Shannon Heffernan
Reporter, Criminal Justice
Her reporting has earned her a Third Coast International Audio Festival Award, a National Murrow Award for best writing and a PRINDI for best writing, as well as awards from the Illinois AP and Chicago Headline Club. She worked on the 16 Shots podcast, which was a Scripps Howard finalist. Her work has been heard on local and national programming, including This American Life.
Shannon also writes short fictional stories and has been published Hobart, The Indiana Review and The Columbia Review, where she won the 2016 prize for fiction.
Stories by Shannon Heffernan
![]()
What to expect now that cash bail in Illinois is ending
Experts say the doomsday scenarios surrounding the controversial criminal justice reform aren’t likely to materialize. But big changes are coming.
![]()
Dying and disabled Illinois prisoners kept behind bars, despite new medical release law
Lawmakers said hundreds would be released thanks to the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act. But so far, just 52 have gotten out.
![]()
Civil rights lawyers call on Illinois to abandon for-profit prison health care
The state has paid Wexford Health Sources more than $1 billion, but about half the medical positions are unfilled. As their contract expires, lawmakers hear calls for change.
![]()
Illinois prisons need $2.5 billion in repairs, and that’s just the beginning
Mold, leaky roofs, sewage backups, unsafe drinking water and raccoon infestations are at the top of the list. Next up: dire staffing shortages and an aging population.
![]()
Illinois could be a national model for eliminating cash bail, but implementation is another test
The landmark decision clears the way for unprecedented criminal justice reform. Here’s how politicians, prosecutors and advocates responded.
![]()
Despite horror stories and deaths, will Illinois keep expensive prison health care company?
As the Wexford Health Sources contract expires, experts worry the state is likely to continue paying big dollars for poor care.
![]()
Cook County has been giving felony records to people who should not have them
For at least three years, a data error has caused chaos in the lives of people who were promised a clean record if they did probation.
![]()
People in Illinois prisons are endangered by lack of medical staff
An independent monitor reported problems are largely related to major staffing shortages, with 46% of medical positions left unfilled.
![]()
Chicago libraries now offer mental health help
Clinicians take walk-ins and appointments at some local libraries. The service is open to all Chicagoans, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
![]()
Five of Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s public safety promises — and obstacles
He’s vowed to add 200 detectives, shut off ShotSpotter, expand crisis teams, create trauma centers and beef up domestic violence efforts.
