Hi, I'm Claire. I'm an investigative journalist based in Chicago, IL.

The Fulcrum • 5th June 2025

Kennedy Confirms Intent To Fund Head Start for FY26, but Illinois Providers Remain Concerned

Testifying in front of Congress this May, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured lawmakers funding would not be cut for Head Start, a child care program that serves nearly 28,000 low-income children and families across Illinois.

Illinois Answers Project • 27th May 2025

Unsettling Accounts: How Illinois is Confronting the Student Loan Crisis

With $49,000 in student loan debt, Josue Villalpando figured becoming a homeowner was a long way off.

Illinois Answers Project • 27th May 2025

'Most Drivers Aren’t Making Money:' App-Based Gig Work Promised Freedom and Flexibility. Workers Feel Exploited and Unsafe.

CHICAGO —Joe Negrau has been a rideshare driver for Uber and Lyft for nearly 10 years, but he has not been rewarded for his years of experience.

The Fulcrum • 27th May 2025

‘Homeschool Act’ Stalled in House, but Opponents Remain Vigilant for Potential Revival

Opponents of House Bill 2827—dubbed the “Homeschool Act”—managed to keep it from the floor of the Illinois House for a vote before the April 11 deadline.

The Fulcrum • 13th May 2025

Chicago Head Start Programs Face Uncertainty After Regional Office Closure

ALBANY PARK – The laughter of preschool children permeates the hallways of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning on a sunny Thursday morning in Albany Park.

LSM • 8th April 2025

Russian independent media continues to find refuge in Latvia

“I had one backpack. A couple pairs of shorts, a pair of socks, my passport and tape recorder.  Only basic clothes were with me,” said Yapparova. 

Yapparova was one of only a few Russian journalists who managed to report on the outbreak of war from the inside. 

As a correspondent for the independent news site Meduza, her coverage provided rare first-hand accounts of the demolition of civilian life. But it came with a price.

Yapparova’s family remains in Russia, but she is not able to return h...

Medill Reports Chicago • 19th March 2025

LISTEN: Why are egg prices so high right now? - Medill Reports Chicago

By Claire Murphy
Medill Reports
Host Intro: 
The bird flu continues to spread across the U.S. Last month, over 18 million chickens were slaughtered and “egg flation” is forcing some shoppers to stop buying eggs altogether. 
How are Chicagoans navigating this ongoing egg crisis? Claire Murphy of Medill Reports has the story. 

 
[Grocery store sounds, people shopping ]
It’s Sunday afternoon in the South Loop. Bridget Banister is at Jewel-Osco getting groceries. She’s buying the usual – milk, chic...

ILLN - The Online News Source of Illinois' Latinos • 4th December 2024

Navidad en el Barrio returns to Humboldt Park - ILLN

HUMBOLDT PARK – Looking for something fun to do next Saturday that supports your favorite local business? Navidad en el Barrio is officially open for the season.


The annual holiday market, sponsored by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, offers visitors a taste of Puerto Rico, with one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for sale from local artisans and vendors. 


For the first year since its 2018 inception, the event will be offered for six consecutive Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., w...

ILLN - The Online News Source of Illinois' Latinos • 22nd November 2024

Sazón de Illinois: Reina’s Cakes - ILLN

HUMBOLDT PARK – Window shopping on Division Street, it’s impossible to miss the colorful mural and vibrant storefront announcing Reina’s Cakes.


A warehouse that sat empty for years at 2550 W. Division St. is now home to Humboldt Park’s only Latina-owned bakery and cake shop.


“I said to myself, if I’m going to do it, I’m going to offer everything,” said Reina Marcelle, 53, who’s the founder and owner of Reina’s Cakes. “I want this place to be for everyone.”


Marcelle has certainly remaine...

Block Club Chicago • 30th October 2024

Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center To Open In December

HUMBOLDT PARK — Construction is nearing completion on a $27.5 million wellness center in Humboldt Park.Humboldt Park Health is preparing to open its three-story, 45,500-square-foot facility at 2933 W. Division St. in early December. The center will offer people access to health and fitness services and amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, track, exercise classes and kids club. Parking will be available at the hospital’s main lot.“The whole goal is really to bridge the gap between the hospi...