Stories by paris schutz

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich to be Elevated to Cardinal

Archbishop Blase Cupich is going to Rome, where he’ll be elevated to cardinal in a special ceremony next month. 

In Chicago, Gary Johnson Defends Foreign Policy ‘Gaffes’

Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson said Friday at an event at the University of Chicago that despite his recent blunders on foreign policy, he is the preferred candidate among men and women in the armed forces.

COPA Passes City Council

It's official: The Independent Police Review Authority will now become the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, or COPA. We'll tell you what the next steps are in the process to reform police oversight, and what action City Council is proposing against Donald Trump.

COPA Gets City Council Vote

Who will police the Chicago police? Plans to clean house and overhaul the police accountability process face a crucial City Council vote.

Duckworth, Kirk Face Off in 1st Senate Debate

Illinois' U.S. Senate candidates, incumbent Republican Mark Kirk and Democrat Tammy Duckworth, square off in a debate for the first time. Why it may be their last.

Mayor Emanuel: Teachers Strike Avoidable

Chicago teachers formally give a 10-day strike notice to the Chicago Board of Education. Why the mayor and schools chief think they can avoid a walkout.

Donald Trump Hits Campaign Trail in Chicago

He may not have had flattering words for Chicago during Monday's presidential debate, but Donald Trump on Wednesday hit Chicago and the suburbs for rallies and fundraisers.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon Speaks Out on Police Misconduct

Will there be federal charges against the police officers involved in the potential Laquan McDonald cover-up? Find out what U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon has to say about his office's role in prosecuting police misconduct.

Emanuel: Chicago Gun Violence is ‘Not Beyond Our Ability to Solve’

Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers one of the most anticipated speeches of his tenure at Malcolm X College on the city's Near West Side.

Chicago Police Department to Boost Force by 1,000

The ranks of the Chicago Police Department are about to swell. Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced Wednesday the hiring of 1,000 new police officers, detectives and sergeants.

Garry McCarthy speaks at the City Club of Chicago on Monday, Sept. 19.

Garry McCarthy Says He Was Against Releasing Laquan McDonald Video

Chicago's former top cop speaks out and raises some eyebrows by saying how he would have handled the Laquan McDonald situation.

Chicago State Trustees Face Heat After $600,000 Breakup with President

Chicago State University Trustees voted 6-1 to accept the resignation of President Thomas Calhoun after only nine months on the job, and OK’d a $600,000 severance package for him.

Ron Sandack appears on "Chicago Tonight" on June 2.

Former State Rep. Ron Sandack Sent Alleged Extortion Money to Philippines

Former Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove), who resigned abruptly in July, sent extortion money via Western Union to the Philippines after being threatened online and over Skype, according to a police report released Friday to “Chicago Tonight” by the Downers Grove Police Department.

Thomas Calhoun

Chicago State University Parting with President After Only 9 Months

More drama at financially strapped Chicago State University: The president is out after only nine months on the job. Why students and faculty members say they are livid, and why they believe political patronage is the culprit.

City Council Votes to Raise Water Tax

The debate over water and sewer taxes is over in Chicago: they are going to go up. But what do aldermen want to do about driverless cars in Chicago? The latest from Wednesday's meeting.

Tim Evans, Chief Judge of Cook County Circuit Court

Are Political Power Brokers Influencing Chief Judge Election?

A quiet election is about to take place that could have major reverberations. Why two judges are trying to knock Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans out of his job.

Paul Green, right, and Mayor Richard M. Daley (City Club of Chicago)

Political Analyst Paul Green Remembered

Some of Paul Green's closest colleagues are dealing with the shock of his sudden death Saturday of complications from an aortic aneurysm.

Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein Tours Austin

Dr. Jill Stein came back to Chicago on Thursday to tour the West Side neighborhood of Austin and highlight issues central to her platform: gun control, unemployment, climate change and education reform.

Water Tax Hike Alone Won’t Fix Pension Fund

Aldermen are set to vote to raise water taxes by 30 percent to fix city pensions. But new analysis shows it won't be nearly enough, and that has some council members saying they were duped by the mayor.

CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson Asks for Help on Violence

After another violent holiday weekend, Superintendent Eddie Johnson issues a call for help to community members and African-American lawmakers. What is he asking for, and will it help reverse this year's spike in violence?

CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson on Record Violence

August marks Chicago's deadliest month for gun violence in 20 years. What Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has to say about rising crime, and whether others agree.

Independent Maps Group Throws Hail Mary

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.

IPRA to be Replaced With New Agency COPA

Just who will police the police? New details emerge on a proposal to replace the embattled Independent Police Review Authority with a new agency.

Effort to End Gerrymandering in Illinois Officially Dead

The Illinois Supreme Court late Thursday evening ruled that the question of map drawing cannot appear before voters on the November ballot. The process will remain in the hands of state power brokers like House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan speaks about campus sexual assault.

Law Aims to Reduce Campus Sexual Assault, Better Protect Victims

As the fall semester begins, a new law goes on the books in Illinois to deal with sexual assault on campus. Just how does it make colleges safer?

Voters to Decide on Downsizing Cook County Government

This fall, voters will get to decide whether or not to eliminate an entire branch of Cook County government that some say could save $1 million per year. Why other county officials are urging voters to keep it around.