Stories by Amanda Vinicky

Democrats in the Illinois Senate on Tuesday passed what could be the state’s first complete budget in two years and a revenue package that includes a 32-percent increase in the personal income tax rate. 

“Chicago's Very Own," WGN-TV could be soon owned by a politically active, conservative broadcast company based in Baltimore.  

A state criminal justice agency was awarded nearly $200,000 in grant funding as part of a federal initiative to prevent ideologically motivated violence, but critics say the program discriminates against Muslims.

An Illinois criminal justice agency secured a nearly $200,000 counter-extremism grant without approval from several “partner” organizations listed in its grant application. 

As many Chicago cyclists are starting to shake off the winter cobwebs and get back on their bikes, we take a look at what they can expect this summer. 

The BiAffect app, the winner in a contest using Apple’s Research Kit, was developed to predict manic episodes and depressive moods in people with bipolar disorder, based on how they interact with their cellphones.

Chicago high schoolers already take three years of science, but a new policy concentrates that specifically on biology, chemistry and physics, requiring students to achieve one credit in each course in order to graduate.

It’s not often that an Oscar winner for best picture gets translated to the stage. “Shakespeare in Love” is getting its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

Though best known for his multimedia contemporary art, Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei is also a prolific photographer. We visit an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography showcasing his work.

How grassroots organizing is increasingly shaping the West Side community, which is looking to develop a shared vision for economic development.

The fight to bring affordable housing to Jefferson Park has residents polarized and leveling accusations of racism.

After almost 40 shootings this weekend, and another potentially violent summer approaching, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on the federal government to lend Chicago a hand.

Watch the May 22, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

New research from climate scientists suggests that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could melt far more quickly than was previously thought.

More than 3,600 Chicagoans living with HIV received primary care services during the first year of a partnership between the Chicago Department of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago and Howard Brown Health. 

Eight billion dollars in new revenue. That’s part of the surprising prescription for Illinois’ fiscal troubles, outlined in a report by some of Illinois’ premier business leaders.

Nearly 40 countries are represented at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park. We meet the head of the school’s English language program – and the reporter who recently wrote about the school.

A new pricing structure at the Shedd Aquarium gets viewers talking.

Coyotes have made a remarkable comeback in Chicago. What are the secrets to their survival in a dense metropolis? Marcus Krahnforst hunts for clues with noted biologist Stan Gehrt in this “Urban Nature” episode.

Gov. Bruce Rauner gets a big gift from billionaire Ken Griffin. A rash of carjackings. Will the mayor find money to keep schools open? And a Cubs sweep reassures worried fans.

Starting July 1, visitors to the Shedd can experience nearly all the aquarium has to offer for one price. And for Chicago residents, this means potential savings of nearly 50 percent.

Chicago Public Schools is once again turning to its lenders, this time to keep doors open until the end of the school year on June 20.

Watch the May 18, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

When he was just 6 years old, Dinesh Sabu lost both of his parents. His documentary, “Unbroken Glass,” delves into his family history and how the trauma of loss shaped his own life and that of his siblings. 

A just-released report from Chicago’s premier group of business executives says Illinois needs $8 billion in new and increased taxes to get back on track. 

The two-state solution, relations with the Saudis, and U.S. involvement in NATO are all on the table as the president embarks on his first trip abroad.