Kate Armanini

Kate Armanini is an education reporter for the Tribune. She previously interned on the Tribune's metro desk and covered breaking news for The Boston Globe. Armanini is a graduate of Northeastern University.

Students move through the Evanston campus during the first week of undergraduate classes at Northwestern University on Sept. 19, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Northwestern University nears deal with White House to restore funding

November 26, 2025 at 4:14 p.m.

President Donald Trump has sought to crack down on elite universities, painting them as hubs for liberalism and antisemitism.

A police investigator walks through the scene of a shooting involving several young people outside the Chicago Theatre in the 100 block of North State Street on Nov. 21, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Investigation continues into pair of downtown shootings, including one that took the life of ‘vibrant’ teen Friday night

November 24, 2025 at 6:45 p.m.

Chicago Police continue to investigate a pair of shootings that unfolded in the Loop Friday night, leaving a 14-year-old boy dead and eight other teens wounded in the latest "teen...

DePaul University graduate students attend a social gathering for international students at the school’s downtown campus on Jan. 26, 2024. International enrollment dropped at nearly two dozen Illinois universities this fall, including DePaul. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

International student enrollment declines at nearly two dozen Illinois universities

November 24, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

A Tribune analysis of 27 of the state’s largest universities found that total foreign enrollment dipped at all but five institutions.

Tom Pritzker hosts an evening of dinner and conversation with University of Chicago faculty leaders at the Park Hyatt Chicago on April 8, 2013. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

Tom Pritzker, cousin of Gov. JB Pritzker, named in latest release of Epstein documents

November 19, 2025 at 3:54 p.m.

Tom Pritzker, cousin to Gov. JB Pritzker and a Hyatt Hotels heir, is named in documents of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Shantay Bolton is Columbia College’s first new president in 11 years and is working to change the trajectory of the arts-focused institution. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Under new leadership, can Columbia College Chicago overcome its financial woes?

November 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Columbia College Chicago's new president, Shantay Bolton, said she plans to boost the school's attendance and solve its financial problems.

U.S. Border Patrol agents leave after detaining a man working near Frederick Stock Public School during immigration enforcement operations, Oct. 31, 2025, in Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Can federal immigration agents go in schools? Here’s what to know.

November 12, 2025 at 2:37 p.m.

With President Donald Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz” immigration enforcement at schools and day cares, the fear among families is palpable.

Kennedy-King College student Oscar Rosales, 19, picks out food at the Healthy Student Market campus pantry in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood on Nov. 6, 2025. City Colleges of Chicago's seven main campuses each offer a free market for students to get groceries. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois SNAP benefits to return Friday, as communities step up: ‘We have a population that needs us’

November 13, 2025 at 8:02 p.m.

Nearly 2 million people in Illinois will again receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits starting Friday.

Chicago Public Schools headquarters in 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

‘Excessive and even exorbitant’: CPS watchdog urges district to reform travel spending policies

November 12, 2025 at 3:14 p.m.

Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General is urging district officials to reform travel policies amid excessive spending on trips.

Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses the media on Nov. 10, 2025, at Chicago City Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Brandon Johnson noncommittal on next Chicago Public Schools CEO

November 10, 2025 at 5:47 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday indicated further applicants should throw their hats in the ring to be Chicago Public Schools CEO.

The Moody Bible Institute campus on July 30, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Moody Bible Institute sues CPS for religious discrimination

November 7, 2025 at 1:21 p.m.

The Moody Bible Institute is suing the Chicago Board of Education for alleged religious discrimination.

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