Stories by Paul Caine

Long Shot Libertarian Candidate for Governor Short on Cash

U.S. Navy veteran Grayson “Kash” Jackson may be one candidate for governor that few people have heard of. He tells us about his plans to fix the state.

Nine Mexican Wolves Leaving Brookfield Zoo for New Homes

They are one of the most successful packs within the nationwide Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, but nine of the 10 wolves will leave Chicago for new homes as part of a plan to help save the endangered species.

Chicago Police Sergeant Implicated in Beating of 2 Men Outside Bar

An off-duty sergeant and suburban officer allegedly beat two men in an unprovoked attack outside a gay bar in September. But weeks after they were identified, no criminal charges have been filed.

The Choice for Governor: A WTTW News Special

Exclusive, in-depth profiles of the two primary contenders for Illinois governor in 2018: Democratic nominee and Republican incumbent, Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Emanuel Opposes Tax on High-End Real Estate to Address Homelessness, Lead

The mayor said he understands the seriousness of homelessness and the city’s lead pipes, but he doesn’t think homeowners should be treated “as an ATM machine.”

UK Village Resents Being Used in US Midterm Election Post

A recent post on Facebook by Republican candidate Nick Stella used an out-of-date photo of a rundown neighborhood in a small coastal village in eastern England. 

Drunk Baggage Handler Falls Asleep in Hold, Flies to Chicago

Police say a baggage handler told them he was drunk when he fell asleep in a cargo hold and flew from Kansas City to Chicago.

Oct. 31, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 31, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Obama Center Gets Unanimous City Council Approval to Land in Chicago

Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday thanked Chicago aldermen for their approval of a 99-year land agreement to allow his presidential center to make its home in Jackson Park. But other hurdles remain.

Local Museums Embrace Rich History of Design in Chicago

A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.

Michael Beschloss Sheds Light on ‘Presidents of War’ in New Book

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how U.S. presidents have increasingly usurped the power to go to war.

New System Designates School Performance on Annual Illinois Report Card

Under a new component of the annual Illinois Report Card, 20 percent of schools are eligible for additional federal funding to make improvements.

Fall Colors Are on Full Display at Chicago Botanic Garden

Sunny days and cool nights have helped produce a vivid display of fall colors this season. At the Chicago Botanic Garden, thousands of trees are at their peak.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 1-4

Monster trucks, improv comedy, global artists and Greek eats usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A Chicago Homecoming for Daniel Barenboim

At an intimate press conference celebrating his return visit to the city, conductor Daniel Barenboim expressed his delight at what will be a two-part homecoming at Symphony Center.

Suburban Police Chief Found Not Guilty, Other Charges Dropped

Christian Daigre was found not guilty in this case following a bench trial that ended May 15, 2023. Additional charges against him were later dropped by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

3 Bar Associations Rank Cook County Circuit Court Judge Candidates

Next month, voters will be tasked with electing Cook County Circuit Court judges. To help navigate the options, three local bar associations screened and ranked each candidate. Here are their recommendations.

Illinois State Board of Elections Warns of Online Voting Scam

Online voting is not permitted anywhere in the United States, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. The agency is raising awareness of fraudulent online voting schemes ahead of the Nov. 6 election.

The Race for Illinois Governor 2018: J.B. Pritzker

From a childhood marked by privilege and tragedy to a life of business success and philanthropy, we bring you an original, in-depth look at the life of Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker.

Jason Van Dyke Makes First Court Appearance Since Murder Conviction

Defense attorneys for the Chicago cop convicted of second-decree murder in the fatal shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald are asking a judge to toss out the convictions or grant a new trial.

Son Says He Killed Parents, Bodies Found in Illinois River

The bodies of a college professor and her husband have been recovered from a river in central Illinois and their 21-year-old son has been charged with first-degree murder.

Oct. 30, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 30, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Judge Delays Ruling on Request to Toss Charges in McDonald Conspiracy Case

A Cook County judge will decide next week whether she’ll grant a request to dismiss charges against three Chicago police officers accused of working to cover up the shooting death of black teen Laquan McDonald, less than a month before they are set to face trial.

Charter School Teachers Vote to Authorize Strike

Several hundred Chicago charter school teachers say they’re willing to walk off the job if they can’t reach a contract agreement with their charter operator, Acero.

Illinois Races Heat Up One Week Ahead of Elections

Lisa Desjardins of the “PBS NewsHour” joins us to discuss how things are looking for candidates in Illinois and other key states, and whether some districts are still expecting a so-called blue wave on Nov. 6.

In ‘Lady in Denmark,’ One Woman’s Life in Copenhagen and Chicago, Set to Echoes of Billie Holiday

As it happens, there are two “ladies” in Dael Orlandersmith’s play, “Lady in Denmark,” now in its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre. But only one is fully seen or heard on stage.
 

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