Audrina Sinclair
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Reporter/Anchor/MMJ at @FOXCharlotte. Filled with joy - packed with energy! Firm believer that hard work pays off. Woman of faith.
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Articles by Audrina Sinclair
8-year-old podcaster Meg Maley and her mom are big White Sox fans, and experts
Last month, 10-year-old Chicago Bears podcasters Henry "Hen-Dawg" and "Jimmy V" Maley got a signed copy of Madden 27 from Caleb Williams. Not to be outdone, Jimmy V's younger sister Meg is in on the action too. In her "The Meg Way" podcast, 8-year-old Meg focuses on the White Sox, sometimes with mom Katie at their home in La Grange. While Jimmy and Henry were the center of attention, Meg has affirmed that she is the original podmaster of the family.
Chicago, Cook County to host all-in-one vital records, voter registration event
Registering to vote is a pretty simple process in Illinois with the right documents on hand, but not everybody has those documents. The process could also become more difficult if the Trump administration moves ahead with new restrictions on voter access. This weekend, the City of Chicago and Cook County are teaming up to help people get certified birth certificates and register to vote, all in one place.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas says she owes no apology to Richard Boykin over text exchange
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said Monday that there was "no apology necessary" on her part over a heated text exchange with former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin recently. The messages came earlier this month after Boykin sent out a news release for mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, calling out other candidates who are running for mayor while also running for their current elected office. Pappas has yet to officially enter the race for mayor, but has said she plans to do so.
CAIR-Chicago reports rise in anti-Muslim discrimination cases
By Audrina Sinclair,Adam Harrington August 20, 2026 / 10:44 AM CDT / CBS Chicago The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations says the number of reported anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination complaints is on the rise. CAIR works to defend Arabs and Muslims who have experienced hate crimes and discrimination.
CAIR-Chicago reports rise in anti-Muslim discrimination cases
The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations says the number of reported anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination complaints is on the rise. CAIR works to defend Arabs and Muslims who have experienced hate crimes and discrimination. The Chicago office has been handling civil rights cases for more than 20 years, and found that between September of last year and August of this year, its team handled 845 cases.
Chicago's Agents of Hope Training & Information Center works to connect refugees with jobs
Every day, refugees arrive in the U.S. looking for a better life and opportunities, but one of the biggest challenges can be finding work. The Chicago nonprofit Agents of Hope Training & Information Center is working to make the job search a bit easier for refugees through career training programs and workforce development. Chief executive officer Nana Ahmed founded Agents of Hope in 2010.
Community activist Jahmal Cole says he's learning a lot living in and exploring Chicago's 77 communities
Jahmal Cole founded his nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City with the goal of taking Chicago kids out of their neighborhoods to explore all the city has to offer, and now he is doing it himself. In his Live 77 project, Cole is on a mission to spend time living in every community area in the city. CBS News Chicago caught up with him in September 2025, when he was about eight and a half months into the project.
Bike and bus tour to commemorate victims of 1919 Chicago Race Riot, now honored with historical markers
Monday marks 107 years since the start of the 1919 Chicago Race Riot, and a seven-mile bike and bus tour of sites related to the history of the riot is planned for this weekend. The riot started on July 27, 1919, after the murder of 17-year-old Eugene Williams. Williams, who was Black, was on a raft in Lake Michigan when he accidentally drifted into an area reserved for whites. A group of whites threw stones at Williams, causing him to drown.
Mayor Brandon Johnson touts improved economy, drop in crime in Chicago, but won't say whether he's running again
Speaking live on CBS News Chicago's morning news on Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson touted an improving economy and falling crime in the city and credited his administration with the success. However, the mayor still declined to say whether he plans to run for another term next year. Mayor Johnson said this comes after more people visited Chicago last year than any other time in the city's history, with 57 million in all.
Chicago Sky thrilled as WNBA All-Star Weekend comes to town
All eyes are on Chicago as the city gets set to host the WNBA All-Star Weekend for the second time. The league is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, so there is plenty to celebrate. There are two teams for the All-Star Game — Team Spoon is headed up by Hall of Famer and former Chicago Sky coach Teresa Witherspoon, while Team Coop is headed up by Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper. There are no active Chicago Sky players on the roster for either team this year.
