Stories by Amanda Vinicky

What Would Sports Betting Look Like in Illinois?

A U.S. Supreme Court decision last year opened the door to state-authorized sports betting, and Illinois is hurrying to take advantage of it. 

Radio Host, Former Ald. Cliff Kelley Steps Down from WVON Afternoon Gig

For a quarter century, he has parsed politics and discussed the issues impacting Chicago as afternoon radio talk show host on WVON. Cliff Kelley reflects on his career.

March 28, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the March 28, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

FoodQ Pilot Program Delivers Healthy Meals to Chicago Food Deserts

How a new meal delivery pilot program is trying to reduce hospital and doctor visits in Chicago neighborhoods where healthy eating is out of reach.

Hometown Architect Jeanne Gang Lands O’Hare Project

A new global terminal at O’Hare will be filled with light, wood and trees. We take a closer look at the winning design and discuss the future of airport travel.

Celebrated Songwriter Alan Menken on Disney Movies, Musicals

In advance of his one-man show at the Auditorium Theatre, Alan Menken tells stories and sing songs from his astounding career in Hollywood and on Broadway.

Report: In US Prisons, Women Disciplined More than Men for Minor Offenses

Local journalists detail the discrepancy between the discipline of men and women in prisons across the U.S., including Illinois. We speak with Jessica Pupovac, lead reporter of the yearlong investigation.

Lose a Pet? Chicago Shelter to Use Facial Recognition App to Help Reunite Animals, Owners

Each year, Chicago Animal Care and Control takes in more than 3,000 stray dogs and 3,000 stray cats on average, but only a fraction of them are reunited with their owners. How a new app could help link lost pets with their owners.

Emanuel: City Seeks to Recover Investigation Costs from Smollett

Jussie Smollett has already forfeited $10,000 to the city of Chicago following the hoax attack he allegedly orchestrated on himself. But if Mayor Rahm Emanuel has his way, that bill will grow to $130,000.

Measles Exposure Reported in Cook County

An individual with a confirmed case of measles visited more than a dozen Cook County stores, restaurants and theaters before realizing they were sick, according to health officials. 

Illinois Man Indicted on State Charges in Deputy’s Killing

An Illinois man facing federal murder charges in the killing of a sheriff’s deputy now faces state charges, as well. A grand jury indicted Floyd Brown on 75 counts, including 60 counts of first-degree murder.

Team Led by Jeanne Gang Chosen to Design New O’Hare Global Terminal

A team of architects led by Jeanne Gang has been chosen to design a $2.2 billion global terminal at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, officials announced Wednesday.

Trump Calls on FBI, DOJ to Review Jussie Smollett Case

President Donald Trump is calling on the FBI and Department of Justice to review the case of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago.

Osundairo Brothers’ Former Attorney Speaks Out

Many people were surprised by the abrupt dismissal of charges against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett. Among them, Gloria Schmidt, the former attorney for the brothers whose testimony was key to the case.

Kim Foxx Backs Dismissal of Charges in Jussie Smollett Case

“I stand behind how this office, and how I in particular, handled this case,” Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said a day after felony disorderly conduct charges against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett were dropped.

March 27, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the March 27, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Aviation Officials Face Grilling Over 737 Max Crashes, Recall

Senators grill government officials and Boeing representatives following a global recall of the 737 Max plane. What the increased scrutiny – and a federal probe – could mean for the aviation industry.

Chicago Music Fan Turns Weekend Hobby Into Second Career

For more than 40 years, an employee of the Cook County clerk’s office has been moonlighting as a rock ‘n’ roll photographer. Now, he’s presenting his first-ever solo exhibition.

Court’s Soul-Baring Revival of ‘For Colored Girls’ Finds New Power in Classic Work

In this electrifying revival directed by Seret Scott, Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking work has never been so sharply defined in terms of character, language and overall narrative drive.

Assessing Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Record and Legacy

Chicago Sun-Times reporter Fran Spielman has doggedly and meticulously covered Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his predecessors for decades. She joins Carol Marin to discuss his legacy.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 28-31

Lush plants, show tunes, hot coffee and cold beer usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

White People’s Eating Habits Produce Most Greenhouse Gases, Study Finds

The diets of white Americans contribute to climate change more than the eating habits of African and Latino Americans, according to a new report by a group of Chicago researchers.

New Film ‘The Public’ Explores How Libraries Can Help the Homeless

In his new film “The Public,” writer, director and actor Emilio Estevez examines the intersection of homelessness and public spaces. Estevez joins us to discuss the film along with Chicago-based artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith and author Ryan Dowd.

Chicago Wrestling Coach Pays it Forward While Building a Dynasty

In just a few years, Ron Wilson reintroduced Bowen High School’s wrestling program and turned it into a city and regional powerhouse. Now, Wilson, a special education teacher turned firefighter, continues to lead the Boilermakers. 

Audit: Slow Legionnaires’ Response at Illinois Veterans Home

A state audit contradicted former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s claim that his administration had done everything federal experts recommended to remedy a deadly 2015 Legionnaires’ disease crisis.

Honoring Rivalries: Bears-Packers to Open 2019 NFL Schedule

As part of the celebration of its 100th season, the NFL will break from tradition and feature the Bears vs. the Packers  in its season opener Sept. 5.
 

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