Cicero families displaced by fire helped by donations from neighbors
Christmas came early for residents of a Cicero apartment complex that went up in flames last Friday.
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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.
Christmas came early for residents of a Cicero apartment complex that went up in flames last Friday.
Elmwood Park officials confirmed the damage was reported on both houses next to the fire.
Police had the Falcon Fuel station at 79th Street and Western Avenue taped off for five hours as they processed the scene.
For nearly 80 years, Catholic Charities has been providing gifts for families during the holidays for its annual Celebration of Giving.
Following an extensive search of the hotel, one person of interest was taken into custody.
Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) said the fieldhouse will reopen Monday, allowing for after-school programming and other services to resume.
People gathered for the big countdown Friday afternoon to light up the 45-foot tree full of holiday spirit.
Just before midnight, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office ordered a shelter-in-place in Johnsburg.
Over the last six years, they've raised over $120,000 for Make a Wish Illinois.
As Darius Johnson reports, hundreds from the Midwest arrived at the train station, near Accenture Tower, where the consulate office is located.
The field could potentially host up to six concerts during the off-season, bringing the city nearly $80 million in revenue yearly.
The company that manages the Forest View mobile home park hasn't paid the water bill since March.
Inside a UIC conference room heartfelt and meaningful conversations were had. And those conversations all had hope for change.
Days ago, a group of volunteers visiting Texas came across a rancher who they say did not have good intentions for the bunch of puppies.
All the businesses that were targeted had doors or windows smashed, and a few cash registers were missing.