Claire Murphy

Claire Murphy is a North Shore reporter with the Pioneer Press. She holds a master’s degree in investigative reporting from Northwestern University. Before joining the Tribune, she worked at the Chronicle of Higher Education. Her work has been featured in a number of local outlets, including the Illinois Answers Project and Block Club Chicago.

A Cook County sheriff’s detective walks into a building at the Salem Walk Apartments on March 30, 2026, in Northbrook. Detectives were investigating the weekend shooting death of 16-year-old Lilly Bova.(Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Prosecutors decline to press charges in Northbrook shooting death of 16-year-old Lilly Bova

June 12, 2026 at 5:17 p.m.

The Cook County state’s attorney’s office said that it doesn't yet have sufficient evidence to file charges in the death of 16-year-old Lilly Bova.

Ald. Matt Rodgers, 8th, and Ald. Juan Geracaris, 9th, listen as Council members debate a proposed change to the appointment of an acting mayor. Under a new amendment proposal, selecting an acting mayor would require a two-thirds majority vote of six rather than a simple majority vote of five Council members, June 8, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

If Evanston’s Daniel Biss resigns, Council to name acting mayor with simple majority vote

June 10, 2026 at 1:36 p.m.

The bar for appointing an acting mayor in Evanston won’t be raised after all. City Council members shelved a proposal at their June 8 meeting to require a two-thirds majority...

A 21-year-old man was shot multiple times May 19 in the 9000 block of LaCrosse Avenue in Skokie and later died at an area hospital. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

Skokie police recover vehicle allegedly involved in man’s gunshot death

June 8, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

The vehicle reportedly involved in the May 19 shooting death of 21-year-old Jordan Buelvas in Skokie has been found, officials said.

A ransomware attack against Evanston Township High School has shut down District 202's computer systems. It's under investigation by local and federal authorities. (Pioneer Press)

Evanston Township High School to reopen following ransomware attack

June 9, 2026 at 3:59 p.m.

A ransomware attack on Evanston Township High School's computer infrastructure has led to the school's temporary closure.

Outside Roberto Clemente Community Academy on June 2, 2026, student Cheniyah Kidd offers her opinions on a pending cellphone ban at Chicago Public Schools. Kidd worries about having access to her phone in case of an emergency. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois’ new cellphone ban receives praise and criticism from Chicago-area school communities

June 7, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois lawmakers voted late last month to prohibit elementary and middle school students from using cellphones during the school day to mixed reactions.

Once a former asphalt plant located alongside McCormick Boulevard in Skokie is now being considered to become Channelside Park South, a new community park and green space. The Skokie Park District is considering adding a $53 million bond referendum to the November election ballot to finance the project. (Skokie Park District)

Skokie Park District weighs $53 million bond referendum for new park, recreation improvements

June 5, 2026 at 4:58 p.m.

Skokie voters may decide this fall whether to fund the development of a brand new park alongside the North Shore Channel and additional recreation projects through a proposed $53 million...

Diego T. Castillo, 23, of the 200 block of Brougham, Wheeling, Illinois was arrested by Evanston police on May 29 after officers observed Castillo committing multiple traffic violations. Castillo is facing one Class 4 felony charge of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, police said. (Evanston Police Department)

Wheeling man charged with unlawful weapon possession at Evanston traffic stop

June 4, 2026 at 6:03 p.m.

A man from Wheeling is facing charges for unlawful possession of a weapon after Evanston police conducted a traffic stop on Emerson Street May 29, according to the Evanston Police...

Construction on a hotel meant to boost downtown Skokie's vitality has halted due to high interest rates, the developer said. The village board had approved a $4.5 million loan but will not release the funds until the developer obtains appropriate funding, according to the village.

Skokie eyes new developer for downtown hotel as litigation parties seek compromise

June 4, 2026 at 4:39 p.m.

The parties embroiled in a long-term legal dispute over Skokie’s stalled downtown hotel project on Oakton Street may be willing to reduce or abandon their financial claims in an effort...

The Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Sept. 5, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Six Evanston police officers, city sued over alleged ‘excessive force’ used in Jan. 5 incident

June 3, 2026 at 4:19 p.m.

The family of a woman who was arrested by Evanston police on Jan. 5 is suing the City of Evanston and six Evanston police officers over an incident the family...

“Evanescent” by Atelier Sisu will be open to visitors of the Chicago Botanic Garden June 6 through Sept. 20. This is the first time Sydney-based Atelier Sisu will be featured in a U.S. botanical garden. Photo from June 2, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

Nature meets wonder at Chicago Botanic Garden’s ‘Shimmering Summer’ exhibit

June 3, 2026 at 3:01 p.m.

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe's newest exhibit is “Shimmering Summer," featuring giant iridescent bubble shapes.

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