Have decades of budgetary tricks and rising pension costs made bankruptcy inevitable for the city of Chicago as well as its public school system? We debate the issue.
Stories by Hunter Clauss
Karen Lewis Shares Her Take on CPS Financial Crisis
Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis talks about what may be happening in Springfield to help CPS and what it could mean for contract negotiations.
For Marcia Clark, No Mystery Behind Renewed Interest in OJ Simpson Trial
It's been more than 20 years since O.J. Simpson was arrested and charged with murder, but there is renewed fascination with his trial–a fact that holds no mystery for Marcia Clark, the former L.A. prosecutor tasked with laying out the case against Simpson in 1995.
Investigation Looks at Financial Impact of Police Abuse
Information on police abuse settlements is now available online thanks to a new database from the Chicago Reporter.
McCarthy Urged Mayor to Reform Police Discipline in 2012
Former top cop wanted to have power to fire police
The city’s former top cop Garry McCarthy says he warned Mayor Rahm Emanuel about what he calls a “dysfunctional” disciplinary system for cops.
State Treasurer Frerichs Reacts to Credit Downgrade, Budget Impasse
The state's credit rating takes another couple of punches to the gut. We talk with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
Clinton Clinches Historic Nomination But Sanders Vows to Continue Fight
The day after Hillary Clinton became the first female candidate of any major party to claim a presidential nomination, all eyes turned to her rival Bernie Sanders, who said he has no intention of backing down.
Robin Robinson to Join Chicago Police Department as Special Adviser
Veteran news anchor Robin Robinson is joining the Chicago Police Department as a special adviser, according to an internal memo from Supt. Eddie Johnson.
Former Gov. Jim Edgar Talks State Budget Impasse
The former governor joins Carol Marin on “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the budget impasse, whether or not schools will open and if Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan can find a solution.
Chicago Police Use Algorithm to Predict, Combat Violence
A debate is brewing over the Chicago Police Department's use of an algorithm they say identifies people who are most likely to shoot someone or be shot themselves. We hear from all sides.
Library Chief Makes ‘Most Creative’ List, Talks Beach Reading
We check in with the Chicago Public Library chief about being named in Fast Company's 100 “Most Creative People in Business” and what books he's taking to the beach this summer.
What Do New Overtime Rules Mean for Workers, Businesses?
How will the Obama administration’s expansion of overtime affect businesses and employee wages? We look at the new rules.
Long Lines, Missed Flights: Inspecting the TSA’s Airport Crisis
Pack a book because those long, soul-crushing lines at O’Hare and Midway airports aren’t going away any time soon. We look at what this means for the future of the TSA.
Downtown Development Could Generate Funds for Struggling Neighborhoods
City Planning and Development Commissioner David Reifman discusses two big redevelopment projects and the mayor's neighborhood investment initiative to help struggling neighborhoods on the South and West Sides.
Debate on Transgender Access to Public Restrooms Heats Up
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is wading into the heated national debate over the rights of transgender people by introducing an ordinance Wednesday that prohibits public places from denying restroom access based on a person’s gender identity.
Ousted CPS Principal Troy LaRaviere Says Dismissal ‘Politically Motivated’
The former principal of Blaine Elementary School in Lakeview, who is a frequent critic of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS policies, joins "Chicago Tonight" to discuss his dismissal and the charges against him.
Uber, Lyft Drivers May Face Background Checks, Other New Regulations
A battle between the taxicab industry and ride-sharing companies like Uber could flare up this month as aldermen consider a host of new regulations. We hear from both sides.
How Donald Trump’s Rise Could Impact Illinois Races
Now that Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, the hand-wringing and discord within the party is growing.
Analyzing Dennis Hastert’s Sentencing and the Legal Questions Raised
While Dennis Hastert admitted to sexual abuse allegations in court Wednesday, he did not see any related charges because the statute of limitations had passed. If the sexual abuse allegations factored into Hastert’s sentencing on charges he skirted banking laws, should the statute of limitations even exist?
Lawmakers on Higher Education Law, Overhauling Public Education Funding
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Monday to help public universities and community colleges that have seen their financial foothold slip during Illinois’s unprecedented budget impasse.
How Chicago’s School-Choice System Hurts Some Neighborhood Schools
Some neighborhood high schools in poorer areas of Chicago are struggling to survive. We look at how the city's school-choice system is playing a role.
Do Big Wins for Clinton, Trump in New York Signal End of Primary Season?
Tuesday’s primary in New York proved that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the front-runners in their respective parties, with both candidates winning big in a state that was crucial to each campaign. What does it mean for the other candidates moving forward?
Ron Magers Reflects on 51-Year Career in TV News
The legendary Chicago news anchor who started his career at WMAQ-Channel 5 in August of 1981 will sign off one last time from WLS-Channel 7 on May 25.
Fallout Over Panama Papers Raises Questions about Tax Havens
There is worldwide fallout over the release of millions of documents known as the Panama Papers, which show how the wealthy around the world are hiding assets. And it's raising questions about whether tax havens are appropriate. A look at both sides of the controversy.
Rauner Proposes Cuts to CPS, Meets with Top Legislative Leaders
Chicago schools chief Forrest Claypool slams the governor's education plan that sees CPS losing $74 million. We speak with our Springfield correspondent Amanda Vincky.
Reporters Shine Light on Alleged Victims in Dennis Hastert Case
Recent court documents claim former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert sexually abused five students. We talk with a Chicago Tribune reporter covering the case.
