Stories by Amanda Vinicky
What Would Sports Betting Look Like in Illinois?
| Amanda Vinicky
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
| Evan Garcia
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.
FoodQ Pilot Program Delivers Healthy Meals to Chicago Food Deserts
| Eddie Arruza
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
| Alexandra Silets
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
| Marc Vitali
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
| Evan Garcia
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
| Alex Ruppenthal
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
| Matt Masterson
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
| Kristen Thometz
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
| Associated Press
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
| Associated Press
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
| Associated Press
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
| Paris Schutz
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
| Matt Masterson
“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.
Aviation Officials Face Grilling Over 737 Max Crashes, Recall
| Evan Garcia
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
| Marc Vitali
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
| Hedy Weiss
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
| WTTW News
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
| Kristen Thometz
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
| Alex Ruppenthal
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
| Erica Gunderson
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
| Jay Shefsky
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
| Associated Press
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
| Associated Press
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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