Stories by Paris Schutz
Grand Budget Bargain Progress in Springfield
| Paris Schutz
We have the latest on action from Springfield, including whether or not a secret budget working group has a grand bargain in the works to finally break the budget stalemate.
Lucas Museum ‘Seriously Pursuing Locations Outside of Chicago’
Friends of the Parks pauses lawsuit, opposes any lakefront site
| Kristen Thometz
“We are now seriously pursuing locations outside of Chicago,” Mellody Hobson, wife of movie mogul George Lucas and board member of the Lucas Museum, said in a statement. “If the museum is forced to leave, it will be because of the Friends of the Parks and that is no victory for anyone.”
Master of Painting Brings Art from Bronzeville to the World
| Marc Vitali
From his studio in Bronzeville, Kerry James Marshall creates large-scale canvases that are prized in museums around the world. A 1997 winner of a MacArthur "genius" grant, Marshall spoke with “Chicago Tonight” at the opening of his career retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lori Lightfoot, Dean Angelo Come Face-to-Face on Task Force Report
| Alexandra Silets
Police union president Dean Angelo denies racism in the ranks. He faces off with Police Accountability Task Force chair Lori Lightfoot over the group's scathing report.
#MoreThanMean Highlights Online Abuse Women Face
| Nick Blumberg
A new video featuring two local journalists unveils the hostility some female sports reporters face online. One of the journalists, Julie DiCaro, joins us to talk about the attacks she faces and how she fights back.
Deadline Looms to Change Income Tax Law, Legislative Mapping Process
| Paris Schutz
Will Illinois move to a graduated income tax from a flat tax, and will it end the practice of gerrymandering legislative maps? Tuesday marks the deadline in the Illinois General Assembly to pass laws to change these practices.
Lyric’s ‘King and I’: A Sumptuous, Crowd-Pleasing Clash of Cultures
| Marc Vitali
Epic yet intimate Rodgers and Hammerstein revival earns an opening night standing ovation at the Civic Opera House.
From Vietnam to Michelin: The Journey of Chef Ryan McCaskey
| Brandis Friedman
In the final days of the Vietnam War, an effort to rescue thousands of babies from the country brought one of them to Chicago. Brandis Friedman shares the story of how he rose to become a Michelin-starred chef.
American Bison a Step Closer to Becoming National Mammal of US
| Evan Garcia
The National Bison Legacy Act aims to put the largest land mammal in America on the same level as the bald eagle, the country's national bird and a cultural symbol of independence.
Art in Motion Showcases Talents, Progress of RIC Patients
| Kristen Thometz
The 14th annual Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago fundraiser features artwork by 23 of their patients, including art by two mouth painters who will show off their skills during Thursday's opening reception.
Orphaned Ducks Adopted by Injured Turkey at Wildlife Center
| Evan Garcia
An injured turkey is raising mallard ducklings at a wildlife center in west suburban Elburn after a red-tailed hawk killed the ducklings' mother.
The Week in Review: Dennis Hastert Confirms Predatory Past
| Alexandra Silets
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the news of the week, including the bombshell twists in the sentencing of Dennis Hastert.
Virtuoso Photo-Realist Painter Returns to Chicago
| Marc Vitali
Meet the onetime stay-at-home mom who painted everyday kitchen objects before emerging as a sought-after artist.
Dennis Hastert Case Renews Questions About Nature of Sexual Predators
| Paul Caine
In court, Dennis Hastert admitted to being a sexual abuser. We hear from some professionals who treat victims of sexual predators about detecting the signs of child sexual abuse.
Chicago Celebrates Legacy of Playwright, Activist Lorraine Hansberry
| Meredith Francis
The award-winning playwright behind "A Raisin in the Sun" packed an impressive career into a short life. Now, a local theater wants to celebrate the South Side native’s work that extends beyond the stage.
Arianna Huffington’s Wake-Up Call Prompted ‘The Sleep Revolution’
| Andrea Guthmann
She's the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and a syndicated columnist. Arianna Huffington talks about the wake-up call that led her to write her 15th book, "The Sleep Revolution."
CPS Testing Lead Levels in Water at 28 Schools
| Nick Blumberg
Lead levels in the water supply are getting nationwide attention after the ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan came into the spotlight. Now, CPS says it will test for lead in the water at 28 schools, even though it's not legally required to.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Put a Lawyer in Every Police Car’
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about our discussion of the task force report with Fraternal Order of Police President Dean Angelo when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
James Beard Awards Gala Pays Homage to Role of TV Dinner
| Brandis Friedman
Brandis Friedman takes a look at the inspiring dishes being served after next week's James Beard Awards – and how television is a main ingredient this year.
Cool-Weather Crops and Hot Reasons to Grow Your Own
| Erica Gunderson
It’s time to start planting! The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan returns to WTTW's organic garden to plant cool-season crops selected by viewers and tackle an early flush of weeds. Also, we need your help picking the next round of crops to plant.
Weekend Events: NFL Draft Town, Rum Festival, Cinco de Mayo Parade
| Meredith Francis
Raise a glass to the NFL draft, bacon-infused dishes, rum cocktails and the Cinco de Mayo Parade in Little Village.
The ‘Burning Man of Bacon’ Returns to Chicago
Pig out at this weekend’s Baconfest Chicago
| Meredith Francis
Baconfest Chicago is back for its eighth year with plenty of bacon-inspired dishes, and it’s grown into a large event with a charitable twist since its quirky beginnings.
NFL Draft 2016 Kicks Off in Grant Park
| Paris Schutz
Legions of football fans descend on Chicago for the second year in a row. Is the massive event worth the headache – and will it be back next year?
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