Stories by Paris Schutz

This week’s visit from the Polar Vortex was more than snowy and bone-chillingly cold; it was expensive as well. Read an article.

Judy Baar Topinka is running for re-election as Illinois Comptroller in 2014.

Sheila Simon is running against Judy Baar Topinka for Illinois Comptroller in 2014.

Mike Frerichs is throwing his hat in the ring for Illinois Treasurer in 2014.

Bob Grogan is throwing his hat in the ring for Illinois Treasurer in 2014.

Tom Cross is throwing his hat in the ring for Illinois Treasurer in 2014.

Jesse White is Illinois' current Secretary of State.

Paul Schimpf is running against Lisa Madigan for Illinois Attorney General in 2014.

Lisa Madigan is running for reelection as Illinois Attorney General in 2014.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists consider the plea from new U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon for more funding. Watch the web extra conversation.

A country concert, a famous house tour and a circus festival; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.  

Patients at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge may have been exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Read an article.

We take a look at how the Affordable Care Act is doing after the first week enrollees are able to use their coverage.

Zachary Fardon, the successor to Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney, speaks out at length for the first time. Watch a web extra video.

Last year was a big year in film and award season is just around the corner. Joining us to talk about their picks for 2013 and contenders for award season’s biggest honors are Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune, Bill Stamets a freelancer for the Chicago Sun-Times and Newcity, and Jeanne Kaplan of Kaplan vs. Kaplan Film Critics. Watch film trailers.

Robbie Fulks is a rare country singer based in Chicago. Find out why he’s been compared to everybody from Elvis Costello to Chet Atkins when we talk with Fulks, and hear performances of songs from his new record: “Gone Away Backward” on Chicago’s Bloodshot Records. Read an Artbeat blog and watch a web extra performance.

One of the finest singer-songwriters of country music is based in the Chicago area.

Chicago legend Frank Thomas was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame today. Watch a 2011 interview with Thomas from our archives.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Father Pfleger and others call for a new "War on Poverty" on the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson's declaration, as Illinois gubernatorial candidates battle each other over the minimum wage. Paris Schutz has the story.

Carol Marin and her guests discuss Chicago Public Schools' announcement of charter school expansion.

Chicago magazine and the Better Government Association break a special report on the rise and fall of Juan Rangel of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), and the future of the clout-heavy charter school network. Read an article and view a slideshow.

We talk with Digital Learning Coordinator Jennie Magiera about how technology is enhancing the school experience for CPS students. Read an interview.

Misspelled signs are a common sight in Chi-RA-go. Geoffrey Baer shows us a few misspelled signs that have been around town for years in tonight’s Ask Geoffrey.

Deep freeze lifts a little as the Chicago area continues to cope with the cold weather. Elizabeth Brackett has the details. Send us your severe weather photos here.

Gun owners fill firearms training classes required to apply for their concealed carry licenses—which went into effect Jan. 5. We go inside the class to find out what students are learning and what they think of the law’s requirements. Read an article.