Chicago's NPR News Source

John O'Conner

Tom Wadsworth gestures towards the Truesdell bridge while standing on the bank of the Rock River in Dixon, Ill., near the site of the May 4, 1873, baptismal ceremony, when a large crowd gathered on the bridge before it toppled over, killing 46 and injuring 56 in the worst road-bridge disaster in American history.
150 years later, Dixon bridge tragedy among nation's worst
By John O’Conner
 
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias addresses the crowd after taking the Oath of Office during a ceremony in January.
Education
Illinois seeks library pledge against 'banning' books
By John O’Conner
 
Willie Hedden in suit and tie leaving building
Criminal Justice
Cooperating ex-guard gets six years in Illinois inmate's death
By John O’Conner
 
Former Illinois Correctional Lt. Todd Sheffler returns to federal court in Springfield, Ill., on April 21, 2022.
Criminal Justice
Lying officers unpunished in 2018 inmate death, records show
By John O’Conner
 
Election 2022
Politics
Illinois voters may opt to vote-by-mail in all elections
By John O’Conner
 
Back To School
Education
With soaring inflation, Chicago parents are searching for back-to-school deals
By Clare Lane  and John O’Conner
 
Linda Chapa LaVia
Politics
An urgent response was lacking during the outbreak at LaSalle Veterans home, a state audit finds
By John O’Conner
 
A wire fence pictured at an Illinois prison.
Criminal Justice
Jury convicts one of the Illinois prison guards accused of fatally beating an inmate
By John O’Conner
 
A wire fence pictured at an Illinois prison
Criminal Justice
The trial of two Illinois prison guards accused of fatally beating an inmate begins
By John O’Conner
 
Pritzker
There are nearly 300 state laws taking effect in 2022. Here's what you need to know.
By John O’Conner
 
An illustration of a judges desk
Politics
Illinois courts seek compassion and hope for mentally ill
By John O’Conner
 
A man in mask stands next to computers and ipads
Illinois launches mobile lab to speed up child-exploitation investigations
By John O’Conner
 
School students enter the 'White House' as a life-size Abraham Lincoln replica stands outside
Politics
Abraham Lincoln Museum Obtains Key 1854 Letter
By John O’Conner
 
CLOSER LOOK VETO SESSION
Politics
While States Restrict Voting, Illinois Would Expand Access
By John O’Conner
 
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Environment & Public Health
Your COVID-19 Shot Comes With A Free Beer Under A New Illinois Law
By John O’Conner
 
Illinois state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, accompanied by State Sen. Andy Manar
Politics
1 Week, 3 Reps, 1 Month Pay? Illinois Comptroller Seeks An End To 'Exit Bonus' Pay
By John O’Conner
 
Clean Energy
By 2050, Illinois Would Use Only Renewable Energy Under Bill
By John O’Conner
 
COVID
Illinois Expected To Top 1 Million COVID-19 Vaccinations
By John O’Conner  and The Associated Press