Gene & Georgetti sues Midway Airport concession operator over restaurant partnership
The owners of Gene & Georgetti steakhouse are suing a concessions operator over their expansion at Midway International Airport. The lawsuit says SSP America used the restaurant's reputation to secure a contract for itself at the airport, and then damaged Gene & Georgetti's brand. "This is actually about breach of contract at this point," Gene & Georgetti owner Michelle Durpetti said on CBS News Chicago on Wednesday morning.
Chicago Public Schools tries to balance cuts and students to close $733 million budget shortfall
Chicago Public Schools is facing a $733 million budget gap, and has delivered more than 600 individual proposals to its principals with ideas on how to handle the shortfall. Early reporting shows the district looks to be preparing to cut some positions. Other proposals include a boost in special education funding and, according to Chalkbeat, an increase in student-teacher ratios, as well as eliminating assistant principal positions for schools with fewer than 250 students.
Willie Wilson, clergy members head to Springfield to advocate for Black and Brown communities
Chicago businessman and philanthropist Dr. Willie Wilson headed to Springfield Wednesday with a group of Black and Latino faith leaders, in an effort to advocate for underserved communities. Wilson said Black and Brown communities are looking for an equitable return on the tax dollars they give to Springfield, as their communities face youth unemployment and health care and education crises.
Expert finds group's new breast cancer screening guidelines concerning and disappointing
The second-largest physicians' group in the U.S. has issued a surprising switch in breast cancer screening recommendations. The American College of Physicians just released new guidance that advises women to get mammography screenings every two years starting at age 50. This contradicts what many doctors have recommended for years. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 45 to 54 get mammograms every year.
Help for rising pet care costs like food, vet bills is available in the Chicago area
Rising consumer costs are not just effecting humans, but our furry family members too. The costs for caring for a pet – from food to vet bills and more – have force more owners to surrender animals they find they can no longer afford. Chicago Animal Care and Control took in 17,788 animals in 2025, a 16.6% increase over the previous year. CACC said 5,734 were surrendered directly by their owners.
America at 250: How Hull House founder Jane Addams fought for Chicago's most vulnerable
You might drive on part of the 77-mile stretch of Interstate 90 known as the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, but do you know the story of the woman who it's named after? She was a pioneering social worker, advocate for immigrants and the poor, peace activist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. "She just had in her heart she truly wanted to make things better for people," said Nadia Maragha, an educator at the Jane Addams-Hull House Museum.
Sister Jean and her spirit of encouragement honored in documentary "The Cinderella Nun"
The late Sister Jean has been honored with T-shirts, socks, and bobbleheads — and now her spirit lives on with a new documentary. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who became world-famous as the chaplain and biggest fan of the Loyola University Ramblers men's basketball team, died Oct. 9, 2025, at the age of 106. "The Cinderella Nun" tells Sister Jean's story as many may have never heard it before. In particular, director T.J. Berden said Sister Jean's passion for sports came very early in her life.
Caliendo: Voters are energized by many issues, some primary races sure to be tight
Voting was under way Tuesday for the Illinois primary, and a big increase in voter turnout was reported with regard to early voting. The City of Chicago reported that about 188,000 people had already cast their ballots as of Tuesday morning. By comparison in 2022, 115,000 ballots had been received. Voting records were also being broken in the Chicago suburbs.
Preserving history: Local group works to elevate stories of freedom seekers
A group of historians and educators is working to identify, preserve, and share the stories of freedom seekers who traveled through the Underground Railroad in Illinois. The project comes amid efforts to erase or water down Black history, including recent actions by the National Park Service under the Trump administration. Last month, the National Park Service removed an exhibit in Philadelphia about nine people enslaved by George Washington. A federal judge ordered the exhibit to be restored.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Rev. Jesse Jackson: "I'm not mayor without him"
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson remembered the Rev. Jesse Jackson Wednesday as an indefatigable organizer and fighter for justice and a mentor to him personally. Jackson passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. Mayor Johnson said he would not be leading the City of Chicago if Rev. Jackson had not paved the way.
