Stories by Eunice Alpasan
Artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Who Grew Up in the Robert Taylor Homes, Returns to Chicago for New Exhibit
| Eunice Alpasan
“Nathaniel Mary Quinn: A Love Letter to My Mother” features 10 artworks by Chicago-born artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn, along with a recreation of his childhood living room from the Robert Taylor Homes public housing project.
New Exhibit at International Museum of Surgical Science Highlights Role of Filipino Nurses in Healthcare
| Eunice Alpasan
“Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America” runs until Aug. 2 at the International Museum of Surgical Science. The exhibit highlights stories of Filipino nurses from the 1940s to present day.
Further Testing Finds Illinois Resident Did Not Have Hantavirus, Health Officials Say
| Eunice Alpasan
An Illinois resident suspected of having hantavirus last week was found to not have hantavirus following additional testing, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced.
New Opera By Chicago Music Critic Unpacks Being a Son of Holocaust Survivors
| Eunice Alpasan
The new opera, “The Dialogue of Memories,” is embarking on a three-city U.S. tour this month that culminates at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago on May 23 and 24. The opera draws from former longtime Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich's real-life discovery of his mother’s past and conversations he had with Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
Possible Illinois Hantavirus Case Not Linked to Outbreak on Cruise Ship
| Eunice Alpasan
The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a potential hantavirus case in an Illinois resident that is not linked to the deadly cruise ship outbreak, the health department announced Tuesday.
Chicago Sinfonietta to Pause Concerts, Lay Off Staff in Effort to ‘Stabilize and Grow’ Finances
| Eunice Alpasan
For nearly 40 years, the Chicago Sinfonietta has worked to advance equity in classical music by expanding access for underserved communities and developing diverse talent. The institution will undergo a “strategic renewal period” focused on fundraising and revising its operating model.
Millennium Park’s 2026 Summer Film Series Includes Rob Reiner Tribute, ‘Sinners’ and ‘Devil Wears Prada’
| Eunice Alpasan
The summer film series runs most Tuesdays between June 30 and Aug. 18. All film screenings are free. This year’s lineup features crowd favorites and milestone anniversaries.
Tickets for Obama Presidential Center to Go On Sale Wednesday Ahead of Juneteenth Opening
| Eunice Alpasan
All entry to the museum is timed-ticketed, and visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance, according to the center. Every Tuesday, the museum is free for Illinois residents.
Former WNBA Champion Leads Affordable Housing Development Effort in West Englewood
| Eunice Alpasan
The Bontemps Apartments project was awarded federal low-income housing tax credits through the city of Chicago. The award was part of a broader $300 million investment from the city going toward 15 affordable housing developments.
Chicago Labor Groups, Students to Participate in May Day Events on Friday. Here’s What to Know
| Eunice Alpasan
On Friday, thousands of Chicagoans are expected to participate in a May Day rally and march, starting at Union Park and ending at Daley Plaza in downtown. Other related actions are scheduled in different parts of the city in the morning ahead of the march.
CTA Kicks Off Construction on Long-Awaited $5.7B Red Line Extension on Far South Side
| Eunice Alpasan
The Red Line extension will extend the rail line by more than five miles, starting where the Red Line currently ends, at 95th Street, through 130th Street. Four new, accessible stations will be built at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue and 130th Street.
Chicago Nonprofit Hosts Epstein Survivors Who Say They’re Finding Ways to Heal Through Advocacy
| Eunice Alpasan
Jess Michaels and Jena-Lisa Jones, survivors of abuse by late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, said that while Epstein survivors are still far from getting justice, they hope the increased attention on the Epstein Files — and the stories of survivors – will help others stand up to abuse happening in their own communities.
Chicago’s Cinco De Mayo Parade Again Canceled Due to Immigration Raid Concerns, Organizers Say
| Eunice Alpasan
The Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla said in a statement the Mexican community continues to face challenges under the Trump administration. “There is nothing to celebrate,” organizers said in a statement.
Advocates Push for Wage Increases for Home Care Workers in Illinois
| Eunice Alpasan
Home care workers with SEIU Healthcare Illinois and state legislators gathered Thursday in front of the Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield to rally in support of a bill that would raise wages for home care workers serving seniors through the state’s Community Care Program.
