Stories by Paris Schutz

Call it ground zero for the resistance. It’s a small office space in the first floor of a nondescript building -- one block from the security perimeter of the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Inside, reporters were packed to the gills as Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and others from the Democratic National Committee held court.

The atmosphere in the hotel Thursday morning was different. A lot of smiling; a lot of buzz among the delegates for tonight’s big show; although there were a lot of red eyes, too. That's because sleep has been at a premium.

Relations between House Speaker John Boehner and former speaker Nancy Pelosi have never been warm. Speaking to the Illinois delegation this morning, Boehner indicated that the battle was back on.

If you tune to local convention coverage featuring dispatches from your favorite television political reporters (and your humble servant as well), you may notice something tonight: bloodshot eyes. You see, sleep was a bit hard to come by last night. Is it because we were out late into the night perusing the various after-hours fundraisers? Not exactly. Is it because we decided to jump off the grid, head to the famous Ybor City district and enjoy the fruits of Tampa's nightlife? Ahh, no.

As Republicans finished their official events this morning, word spread that Gov. Pat Quinn had vetoed the gambling bill outright. Some of the Republican lawmakers we spoke with this morning had supported the bill, others had opposed, but all seemed united in criticizing the way the governor handled the veto.

Members of the Illinois delegation wandered through the lobby of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in steamy Tampa today, and were treated to a magnificent ice sculpture of the capitol - the site of many meltdowns.

Chicago Tonight's Paris Schutz gears up to attend the Republican National Convention next week.

After historic expulsion vote, the Illinois General Assembly fails to deliver on pension reform during the special session. Paris Schutz reports from Springfield.

Chicago City Council's watchdog says he will "immediately" investigate records controlled by Ald. Ed Burke.

The mayor says he’s cut the city’s budget deficit in half. It’s the one piece of positive news in an otherwise ominous financial forecast. Are tax hikes and spending cuts inevitable? We take a look.

City Council's recently appointed watchdog is looking at Chicago's most powerful alderman, and is investigating 20 more aldermen or aldermanic staff members for potential wrongdoing. We have the exclusive details.

Chicago's final two coal plants are closing. So why did the state quietly pass a bill allowing a new coal plant to open in the city? Paris Schutz has the story.

A young girl begs Gov. Pat Quinn to "sack" a controversial bill that would prevent towns from getting rid of plastic bags. Paris Schutz has the story.

Should customers pay higher cab fares? Paris Schutz has more on the growing debate.

The clock is ticking while a pension reform deal is fading. Paris Schutz has the latest.

The Secret Service's plan will close down Museum Campus, and parts of Lake Shore Drive, during the NATO summit.

All three museums on Museum Campus will be closed Sunday May 20 during the NATO summit, according to staff members at the museums. 

Chances are, if you've ridden the CTA in the Loop, you're traveling over tracks that are pushing 100 years old. Paris Schutz has more on a major planned facelift to get the elevated tracks up to speed. 

Need to catch a cab? The city hopes a new ordinance will ensure you have a safe driver and a modern, fuel-efficient vehicle. But some say the upgrades will be especially taxing on drivers. Paris Schutz has the story.

It's a big song and dance today for a brand new $17 million building for the Old Town School of Folk Music. We take a look inside, and see why the mayor and other local officials are singing its praises.

Oxygen is being used to treat sports injuries, diabetics, and cancer patients. Is it the new wonder drug or a bit of hot air? Paris Schutz has the story.

Ever think of pressing record on that Blackberry or smartphone? Thanks to an obscure state law, you could be committing a felony, punishable by several years in prison. Paris Schutz has the story.

City taxpayers may not owe $1.1 million for Soldier Field and U.S Cellular Field reconstruction -- this year. But, Paris Schutz has more on why taxpayers may owe far more in the future.

Reducing the Cook County jail population by putting more inmates on home monitoring...but who is the county letting out? Paris Schutz reports.

Autumn colors are especially spectacular this fall. We tell you why and how long this peak season will last.

It's a landmark date for Chicago's oldest house. How old is it and where might you find it? Paris Schutz has the story.