Stories by Paul Caine

With Gov. J.B. Pritzker seeking a state graduated income tax and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot rethinking tax subsidies for controversial city projects, two economists offer their take on the local and national economy.

State Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin on Tuesday easily defeated 47th Ward Ald. Ameya Pawar in the runoff election for city treasurer. She joins us to discuss her victory and plans for the office.

Veteran Ald. Patrick O’Connor is taken down by democratic socialist and former battle rapper Andre Vasquez in the city’s 40th Ward. Vasquez joins us to talk about his victory and his aldermanic plans.

Mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle joins us as her campaign goes after the progressive bona fides of her challenger, Lori Lightfoot.

Mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot tells Carol Marin on “Chicago Tonight” that the Preckwinkle campaign had previously tried to “take her out” by spreading a rumor that she would quit the race.

Fourteen mayoral candidates? A possible runoff? Political reporters and political scientists give us their take on this unprecedented election.

Chicago voters may want change, but with so many mayoral candidates to choose from, what are they to think? We get election analysis from political reporters Craig Dellimoreo, A.D. Quig and Greg Hinz.

Researchers estimate that more than one million pangolins have been taken from the wild over the past decade as demand has soared for their meat and scales. What one local institution is doing to save these scaly anteaters.

State and local politicians and officials weigh in on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s first state budget address. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveils his first annual budget proposal amid an estimated $3.2 billion deficit and billions more in unpaid bills. Watch the address and get complete coverage throughout the day.

On the first anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, we examine the role of cliques and alienation in high school life – and what lessons may be learned.

An ongoing NASA study aided by Northwestern researchers sent mice into orbit with the goal of learning more about the physiological effects of living in space. 

Amid a stunning corruption scandal that includes government raids, undercover moles, Viagra and massage parlors, Joe Ferguson has called for reform of the City Council’s culture.

As calls grow for an elected school board, we examine whether more democracy can help bring about better schools.

A bombshell report about secret recordings of embattled Ald. Ed Burke. We discuss the latest developments in the corruption probe.

A master plan for the $6 billion Lincoln Yards development is released. The developer says it has taken community concerns to heart, but critics say the plan is being pushed too fast.

After more than four decades, a beloved Rogers Park restaurant is shutting down – possibly for good – at the end of the year.

The Federal Reserve hikes its benchmark interest rate for the fourth time this year, by one-quarter of 1 percent to 2.5 percent. We discuss the outlook for the markets and the economy.

A Chinese spacecraft enters the moon’s orbit and prepares to be the first to land on its far side. Rabiah Mayas joins us with stories making headlines in the world of science.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to get your tax affairs in order. Two local tax experts offer their advice.

Chicagoan Samuel Skinner knew former President George H.W. Bush, who died Friday at age 94, for nearly 40 years. Skinner joins us in conversation.

Powerful Chicago Ald. Ed Burke appears to be the target of a federal investigation. Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti weighs in on the events of the day.

A new novel by the New York Times bestselling author and Hyde Park resident is getting rave reviews. Rosellen Brown joins us in discussion.

President Donald Trump says the U.S. stands with Saudi Arabia despite the murder of a Washington Post journalist by agents of the Saudi regime.

We learn about a new state-sponsored savings program aimed at more than one million Illinois workers not already covered by a retirement plan.

In his new book, Ivo Daalder argues that President Donald Trump has chosen to abandon America’s leadership role in the world just as China is becoming more assertive on the global stage.