Stories by Amanda Vinicky

A new set of 75 dispensary licenses, judged in part on social equity factors, was to have been awarded by May 1, but has been indefinitely delayed due to the coronavirus.

Even if you practice safe habits, there’s always a chance you’ll come into contact with someone who has COVID-19. There’s no guarantee you’ll get it too, but there’s also no guarantee you won’t. So what then?

Anthony Riccio, the Chicago Police Department’s second-in-command, is retiring. The move comes as police departments nationwide are under the microscope — including in Chicago.

A partial release of Illinois companies that received loans from the Paycheck Protection Program has turned up some big names, including some who are politically connected — and some connected to ethics scandals.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the Illinois Tollway projected its revenues in 2020 would reach $1.5 billion, a 3% increase from 2019. But with people staying at home, that means fewer drivers on the roads – including the tollways.

It was clear as soon as the coronavirus was classified as a pandemic that it was going to take a heavy toll on the finances of many individuals and businesses – and therefore on their governments’ finances, too.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker takes a win and a loss in court, as separate judges make opposite rulings on his executive actions during the coronavirus pandemic.

July 1 marks the start of Illinois’ new fiscal year, which ushers in a bushel of new laws. Here are a handful that may come in handy.

The governor has talked about three T’s when it comes to stopping the spread of the coronavirus: testing, treatment and tracing. Has Illinois made progress on its contact tracing goals?

Come Wednesday, Rivers Casino and others across the state will once again be able to open their physical doors to gamblers, although with COVID-19 precautions in mind, like masks and social distancing.

Black Lives Matter is a burgeoning cultural and political movement — and it appears that people are ready to cash in on it.

By the time parents notice anything out of the ordinary – their baby is “floppy” or isn’t able to roll – it’s too late to reverse the damage done by spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA.

Chicago’s 51st annual Pride Parade was canceled, but LBGTQ activists and allies took over the streets of Boystown on Sunday for a community-driven march organizers described as a “protest, not a party.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is again facing legal action for allegedly exceeding his executive authority in reaction to the coronavirus crisis. 

Chicago’s lakefront trail officially reopened Monday after the city closed it down in March in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We visit the lakefront and see how the Edgewater community is gearing up for phase four.

Illinois’ ability to withstand financial hits was anemic even before the global pandemic hit, but the novel coronavirus has led the state to craft a novel budget strategy. We talk COVID-19, unemployment and police reform with Illinois’ senior U.S. senator.

Chicago rapper Matt Muse helped lead a march Sunday from Lincoln Park to Wicker Park to bring attention to to the role of Black musicians and creators in the city’s entertainment and music spaces.

Various businesses, religious organizations and even legislators have sued Gov. J.B. Pritzker over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. But the Illinois Republican Party says its lawsuit is different. 

The conditions under which Chicago police officers can use force will be reviewed by a new community working group, but even before its work begins in earnest the group itself is under a degree of scrutiny.

During a virtual ceremony on Sunday, Oprah Winfrey told Chicago’s graduating high school seniors they are being called to “reckon with our country’s past and determine a more equitable future for black and brown people.”

Illinois’ statewide positivity rate for the coronavirus fell to 3% this weekend – down from last Saturday’s rate of 5.5%.

The killing of George Floyd has reinvigorated calls for police reform. While some push for defunding the police, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has another idea.

One of the state’s top tourist attractions has been closed to visitors throughout the coronavirus pandemic. That changes Wednesday, even as other popular Chicago destinations remain closed — including the lakefront.

Illinois officials are dipping their toes into the idea of allowing swimming as the state begins its second week in phase three of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan.

Insurance companies “must do everything in their power” to help retailers, restaurants and other businesses that were ransacked by looters get back on their feet, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday.

Black elected officials are demanding transformational change in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the attention it has brought to systemic racism — and they’re demanding the state provide money to back it up.