Santita Jackson, daughter of Rev. Jesse Jackson, says her father was always a champion of people
Santita Jackson, the daughter of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, said Tuesday that she hoped people would remember her father as their "champion." Jackson died Tuesday morning at the age of 84. "As a father, he was always present, and I couldn't ask for any more than that. That was the presence of his life was his presence in my life and in the life of my siblings," said Santita Jackson.
Data centers for AI use huge amounts of electricity, water, driving up costs and climate concerns
Multiple reports show the data centers used to store, train and operate AI models use significant amounts of energy and water, with a rippling impact on the environment and public health. According to the International Energy Agency, a typical AI data center uses as much electricity as 100,000 households. A report from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute found large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water per day.
AI deepfakes are easier to make, harder to spot, and made to fool you
2 hours ago For iOS 27, Apple reportedly has its priorities clear: deep AI integration and an under-the-hood cleanup for better performance and battery life. While iOS 26 was all about Liquid Glass design, it also came with a noticeable performance hit, especially on older iPhones. With iOS 27, Apple appears …
AI deepfakes are easier to make, harder to spot, and made to fool you
Generative AI has made deepfakes – videos, audio, and images either made or modified by AI software – easier to create and much harder to spot. And they are used to dupe you, spread misinformation or scam you. Deepfake video scams have surged 700% over the last three years, according to ScamWatch HQ. Beyond deepfakes, overall AI scams and fraud are up too; Deloitte's Center for Financial Services predicts that generative AI could lead fraud losses to reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027.
AI chatbots fill a void of human connection for teens as experts worry about emerging reports of AI psychosis
Anyone can talk to AI about anything, and young people are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to fill a void for human connection and romantic relationships. As chatbot use rises, experts are becoming more concerned about AI psychosis as well. A study by Common Sense Media looked into how young people are using AI and found more than 70% of teens have used AI companions.
AI chatbots fill a void of human connection for teens as experts worry about emerging reports of AI psychosis
Anyone can talk to AI about anything, and young people are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to fill a void for human connection and romantic relationships. As chatbot use rises, experts are becoming more concerned about AI psychosis as well. A study by Common Sense Media looked into how young people are using AI and found more than 70% of teens have used AI companions.
AI use in schools and classrooms is booming as educators grapple with guidelines
AI use in the classroom is growing fast, even as educators are still grappling with what guidelines to set and enforce. The Center for Democracy and Technology reported 85% of teachers and 86% of students used AI in the 2024-2025 school year; 54% of students reported using AI weekly, and 25% said they use it every day.
AI is taking a large role in health care for doctors and patients alike at UChicago Medicine, Northwestern
Every day, more than 40 million people ask ChatGPT health-related questions, according to its creator OpenAI. But it's not just patients using this new technology; there are programs designed for doctors too. OpenAI has just launched a new platform called ChatGPT Health, where you can upload your medical records – including lab results or notes from your last doctor's visit – and ask the chatbot question.
AI is upending the job market. What does it mean for workers?
AI has had a top-to-bottom effect on the American workforce, cited as the force behind mass layoffs and a valued skill in workers at the same time. In 2025, consulting firm Challenger Gray & Christmas cited AI as the reason for 50,000 layoffs. Already in 2026, Amazon has cited AI when announcing 16,000 layoffs, and chemical-maker Dow is cutting 4,500 jobs and also citing AI as a reason. Pinterest is cutting 780 jobs, 15% of its workforce, as it pivots more of its money to AI as well.
Recent Northwestern Medicine study used app to track symptoms, recovery of long COVID patients
It has been nearly six years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the many questions doctors are still working to answer concerns the long-term effects. Long COVID affects millions of people in the U.S. Doctors at Northwestern Medicine have been working to study long COVID for years through the Neuro COVID-19 Clinic. Recently, the clinic conducted a study where patients used an app to track how they were feeling and any progress.
