Aaron Pickens, 36, was shot and killed early Tuesday on the 21600 block of Jeffrey Avenue in Sauk Village. The Cook County medical examiner listed a gunshot wound to the torso.

City and independent reports point to early declines in shootings and homicides in several Chicago neighborhoods, while leaders warn sustained funding is needed.

A Lincolnwood man was arrested at MIA after federal agents say they found child sexual abuse videos on his phones following a trip to Medellín. He faces federal possession and transportation charges.

A 23-year-old from Zion, Illinois, was arrested in March and returned to Kenosha on charges tied to a Nov. 21 fatal shooting that left a 47-year-old man dead.

A police-involved shooting was reported Monday night on the 800 block of N. Holman Ave; one offender is in custody and no officers were hurt.

A 17-year-old driver died after his BMW left Ela Road in Deer Park and struck a tree; Lake County investigators say the single-vehicle crash is under review.

FBI Chicago's threat assessment has local and federal agencies stepping up patrols as fans arrive for the Big Ten tournament at United Center.

A Joliet man faces aggravated animal-cruelty charges after police say he beat his pet rooster outside Gonzalez Fresh Produce. The bird was taken into protective custody and received veterinary care.

A 24-year-old man was found shot to death Monday night in the hallway of an Englewood apartment building. Area One detectives are investigating.

A Lake County jury found Jesus Vargas guilty of first-degree murder after prosecutors say he stabbed his partner more than 40 times; Vargas's bond was revoked and a status hearing is set for April 28.

Two women died and a passenger was hurt after a wrong-way crash on I-55 near Springfield. Autopsies are scheduled and state police are investigating the collision.

A 35-year-old man who intervened in a fight at 110 W. Hubbard St. was pushed down a flight of stairs and later died; police arrested a suspect and detectives are investigating.

Six masked suspects forced their way into a Winnetka house Sunday after one posed as a delivery driver; the resident escaped and police are searching for a possible unplated black Acura RDX.