Stories by Paris Schutz

Feds to Drop Charges Against Former Congressman Schock

The federal corruption case against former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock is likely to come to a rare conclusion, and it calls into question some apparent missteps along the way.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 7-10

Chocolates, an artisan market and a sweet walk in the woods usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago Business Groups Brace for Next Mayor

Mayor Rahm Emanuel was no stranger to spurring development and chasing ambitious projects. But what kind of relationship will Chicago’s next mayor have with the city’s business community?

R. Kelly Detained After Child Support Hearing

Authorities say the R&B star was taken into custody during a hearing Wednesday in Chicago over $160,000 in unpaid child support.

6 Men Charged in Trio of Harvey Corruption Cases

The defendants include two Harvey police officers, a private consultant to the city and two cousins with “high-ranking relatives” inside the city’s government.

Photographer Laurie Simmons Captures Lifelike Dolls, Fake People

From Meryl Streep to ventriloquist dummies, Laurie Simmons has had some unusual collaborators. We take a look at a career-spanning show by a photographer who populates fantastic worlds.

West Side United Invests in Neighborhoods, Businesses

Over the past two years, a newly formed coalition of health care institutions and professionals has raised $10.5 million to fund initiatives it deems vital to improving the life expectancy of West Side residents.

Study: Female Scientists Receive $40K Less in Federal Funding Than Men

A new Northwestern study is the first to show that female scientists receive less money when applying for federal grants than their male counterparts. 

Schock to Reimburse Funds in Exchange for Dropped Charges

Former Rep. Aaron Schock of Illinois has agreed to repay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and to campaign committees in exchange for prosecutors dismissing his felony corruption case.

R. Kelly Cries, Calls Accusers ‘Liars’ in Sex Abuse Case

R&B star R. Kelly cried, stood up and ranted about being “assassinated” during his first interview since being charged with sexual abuse, calling his accusers “liars.” 

Chicago’s Hubbard Street Meets Cuba’s Malpaso for Ingenious Mashup

A stunning program interlaced the formidable talents of dancers and choreographers from each company, suggesting that the two, if not quite identical twins, are the very closest of kissing cousins, different only in some distinctive rhythmic impulses.

Chicago Planning Commissioner David Reifman on Making Big Plans

Affordable housing, neighborhood overcrowding and transparency over TIF funds are dogging the massive Lincoln Yards proposal. The latest on that and other big development projects.

March 5, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the March 5, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Bill Would Let Illinois Cities, Counties Ban Coal Tar Sealants

Children who are regularly exposed to coal tar-based pavement sealants are 38 times more likely to develop cancer, according to the environmental group the Sierra Club. 

Cicero Police Officer Alleges Sexual Harassment, Discrimination in Lawsuit

Nadia Bull, an auxiliary police officer in a western suburb of Chicago, claims her department “turned a blind eye” after she was forced into sex and sexually harassed by her superiors for years.

Geoffrey Baer on the Making of ‘Chicago on Vacation’

WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer has explored almost every inch of the Chicago area in TV specials for more than 20 years. On Tuesday, he hits the road – and stops by to tell us about his adventures.

Walmart’s Greeter Phaseout Worries Disabled Employees, Advocates

Last month, the big-box store announced a second round of cuts as it phases out store greeters in favor of a more demanding customer host role. A local disability advocate calls the move “shortsighted.”

Ald. Willie Cochran Set to Plead Guilty in Federal Corruption Case

The outgoing 20th Ward alderman is set to appear at a change-of-plea hearing on March 21. He was charged in 2016 with 15 federal charges including fraud, bribery and extortion.

FDA Chief Calls Out Walgreens Over Tobacco Sales to Minors

A top U.S. regulator wants to meet with Walgreens leaders to discuss whether the drugstore chain has a problem with illegal tobacco sales to minors.

Hillary Clinton Rules Out 2020 Rematch with Donald Trump

Hillary Clinton says she won't run for president in 2020, but vows she’s “not going anywhere.”

Attorney: Michael Cohen ‘Was Truthful and He Was Attacked’

Michael Cohen’s attorney Michael Monico shares his thoughts on his client’s testimony before Congress.

March 4, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the March 4, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

What Maggie Hickey’s Appointment Means for Chicago Police Reform

The Chicago Police Department now has a monitor to oversee big reforms. The latest on the appointment and what it means for policing moving forward.

Desert Plant Raising the Roof of its Chicago Home

For more than half a century, a plant at the Garfield Park Conservatory has been growing slowly and imperceptibly. Until last fall. We visit the rapidly ascending century plant.

Director Batters the Baroque in Lyric Opera Production of Handel’s ‘Ariodante’

British director Richard Jones has attempted to yank Handel’s rarely mounted Baroque opera into a more modern era by devising a wholly gratuitous, meaningless and needlessly coarse vision of the work. I just didn’t buy it.

Giant Anteater Pup Born at Brookfield Zoo

The unnamed pup, born Dec. 15, can be seen alongside his mom on select days in the zoo’s “Tropic World: Africa” exhibit.
 

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