Indiana deputy fire chief welcomed home after helping hurricane victims
Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cusack and his K-9 partner, Jake, returned from their longest search and rescue deployment, and now one can look forward to retirement.
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Darius Johnson joined CBS News Chicago in August 2023.
Johnson is thrilled to be home after growing up in Chatham. His maternal grandparents raised him after his mother, Sonja, was shot and killed on their front porch six weeks after his birth.
His passion for journalism began with his grandparents watching the news every day. He got his first shot by doing morning announcements at Burnside Academy and King College Prep.
Growing up, Johnson was a proud South Shore Drill Team member and King College Prep Marching Band member.
Before CBS News Chicago, he spent two years as a morning reporter and noon anchor at KUSA in Denver. There, he conducted multi-part investigations into Domestic Violence, Colorado's Fentanyl Crisis, and Kinship Care in Colorado.
His reporting on Kinship Care was recognized as a 2024 finalist of the DuPont Columbia University Awards.
Before Denver, he spent time at FOX59/CBS4 in Indianapolis, WSAV-TV in Savannah, GA, and CNN Atlanta. He graduated from Morehouse College and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and The National Association of Black Journalists.
Johnson enjoys skiing, traveling, dancing, and spending time with family, friends, and his four-legged friend, Charli. He hopes to serve as a pillar in the community while back home in Chicago.
Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cusack and his K-9 partner, Jake, returned from their longest search and rescue deployment, and now one can look forward to retirement.
The 45-year-old driver and 40-year-old passenger of the silver sedan were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where they were both pronounced dead.
The stage is set for the Chicago Marathon, and runners are ready.
Chicago area firefighters, and local volunteers from the American Red Cross, are among those who have hit the ground.
Zayden Garrett's family is asking for prayers.
Much of the area set to be hit by Hurricane Milton has been in shambles ever since Helene, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.
The students said they wanted to focus attention on the ongoing war in Gaza.
Officers were trying to take the handgun from the teen's waistband, and the gun discharged.
A total of 52 evidence markers were seen on the pavement as police investigated.
The boy was biking home early one morning when a car "plowed right into him" in west suburban Elmwood Park.
"I didn't ask anybody to do anything. I didn't ask anybody to do anything," Johnson said.
The 2-year-old was taken to the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital in good condition. A gun was recovered at the scene.
Durpetti was known to treat everyone "like a long-lost relative with a firm handshake, a double kiss, or a friendly joke."
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union have asked Martinez to resign amid contentious contract talks, but Martinez has refused to step down.
Zoey Reddick, 5, received a special award Wednesday night, for her quick thinking and bravery.