Stories by Amanda Vinicky
Obama Presidential Center Parking Garage to Move Underground
| Amanda Vinicky
The Obama Foundation has given in to criticism, making a change to its plans. The decision comes as the Obama Presidential Center gained new critics: more than 100 University of Chicago faculty members.
Why the Chicago Police Union is Fighting City Over Body Cameras
| Evan Garcia
Chicago’s largest police union is fighting the use of body cameras. Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham explains why.
Columnist: Getting Older Doesn’t Have to Mean Getting Grumpier
| Erica Gunderson
A conversation with Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn, who muses on how to be “a good old man” as he celebrates a milestone birthday.
What Does Latest Stock Market Record Mean for Investors?
| Nick Blumberg
The Dow Jones crossing 25,000 is the latest milestone in a long-running bull market. What’s driving it, and when it could end.
District’s ‘Turnaround’ Operator Highlighted as Model for Success
| Brandis Friedman
How some of Chicago’s weakest schools have turned around to become some of the strongest.
CTU Calls for School Investments, Not Closures, in Letter to Mayor
Union claims schools closings may violate labor contract
| Matt Masterson
As CPS presses ahead with plans to open a new, state-of-the-art high school in Englewood, the Chicago Teachers Union is stepping up its campaign against the most controversial part of that plan.
Chicago Bears Name Matt Nagy Head Coach
| Paris Schutz
Just who is Matt Nagy, why did the Bears act so swiftly, and what is the future of their lauded defensive coordinator Vic Fangio? We have the latest.
World Record-Holding ‘Bird Man’ Visits Chicago to Discuss Epic Journey
| Alex Ruppenthal
In 2015, Noah Strycker became a birding legend after a yearlong journey across seven continents to see more than half the world’s 10,000-plus bird species. He speaks this month in Chicago about the adventure and his new book “Birding Without Borders.”
Englewood High School Plan Moves Forward, CPS Releases Renderings
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Public Schools is moving ahead with its plan to shutter four Englewood-area high schools in favor of what it says will be a new “state-of-the-art” neighborhood option with an $85 million price tag.
The Week in Review: Chris Kennedy Takes Aim at Mayor Emanuel
| Nick Blumberg
Democratic candidate for governor Chris Kennedy slams Mayor Rahm Emanuel for overseeing a “strategic gentrification plan” designed to “push people of color out of the city.” This story and more with Eddie Arruza and guests.
Women’s March to the Polls Route Released
| Kristen Thometz
Get updated details for the Jan. 20 event from the organizers of last year’s Women’s March on Chicago, including rally information and the planned route through the Loop.
Police: Suburban Woman Charged in Facebook Live Shooting
| Matt Masterson
Labritney Austin, of University Park, is facing a felony charge after she allegedly shot a woman in the shoulder in an incident that was recorded by the victim.
The ABCs of Illinois’ New Private School Scholarships, Tax Credit Program
| Amanda Vinicky
Contributors have pledged $38.5 million so far in 2018 to the state’s new and program, celebrated by advocates of school choice but derided by teachers unions and other critics as a subversion of the public education system.
Bannon Slams Trump: Republicans React to Claims of West Wing Chaos
| Eddie Arruza
An explosive new book pits President Donald Trump against former adviser Steve Bannon. Local Republicans assess the turmoil in Washington.
Rep. Quigley on House Russia Investigation, Election Cybersecurity
| Evan Garcia
Republicans and Democrats investigating possible Russian interference in the last presidential election are reportedly at odds. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley joins us with the latest on the the House Russia investigation.
Illinois Health Officials: State Facing ‘Unprecedented’ Opioid Epidemic
| Paris Schutz
Opioid overdoses in Illinois claim more lives than homicides and car accidents. State health officials tell us what’s behind the crisis.
Inside a Culture of Harassment at Chicago Ford Plants
| Erica Gunderson
“It’s a struggle every day,” a current Ford employee says. As Chicago Ford plants once again grapple with accusations of sexual harassment, we speak with two women about what it’s like to work there.
‘Nice Ink, Granny!’: Local Senior Brings Color to Chicago
| Jay Shefsky
When Helen Lambin got a small tattoo for her 75th birthday, she had no intention of ever getting another. But the experience “made me feel sort of adventurous and wild,” she remembers.
Nearly 600 Tons of Dumped Tires Collected in Chicago Area
| Alex Ruppenthal
Public and abandoned properties in the Chicago area might appear a little less cluttered. The Illinois EPA collected 598.5 tons of used tires in December as part of a state program to mitigate hazards associated with them.
Anatomy Class ‘More Memorable’ With Knitted Eyeballs, Organs
| Kristen Thometz
Anatomy is at the heart of medical school. To help fellow students remember lessons he struggled with, University of Chicago student Daniel Lam picked up his knitting needles.
Chicago Recycling, Garbage Pickup Schedules Now Available Online
| Alex Ruppenthal
Confused about when the city makes blue cart pickups? You can now look up recycling and garbage pickup schedules online as Chicago looks to boost its dismal recycling rate.
Palatine Man Reported Missing Now Charged in Chicago Bank Robberies
| Matt Masterson
A 27-year-old suburban man who had been reported missing now faces criminal charges after federal officials say he used bomb threats and a gun to rob three Chicago banks in three days last month.
Janice Jackson Shares Her Vision for Chicago Public Schools
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago Public Schools students return to the classroom next week, but the district’s new chief executive officer is already at her desk, planning for the rest of the school year, and the future of CPS.
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