Stories by paris schutz

Gov. Rauner Strikes Conciliatory Tone in State of the State Speech

In a roughly 30-minute speech on Wednesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner lightly mentioned the ongoing budget impasse and did not say the phrase “Turnaround agenda" once. Instead, the governor struck tones of reconciliation on issues such as pension reform and education funding.

2016 Health Care Enrollment Deadline Nears

State, local and federal officials are urging those without health coverage to sign up for the Affordable Care Act before next week's open enrollment deadline. Paris Schutz explains why it could affect your health care premiums. 

Cullerton Strikes Deal with Rauner

The top Democrat in the Illinois Senate says he's willing to make a deal with Gov. Bruce Rauner on pension reform and other items in the governor's so-called Turnaround agenda. Is the budget impasse finally thawing out?

Gov. Rauner, Republicans Tout John Cullerton Pension Plan

Gov. Bruce Rauner says he and Senate President John Cullerton have a deal on major pension reform, but it fell apart as the day went on. What happened? Paris Schutz has details.

Christine Radogno

Rauner, Republicans: State Takeover of CPS a 'Lifeline'

Gov. Bruce Rauner and Republican leaders officially announced on Wednesday their ambitious agenda to allow for an emergency financial authority appointed by the Illinois State Board of Education superintendent to take over Chicago Public Schools in the wake of a $500 million funding shortfall.

Sources: Lawmakers to Introduce Legislation Allowing Bankruptcy, Oversight for City and CPS

"Chicago Tonight” has learned that Gov. Bruce Rauner and top Republican leaders are planning to introduce legislation aimed at an emergency financial takeover of the city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools. Paris Schutz has details.

From left: Anita Alvarez, Kimberly Foxx, Donna More.

Candidates for State's Attorney Debate Handling of Police Shootings

State's Attorney Anita Alvarez faces critics and opponents in a contentious forum to answer the question of whether a special prosecutor should handle police shootings. Paris Schutz brings us the latest.

Powerful Aldermen Block Reform Effort

Actions Wednesday by powerful aldermen Ed Burke and Carrie Austin signal City Council might not yet be ready for reform. Paris Schutz has the latest on that and how aldermen have watered-down the mayor’s borrowing plan – for now.

African-American Aldermen Push Candidates for CPD Superintendent

Tonight, the Chicago Police Board is holding a public hearing on the search for a new superintendent, and African-American aldermen and community members reveal to us their short list for the job. Paris Schutz joins us with details.

Joe Ferguson

Aldermen Move to Empower Inspector General Joe Ferguson

Who is going to make sure Chicago aldermen play by the rules? A major step forward Monday in determining the answer to that – a sign that City Council could finally be ready for real reform and transparency. But will powerful forces derail this latest effort? Paris Schutz has details.

Chicago Aldermen Put the Heat on Mayor Emanuel

Is City Council becoming more independent in the wake of Mayor Emanuel’s unpopularity? A pair of City Council votes next week – one on ethics oversight and one on a $3 billion borrowing plan – may go a long way toward answering that question.

City to Borrow Up to $3 Billion in 2016

A comprehensive list of nearly all of the planned borrowing to be done in 2016 was disclosed today by Chief Financial Officer Carole Brown.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, left, Gov. Bruce Rauner

Rahm, Rauner in War of Words

Mayor Rahm Emanuel had some harsh words for Gov. Bruce Rauner today over a plan to have the state relieve $500 million in pension costs for CPS, one day after Rauner said he was "very disappointed," in the mayor. Paris Schutz brings us the latest.

Bruce Rauner

Gov. Rauner: Reduce Number of Local Governments

The governor unveils a plan he says will save taxpayers billions every year. But, as with everything else, can he get it through the General Assembly? Paris Schutz brings us more on that and whether or not the governor supports the recall of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and interim police Superintendent John Escalante, right, announce police reforms.

Chicago Police Department to Expand Taser Use

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announces what he calls "major" new police reforms, including the use of more Tasers, in the wake of last weekend's deadly police shooting.

Jason Van Dyke

Officer Jason Van Dyke Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges

The former Chicago police officer appeared in court this morning for his arraignment in the Laquan McDonald case. Paris Schutz brings us the latest. 

Police Shootings Raise More Questions about Reform, Training

City officials make further moves to reform police training in the wake of this weekend's deadly police-involved shootings. This, as the family of one victim who was accidentally shot and killed is speaking out.

Jason Gonzales

Michael Madigan Faces Primary Challenger Jason Gonzales

A young, Harvard-educated, first-time candidate tells us why he believes he can defeat the state’s most powerful incumbent, House Speaker Michael Madigan. Paris Schutz brings us the report.

Justice Department Investigation of Chicago Police Underway

The federal civil rights investigation into the Chicago Police Department is now underway. Federal officials will meet with Mayor Rahm Emanuel tomorrow and spent Wednesday with top police officials.

Anita Alvarez

Anita Alvarez Skips Grilling from Aldermen

Few Answers at Marathon City Council Hearing

Embattled State's Attorney Anita Alvarez chose to not attend a marathon City Council committee hearing Tuesday on police misconduct in the wake of the ongoing scandal at the Chicago Police Department.

U.S. Department of Justice

US Department of Justice to Meet on Wednesday With CPD

Exclusive: “Chicago Tonight” has learned that U.S. Department of Justice officials are scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Wednesday as the civil rights investigation into the police department gets underway. 

Dean Angelo

FOP President Dean Angelo on Chicago Police Culture, Investigation

The Laquan McDonald shooting has brought the police union under fire. Is there a culture of cover-up among cops? Dean Angelo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, joins us.

U.S. Department of Justice

Department of Justice Meets with Chicago Police Union

Dean Angelo, the head of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, met with Department of Justice officials in Washington, D.C. this week as the agency begins its civil rights investigation into the Chicago Police Department.

Search Begins for Next Superintendent of Chicago Police Department

The Chicago Police Board has started the process to select a new Chicago Police Superintendent, two weeks after the firing of Garry McCarthy. The board on Thursday posted the official application for the position to its website. Candidates will have until Jan. 15 to submit their credentials.

Mayor Emanuel's Address to City Council Stresses Trust, Respect

With his approval rating at an all-time low, Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivered a rare special address on Wednesday morning to apologize for the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald.

Ronald Johnson Video Released; No Charges Against Officer

Justice Department Launches Chicago Police Department Probe

Another police dash-cam video depicting an officer-involved shooting of a young African-American male is released to the public, but this time, the state's attorney will not bring criminal charges. Paris Schutz joins us with the latest on this and more of today's breaking news.