Stories by Amanda Vinicky

After two hours of debate this afternoon, the Illinois House passed a measure that paves the way for more taxpayer-funded abortions. The legislation allows for Medicaid recipients to use that government health insurance to cover an abortion. Likewise, for state employees.

Chicago teachers will spend the coming weeks preparing for a new course on the history of the disgraced former Chicago Police Department commander who, for two decades, systematically abused and tortured suspects on the South Side to force confessions.

A long-shot candidate for governor tells us why he thinks he’s got what it takes to lead the state.

The debate over President Trump’s executive order on skilled foreign workers.

According to organizers, an estimated 60,000 people attended the March for Science Chicago, making it the largest of those that took place Saturday in 400-plus cities worldwide. But some area institutions did not officially support the event.

Author Ted McClelland’s idea of annexing suburbs to Chicago to boost the city’s population had viewers talking.

By eschewing traditional tiaras, thrones and knightly armor, a fairy tale-minded exhibition at the Chicago Children’s Museum hopes to spark children’s imaginations without imposing gender stereotypes.   

Disaster scenarios near and far are daily considerations for a group of local scientists and engineers. We meet two members of the Global Security Sciences division at Argonne, nicknamed the Doomsday Squad.

Officials from a Chicago-based education collaborative looked at years of studies on social and emotional learning and found consistent, positive effects on student behavior and outcomes.

A program called Speak Up connects formerly homeless individuals with seasoned storytellers so they can learn how to speak more effectively about their life experiences. We meet a recent graduate of the program.

Chicago Tonight meets a celebrated photographer who captured the human condition with her camera.

In addition to having the top five highest-rated public high schools in the state, Chicago Public Schools has two of the top 100 high schools in the country, according to new rankings from U.S. News and World Report.

Bringing the doctor’s office to patients when they’re no longer able to bring themselves.

Former President Barack Obama was greeted with cheers on his home turf Monday at the University of Chicago as he convened a panel discussion with young leaders on the importance of civic engagement. 

Aldermen fight to keep their discretionary “menu money” funds for ward improvements to streets, sidewalks, alleys and other projects.

Watch the April 24, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A new film on HBO starring Oprah Winfrey tells the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks. We revisit our conversation with the Chicago author who tells the story.

Universities across the U.S. are trying to reconcile two conflicting free speech concerns: the right of students to protest controversial speakers and the right of those commentators to speak on campus.

Studies estimate that more than 100 billion plastic bags are used annually in the U.S. But in Chicago, many shoppers have switched their habits since the start of the city’s tax on plastic and paper bags, a new study shows. 

As Chicagoans usher in spring and get outside, the Chicago Park District is highlighting its efforts to limit the use of pesticides at nearly 600 parks across the city.

A new study finds that youth who specialize in individual sports like tennis and gymnastics are more likely to suffer overuse injuries than those who participate in football and other team sports.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is casting his promise to veto legislation that’s become known as the “abortion bill” as a matter of timing rather than philosophy.

Crash data for 2015 released this week by the Illinois Department of Transportation shows a rise in the number of reported “doorings” in Chicago – collisions that occur when the door of a parked vehicle is opened directly in the path of an oncoming cyclist.

The rally, march and expo is projected to be among the largest of those taking place Saturday in 400-plus cities worldwide.

Chicago schools may close early. More fallout from the United Airlines passenger removal. The governor’s race has a new issue: abortion rights. And in sports, surprises on all fronts.

Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak Monday in Chicago as part of his goal to “encourage and support the next generation of leaders,” according to his press office.