Stories by Amanda Vinicky

As soon as Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court will issue an opinion on Janus v. AFSCME – a case with roots in Illinois that could have consequences nationwide.

Once a year, scientists and veterinarians check on nesting birds at Baker’s Lake in Cook County, where they can also learn a lot about the environment – and predict possible health concerns for humans.

Watch the June 13, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Could the American Medical Association’s official position on physician-assisted suicide be changing?

Accusations of sexual harassment against Kevin Quinn started the #MeToo avalanche in House Speaker Michael Madigan’s office. Now, the former Madigan operative is making public statements for the first time since he lost his job in January.

Celebrations of pride, feats of athleticism, art fairs and global fare usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

In an investigation dubbed “Operation Full Circle,” local and federal authorities say they recovered heroin, fentanyl, marijuana and more than a dozen firearms.

As part of its investigation into high levels of manganese on the Southeast Side, the EPA will hold an open house this week to talk about soil sampling and sign residents up for testing.

Maxine, a bottlenose dolphin at Brookfield Zoo, died June 2 after suffering an acute bacterial infection, the zoo announced Tuesday. 

Although I don’t ordinarily write about fundraisers, the 29th annual Corporate Night concert at Symphony Center on Monday was so beguiling that it deserves attention.

It is no secret that we live in a world of grotesque extremes. In “Guards at the Taj,” playwright Rajiv Joseph explores this phenomenon by spinning a story that contrasts the radically opposing instincts of a megalomaniacal ruler.

We peek behind the scenes at an exotic butterfly sanctuary in Chicago, and learn how volunteers help scientists track butterfly populations.

After a whirlwind summit, President Donald Trump declares he trusts the North Korean dictator and cancels joint military exercises with South Korea.

Watch the June 12, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago Public Schools says it’s taking a crucial step to protect students from sexual abuse by teachers and staff.

From Steve Wozniak to Larry King and Lady Gaga, a new book offers insights into how to start a career and forge a unique path.

With the high-profile deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain last week, suicide awareness and prevention is front and center. We discuss what can be done to reduce the numbers and help those in crisis.

The Chicago Crime Commission on Tuesday published its first new Gang Book in six years. In it, they examine the new and changing trends and issues within gang culture.

Illinois’ Republican members of Congress have an ask for the president: Don’t commute the sentence of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Should immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. be separated from their children? That question is at the heart of a dispute between immigration groups and the Trump administration.

Watch the June 11, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago teens joined Parkland shooting survivors and the family of a man shot and killed last week in a confrontation with Chicago police to “demand justice” for victims of gun violence.

Among the winners for “The Band’s Visit” – justly rewarded Sunday night with 10 Tony Awards – were two artists with Chicago connections: David Cromer and Katrina Lenk. Laurie Metcalf, of Steppenwolf (and “Roseanne”) fame, picked up her second Tony.

When it comes to picking a place to live, many Chicago-area mice tend to be city dwellers rather than suburbanites, according to initial results from an ongoing study by Lincoln Park Zoo.

A local institution holds handwritten lyric sheets belonging to the biggest-selling music artists of all time. We get a peek at this collection of cultural artifacts.

A Chicago nonprofit co-founded in 2012 by Che “Rhymefest” Smith and Kanye West has been rebranded. Rhymefest tells us what’s next for the organization formerly known as Donda’s House.