The Opioid Crisis

Chicago on the front lines of nationwide opioid crisis. (Photo/Kansas State/Creative Commons)

Trauma Deserts

U of Chicago Medicine filling trauma center gap on South Side. (Photo/Brandon Graver)

Sexual Assault

Survivors speak about healing process. (Photo/Itziarely Demeza)

The Red Line Project: Read more about the site.

CTA Crime Maps: Search maps of various crimes near CTA lines and stations.

Chicago Marathon 2013: Full coverage of the 2013 race. (Photo/Brianna Kelly)

Chicago Stumbler: The Tumblr blog features some of the city's worst sidewalks. Story

First Stop: Opioid Crisis

Data: Chicago, Cook County on the Front Lines of Opioid Crisis

An analysis of the Washington Post's open-source opioids database shows that from 2006 to 2012, enough opioids were prescribed in Cook County to distribute 15 pills per year to each resident, or nearly 557 million pills. But the issue extends beyond prescriptions.

Experts: Prison system not equipped to help opioid addicts | Audio
Chart: Narcotic arrests | Map: Recovery alliance locations
Video: Heroin still a major player in Chicago drug scene

Second Stop: Transportation

City Considering Scooter Program Extension

Some riders have mixed feelings about the possibility of a more permanent scooter rental program coming to the city after the four-month pilot program was implemented in June and halted in October.

CTA crime: Rogers Park crime rate 22% higher than national average
Commuting: Can public transportation help Chicago go green?
From the archives: The Chicago Stumbler | Pothole repairs

U of C Medical Center Trauma Center Photo

Third Stop: Healthcare

U of C Trauma Center Filling South Side 'Trauma Desert'

The lack of a trauma center on the South Side cost many lives over the years. But the University of Chicago Medicine's center has served an area where the next-closest trauma facility is nine miles away.

Sexual assault: Survivors speak about healing process
Teen suicide: Data show high rates of suicide attempts in Illinois
Health: Obesity rate climbing nationwide ... and in Cook County

Fourth Stop: Pilsen

Pilsen's Changes: For Better or Worse?

Gentrification. Pricy housing. Upscale restaurants. Churches closing and sold. Many Pilsen residents say they’re concerned about changes they see in a neighborhood that has been the focal point of Mexican life and culture in Chicago.