Stories by Amanda Vinicky

White Sox Should Seek Private Funding for New Stadium — Not Taxpayer Money, Illinois House Speaker Says

The White Sox have played in Bridgeport for more than a century, but owner Jerry Reinsdorf and developer Related Midwest proposed building a new stadium in the South Loop as an anchor to a 62-acre site dubbed The 78.

Chicago-Area Transit Agencies Won’t Be Getting More Financial Help Any Time Soon, Illinois House Speaker Says

Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority collectively expect to be $730 million short come 2026 and are seeking a lift from state government.

Senate Republicans Again Block Duckworth-Sponsored Legislation to Guarantee Women’s Rights to IVF

The Senate vote was Democrats’ latest attempt to force Republicans into a defensive stance on women’s health issues and highlight policy differences between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in the presidential race, especially as Trump has called himself a “ leader on IVF.”

Case of Former AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Michael Madigan Heads to Jury

It’s up to a jury to decide whether Paul La Schiazza, who retired from AT&T in 2019, intended that contract as a bribe to then House Speaker Michael Madigan in order to ensure the passage of AT&T’s prized legislation, as the feds have alleged. 

Chicago Architect Unveils Design for National Memorial in DC Dedicated to Fallen Journalists

Chicago architect John Ronan, who leads the local design firm John Ronan Architects, was chosen earlier this year to design the memorial in Washington, D.C.

Jussie Smollett’s Lawyers Make Argument for Overturning His Conviction to the Illinois Supreme Court

In early 2019, Smollett made what turned out to be a false police report alleging that he’d been violently attacked by two men in downtown Chicago. The men allegedly punched him and yelled homophobic slurs, put a noose around his neck and told Smollett, “This is MAGA country,” a reference to then-President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Sensitive Illinois Voter Data Exposed by Contractor’s Unsecured Databases

The documents were available through an unsecured cloud storage platform. They included Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and voter registration history.

Prosecutors Rest Case Against Former AT&T Illinois Boss Accused of Bribing Madigan

Former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza is accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the passage of legislation that was important to AT&T.

Sept. 16, 2024 - Full Show

Chicago’s plan on attacking a billion-dollar budget deficit. And last-ditch efforts at City Hall to keep a controversial police tool.

Chicago Budget Director on Anticipated Shortfall, Hiring Freeze and City Services

Chicago is facing a $223 million budget gap this year, and the city is projecting a nearly $1 billion shortfall in the 2025 fiscal year.

As ShotSpotter Contract Enters Final Days, Supporters Will Try Again to Stop Mayor Brandon Johnson From Scrapping It

The showdown set for Wednesday is the latest inflection point in the monthslong debate over whether ShotSpotter is an irreplaceable tool in the fight against gun violence or a waste of taxpayer funds.

Illinois GOP Chair Calls for End to ‘Dangerous Rhetoric’ After Apparent Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump

Surrounded by Republican candidates running for office in Cook County, Kathy Salvi on Monday invited voters to give down-ballot Republicans “a chance,” even if it meant ignoring the party’s figurehead and nominee for president. “If you don’t like Trump, turn off the TV for four years for heaven’s sake.”

New West Garfield Park Wellness Center Aims to Improve Health Outcomes, Close Life Expectancy Gap for West Side Residents

Elected officials, community members and partners gathered Monday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony for Sankofa Wellness Center, at the corner of West Madison Street and South Kildare Avenue.

Trial Begins in Challenge to Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban

Illinois lawmakers passed the ban in 2023 following a mass shooting the prior year at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens more injured.

Tito Jackson, Member of Beloved Pop Group The Jackson 5, Dies at 70

Tito Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet, and was part of a music-making family whose songs have sold hundreds of millions of copies.

‘What’s the Plan?’ Alderpeople Demand Answers as Cost of Police Misconduct Soars

During the first six months of 2024, Chicago taxpayers paid $40.5 million to resolve lawsuits alleging police officers committed misconduct, records show.

Partial Lunar Eclipse of Tuesday’s Supermoon is Perfectly Timed for People Who Aren’t Night Owls

The partial eclipse will hit its maximum before 10 p.m. Tuesday, which is downright considerate of the moon on a school night. 

Committed a Non-Violent Crime? Feds in Chicago Promise No Jail Time in Some Circumstances If You Come Forward

The pilot program launched by federal proscecutors Chicago appears to be the latest attempt to root out the deeply entrenched culture of corruption that has long defined local and state politics.

From New COVID-19 Boosters to RSV, What to Know About Vaccines This Respiratory Virus Season

Last year was the first year that the U.S. had vaccines available to protect against all three major respiratory viruses — COVID-19, flu and RSV — but vaccine uptake was low for the season. Here is what you need to know this year. 

Suspect in Apparent Assassination Attempt of Donald Trump at Golf Course Charged in Federal Court

Ryan Routh was charged with possession of a firearm while a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number during an initial appearance in federal court Monday morning. The investigation into Sunday’s apparent attempt on Trump’s life is continuing, and additional charges could be brought.

Will the Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates Fast Enough to Deliver a ‘Soft Landing’?

American consumers and home buyers, business people and political leaders have been waiting for months for what the Federal Reserve is poised to announce this week: That it’s cutting its key interest rate from a two-decade peak.

Fight in Humboldt Park Results in Fatal Shooting, 2 People Stabbed, as 4 People Killed by Gun Violence in Chicago This Weekend: Police

Thirty people were shot in 27 separate incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday. 

Donald Trump Was the Subject of an Apparent Assassination Attempt at His Florida Golf Club, the FBI Says

The FBI said Donald Trump was the target of “what appears to be an attempted assassination” at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Attention Student Photographers: The National Portrait Gallery Wants Your Picture on the Walls of the Museum

Every picture tells a story, and now there’s a chance for young photographers in Chicago (and elsewhere) to tell their own stories and amplify them to the nation.

CDC Says Mpox Vaccine Boosters Aren’t Needed in the US as Questions Emerge Around Waning Immunity

Last month, the World Health Organization declared an mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a public health emergency of international concern, and the outbreak has spread to a growing number of countries in Africa.

United Airlines Will Offer Free Internet on Flights Using Service From SpaceX

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
 

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