Local Chick-fil-A owner, South Side urban farms teaming up to increase access to fresh food
Chick-fil-A and an urban farming organization are teaming up to help expand access to fresh food across the city. Kareem Edwards, the owner of the Chick-fil-A in the South Loop, donated $50,000 to Just Roots Chicago to further education, sustainable farming, and community-building. Just Roots Chicago leads community farms on the South Side and in the south suburbs. Co-Founder Sean Ruane said everything they grow stays in the five-mile radius of the farms.
SHFT Behavioral Health is Chicago's first mental health urgent care clinic for young people
SHFT Behavioral Health is the first urgent care clinic in Chicago for young people in mental health crises — specializing in children as young as 10 and adults up to the age of 30. The newly opened clinic is seeking to solve the problem of a lack of access to mental health care that is available on the spot, without having to wait for appointments. "We are here for people to walk in or to call when they are in need of help in a time of crisis.
Rush Medical Center's "Pink and Pearl" campaign pairs early detection for breast and lung cancer
The Pink and Pearl Campaign held at Rush University Medical Center is designed to push a powerful message: that early detection for breast and lung cancer saves lives. This was a first-of-its-kind effort at a hospital in the Midwest. It began in Tennessee, where organizers were able to gain traction by leveraging how successful mammograms are for breast cancer screening to better spread awareness for lung cancer screening.
Chicago City Council to vote on plan to allow for taller buildings, more housing on Broadway in Edgewater, Uptown
The Chicago City Council could vote Thursday on a plan that could pave the way for the construction of thousands of new homes just steps from CTA Red Line stations in Chicago's north lakefront neighborhoods. The plan is officially called the Broadway Land Use Framework, and it would simplify the regulatory process for constructing mid-rise residential buildings in the Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods by changing the way Broadway is zoned. Alds.
Blue Star Families provides support to military family who just arrived in Chicago
A Blue Star family is getting settled in Chicago with support More than 300,000 military and veteran families live in the Chicago area, and the life comes with a lot of change — cross-country moves, overseas deployments, navigating new schools. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Larry Moore and his family are going through all of that as they get settled into life in the Chicago area, but they have support.
Leo High School choir competing Tuesday in "America's Got Talent" semi-finals
Leo High School choir competing in "America's Got Talent" semi-finals The Leo High School boys' choir returns to the "America's Got Talent" stage on Tuesday night to compete in the semi-finals. The beloved choir has been making Chicago proud with their run on "America's Got Talent," and last month, voters advanced them to the semifinals. Choir members told CBS News Chicago they are going to prove to everyone they belong in the finals.
ChiGivesBack makes sure kids feel good about going back to school
As Chicago Public Schools students get ready for classes to resume next week, one organization are making sure they're not just prepared but feel great about going back to school. ChiGivesBack was founded in 2017 by Sandi Robinson and John Boddie. It offers programs throughout the year like holiday toy drives and back to school events. They were honored as the Nonprofit of the Year at the 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade. "It's an honor.
"Dhaba on Devon Avenue" makes it to Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois, after 5 years
"Dhaba on Devon Avenue" has finally made it onto the stage at Writers Theatre in Glencoe five years after it was initially meant to debut. The play is about a family-run restaurant on Chicago's Devon Avenue, an area that is a unique and special gathering place for the city's Indian community. Actress Arya Daire grew up eating at restaurants on Devon. "I think the story of this play is closest to my family than anything else I've ever done," she said.
Reach Rescue resale shop in Chicago suburbs helps fund medical needs of dogs and cats
A Chicago area animal rescue is giving dogs a second chance and shoppers a treasure hunt. At Reach Rescue's resale shop in northwest suburban Mundelein, your next bargain could help save a pet's life. The shop sells upscale items at bargain prices; including furniture, antiques, and even rare collectibles.
Square dancing club in Glenview celebrating 75 years of do-si-do
Glenview square dancing club celebrates 75 years It's much harder than it looks, but there are several clubs in the Chicago area where you can learn square dancing. One of those clubs, Glenview Squares, is celebrating a major milestone. There are dozens of people on the dance floor at the Glenview Squares dinner dance, but they're organized and orderly. The group has been do-si-doing for 75 years. It started back in 1950, and there are about 100 members to date. "We're still here.
