Stories by Amanda Vinicky

Consolidating scores of local firefighter and police pension funds could save Illinois taxpayers between $820 million and $2.5 billion in the next five years, according to a report published by a state task force.

We go backstage as an actor prepares “The King’s Speech” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – and remembers his role on “Downton Abbey.”

How did researchers reconstruct the face of an ancient human ancestor using a fossilized bone? This story and more from the world of science with Neil Shubin.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is floating a new plan to make the Chicago casino a property owned jointly by the city and the state. But the idea is getting a cool reception in Springfield. 

In a new book, New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor detail how they uncovered allegations of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Twohey, an Evanston native, joins us in discussion.

Bárcena, who last year became the first woman to hold her position, discusses immigration and the political relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. 

“A Man of No Importance,” now receiving an altogether beautiful, heartrending production by Pride Films and Plays, features exceptionally fluid, comedy-meets-tragedy direction by Donterrio Johnson and an ideal cast.

Chicago-based Reid & Associates claims the popular series about the Central Park Five defames the company's interrogation technique.

Artwork once under attack by the Russian government is now on view in Chicago. We explore a show at the One After 909 gallery in West Town.

Watch the Oct. 15, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

The video, which depicts a likeness of Trump shooting and stabbing opponents and members of the news media, was played during a conference held by conservative supporters of the president at his Miami golf resort last week. 

National security adviser John Bolton was so alarmed by Rudy Giuliani's back-channel activities in Ukraine that he described President Donald Trump's personal lawyer as a "hand grenade who is going to blow everybody up," according to a former White House aide.

Watch the Oct. 14, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Negotiators took a break from the bargaining table Monday as thousands of teachers and school staff rallied in hopes of securing what they called a “fair contract.” 

In the wake of criticism directed at Columbus and his treatment of indigenous people, a movement to supplant Columbus Day with another holiday – Indigenous Peoples Day – has emerged.

President Donald Trump’s decision to immediately withdraw all U.S. troops from northern Syria has prompted criticism from politicians, military leaders and others. 

Former speechwriters for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush discuss the current state of presidential messaging. 

In “Jane Eyre,” Cathy Marston said she creates movement based on quotes taken directly from Charlotte Bronte’s 19th century novel. 

A report from the Active Transportation Alliance says Chicago should develop a long-term e-scooter program across the entire city. 

Boeing announced that it has stripped CEO Dennis Muilenburg of his title as chairman of the board, a move the company says will allow him to focus more on fixing its troubled 737 Max jets. 

The station will be off the air for two to three hours starting at 12 a.m. Tuesday as the station puts in a new transmitter and changes frequencies. If you watch WTTW stations over the air, you’ll need to rescan your TV.

The man who allegedly gunned down five neighbors in a rampage inside a Dunning condo building Saturday had planned out his attack, according to letters found inside his home in which he said he would have “no mercy” for the victims.

The image and story of Christopher Columbus, the 15th century navigator who began European incursions into the Americas, have changed in the U.S. over the decades. 

Fiona Hill, a former top National Security Council expert on Russia, was testifying to Congress behind closed doors Monday, the latest former Trump administration official to be subpoenaed as part of the House impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.

Brigid Kosgei of Kenya won the Chicago Marathon on Sunday in 2 hours, 14 minutes, 4 seconds to break the world record in the event.

How will a possible walkout affect classrooms, building access and after-school activities across the city?