Stories by Paris Schutz

Scientel Solutions, pictured in March 2022, relocated to Aurora after plans for its tower were approved in 2018. (WTTW News)

Aurora Company that Donated Big to Richard Irvin’s Mayoral Campaign Received Millions in City Contracts

A review of state campaign filings and Aurora public records shows that a company that donated more than $135,000 to political funds connected to Richard Irvin also received millions in city contracts. That same company was also the beneficiary of legislation pushed by Irvin that could prove lucrative.

COVID-19 saliva tests are organized at a SHIELD Illinois testing facility in North Chicago. (WTTW News)

From Spit Tube to Results: Inside the Massive COVID-19 SHIELD Testing Operation

The unique saliva test was developed by University of Illinois scientists and SHIELD officials say it has become an essential tool in halting the spread of COVID-19.

(WTTW News)

Area College Providing Scholarships to Afghan Refugees: ‘It Was Kind of My Dream’

Northeastern Illinois University has provided 17 Afghan refugees with one-year scholarships to study at the school. 

Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin (Aurora Mayor’s Office)

Aurora Mayor Plans to Enter Republican Race for Governor on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Sources Say

Multiple sources tell WTTW News that Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin is currently planning to announce his candidacy for governor on Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

(WTTW News)

Guaranteed Income Program Might Take Months to Roll Out

In October, the Chicago City Council approved a $31.5 million plan to send checks to the city’s families most in need, promising immediate assistance. But no assistance has gone out yet.

Cash Fazal, a Chicago-based Afghan American immigration lawyer, speaks with “Chicago Tonight.” (WTTW News)

Chicago Immigration Groups Scramble to Resettle Afghan Refugees

The White House says more than 116,000 people have so far been evacuated, but not everyone has been able to escape. Hundreds of Afghan refugees could settle in the Chicago area, and local immigrant groups are working around the clock to try and make that happen.

(stokpic / Pixabay)

City Extends Deadline for Chicago Casino Submissions

The process to get a Chicago casino is taking longer than originally anticipated. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Friday the city would extend the deadline for interested parties to submit proposals to build and operate the casino.

A person rides a motorcycle in Chicago. (WTTW News)

Chicago Residents Fed Up with Noisy Caravans of Motorcycles

Residents in and around downtown neighborhoods describe a noisy problem that has been festering for a year, and one that seemed to hit a fever pitch during Lollapalooza. But are law enforcement officials listening?

Gov. J.B. Pritzker sits down for an interview with Paris Schutz on July 20, 2021. (WTTW News)

Governor Pritzker Pitches Free College, Expanded Child Care in Reelection Push

The governor launched his reelection campaign Monday, touting his leadership of the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. But Republican opponents used the occasion to bash what they have called a “disastrous” tenure. 

(WTTW News)

Asian Carp to Undergo Name Change

At the end of June, Illinoisans will no longer hear the words “Asian carp.” After several years and hundreds upon hundreds of millions spent trying to keep them from the Great Lakes, how can that possibly be? We explain.

A file photo shows former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. (WTTW News)

Spotlight Politics: Madigan’s Former Chief of Staff Indicted

Tim Mapes, a longtime confidant to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, was federally indicted Wednesday on charges he obstructed justice and lied to a grand jury. Our Spotlight Politics team weighs in on that story and more in this week’s roundtable.

(WTTW News)

Vaccine Hesitancy Driven for Some by Fear of Allergic Reactions

Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is dropping, but there is still a large population that’s hesitant to get the shot. Some of that hesitancy is steeped in politics or misinformation, but others fear an allergic reaction. We meet one Chicagoan who says she has good reason to hold out.

The Chicago Tribune Freedom Center printing facility along the Chicago River. (WTTW News)

Philanthropic Groups Step Up in Last-Minute Tribune Talks

The clock is nearing midnight for the Chicago Tribune and efforts to prevent a takeover from controversial hedge fund Alden Global Capital. WTTW News has learned there are still active talks behind the scenes to come up with a bid that could derail Alden’s plan.

Downtown Chicago (WTTW News)

Will Chicago Workers Go Back to the Office in a Post-Pandemic World?

While some people may have gotten used to the comforts of working from home, others may be itching to get out. The stakes for the city couldn’t be higher, especially for the owners and managers of the massive pieces of real estate in the city’s central business district that are still sitting mostly vacant.

The Loretto Hospital (WTTW News)

Embattled Loretto Hospital Executive Resigns Amid Vaccine Scandal

Dr. Anosh Ahmed, COO and CFO of Loretto Hospital, was at the center of multiple controversies over alleged improper vaccination events, after Block Club Chicago first reported on vaccines administered at Trump Tower Chicago to the building’s employees.

The Loretto Hospital (WTTW News)

Complaints About Vaccine ‘VIP’ Lines at Loretto Go Back Months

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.

The Loretto Hospital (WTTW News)

Loretto Employee Alleges Vaccine ‘VIP’ Line at Hospital

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.

(WTTW News)

Inside Advocate Aurora Health, Reflections on an Unprecedented Year

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.

(WTTW News)

This Legislation Could End Illinois’ Payday Loan Industry

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.

Nasir Zakaria (WTTW News)

Violent Conflict in Myanmar Reverberates in Chicago’s Refugee Community

Rohingya have fled persecution and genocide and sought refuge on Chicago’s North Side. But now, military conflict back home is causing new fears.

(WTTW News)

Aldermen, Mayor at Odds Over Phone Calls in Police Custody

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.

(WTTW News)

Illinois Shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to Come From Wisconsin

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.

(WTTW News via CNN)

Illinois Lawmakers to Demand Billions Back from Health Insurers Due to COVID-19

A WTTW News exclusive

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?

(WTTW News)

Why Residents Across Chicago Are Not Getting Their Mail

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.

(WTTW News)

Final Push for Chicago Census Participation

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.

A billboard in Chicago promotes voting in favor of the so-called fair tax in the November election. (WTTW News)

What Voters Need to Know About the ‘Fair Tax’ Amendment

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.