Stories by paris schutz

Alaina Hampton, who is accusing a former staffer in House Speaker Michael Madigan’s political organization of sexual harassment, reads a statement on March 22, 2018.

State Watchdog Asked to Investigate Sexual Harassment Claims in Madigan’s Office

The former campaign worker in House Speaker Michael Madigan’s political organization who accused her supervisor of sexual harassment is taking her case to the state’s legislative inspector general.

Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

New Report Recommends Graduated Income Tax for Illinois

A prominent local tax watchdog group says Illinois government would gain $2 billion with a graduated income tax.

Downtown to O’Hare in 32 Minutes: On Board a Little-Used Metra Line

While talk of building a new express train to O’Hare heats up, we explore a little-known line that already goes there.

(State Sen. Sam McCann / Facebook photo)

Third Candidate Enters Race for Illinois Governor

State Sen. Sam McCann enters the race for Illinois governor as a Conservative Party candidate.

Toronto airport express train (Canadian Pacific / Flickr)

Toronto’s Troubled Airport Express Train Could Be Cautionary Tale for Chicago

Why some experts caution that a proposed express train between the Loop and O’Hare could fly off the tracks, financially.

(Richard Schneider / Flickr)

Mayor Emanuel Touts ‘Second Waterfront’ in Chicago

The mayor outlines major projects to expand recreation along the Chicago River. Why some aldermen say it’s not enough.

(Adam Jones, Ph.D. / Wikimedia Commons)

Michael Ferro Sells Tronc Shares to Heir of Former Tribune Owner

The embattled former owner of Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, sold the shares to McCormick Media LLC, according to an SEC filing that came late Friday afternoon. 

Attorney Bob Fioretti represents the city of Harvey.

Why More Illinois Towns Could Follow Harvey’s Fate

The state is withholding tax money from south suburban Harvey because it has fallen behind on its pension payments. Will others follow?

“We recognize that some people may be misidentified,” Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said.

Top Cop Eddie Johnson Vows Changes to Chicago Gang Database

The controversial database is coming under legal scrutiny as many say they have been wrongly added to the list and targeted.

“In signing this agreement today, we are securing and strengthening Chicago’s future,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel told media at O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

$8.5 Billion O’Hare Expansion Cleared for Takeoff

Get ready for lots of construction at O’Hare for the next several years: The city and airline executives officially sign a $8.5 billion deal to expand the airport. That and more news from a busy day at City Council.

“It’s all about Michigan. It’s all about what we have to do to stop them, and what we have to do to score,” Loyola men’s basketball coach Porter Moser said Tuesday.

Loyola Ramblers Relaxed Before Final Four Journey

Loyola suits up for its final practice before heading to San Antonio for a Final Four date with Michigan.

Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball coach Porter Moser speaks to the press March 19, 2018. (Chicago Tonight)

Loyola’s Stunning Run Takes Team to Final Four

Loyola never looked back in this one. After three heart-pounding wins that came down to the last shot, the Ramblers fate was rarely ever in doubt Saturday as they dominated 9th-seeded Kansas State 78-62 en route to the NCAA Final Four.

Loyola Ramblers fans cheer on the team at in Rogers Park bar Bruno’s on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Loyola Rambles On to Elite 8

As has become the norm in the Loyola Rambler’s heart-pounding NCAA Tournament run, it came down to the final seconds on Thursday against the Nevada Wolf Pack.

“This is not simply about standing up for myself and my own career. It is also about the countless other women who have been subject to this type of harassment,” Alaina Hampton said Thursday.

Former Staffer Sues Madigan, Democratic Party for Sexual Harassment

Alaina Hampton, a former political and legislative staffer in House Speaker Michael Madigan’s political organization, is taking her ex-boss to federal court.

Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios, left, Fritz Kaegi and Andrea Raila.

Kaegi Knocks Off Berrios in Cook County Assessor’s Race

In a blow to the Democratic establishment in Cook County, Fritz Kaegi has defeated incumbent Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios. “The old machine style is no match for the people of Cook County,” Kaegi told a gathering of supporters. 

The Loyola Ramblers (WTTW News)

Triumphant Loyola Prepares for Sweet 16 Matchup

The Loyola Ramblers get ready for their Sweet 16 matchup after Saturday’s stunning last-second victory.

Elizabeth Lindquist

Progressive Democrats: Madigan Offered Deal to Keep Power

A feud is brewing within the state Democratic Party. Why progressives running for office in the Democratic Party say House Speaker Michael Madigan is waging all-out war against them.

Candidates J.B. Pritzker, left, Chris Kennedy, center, and Daniel Biss appear on “Chicago Tonight” on March 14, 2018.

Pritzker’s Offshore Holdings Under Fire in Final Governor’s Race Forum

Democratic gubernatorial front-runner J.B. Pritzker came under intense scrutiny during an hourlong candidate forum Wednesday on “Chicago Tonight” – the final such event before the March 20 primary election. Watch the discussion and videos from a post-event press conference.

Tony Blair in Chicago: ‘US, UK Relationship Absolutely Vital’

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair stops in Chicago and speaks with us about Brexit, President Donald Trump and more. Watch our full interview.

United, American Lobby Alderman on $8.5 Billion O’Hare Plan

Could a fight over flights ground the mayor’s massive proposed expansion of O’Hare International Airport?

From Virtual Reality to Physical Barriers: Building a Safer School

What can school districts do to prevent a mass shooting? While the gun debate rages on, schools have to come up with other ways to make sure students are safe. 

Andrea Raila

2 Running for Cook County Assessor, Yet 3 on the Ballot

The Cook County Electoral Board has ruled that it is supposed to be a two-person race between Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios and challenger Fritz Kaegi. So why will a third person be on the ballot?

Madigan Does Political Damage Control After Harassment Claims

The latest on the fallout from sexual harassment allegations in the office of House Speaker Michael Madigan – as some call for him to resign.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein on Politics, Then and Now

We speak with the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists who broke the Watergate story for the Washington Post in the early 1970s. 

Berrios to Face One Challenger in Race for Cook County Assessor

Another race in the March 20 primary that is heating up: Cook County assessor. The field narrowed Tuesday to one contender taking on incumbent Joe Berrios, but the dirt is still flying.

Chicago Weighs Allowing ‘Free-Floating’ Car-Sharing

A new model of car-sharing is poised to make its debut in Chicago, but some aldermen are sounding the alarm about how it may impact street parking.