{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreidpmawtcw7nyotl7ldqbvwzve36vczdg5zgva522zt32ncch2hnii",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:ha7wpngv4f2qwrk5hta4ktbb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgsb4ijonao2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreih4e663ji7wxzmye4wqqpeo3clynamb4gr4o2r7ktsu2kag2hizru"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 240722
  },
  "path": "/morning-edition/2026/03/11/cta-bulks-up-safety-measures-to-keep-federal-funding",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-11T14:53:52.816Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<h3>Good morning, Chicago. ✶</h3><p>🔎 <b>Below</b>: Chicago fends off federal funding cuts to public transit with a beefed-up new security plan.</p><p>🗞️ <b>Plus</b>: Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks physical protection at Chicago voting locations in echo of anti-immigration enforcement ordinances, an exhibit of Oscar-winning costumes at the Griffin MSI and more news you need to know.</p><p>📝 <b>Keeping score</b>: <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-j/\" target=\"_blank\" >Northwestern Wildcats beat Penn State</a>, 76-66, in the Big Ten Tournament opener.</p><p>🕛: An 8-minute read</p><hr><p></p><h3>TODAY’S WEATHER 🌧️</h3><p>Rain and some snow with a high near 39.</p><hr><p></p><h3>TODAY’S TOP STORY 🔎</h3><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-f90000\" name=\"image-f90000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e50ad27/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+201/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faf%2F22%2Fe0f061e14fc5bb66f12d0da69a3c%2Fwatchpush-260315-12.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2296d6f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+201/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faf%2F22%2Fe0f061e14fc5bb66f12d0da69a3c%2Fwatchpush-260315-12.jpg 2x\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0ab5f39/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+201/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faf%2F22%2Fe0f061e14fc5bb66f12d0da69a3c%2Fwatchpush-260315-12.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"The Howard CTA station located at 7519 N. Paulina St. in the Rogers Park neighborhood, Monday, March 9, 2026. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0ab5f39/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+201/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faf%2F22%2Fe0f061e14fc5bb66f12d0da69a3c%2Fwatchpush-260315-12.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c9d0954/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+201/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faf%2F22%2Fe0f061e14fc5bb66f12d0da69a3c%2Fwatchpush-260315-12.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0ab5f39/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+201/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faf%2F22%2Fe0f061e14fc5bb66f12d0da69a3c%2Fwatchpush-260315-12.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>The Federal Transit Administration criticized the Chicago Transit Authority’s earlier security plan unveiled in December as “materially deficient.”</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-i/\" target=\"_blank\" >CTA’s new security plan includes sheriff’s deputies on trains, high-barrier gates</a></h3><h5>By <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-d/\" target=\"_blank\" >David Struett</a></h5><p><b>Safety first</b>: The Chicago Transit Authority is deploying sheriff’s deputies on its trains, installing high-barrier entry gates to deter fare evasion and conducting \"farecard inspection missions,\" all in response to the CTA's federal funding being threatened.</p><p><b>Federal oversight</b>: The CTA presented those changes in a new security plan Tuesday to the Federal Transit Administration, which had been threatening to a cut a $50 million grant if the CTA did not revise its previous plan. The FTA has been pressuring Chicago to improve system safety since a woman was set on fire in November on a Blue Line train.</p><p><b>In the works</b>: The CTA said its increased enforcement since December is having a positive impact, with assaults on transit workers down 25% in January, and 29% in February. The agency also pointed to violent crime decreasing 19% this year through the end of February, compared to the same period in 2025. The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that violent attacks on the CTA reached historic highs last year.</p><p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/03/10/chicago-transit-authority-cta-crime-security-plan-fta\" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h3>ELECTIONS 🗳️</h3><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-b80000\" name=\"image-b80000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/54bcc1e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5768x3237+0+155/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2Fbe%2F5f0cb6014aba9b0e0ce40d7ffb11%2Fearlyvoting-260213-11.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0ceef60/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5768x3237+0+155/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2Fbe%2F5f0cb6014aba9b0e0ce40d7ffb11%2Fearlyvoting-260213-11.jpg 2x\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6503639/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5768x3237+0+155/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2Fbe%2F5f0cb6014aba9b0e0ce40d7ffb11%2Fearlyvoting-260213-11.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"Carley Smelser, an election judge, assists a voter in casting her ballot for the primary election at the early voting supersite in the Loop, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6503639/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5768x3237+0+155/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2Fbe%2F5f0cb6014aba9b0e0ce40d7ffb11%2Fearlyvoting-260213-11.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d91cfc4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5768x3237+0+155/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2Fbe%2F5f0cb6014aba9b0e0ce40d7ffb11%2Fearlyvoting-260213-11.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6503639/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5768x3237+0+155/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2Fbe%2F5f0cb6014aba9b0e0ce40d7ffb11%2Fearlyvoting-260213-11.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>Carley Smelser, an election judge, assists a voter in casting her ballot for the primary election at the early voting supersite in the Loop, Feb. 12, 2026.</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-k/\" target=\"_blank\" >Mayor says push for ‘democracy zones’ at polling places is lasting legacy of Jesse Jackson</a></h3><h5>By <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-u/\" target=\"_blank\" >Fran Spielman</a></h5><p><b>Protecting voters</b>: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed ordinance would establish \"democracy zones\" 100 feet beyond the perimeter that already prohibits electioneering around polling places. Federal immigration agents would be barred from entering those zones, and it also would be illegal to \"intentionally publish personally identifiable information when done to cause harm or facilitate violence or stalking.\"</p><p><b>Federal 'provocations'</b>: In an email to City Council members last week, the mayor’s office argued elections officials across the country are \"facing harassment, stalking and threats\" and that the feds have \"threatened to nationalize elections and deploy armed forces near polling places.\"</p><p><b>Honoring an icon</b>: The mayor is calling the measure the \"Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance,\" which Johnson seems to hope will make it difficult for alderpersons to oppose the proposal.</p><p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/03/10/mayor-brandon-johnson-democracy-zones-polling-places-jesse-jackson\" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h3>THE WATCHDOGS 🏛️</h3><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-390000\" name=\"image-390000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a02a1bb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4599x2581+0+163/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5d%2F9a%2Ffe195aa04649bed3bd89b76f8a46%2Fmerlin-92874132.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7540a0b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4599x2581+0+163/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5d%2F9a%2Ffe195aa04649bed3bd89b76f8a46%2Fmerlin-92874132.jpg 2x\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f48e29d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4599x2581+0+163/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5d%2F9a%2Ffe195aa04649bed3bd89b76f8a46%2Fmerlin-92874132.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"ASHLAND, VA - SEPTEMBER 2: Jim Rudisill, FBI agent and retired Army captain takes down the flag in front of his home around sunset Friday, September 4, 2020 in Ashland, Virginia. Julia Rendleman/For the Sun-Times\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f48e29d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4599x2581+0+163/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5d%2F9a%2Ffe195aa04649bed3bd89b76f8a46%2Fmerlin-92874132.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b91230f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4599x2581+0+163/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5d%2F9a%2Ffe195aa04649bed3bd89b76f8a46%2Fmerlin-92874132.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f48e29d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4599x2581+0+163/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5d%2F9a%2Ffe195aa04649bed3bd89b76f8a46%2Fmerlin-92874132.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>Jim Rudisill, an FBI agent and retired Army captain, takes down the flag in front of his home around sunset, Sept. 4, 2020 in Ashland, Virginia.</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Julia Rendleman/Sun-Times file</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-x/\" target=\"_blank\" >VA drops appeal in Supreme Court case, gives 1.2 million more vets extra education benefits</a></h3><h5>By <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-m/\" target=\"_blank\" >Stephanie Zimmermann</a></h5><p><b>Appeal ends</b>: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has withdrawn from a court battle related to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of Army veteran James Rudisill, creating a path for 1.2 million veterans to access up to 12 additional months of college through their GI Bill benefits.</p><p><b>About the plaintiff</b>: Rudisill began his court fight in 2015, after he was denied the ability to fully use both his GI Bill plans. He argued the VA shortchanged him out of 12 months of payments — money he was counting on to attend Yale University’s divinity school. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in April 2024 that Rudisill should have been allowed to tap both plans for a maximum of 48 months, as Congress intended.</p><p><b>Dodging the question</b>: VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz said in an email that \"after the court decision, VA worked for months with both political and career VA staff to develop the training, policies and procedures needed to appropriately implement the ruling.\" One question left unanswered is whether the department will reimburse veterans who took out loans to pay for school while the court case dragged on.</p><p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/11/veterans-affairs-montgomery-post911-gibill-rudisill-supreme-court-appeal-army-vet\" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h3>MORE NEWS YOU NEED 🗞️</h3><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-340000\" name=\"image-340000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8de2236/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+14/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe4%2Fc5%2F07588e8e4c96852fa5db6e405d75%2Ftornado-260311-6.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fb8dcb4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+14/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe4%2Fc5%2F07588e8e4c96852fa5db6e405d75%2Ftornado-260311-6.jpg 2x\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/348326e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+14/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe4%2Fc5%2F07588e8e4c96852fa5db6e405d75%2Ftornado-260311-6.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"A damaged car lay among the wreckage of a tornado that touched down near Kankakee Tuesday, March 10, 2026.\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/348326e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+14/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe4%2Fc5%2F07588e8e4c96852fa5db6e405d75%2Ftornado-260311-6.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/742727f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+14/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe4%2Fc5%2F07588e8e4c96852fa5db6e405d75%2Ftornado-260311-6.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/348326e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+14/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe4%2Fc5%2F07588e8e4c96852fa5db6e405d75%2Ftornado-260311-6.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>A damaged car lay among the wreckage of a tornado that touched down near Kankakee, March 10, 2026.</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><ul class=\"rte2-style-ul\" style=\"line-height: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;\" id=\"rte-aada9240-1d56-11f1-9a0e-fd1990528477\"><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-q/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>Two dead after storms</b></a>: Several other people were injured after severe storms produced at least four possible tornadoes and potentially record-setting hail in Illinois and Indiana, officials said.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-a/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>Third Coast Foundry</b></a>: Northwestern and UChicago join six other Midwestern universities in opening a startup hub in San Francisco.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-z/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>Beermakers join up</b></a>: Half Acre and Maplewood breweries are merging amid an ongoing industry slump.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-v/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>Rapper testifies</b></a>: Chance the Rapper testified Tuesday at a trial over a yearslong legal battle with his former manager.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-e/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>PAC battle</b></a>: Candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat in the March 17 Illinois primary fight it out over big-money backers.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-s/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>New theater</b></a>: The social justice-oriented Collaboraction Theatre, the newest tenant at the Kimball Arts Center near the 606 trail in Humboldt Park, will premiere \"Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till\" on March 15.</li></ul><hr><p></p><h3>FROM THE PRESS BOX 🏈⚾️</h3><p></p><ul class=\"rte2-style-ul\" style=\"line-height: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;\" id=\"rte-b9c75f40-1d56-11f1-9a0e-fd1990528477\"><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-g/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>NFL Draft</b></a>: The Bears get eight picks this year, with three in the top 60 and four in the top 89.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-w/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>Opening Day</b></a>: The Cubs' roster is still evolving two weeks out.</li><li><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-yd/\" target=\"_blank\" ><b>Team-building</b></a>: With Jerry Reinsdorf about to begin his 46th season as team owner, the big question for loyal White Sox fans is, \"Where is this all going long term?\"</li></ul><hr><p></p><h3>CHICAGO MINI CROSSWORD 🌭</h3><p><b>Today's clue:</b> <br>Before, quaintly</p><hr><p></p><h3>BRIGHT ONE 🔆</h3><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-e50000\" name=\"image-e50000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9f53b8c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x4598+0+433/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Fbf%2Fcd7327084cd1990915858c28ad0a%2Ftazewell-2601280135.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d80bf47/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x4598+0+433/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Fbf%2Fcd7327084cd1990915858c28ad0a%2Ftazewell-2601280135.jpg 2x\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9e0cd84/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x4598+0+433/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Fbf%2Fcd7327084cd1990915858c28ad0a%2Ftazewell-2601280135.