felony aggravated battery charges following an Aug. 9 encounter on the city's Southwest Side. According to police, the alleged incident took place in the 5100 block of S. Merrimac Ave. in Garfield Ridge.
Chicago police sergeant charged after allegedly punching teen in viral video Original
Posted: Sep 29, 2026 / 06:13 PM CDT Updated: Sep 29, 2026 / 06:13 PM CDT CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago police officer is now facing charges after allegedly punching a 17-year-old girl in a video that went viral. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged 45-year-old Sergeant Jeremy Sikorski with a pair of felony aggravated battery charges following an Aug. 9 encounter on the city’s Southwest Side. According to police, the alleged incident took place in the 5100 block of S. Merrimac Ave.
Cook County State's Attorney's Office launches relocation program for victims and witnesses
CHICAGO ( WGN ) — Cook County is launching a new program to help victims and witnesses relocate when their safety is at risk. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) said the Victim and Witness Relocation program is funded in part by a nearly $250,000 state grant. It will provide short-term and permanent relocation assistance, as well as safety planning. The program covers eligible victims and witnesses in violent felony and misdemeanor cases.
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office launches relocation program for victims and witnesses
CHICAGO (WGN) — Cook County is launching a new program to help victims and witnesses relocate when their safety is at risk. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) said the Victim and Witness Relocation program is funded in part by a nearly $250,000 state grant. It will provide short-term and permanent relocation assistance, as well as safety planning. The program covers eligible victims and witnesses in violent felony and misdemeanor cases.
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office launches relocation program for victims and witnesses Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Cook County is launching a new program to help victims and witnesses relocate when their safety is at risk. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) said the Victim and Witness Relocation program is funded in part by a nearly $250,000 state grant. It will provide short-term and permanent relocation assistance, as well as safety planning. The program covers eligible victims and witnesses in violent felony and misdemeanor cases.
CPD seeking man suspected of groping woman on CTA bus in Little Italy
CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago police are looking for a man who, department officials say, sexually abused a woman on a CTA bus in Little Italy. CPD on Friday shared surveillance images of the man suspected of groping a 48-year-old woman on a bus in the 1100 block of Roosevelt in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood on Thursday, Sept. 3. The male suspect, pictured with dark-colored hair and beard, is seen wearing dark-colored clothing and white shoes.
CPD seeking man suspected of groping woman on CTA bus in Little Italy Original
Posted: Sep 25, 2026 / 06:57 PM CDT Updated: Sep 25, 2026 / 06:57 PM CDT CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago police are looking for a man who department officials say sexually abused a woman on a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. CPD on Friday shared surveillance images of the man suspected of groping a 48-year-old woman on a bus in the 1100 block of Roosevelt in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Sweetened Chicago parking meter deal advances toward City Council approval Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — A billion-dollar deal involving Chicago’s often-panned parking meter deal cleared a key vote on Thursday. City Council’s finance committee voted in favor of a $2.5 billion bid to take control of the city’s parking meters. The full City Council will meet Friday to consider the proposal. Alders have until Wednesday, Sept. 30, to sign off.
Ford City Mall redevelopment plans approved by City Council
CHICAGO ( WGN ) — Despite locals' opposition, the Chicago City Council approved redevelopment plans for the former Ford City Mall site on Wednesday. A warehouse and distribution facility will now officially replace the site on the Southwest Side. Developers say the redevelopment could invest $200 million in the community and create 90 construction jobs and 185 permanent jobs.
Ford City Mall redevelopment plans approved by City Council
CHICAGO (WGN) — Despite locals' opposition, the Chicago City Council approved redevelopment plans for the former Ford City Mall site on Wednesday. A warehouse and distribution facility will now officially replace the site on the Southwest Side. Developers say the redevelopment could invest $200 million in the community and create 90 construction jobs and 185 permanent jobs.
Ford City Mall redevelopment plans approved by City Council Original
Posted: Sep 23, 2026 / 07:15 PM CDT Updated: Sep 23, 2026 / 07:16 PM CDT CHICAGO (WGN) — Despite locals’ opposition, the Chicago City Council approved redevelopment plans for the former Ford City Mall site on Wednesday. A warehouse and distribution facility will now officially replace the site on the Southwest Side. Developers say the redevelopment could invest $200 million in the community and create 90 construction jobs and 185 permanent jobs.
‘There’s no evidence’: Prosecutor doubts Idaho cold case link to Chicago Tylenol murders Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Authorities in Idaho have solved a cold case that they say could be linked to the 1982 Tylenol murders in Chicago, eliciting reaction and some doubt from those most familiar with the decades-old crime spree. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday identified a man previously known as “the unknown wanderer” as Dr. Matthew Francis Betkouski. He was found dead under a pew in a Boise church after taking cyanide in December 1982.
Chicago mayoral hopeful Bill Quinlan files suit against rivals over dual candidacy
CHICAGO (WGN) – A Chicago mayoral candidate is suing three of his big-name opponents. Attorney Bill Quinlan is suing Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley, and prospective candidate Maria Pappas for running for two different offices at once. Giannoulias, Quigley, and Pappas are all running for re-election to their current jobs in November. Giannoulias and Quigley have also jumped into the mayor's race for February.
Chicago mayoral hopeful Bill Quinlan files suit against rivals over dual candidacy Original
CHICAGO (WGN) – A Chicago mayoral candidate is suing three of his big-name opponents. Attorney Bill Quinlan is suing Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley, and prospective candidate Maria Pappas for running for two different offices at once. Giannoulias, Quigley, and Pappas are all running for re-election to their current jobs in November. Giannoulias and Quigley have also jumped into the mayor’s race for February.
Chicago to host free colon cancer screening event as early rates climb Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — Colorectal cancer is now the number one cause of cancer-related death for men and women under 50 years old. Cases among younger people are rising at an alarming rate as scientists, researchers, and doctors look for the reasons behind the surge. In the meantime, we’re left with the question: what can we do about it? Dr. Andrew Albert, medical staff president at Advocate Illinois Masonic, joined WGN’s Evening News at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept.
Dangerously high humidity in Chicago drove up risks of heat stroke, injury and storms Original
CHICAGO (WGN) — If this summer feels a bit more humid than normal—you’re right—and that extra stickiness in the air makes time outside more dangerous for Chicagoans The Windy City has had a notably more humid summer. July and August dew points averaged about three degrees higher than last year. It’s considered humid when the dew point reaches 70 degrees.
Drug bust on Indiana Toll Road leads to seizure of 220 pounds of marijuana
PORTER COUNTY, Ind. WGN — A traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road led authorities to a massive drug bust, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department announced on Thursday. It was around 7 a.m. on Sept. 10 that a Highway Interdiction Team police officer stopped a rental van on I-90 in Porter County for traffic violations. Authorities said several large boxes in the van caught the officer’s attention.
Drug bust on Indiana Toll Road leads to seizure of 220 pounds of marijuana
PORTER COUNTY, Ind. WGN ) — A traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road led authorities to a massive drug bust, the Lake County Sheriff's Department announced on Thursday. It was around 7 a.m. on Sept. 10 that a Highway Interdiction Team police officer stopped a rental van on I-90 in Porter County for traffic violations. Authorities said several large boxes in the van caught the officer's attention.
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