Stories by Paris Schutz
Cullerton: Rauner Holding Up Budget, Pension Reform
| Paris Schutz
Legislative leaders and the governor are in a high-stakes game of chicken. A one-on-one with Senate President John Cullerton to see how he proposes ending the Springfield stalemate.
Stitches in Time: Historic Quilts at DuSable Museum
| Marc Vitali
A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.
Watchdog Says CPS Board Blocking Ethics Investigation
| Brandis Friedman
An investigation into whether or not the Chicago Board of Education’s top attorney violated a Chicago Public Schools ethics policy has been stalled, according to the district’s Inspector General Nick Schuler.
Unpacking the President’s Cabinet, Past and Present
| Evan Garcia
Looking back on U.S. history in addition to contemporary politics, what does the president-elect’s choices for Cabinet positions so far say about how he might lead as president?
Study: Treating Malnutrition Shortens Hospital Stays, Decreases Readmissions
| Kristen Thometz
Addressing hospital patients’ malnutrition can reduce patient stays by nearly two days and decrease hospital readmissions by nearly 30 percent, according to a new study.
Chicago Indie Bookstores Launch Campaign Ahead of Amazon’s Arrival
| Reuben Unrau
“We know Amazon is going to open and we’re not thinking that we can stop it,” said Lynn Mooney, who co-owns a Chicago bookstore. Find out how local shops are uniting to promote literary events.
Mayor Emanuel Meets with President-Elect Trump
| Paris Schutz
The mayor delivers a letter to Donald Trump, urging the president-elect to protect the status of Dreamers.
CPS Board Approves Revised Budget With $215M Gap
Charter Applications and Inspector General Investigation on the Table
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago Public Schools has a budget, but it could change again before the end of the school year.
Illinois Budget Crisis Hurting Public Safety, State’s Attorneys Say
| Nick Blumberg
State lawmakers don’t appear to be any closer to passing a budget, and prosecutors warn the impasse is damaging public safety. Three county state’s attorneys weigh in.
Jimmy John’s Agrees to Pay $100K in Noncompete Lawsuit
| Reuben Unrau
Jimmy John’s has agreed to settle a lawsuit with the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan over its use of noncompete agreements, Madigan’s office announced Wednesday.
Parents, Teachers Blast Special Education Funding in Latest CPS Budget
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Public Schools teachers and parents blasted the district's plan for special education funding in its budget for the coming year, saying it pits students against each other in a "Hunger Games"-esque struggle for school resources.
Hairdressers to Help Recognize Signs of Domestic Violence
| Kristen Thometz
Starting next year, cosmetologists working in Illinois will be required to learn how to recognize signs of domestic violence and sexual assault.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 8-11
| Rebecca Palmore
Neighborhood holiday markets, outsider art, cyclocross and Jerry Seinfeld usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
As Recycling Rates Drop in Chicago, Officials Look to Reeducate Public
| Eddie Arruza
Why aren't Chicagoans getting on the recycling bandwagon? What city officials are doing to reverse dropping participation rates.
Chicago Police Department Mulling Changes to Use of Force Policy
| Paris Schutz
When is a police officer allowed to fire a weapon? The Chicago Police Department is set to release new rules on that, but they are already drawing criticism.
Rauner to Sign Controversial Energy Bill as Debate Rages On
| Paul Caine
A controversial energy bill is set to be signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner on Wednesday. We hear from both sides of the debate over the Future Energy Jobs Bill.
Documentary Project Turns the Camera on Girls in Public Housing
| Reuben Unrau
A new project aims to fill a void in a news cycle that has primarily centered on the issues young men face in the city.
Marist Students Expelled Over Racist Texts Suing School
| Matt Masterson
Parents of former Marist High School seniors claim the students are being used as “scapegoats” by the school in response to growing social media pressure and criticism over the incident.
Springfield Standoff: Lawmakers Weigh In on Budget Stalemate
| Alexandra Silets
Legislative leaders are still bickering – with no budget compromise in sight. Two lawmakers weigh in on the ongoing budget stalemate.
West Side Residents Approve Higher Taxes for Mental Health
| Paris Schutz
Why residents on the West Side of Chicago voted overwhelmingly to raise their property taxes a bit higher than the rest of the city.
‘AIDS in America’ Exhibition Responds to Cultural Climate of 1980s
| Marc Vitali
An ambitious new art exhibition looks at the cultural impact of, and creative response to, AIDS in America.
Photos: Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest
| Mary Byrne
Chicago’s first snowfall came just in time for the beginning of the city’s annual winter celebration at Navy Pier.
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