Stories by Amanda Vinicky

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has long been a political target of Gov. Bruce Rauner, but the governor ratcheted it up a notch Monday.

We speak with two Chicagoans who survived the crash of Aeromexico Flight 2431 in Durango. “Life has taken on kind of a different color – I hope it lasts awhile,” said the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez.

Willow Creek Community Church, based in South Barrington, is undergoing a seismic shift. Chicago Tribune religion reporter Manya Brachear Pashman joins us with the latest.

This summer, a local sailing camp has tried to break down economic barriers with a scholarship program for a majority of its campers. 

There is a strong sense of distrust between Chicago police and some of the communities they serve. How does the city repair this relationship?

The Motion Picture Academy announces a new award category for the Oscars. Why some critics say that’s cause for concern.

Only 24 percent of Illinois kindergartners are ready for school, according to a new state survey. But that number drops even lower for minority, low-income and diverse learner students.

A new state law will require mammogram providers to notify women whose test results show they have dense breast tissue, a risk factor for breast cancer. 

Under a new law, hospitals in Illinois must provide specialized emergency room care to survivors of sexual assault and also treat emotional trauma in the aftermath of such crimes.

A groundbreaking program to study urban wildlife using a network of motion-triggered cameras is expanding to Canada and South Africa. 

Two women allegedly stole tens of thousands of narcotic pills from a Wicker Park pharmacy over a two-year period and sold them off for profit.

The Chicago-based artist has an uncanny ability to capture the texture of surfaces in a way that is as precise as a photograph, yet at the same time, magically abstract. 

Norfolk Southern Railway is backing up from a controversial practice following backlash sparked by viral videos.

“So many people experiencing homelessness won’t come to us,” said Chris Robinson, Heartland Alliance Health outreach manager. “We have to come to them.”

Chicago’s most violent weekend in two years prompts criticism – and more cops on the streets. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorses “Jerry” McCarthy – and then Garry McCarthy – for mayor. And Sinclair Broadcasting will not have a home in Chicago.

Researchers from Cornell University and the EPA are raising concerns about the potential impact of recently discovered non-invasive species on the overall health of the Great Lakes.

Once again, police are in the crosshairs due to social media posts that have gone viral. This time, videos show police using a so-called bait truck in Englewood.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson talks about the department’s latest efforts to curb violence after more than 70 people were shot last weekend.

Watch the Aug. 9, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

After touring Chicago’s industry-dominated Southeast Side on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin pressed the Environmental Protection Agency to increase monitoring of brain-damaging manganese dust. 

We visit a local nonprofit that offers free scuba training to adults and children with special needs.

She’s been on the scene for 10 years – and just turned 14 years old. Ada Grey tells us about her experiences as a Chicago theater critic.

Each year, self-proclaimed “rednecks” try to rid the Illinois River of Asian carp – one flying fish at a time. We visit the small town of Bath for a look.

Why the 2020 census could include a question about citizenship – and why there’s a legal effort to block it.

Women enrolled in public insurance programs are entitled to receive coverage for comprehensive family planning care, according to federal guidelines. But new research reveals Cook County women may face additional barriers in accessing reproductive health care.

The estate of Terrell Eason claims Chicago police officers used excessive force during a July 3 foot pursuit that led to the 33-year-old’s death.