Stories by Paris Schutz
Bob Fioretti Makes Moves to Run for Chicago Mayor
| Paris Schutz
Former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti, who tried to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015, and ran against Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board president in the 2018 Democratic primary, appears to be running once more for mayor.
Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’ Becomes Newly Minted Gem on Marriott Stage
| Hedy Weiss
The recent Broadway musical based on the hit 1942 film is an old-fashioned charmer on every level, with just enough of a sardonic bite to make it feel fresh, and just enough nostalgia to pierce your heart.
Lincoln Park Zoo Opens New $9.3 Million Visitor Center
| Alex Ruppenthal
A movie theater-sized screen highlighting daily programs, plus gardens and a member center will provide additional comforts and services to visitors, the zoo says.
Teen Charged After Fireworks Incident Inside Morgan Park High School
| Matt Masterson
An Instagram video that captured the incident Tuesday morning shows students yelling and running through smoke-filled hallways after the fireworks were set off. A 16-year-old now faces a felony charge.
The Week in Review: Mendoza Confirms Mayoral Run, Amazon Snubs Chicago
| Evan Garcia
Susana Mendoza is in the race for mayor. Outrage and confusion surround the fatal police shooting of a security guard. Chicago gets the big snub from Amazon. And the Bears get ready for their prime time matchup against Minnesota.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Uptown Theatre Restoration
| Evan Garcia
Paris Schutz and guests discuss the planned $75-million restoration of the landmark Uptown Theatre.
What Social Media Posts Can Tell Us about Gang Violence
| Nicole Cardos
Gang violence in Chicago has been researched, debated and battled for years. What role might artificial intelligence play in preventing violence?
Illinois Rolls Out New Savings Program for Workers Without Retirement Plans
| Paul Caine
We learn about a new state-sponsored savings program aimed at more than one million Illinois workers not already covered by a retirement plan.
Chicago Park District Fails to Background Check Many Volunteers, Investigation Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
Investigators described the Park District’s procedures for vetting volunteers as “outdated” and “under-resourced,” with a single employee responsible for managing the entire volunteer program.
Turnover and Turmoil at USA Gymnastics
| Erica Gunderson
Scandals plague USA Gymnastics in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse catastrophe. USA Today columnist Nancy Armour has the latest.
A New Approach to Addressing Hunger in Higher Education
| Brandis Friedman
Food pantries are popping up in a surprising, new location: colleges and universities. How City Colleges of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository are providing for local students.
Prosecutors Seek Witness Immunity as McDonald Conspiracy Case Heads to Trial
| Matt Masterson
Special prosecutors believe it will take less than a week to present their case against a trio of current and former Chicago police officers accused of trying to cover up the 2014 shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald.
Biography Explores ‘Love and Strife’ of Legendary Author Saul Bellow
| Nick Blumberg
He is widely considered one of the greatest American novelists. Saul Bellow’s anger, appetites and enormous talent are captured in a newly released biography by Zachary Leader, who joins us in conversation.
Photographer Donates His Talents to Help Dogs Get Adopted
| Jay Shefsky
More than 6,000 dogs were taken in by the city’s animal shelter last year. How one local animal lover is focusing his lens on the challenge of finding them permanent homes.
Retired Police Commander Allegedly Stole $360,000 in Social Security Funds
| Matt Masterson
Kenneth Johnson spent more than three decades with the Chicago Police Department, but federal prosecutors allege the former commander stole $360,000 in Social Security funds over the course of 23 years.
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza Running for Chicago Mayor
| Paris Schutz
She’s officially in. One week after winning re-election as comptroller, and after weeks of speculation and leaks, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza will run for mayor of Chicago.
Former First Lady Comes Home to Kick Off International Book Tour
| Brandis Friedman
Two of Chicago’s most famous women sit down for an intimate chat. What Michelle Obama told Oprah Winfrey – and 18,000 of her closest friends – to kick off her book tour.
Responding to Hate Speech in Schools
| Alexandra Silets
A recent spike in hate incidents at Oak Park and River Forest High School leads to a community march – and a criminal charge. A teacher and administrator tell us how they’re responding.
Where Do Illinois Republicans Go From Here?
| Nicole Cardos
President Donald Trump has been vocal on the topic of where the GOP stands, but where do Republicans in Illinois think they’re headed?
Is Rent Control the Fix for Affordable Housing in Chicago?
| Erica Gunderson
Chicago voters overwhelmingly favor lifting the state’s ban on rent control, but is it really the way to more affordable housing?
Lawmakers Vote to Raise Smoking Age, Despite Rauner’s Objections
| Amanda Vinicky
Gov. Bruce Rauner – once known for exerting an iron grip over Republican legislators that had them follow him in lockstep – got a taste Wednesday of his lame-duck status.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 15-18
| Kristen Thometz
Twinkling lights, new toys, barrel-aged beer and holiday markets usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
All Clear After Bomb Threat at State Capitol
| Amanda Vinicky
Legislative activity has resumed at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, following a threat of a bomb in the upper chambers of the statehouse.
Illinois Senate Weighs Bill to Limit Antibiotics in Meat
| Alex Ruppenthal
Lawmakers are set to consider legislation this week that would limit the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals, a practice that has been shown to fuel drug-resistant bacteria that can be dangerous to humans.
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