Stories by UIS Public Affairs Reporting

Thousands More Illinoisans With Disabilities Now Eligible for ABLE Savings Accounts

These accounts allow people with disabilities to save and invest money without risking their federal benefits. People with more than $2,000 in assets are not eligible for Supplemental Security Income.

Development of CPS Safety Plan Can Serve as Model for Other School Districts: Study

Nearly two years after CPS removed police officers from campuses and implemented a new holistic approach to school safety, officials believe that shift could serve as a replicable model for school districts across the country.

Pay Family of Woman Struck and Killed by Driver Being Chased by Police $27M, City Lawyers Recommend

The City Council’s Finance Committee on Friday is set to consider the proposed settlement, which calls for taxpayers to pay $20 million and the city’s insurance company to pay $7 million. A final vote of the City Council could come March 18.

Powerful Storm System Spawned at Least 4 Tornadoes, 6-Inch Hail: National Weather Service

Intense thunderstorms spawned at least four tornadoes across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Tuesday, with at least two killed in Indiana as damage assessments continue.

Working Across Borders, Great Lakes Leaders Plan for Region’s Future

The Great Lakes provide water to hundreds of cities and tribal nations, from Chicago to Duluth to Toronto. Leaders are joining together to advocate for their shared needs and to protect the shared resources of the lakes.

March 10, 2026 - Full Show

Planning for the future of the Great Lakes. How TSA agents are faring after nearly a month without pay. And a look at why Latino arts organizations fall behind in financial support.

Chicago Airports Brace for Spring Break Season as Partial Government Shutdown Leaves TSA Agents Without Pay

TSA agents have been caught in the crossfire of a federal debate over reforms to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Chicago Nonprofit Investing in Latino Arts Amid Funding Cuts, Shrinking Philanthropic Support

According to a 2025 report by the University of Illinois Chicago Great Cities Institute, Latinos make up about 30% of the city and the majority of CPS students, yet only around 6% of philanthropic arts funding is directed toward Latino arts.

Mayor’s Pick to Lead City Animal Shelter Advances to Full Council Vote as Calls Continue for National Search

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to lead Chicago Animal Care and Control highlighted the work of the city shelter during a committee hearing Tuesday, as some animal advocates demand a nationwide search.

Tiny Warty Frogfish Was Surprise Birth at Shedd, Is First-Ever Raised in Aquarium

“This little fish is truly one in a million,” said Jenny Richards, senior aquarist at Shedd Aquarium.

Baseball-Size Hail Is in Play as Severe Storms Bear Down on Northern Illinois Tuesday

Severe thunderstorms are expected throughout northeast Illinois late Tuesday afternoon into the evening, bringing with them the threat for damaging hail and winds, flash flooding and possible tornadoes south of the I-80 corridor.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for March 11-17

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

In a Time of War With Iran, Americans Unite in Aggravation Over Sticker Shock at the Gas Pump

The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war, according to tracking by AAA.

FDA Finds Little Evidence That Drug Touted by Trump Can Help People With Autism

It’s a major step back from comments made at a White House news conference in September, when Trump and FDA commissioner Marty Makary announced the drug was under review to benefit patients with autism.

Chicago Police Officer Shoots, Kills Person in Car That Struck Woman, Bus: CPD

Two officers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital after the incident that began at 5:39 p.m. Monday, according to a Chicago Police Department statement.

Chicago Coalition Pushing for Special Prosecutor to Investigate ICE Crimes, Drawing Pushback From State’s Attorney

Attorneys with Loevy and Loevy say a “broad coalition” is set to make a public call for a special prosecutor after Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “terrorized” Cook County communities last fall

Democratic Senate Candidates Talk Iran War, Immigration Enforcement During WTTW News Debate

With a little more than a week until the March 17 election, the debate hosted by WTTW News’ “Chicago Tonight” was the first after President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran that has already killed seven members of the U.S. military.

Democratic Senate Candidate Forum - Full Show

Three U.S. Senate candidates join "Chicago Tonight" in their last forum before the March 17 primary election. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton on war powers, immigration and more.

Students, Families Scrambling as 2 Chicago Charter Schools Set to Close Mid-Year

The ASPIRA charter network intends to close two schools by April 3 due to what it says is a “lack of funding,” forcing hundreds of students to transfer mid-year while teachers and staff must now find new jobs.

Report Outlines Premature Deaths, Chronic Health Problems Among Homeless Illinois Residents

An estimated 10,000 people in Illinois experienced “literal homelessness,” according to the IDPH report. An estimated 108,000 to 233,000 are living in unstable arrangements.

Obama Presidential Center to Open on Juneteenth: ‘Hope Is Getting a Permanent Home’

Announced in 2015, the Obama Presidential Center will open to the public June 19 at its 20-acre campus in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park.

CPD Failed to Document 267K Traffic Stops in 2025, 27% More Than Previous Year: Data

Officers made an average of 732 traffic stops every day for an entire year that were not documented as required by CPD policy and state law, according to data from the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Iran Names Khamenei’s Son to Succeed Him, Signaling No Letup in War as Oil Prices Surge

Iran named the hard-line Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his late father as supreme leader on Monday, signaling no letup in the war launched by the United States and Israel. 

Week in Review: War on Iran Escalates; Thousands Pay Tribute to Jesse Jackson

President Donald Trump bounces embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. And three former presidents are among the crowd of thousands paying tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

‘No Fight Too Small Nor Too Big’: Jesse Jackson Memorial Draws 3 Former Presidents, Thousands of Attendees

Friday’s ceremony, billed as a “homegoing service,” served as a celebration of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life and achievements with singing, dancing and numerous speakers who reflected on the many ways Jackson impacted their lives.

Trump Rules Out Talks Absent Iran’s ‘Unconditional Surrender’ as Israel Strikes Lebanon

There was no sign of the war letting up on its seventh day, as U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to rule out negotiations with Iran and called for its “unconditional surrender.“
 

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