What is a Duffin? Highland Park deli owner explains the fusion of two treats
What is a Duffin? Highland Park deli owner explains the fusion of two treats A Highland Park deli created it by accident weeks ago, and since then, they can't keep it on the shelves. The "Duffin," a cupcake-sized pastry with a funny name, is taking the city by storm. When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth, there are options at Once Upon A Bagel in Highland Park. There are cookies, muffins, and donuts, but nestled in the bakery case is something you might not recognize—the Duffin.
Chicago area marathon runner chasing Olympic dreams while fasting for Ramadan
Training for a marathon is tough enough, but imagine doing it without food or water during daylight hours. That's exactly what one young Chicago runner is doing during the month of Ramadan. She's making it work all while chasing a spot at the U.S. Olympic Team trials. Sabrina Baftiri has been running since middle school. She became a standout at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, winning an impressive 17 All-American awards. Now she's focused on marathons and training with a coach in Chicago.
Remarkable program helping young Black girls in Chicago achieve their goals and dreams
By Audrina Sinclair, Edie Kasten Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — A nonprofit group in Chicago has been empowering Black girls in the city’s most underserved communities for more than 13 years. Ladies of Virtue offers mentoring, leadership development, and mental health support to help Black girls become confident, purpose-driven leaders.
Remarkable program helping young Black girls in Chicago achieve their goals and dreams
A nonprofit group in Chicago has been empowering Black girls in the city's most underserved communities for more than 13 years. Ladies of Virtue offers mentoring, leadership development, and mental health support to help Black girls become confident, purpose-driven leaders.
Non-profit helping people get back on their feet and make their house a home
Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) -- Making a house a home. That's what a Chicago non-profit has done for hundreds of families, all while keeping furniture and home goods out of landfills. Digs With Dignity has a dual mission of helping people and the planet; using decorations, furniture, and home goods to design and transform spaces, and help people in need get back on their feet.
Chicago non-profit helping people get back on their feet and make their house a home
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Making a house a home. That's what a Chicago non-profit has done for hundreds of families, all while keeping furniture and home goods out of landfills. Digs With Dignity has a dual mission of helping people and the planet; using decorations, furniture, and home goods to design and transform spaces, and help people in need get back on their feet.
Northwest suburban Chicago thrift store offering customers deals, sense of community
ALGONQUIN, Ill. (CBS) — What started as a successful first garage sale has turned into a thriving northwest suburban thrift shop. My Best Friend's Consignment in Algonquin is celebrating 20 years this month and has since been changing lives one fabulous find at a time. "I bought the necklace here, the blouse, jeans, and the shoes here, and that's as far as I'm going," customer Carol Michalak said jokingly. Shopping at My Best Friend's Consignment is more than scoring a great deal.
Navy investigator finds fulfillment after trading nearly 30-year career for work in military
Chicago area man pivots from corporate security to Navy CHICAGO (CBS) — A north suburban man decided to make a dramatic change to pursue a new venture, which required him to leave his 30-year career. But it wasn't for money or prestige. As a Navy investigator, Carmi Lawrence ensures everything runs smoothly at a graduation ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes. He has decades of experience in security but not in the military.
Chicago's Heritage Museum of Asian Art features pieces dating back thousands of years
CHICAGO (CBS) — A museum on the third floor of a Bridgeport building showcases thousands of years of history through Asian art. For Dee Lou, working at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art is a dream job. "We can learn from all the pieces from the old time like 2,500 years ago," she said. Coming from China only a few years ago, the associate executive director knows her mission is to help preserve and promote the tradition of Asian art.
Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring helps advance Chicago area girls' success 15 years on
By Audrina Sinclair Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) — A local mentoring program shows what can happen when communities invest in a young girl by mentoring and supporting her. The program is on a mission to inspire girls to do great things. Teja Syers got the job as a sales manager of the Hyatt Place in Hyde Park.
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