Stories by Paris Schutz

Chicago's new bike share program was a hit with commuters this summer, but can it hold up during the winter? And what happens behind the scenes to make sure bikes are available and ready to go at one of the 300 locations throughout the city? Paris Schutz takes a rare look inside. Read an article.

Gov. Pat Quinn officially signed what he calls “historic legislation,” and “his number one priority,” into law today. Read an article.

Known for holding their rank and file members’ feet to the fire, Illinois legislative leaders were on the hot seat early Tuesday morning. House Speaker Mike Madigan, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R), and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R) testified about the merits of their pension reform compromise before a panel of lawmakers in a prelude to today's big vote. Read an article.

Legislative leaders officially released their pension plan today. It includes reduced cost of living raises, including years where retirees won’t get any raise, and aims for full funding of the systems by 2044. Read the full proposal.

Before he knew the contents of the final pension deal reached this afternoon, University of Illinois President Robert Easter warned his faculty in a memo that upcoming pension reform could be “onerous for public employees.”

The four legislative leaders in the Illinois General Assembly say they have struck a long-awaited deal to reform the state’s woefully underfunded public pension system. Read an article.

Two Chicago women are set to become Illinois' first ever same-sex married couple, and it will happen seven months before same-sex marriage can officially begin in the state.

A Michigan man described as “an accomplished international gem merchant” says he’s owed $25 million from the FBI for allegedly giving them the tip that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. Read an article.

While the World Series plays out in the confines of Fenway Park and Busch Stadium, the Cubs are in the midst of a heated contest of their own involving Wrigley Field. Read an article.

Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk says he felt compelled to champion Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s law calling for tougher gun sentences after he met with the parents of slain teenager Hadiya Pendleton. Read an article.

The eight aldermen that form Chicago City Council’s self-styled “Progressive Caucus” have a novel approach to solving the city’s pension crisis: convene a panel of city workers, elected officials, and fund managers to come up with a long-term solution. Read an article.

17-year-old criminal offenders in Illinois will go to juvenile detention instead of jail beginning next year. We have the details about why that has some concerned. Read an article.

The controversial oil and natural gas drilling method known as fracking is set to begin in Illinois. Will it bring jobs or will it wreak havoc on the environment? Read an article.

Illinois’ most visited State Park is at the center of a fight to expand mining. Will it revive the local economy or mar a scenic landmark? Paris Schutz has the story. Read an article.

In a stunning development, Bill Daley has decided he will not run for Illinois governor. Daley, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, says that his political experience might not have prepared him for the enormity of running for governor.

Chicago Tonight first learned that Alex Clifford would like his old job back at Metra, and his lawyer says that giving it to him is the only way to undo the controversial severance package that is now estimated to pay him close to $900,000.

Former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is sentenced to 30 months in prison, and his wife Sandi Jackson is sentenced to 12 months. We have the latest news and analysis. Read an article, view a timeline, and watch web extra videos from our archives.

The fallout from the Alex Clifford $718,000 severance saga continues. Board member Larry Huggins, appointed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley, has resigned. The news came in a release sent by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's top press aide. Read an article.

The deal to renovate Wrigley Field looks to have finally crossed the plate. A City Council committee unanimously approved the deal Tuesday after some furious late inning, back room negotiations. Read an article and the mayor's statement.

Rogers Park Ald. Joe Moore, known as a progressive, is responding today to charges of ethical misconduct. A report issued by the city's legislative inspector general concludes an alderman engaged in theft and abuse of authority. Chicago Tonight first reported the story last night on our website and confirmed the alderman in question is the 49th ward's Joe Moore.Read an article.

Ald. Joe Moore (49th), known as a progressive and reform-minded politician, and for defying former Mayor Richard M. Daley on a host of issues, is facing multiple ethics probes, Chicago Tonight has exclusively learned. Read an article.

With Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan opting to stay out of the governor’s race, Gov. Pat Quinn leads the cash dash among the 2014 gubernatorial contenders. Read an article.

There are explosive new allegations that the Metra Board ousted CEO Alex Clifford over his refusal to capitulate to patronage demands made by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. We have analysis, and take a closer look at Clifford’s leaked memo that led to his $718,000 severance package – which critics are calling hush money and a waste of taxpayer funds. Read an article.

Community groups near Wrigley Field have requested a meeting with Mayor Rahm Emanuel about the proposed changes to Wrigley Field, now approved by the City’s Landmarks Commission.

The Loop was a sea of red this morning. Jubilant fans lined the sidewalk along Washington Street, amid the canyon of skyscrapers underneath a bright blue summer sky. Read an article and watch web extra video.

The $500 million plan to modernize Wrigley Field got the green light Thursday from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, despite some objections from Lakeview Ald. Tom Tunney.