Erin Hooley

Sandra prepares to leave the Fox Valley Adult Transition Center, the final part of her 22-year incarceration on Jan. 13, 2022. Sandra said she watched other women leave and come back, picking up new convictions and facing further setbacks. As she prepared for her own release, she reflected on that cycle questioning why the system doesn't want to interrupt it.

Sandra Brown beat the odds to get a college education while in prison. Now free, she seeks to make the process easier for others.

January 24, 2023 at 5:34 p.m.

Sandra Brown walked gingerly down a walkway to the side door of Decatur Correctional Center. She wore jeans and a hooded sweatshirt that said "The Reclamation Project," and her hair...

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) embrace after a Packers victory over the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 4, 2022.

Week 13 photos: Chicago Bears lose to Green Bay Packers 28-19

December 5, 2022 at 12:31 a.m.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) embrace after a Packers victory over the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 4,...

Confetti bursts as the SpaceX Dragon 1 spacecraft is presented to a crowd of people gathered on the steps of the Museum of Science and Industry on Dec. 1, 2022, in Chicago.

Photos: SpaceX Dragon 1 spacecraft arrives at MSI

December 2, 2022 at 1:07 a.m.

The Museum of Science and Industry welcomes the arrival of a SpaceX Dragon 1 spacecraft. The permanent exhibit will open to the public in spring 2023.

Former Blackhawks player Marián Hossa waves to fans as he leaves the ice during his jersey No. 81 retirement ceremony Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at the United Center. The right wing played eight seasons with the Blackhawks and won three Stanley Cups with the team.

Photos: Marián Hossa’s No. 81 retired by Chicago Blackhawks

November 21, 2022 at 5:57 p.m.

Former Blackhawks player Marián Hossa waves to fans as he leaves the ice during his jersey No. 81 retirement ceremony Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at the United Center. The right...

Light installations are part of the Morton Arboretum's "Illumination: Tree Lights" display.

Photos: Morton Arboretum’s ‘Illumination: Tree Lights’ display

November 18, 2022 at 10:49 p.m.

Light installations are part of the Morton Arboretum's "Illumination: Tree Lights" display. The "Golden Glade" installation at Morton Arboretum's "Illumination: Tree Lights" in Lisle. The "Hallow" sculpture by Daniel Popper...

Bears quarterback Justin Fields slips through the Lions defense in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field.

Week 10 photos: Chicago Bears lose 31-30 to Detroit Lions

November 14, 2022 at 1:07 p.m.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields slips through the Lions defense in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Bears quarterback Justin Fields leaves the field after the 31-30 loss to the Lions...

Chef Debbie Gold, left, and Amy Morton are seen at the new LeTour French/Moroccan restaurant on Nov. 7, 2022, in Evanston. The pair, who have known each other for more than three decades, decided on a circular layout for the restaurant to represent the "full circle" moments that brought Morton and Gold together. LeTour will open for dinner on Nov. 17.

Photos: LeTour, Evanston’s new French-Moroccan restaurant

November 14, 2022 at 9:53 p.m.

Restaurateur Amy Morton, who also owns The Barn Steakhouse in Evanston and Stolp Island Social in Aurora, will open LeTour, a new French restaurant with her longtime collaborator, chef Debbie...

Husband-and-wife chef team Sarah Mispagel and Ben Lustbader own Loaf Lounge. They opened their sandwich shop in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood in summer 2022.

Photos: Loaf Lounge bread-centric cafe

November 7, 2022 at 11:36 p.m.

Chefs Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel left fine dining restaurants to run their own sandwich shop with intention. They opened Loaf Lounge in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago in summer...

Angelique Gall, 42, poses for a portrait during Dia de los Muertos celebrations on Nov. 2, 2022, at Dvorak Park in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Gall celebrates her friend Irene Chavez, 32, who died in police custody in December 2021.

Dia de los Muertos celebration in Pilsen

November 3, 2022 at 6:21 p.m.

Phoenix Gall, 8, poses for a portrait during Dia de los Muertos celebrations at Dvorak Park on Nov. 2, 2022, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Angelique Gall, 42, poses...

Mike's hot pepperoni pie is served at Zazas Pizzeria on North Clark Street.

Photos: New York style pizzerias

November 4, 2022 at 9:16 p.m.

Zazas Pizzeria, The Slice Shop and Naudi Signature Pizza are inspired by New York slice shops.

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