Stories by Paris Schutz
Independent Maps Group Throws Hail Mary
| Paris Schutz
The effort to take on powerful interests like House Speaker Michael Madigan and end partisan legislative map drawing may yet have life. Find out what the Independent Maps group plans to do.
New ‘Bizarre’ Gang Surfaces in Cook County Jail
| Brandis Friedman
A new gang has surfaced at the Cook County Jail that even the sheriff refers to as “bizarre.” Tom Dart credits members of the gang, called Savage Life, with a hostage incident that occurred at the jail late last month.
Medical Professionals Top List of Highest-Paid Jobs in Chicago
| Reuben Unrau
A medical degree may be worth all the time and money after all. A new report from Zippia, a San Francisco-based online resource for career advice, lists Chicago’s 100 highest-paying jobs.
August 31, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the August 31, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Study Finds Illinois Emergency Room Visits Up After Obamacare
| Kristen Thometz
Visits to emergency rooms increased in the state following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, according to a new study.
Tribune Tower Sold for $240 Million to Owners of Block 37
| Alexandra Silets
The owner of Block 37 is buying the landmark Tribune Tower. We have details from the pages of Crain's Chicago Business.
Ask Geoffrey: Chicago’s Crusade Against Air Pollution
| Erica Gunderson
Not that long ago, air pollution from burning coal made the Windy City more like the Smoggy City. Geoffrey Baer tells us how Chicago cleaned up its act, and shares other stories about Chicago history in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Lori Lightfoot Weighs in on Police Accountability, State Redistricting
| Paul Caine
The head of the Chicago Police Board on what it will take to change the culture of the department and restore public confidence.
Weekend Best Bets: Labor Day Festivals, Music, More
| Rebecca Palmore
Soak up the long summer weekend with cool jazz, world beats, Polish beer and a picnic or two. We've got top picks for city and suburban events this holiday weekend.
Ranking Chicago’s Schools and Public Education Innovators
| Hunter Clauss
Chicago magazine is out with a new ranking of the best public schools in the Chicago area. We discuss the list, the methodology and public education innovators with features editor David McAninch.
5 Nature Adventures for Labor Day Weekend
| Evan Garcia
Soak up the last weekend of summer by getting out of the city and off the beaten path. We’ve got a handful of destinations for the perfect weekend trip, whether you prefer hiking, rafting, biking or just lazing the day away.
Emanuel Says He Plans ‘Major Address’ on Gun Violence
| Hunter Clauss
Acknowledging the historically high murder rate in Chicago this month, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday told “Chicago Tonight” that he is planning a major address in mid-September to deal with violence.
August 30, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the August 30, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Suspended Blaine Principal Troy LaRaviere Announces Resignation
| Matt Masterson
Troy LaRaviere announced Tuesday he has resigned his position at Blaine Elementary – which was recently named among the top public schools in Chicago – four months after he was suspended, blaming Mayor Rahm Emanuel and "political obstructions."
Rhymefest on Being Treated ‘Disgustingly’ by Police Following Robbery
| Hunter Clauss
Carol Marin talks with Rhymefest about his mugging, what he thinks of the man who robbed him and how his treatment by police have change his perceptions about cops.
August 29, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the August 29, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Port of Chicago Privatization Plan Draws Critics
| Eddie Arruza
The Port of Chicago is looking to privatize its operations. But while the site needs a massive infusion of cash and upgrades, is privatization risking another city asset?
IPRA to be Replaced With New Agency COPA
| Paris Schutz
Just who will police the police? New details emerge on a proposal to replace the embattled Independent Police Review Authority with a new agency.
Allergist, Mom Says Mylan Should Lower Cost of EpiPen
| Kristen Thometz
The maker of the EpiPen announced Monday it will create a generic version of the life-saving drug at half the cost of the brand name. But a local allergist is skeptical about how much that will help.
New Documentary Highlights Students’ Efforts to Keep School Open
| Matt Masterson
A new documentary highlights the work of five grade schoolers who worked to keep Barbara A. Sizemore Academy open after CPS voted to shut it down late last year.
How to Make Sense of ‘The Five Life Decisions’
| Andrea Guthmann
What career path to choose, who to marry, whether to have children. A University of Chicago economist tells us how basic economic principles can help you figure out life's biggest decisions.
Study: Childhood Concussions Can Have Profound Long-Term Impacts
| Paul Caine
A new study finds that just one childhood concussion can have profound long-term impacts on health and educational attainment. That story and more from the world of science.
Grad Students Get Green Light to Unionize at Private Universities
| Eddie Arruza
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board gave graduate students at private universities the go-ahead to form collective bargaining units. What local students and schools impacted by the ruling have to say.
PAWS Chicago Rescues Animals from Flood-Ravaged Louisiana
| Evan Garcia
Chicago’s largest no-kill animal shelter has opened its doors to dogs and cats from Louisiana, a state that has little room to house pets in need following devastating floods earlier this month.
‘Nosy Neighbors’ Keeping Kids Safe on Daily School Commute
| Matt Masterson
For the seventh straight year, children and teens will be guided along their daily commute by Safe Passage workers – community members hired out by CPS to keep watch over students during as they walk to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon.
The Week in Review: Trump Talks Chicago Violence
| Nick Blumberg
Trump makes a bold claim about Chicago violence. Mark Kirk says Tammy Duckworth is mocking stroke victims. CPS teachers threaten an October strike. And U.S. Cellular Field gets a new name. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
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