Cook County Missing Persons Day Aims to Offer Hope, Provide Closure
| Eunice Alpasan
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is hosting its sixth annual Missing Persons Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event aims to connect people with resources to locate missing loved ones.
Nurses at Rush University Medical Center Hold Rally, File Petition to Unionize
| Eunice Alpasan
Rush nurses, in collaboration with National Nurses United and its affiliate National Nurses Organizing Committee, filed a petition Wednesday with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election, according to union organizers.
Illinois Democrats Call for Removing Trump From Office After ‘Whole Civilization Will Die’ Threat to Iran
| Eunice Alpasan
Several Democratic elected officials in Illinois released statements on social media calling for Trump to be impeached, including calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.
Chicago South Side Birth Center Breaks Ground, Expected to Open Early 2027
| Eunice Alpasan
Chicago South Side Birth Center plans to offer prenatal care, birth services, postpartum care, lactation support, holistic reproductive health care, childbirth education and community wellness programming.
Chicago Palestine Film Festival Includes Documentary About Local Doctor Who Volunteered in Gaza
| Eunice Alpasan
The Chicago Palestine Film Festival runs April 11-25 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. This year, the festival has more than 50 films in its lineup, including feature and short films.
Supreme Court Weighs Whether to Limit Mail Ballot Counts After Election Day. How Will It Impact Illinois?
| Eunice Alpasan
The legal challenge is part of President Donald Trump’s broader attack on mail ballots, which he has said is a significant source of election fraud despite research that consistently finds voting by mail is a secure way to vote.
Advocates Highlight Importance of HIV Treatment, Health Care Access on Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
| Eunice Alpasan
Democratic elected leaders and health advocates gathered Monday in Chicago to highlight the impact of the Affordable Care Act — signed by then President Barack Obama 16 years ago — while sounding the alarm on rising health care costs for Americans.
Clergy, Advocates Protest Chicago-Based Investment Group Over Potential Out-of-State ICE Facility
| Eunice Alpasan
The Friday press conference was held at the Highlands REIT-owned Sherman Plaza in downtown Evanston. Highlands REIT, or Highlands Real Estate Investment Trust, has a portfolio of investment properties in several states that also includes an empty correctional facility in Colorado.
Cardenas Leads Irizarry and Nicholson Bests Steele in Cook County Board of Review Races
| Eunice Alpasan
Two incumbents of a Cook County agency responsible for making decisions about taxpayers’ property assessment appeals faced challengers in their reelection bids this year.
Lollapalooza 2026 Lineup Features Charli xcx, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, JENNIE and Smashing Pumpkins
| Eunice Alpasan
Lollapalooza takes place July 30–Aug. 2 in Grant Park. Charli xcx, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, JENNIE, the Smashing Pumpkins and the xx are headlining this year, the festival announced.
How Local Poll Watching Groups Are Preparing for the Primary Election Amid Concerns Over Federal Immigration Actions
| Eunice Alpasan
Poll watching is one part of a broader response network the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago have partnered up to build in order to monitor possible cases of voter intimidation and federal immigration agents near polling places during the primary election. Legal volunteers, field volunteers, local rapid response teams and volunteer hotline operators will also be mobilizing as part of the effort.
Southwest Airlines to Discontinue Service at O’Hare Airport in June
| Eunice Alpasan
“Operating at Chicago O’Hare continues to be challenging,” according to a Southwest Airlines spokesperson in a Friday statement, “and we are confident we can serve Chicagoland through our strongly-held position at Chicago Midway.”
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
Illinoisans Kicked Off SNAP to Receive One-Time $400 Benefit Under New Program
Cook County Judges Often Detain Pretrial Defendants Deemed a Low Risk of Reoffending or Missing Court, Report Says
Judge Expands Lawsuit Accusing CPD of Targeting Black, Latino Chicagoans With Traffic Stops to Include All Black, Latino Drivers
CPS Board Members Pass Last-Minute Amended Budget Assuming $150M More in State Revenue Despite Sharp Criticism Cash May Not Materialize
Backed by Trade Unions, Alexi Giannoulias Launches Campaign for Chicago Mayor
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter