Good morning, Chicago.

Three UIC Engineering students interned with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama and appeared on Chicago Tonight to explain how UIC helped them prepare for future careers—this summer experience marked a key step in their journey.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit on September 4 contesting in-state tuition for undocumented students, and UIC said it will keep offering tuition per state law—using the Acevedo Bill and the Illinois DREAM Act.

Officials confirmed that financial aid and support services remain unchanged.

UIC will host a four–week photo contest for students from Sept.

8 through Oct. 5—participants must recreate images from the original CITY 2000 series for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Winners will be announced at the CITY 2000 25th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Richard J. Daley Library.

The Illinois State Board of Elections said it will not send the DOJ its full voter registration database because state law protects sensitive personal details—exposing voters to data breaches.

The board noted it previously provided a redacted file to other agencies and now awaits further response from the DOJ.

Mount Prospect village board approved a plan — supported by Tax Increment Financing funds — to renovate Lions Memorial Park with a new 55,700-square-foot recreation center, expanded pool, and outdoor amenities; demolition begins in October and construction will continue through 2026 with renovations expected to finish by Spring.

Doctors at UI Health performed the first islet cell transplant using Lantidra on Aug 26 for a 69-year-old man from Libertyville with brittle type 1 diabetes and he stopped his daily insulin injections after the procedure—doctors say the FDA-approved treatment developed at UIC offers a safer option for older patients.