A union representative who works with Loretto Hospital staff says members have complained about so-called VIP lists of vaccine recipients since the vaccine rollout began in January.
Stories by Paris Schutz
Loretto Employee Alleges Vaccine ‘VIP’ Line at Hospital
Mar 23, 2021 | Paris Schutz
A Loretto Hospital emergency room technician who appeared Tuesday on “Chicago Tonight” said he witnessed what he calls “VIP” lines of patients coming in to be vaccinated at the West Side hospital.
Inside Advocate Aurora Health, Reflections on an Unprecedented Year
Mar 16, 2021 | Paris Schutz
This time last year, hospitals were bracing for the unknown as COVID-19 accelerated its spread across the U.S. We got an exclusive look inside Illinois’ largest private health system as hospital professionals reflect on a year unlike any other.
This Legislation Could End Illinois’ Payday Loan Industry
Mar 12, 2021 | Paris Schutz
Legislation awaiting the governor’s signature could shut down the payday lending industry in Illinois, but payday proponents say that could lead to a host of bigger problems.
Violent Conflict in Myanmar Reverberates in Chicago’s Refugee Community
Feb 24, 2021 | Paris Schutz
Rohingya have fled persecution and genocide and sought refuge on Chicago’s North Side. But now, military conflict back home is causing new fears.
Aldermen, Mayor at Odds Over Phone Calls in Police Custody
Dec 21, 2020 | Paris Schutz
When a suspect is taken into police custody, they are supposed to have the right to a phone call, but data from the Cook County Public Defender’s office shows that isn’t always the case. A new proposal aims to tackle the problem.
Illinois Shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to Come From Wisconsin
Dec 10, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines are expected to ship to Illinois and the rest of the country as soon as this weekend, with much of that shipment being stored in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
Illinois Lawmakers to Demand Billions Back from Health Insurers Due to COVID-19
A WTTW News exclusive
Dec 8, 2020 | Paris Schutz
The state pays billions of dollars into the Medicaid program. WTTW News has learned that a group of lawmakers plans to demand billions back from the private health care companies that run that program. Can it work?
Why Residents Across Chicago Are Not Getting Their Mail
Dec 2, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Mail service has been sporadic at best in many parts of Chicago this holiday season. We visit two areas that have been hit hard to find out what’s going on, and what can be done to fix it.
Final Push for Chicago Census Participation
Sep 16, 2020 | Paris Schutz
According to census numbers, Chicago is currently performing at a 59% response rate. But the city risks an undercount, especially in predominantly African American and Latino neighborhoods.
What Voters Need to Know About the ‘Fair Tax’ Amendment
Sep 15, 2020 | Paris Schutz
In the November election, Illinoisans will be asked whether or not to change the state’s income tax system to a graduated tax — but there’s still a lot of confusion about the proposal.
Thousands of UIC Hospital Workers Walk Off the Job
Sep 14, 2020 | Paris Schutz
They’ve been on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Now they’re on the picket lines. Why University of Illinois and UIC health care workers, including about 800 nurses, are on strike.
Postal Service Warns Illinois Some Mail-In Ballots Might Not Be Counted
Aug 14, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Under Illinois law, a voter can request a mail-in ballot up to five days before Election Day. But the USPS warns that voters who wait until that deadline are at high risk of being disenfranchised, due to the Postal Service’s delivery capabilities.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Chinatown
Jun 25, 2020 | Paris Schutz
It was the first neighborhood to feel the economic impact of COVID-19. Months later, on the eve of the city’s move into phase four, the enduring message is that Chinatown is still here, and it is open for business.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Elgin
Jun 24, 2020 | Paris Schutz
The west suburban city is preparing to ramp up its reopening as the state moves into phase four on Friday. At the same time, Elgin is facing unrest of its own over a police-involved shooting in 2018.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Oak Park
Jun 23, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Oak Park was the first town in Illinois to issue a stay-at-home order when a cluster of COVID-19 cases was found in mid-March, just days before the statewide shutdown. Months later, it has started to come to life again.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Wicker Park
Jun 18, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Like many other commercial corridors across the city, Milwaukee Avenue suffered extensive damage just as businesses were about to start welcoming shoppers inside once again.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Woodlawn
Jun 17, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Low-income communities across the city are bracing for what could be a large number of evictions once a statewide moratorium is lifted. In one of those communities, a fight over housing has been brewing for years as a large tenant prepares to move in.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Portage Park
Jun 16, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Communities across Chicago have staged demonstrations in support of Black Lives Matter, and not all of those areas have been Black and Brown. We visit a predominantly White community that held a rally last week.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Bronzeville
Jun 15, 2020 | Paris Schutz
All across Chicago, communities are rebuilding from the twin crises of COVID-19 and property damage. We speak with residents, business owners and officials in the historic heart of black Chicago culture.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Evanston
Jun 11, 2020 | Paris Schutz
As part of our ongoing series, we speak with local officials and activists about Evanston’s reopening and recent calls for police reform in the near north suburb.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Back of the Yards
Jun 10, 2020 | Paris Schutz
The Southwest Side neighborhood has been hit hard by COVID-19 and saw some looting last week. As part of our series, we speak with business owners and community leaders about the path forward.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: South Chicago
Jun 9, 2020 | Paris Schutz
On the Southeast Side, a community deals with the aftermath of property damage and looting against the backdrop of ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and environmental pollution.
MLK Once Called it Home. How North Lawndale is Coping with Racial Injustice Today
Jun 8, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Chicago is an important city in the history of segregation and civil rights. How one neighborhood in particular is grappling with events from more than 50 years ago as it reacts to fallout from George Floyd’s death.
Tensions Ease as Community Leaders Work to Change Narrative on Southwest Side
Jun 3, 2020 | Paris Schutz
There was a message of unity Wednesday as solidarity marches replaced fears of racially motivated violence. We visited Pilsen, Little Village and the suburb of Cicero for a view from the ground.
Residents Assess Damage in Aftermath of Looting on South Side, Loop
Jun 1, 2020 | Paris Schutz
Chicago is cleaning up from a weekend of protests, violence and looting. We check in with residents, business owners and officials on the South Side and in the Loop to talk about recovery efforts and more.