Stories by Amanda Vinicky

Chicago’ and Illinois’ budgets could both use extra padding – money for schools, and to pay pension debts. One option? More gambling. But just what are the chances? 

Watch the Aug. 22, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

An urban farming program that started barely two years ago with 7 acres of land near a former steel mill celebrated a milestone Wednesday.

Assessing the impact of a guilty verdict and plea deal on the presidency of Donald Trump: a discussion with former federal prosecutor Patrick Cotter.

“Each garden, we’re finding, is its own microcosm this year,” said organic gardener Jeanne Nolan. “Some are bountiful and others are delayed. That weather stressed out the plants some, and we’re seeing the results of it.”

In honor of her late son, Elizabeth Gerlach wrote a children’s book featuring a protagonist who uses a wheelchair. “I would like to be able to reduce the stigma of kids with disabilities,” she said.

District leaders are updating policies on how students and staff can digitally communicate as it works to root out sexual misconduct inside its schools.

Witty women, global fare, sweet treats and art fairs usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

An exhibition conveys the role of the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazines in spreading the word on black culture from their onetime offices at 820 S. Michigan Ave.

Local reaction to a stunning two-year grand jury investigation that details alleged sexual abuse of more than 1,000 individuals by 300 “predator priests” – and a cover-up by church officials.

Watch the Aug. 21, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

The candidate pool in the race for mayor grows once again – and a new poll has some surprising results.

A bill signed into law this week seeks to incorporate composted soil into state-funded landscaping projects. 

The names of prospective district volunteers must now be run through sex offender registries and the statewide list of violent offenders before they can be hired.

A march planned for Saturday commemorating the 1968 anti-war protests held during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago will not just be a “nostalgia event,” says organizer Andy Thayer.

Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday vetoed a bill that advocates say would have boosted urban agriculture efforts in Chicago and other cities across the state.

Total fundraising in the Illinois governor’s race approaches a quarter-billion dollars. What that means for both parties.

Readers react to a new Illinois law that toughens up penalties for texting while driving.

Watch the Aug. 20, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Two certified organic gardens on opposite sides of the city provide benefits to the environment and nearby communities.

The jury asked no major questions of the judge Monday – and delivered no verdict. Renato Mariotti joins us to discuss jury deliberations and more.

As always, the annual benefit concert served up a rich smorgasbord of styles Saturday. It also offered a subtle suggestion of Chicago’s dance history.

An inexpensive finger-prick test can quickly and accurately detect the presence of a life-damaging parasite in pregnant women, according to a recent study conducted in Chicago and Morocco.  

Former EPA chief Scott Pruitt said his proposal would increase transparency, but opponents say it will keep certain scientific studies out of the hands of EPA decision-makers and addresses “a ‘problem’ that does not exist.”

“Many synthetic cannabinoids are already illegal, but by broadening the criteria, we ensure that they can’t be made legal by small and potentially deadly changes to their chemical formulas,” said state Sen. Jacqueline Collins.

As difficult as it may be to believe, the summer of 2018 is winding down. One significant marker: the Grant Park Music Festival will give the final performances of its 84th season on Saturday.