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" srcset=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"Views from Paul Tazewell’s new exhibit, Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell at the Museum of Science and Industry, featuring costumes from 'Wicked,' 'Hamilton' on January 23, 2026. Costumes from the Wicked are displayed in the fourth exhibition hall. | Manuel Martinez/WBEZ\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9e0cd84/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x4598+0+433/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Fbf%2Fcd7327084cd1990915858c28ad0a%2Ftazewell-2601280135.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f5106fe/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x4598+0+433/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Fbf%2Fcd7327084cd1990915858c28ad0a%2Ftazewell-2601280135.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" data-src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9e0cd84/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x4598+0+433/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Fbf%2Fcd7327084cd1990915858c28ad0a%2Ftazewell-2601280135.jpg\" data-lazy-load=\"true\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>“Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell” at the Museum of Science and Industry features costumes from “Wicked,” “Hamilton” and more. Costumes from the “Wicked” films are displayed in the fourth exhibition hall. </p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Manuel Martinez/WBEZ</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-yu/\" target=\"_blank\" >From ‘Wicked’ to ‘Hamilton,’ Paul Tazewell’s award-winning costumes dazzle</a></h3><h5>By <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-jl/\" target=\"_blank\" >Ambar Colón</a></h5><p>In Paul Tazewell’s Oscar-winning costumes for \"Wicked,\" art meets science in the dark, mossy coils on Elphaba’s Emerald City dress. In dressing the characters of \"Hamilton,\" Tazewell took inspiration from 18th-century coats and corsets and blended them with contemporary streetwear trends, to make the characters feel more accessible and relatable.</p><p>Chicagoans can see this work up close in the new exhibit, \"Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell,\" running at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry through Sept. 7. It consists of artifacts from his early life and costumes from movies and musicals he’s worked on, including \"West Side Story,” \"The Wiz Live!\" and \"Harriet.\"</p><p>The art show came together when museum team members became curious about Tazewell's designs. Last year, he walked away from the 2025 Oscars with the award for best costume for \"Wicked,\" starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba — and dresses the actors wore are on display.</p><p>\"Crafting\" also features the revolutionary costumes from \"The Sleeping Beauty,\" tailored to withstand movement as dancers run and leap across the stage.</p><p>\"[Tazewell] has this message, which is, what moves you emotionally is the key to unlocking your own creative potential,\" said Voula Saridakis, head curator at the museum.</p><p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/museums-zoos/2026/01/28/paul-tazewell-wicked-hamilton-costume-design-museum-science-and-industry-oscar\" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h3>YOUR DAILY QUESTION ☕️</h3><p><b>If you could commission public art in Chicago, what and where would it be?</b></p><p>Reply to this email (please include your first and last name). We may run your answer in a future newsletter or story.</p><p>Yesterday, we asked you: <u>What’s something you do that you believe keeps you young?</u></p><p>Here’s some of what you said…</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\"> <div class=\"BlockQuote\" > <blockquote><p>“Laugh out loud frequently.”</p></blockquote> <div class=\"BlockQuote-attribution\">— Franklin Eric Dickerson</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\"> <div class=\"BlockQuote\" > <blockquote><p>“Enjoy cartoons. Listen to ‘Sesame Street’ songs and other kid music.”</p></blockquote> <div class=\"BlockQuote-attribution\">— Steve Mattingly</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\"> <div class=\"BlockQuote\" > <blockquote><p>“I have done Nia, a body-mind-spirit movement practice for over 20 years, and now that I’m in my late 60s, I feel it has kept me young-ish! ... Anything that helps you keep moving, find joy and keep energy for improving the world is important.”</p></blockquote> <div class=\"BlockQuote-attribution\">— Nancy Matthews</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\"> <div class=\"BlockQuote\" > <blockquote><p>“I had my last two kids when I was [ages] 41 and 42! Kept me young!”</p></blockquote> <div class=\"BlockQuote-attribution\">— Deborah Leininger</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\"> <div class=\"BlockQuote\" > <blockquote><p>“I’m 75 and being in contact with people of all ages keeps me in touch with the world.”</p></blockquote> <div class=\"BlockQuote-attribution\">— Ellen Brady</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\"> <div class=\"BlockQuote\" > <blockquote><p>“Don’t stress about nothing!”</p></blockquote> <div class=\"BlockQuote-attribution\">— Patricia Heard</div> </div> </div> </div> <hr><p>Thanks for reading the Sun-Times Morning Edition!<br>Got a story you think we missed? <a class=\"Link\" href=\"mailto:newsletters@suntimes.com\" target=\"_blank\" >Email us here.</a></p><hr><p><b>Written and curated by</b>: Esther Bergdahl<br><b>Editor</b>: Eydie Cubarrubia</p><hr><p><i>The Chicago Sun-Times is a nonprofit supported by readers like you.</i></p><p><i>Become a member to make stories like these free and available to everyone. </i></p><p><i>Learn more at </i><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wtljdil-tlkjhhnv-jj/\" target=\"_blank\" ><i>suntimes.com/member</i></a><i>.</i></p>",
  "title": "CTA bulks up safety measures to keep federal funding",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T14:53:52.816Z"
}