Stories by Amanda Vinicky
Railway Apologizes for ‘Bait Truck’ Operation, Vows to Stop Practice
| Amanda Vinicky
Norfolk Southern Railway is backing up from a controversial practice following backlash sparked by viral videos.
Advocates: ‘We Have to Come to Them’ to Address Homelessness
| Kristen Thometz
“So many people experiencing homelessness won’t come to us,” said Chris Robinson, Heartland Alliance Health outreach manager. “We have to come to them.”
The Week in Review: Violence Prompts Anger, Tears, Political Fallout
| Evan Garcia
Chicago’s most violent weekend in two years prompts criticism – and more cops on the streets. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorses “Jerry” McCarthy – and then Garry McCarthy – for mayor. And Sinclair Broadcasting will not have a home in Chicago.
Scientists Discover 2 New Non-Native Species in Great Lakes
| Alex Ruppenthal
Researchers from Cornell University and the EPA are raising concerns about the potential impact of recently discovered non-invasive species on the overall health of the Great Lakes.
Police ‘Bait Trucks’: Legitimate Sting Operation, Or Unfair Setup?
| Amanda Vinicky
Once again, police are in the crosshairs due to social media posts that have gone viral. This time, videos show police using a so-called bait truck in Englewood.
Police Superintendent Johnson Under Pressure After Violent Weekend
| Paul Caine
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson talks about the department’s latest efforts to curb violence after more than 70 people were shot last weekend.
Durbin Urges EPA to Expand Manganese Monitoring on Southeast Side
| Alex Ruppenthal
After touring Chicago’s industry-dominated Southeast Side on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin pressed the Environmental Protection Agency to increase monitoring of brain-damaging manganese dust.
The Power of Scuba Diving for People with Disabilities
| Jay Shefsky
We visit a local nonprofit that offers free scuba training to adults and children with special needs.
Meet Ada Grey, the Veteran Chicago Theater Critic Who is Almost in High School
| Marc Vitali
She’s been on the scene for 10 years – and just turned 14 years old. Ada Grey tells us about her experiences as a Chicago theater critic.
‘Redneck Fishing’ for Flying Asian Carp on the Illinois River
| Evan Garcia
Each year, self-proclaimed “rednecks” try to rid the Illinois River of Asian carp – one flying fish at a time. We visit the small town of Bath for a look.
Census 2020: Illinois Joins Suit to Block Citizenship Question
| Nick Blumberg
Why the 2020 census could include a question about citizenship – and why there’s a legal effort to block it.
Report: Hospitals’ Religious Affiliations Impact Access to Reproductive Care
| Kristen Thometz
Women enrolled in public insurance programs are entitled to receive coverage for comprehensive family planning care, according to federal guidelines. But new research reveals Cook County women may face additional barriers in accessing reproductive health care.
Family of Man Killed During Police Pursuit File Wrongful Death Suit Against City
| Matt Masterson
The estate of Terrell Eason claims Chicago police officers used excessive force during a July 3 foot pursuit that led to the 33-year-old’s death.
Lockers for Homeless Youth Meet Critical Needs
| Brandis Friedman
How a simple storage system is proving to be so much more for homeless youth trying to unlock a brighter future.
As City Adds Cops, Communities Call for More Comprehensive Solution to Violence
| Nicole Cardos
City officials may have some thoughts about solving violence in Chicago, but not everyone’s on board. What some community members have to say.
Banning Alex Jones: A Dangerous Move for Free Speech?
| Alexandra Silets
Controversial conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been banned by several social media platforms. Were they within their their rights, or is this censorship?
Why Chicago Heating Bills Could Soar This Winter
| Paris Schutz
An alderman is raising the alarm on the skyrocketing cost of natural gas prices in the city.
Assessing the Health of Chicago-Area Bats – Using Their Poop
| Alex Ruppenthal
As part of a relatively new Lincoln Park Zoo project, guano from bats across the Chicago area is collected and tested for levels of cortisol, an indicator of stress.
Astronomers Detect Mysterious Signal From Space
| Paul Caine
A revolutionary new telescope detects a mysterious signal, and why sleeping with the light on could increase your risk for diabetes. Rabiah Mayas joins us with stories making headlines in the world of science.
Women’s March Chicago Planning October March, Rally
| Kristen Thometz
Ahead of Election Day, organizers behind a January event that drew 300,000 people downtown plan to hold another march and rally designed to inspire voter turnout.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 9-12
| Kristen Thometz
Hot dogs, a back-to-school parade, news quizzes and classical music usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
CPS Spending $10M on Sustainable Schools Pilot Program
| Matt Masterson
Twenty public schools in Chicago will be part of a new pilot program aimed at connecting school communities with local after-school, health and family engagement services.
Ask Geoffrey: The Wild West History of Chicago’s Public Street Signs
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer brings us the history of the Chicago Motor Club and its bygone penchant for posting traffic signs in the public way in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.
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