Meet a champion archer from Chicago who has overcome health obstacles to travel the world and win gold medals.
Stories by evan garcia
Jazz Singer Kurt Elling Goes Virtual at The Green Mill
Dec 3, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling said he’s played the storied venue so much, he’s able to imagine a live audience during his virtual performances.
Chicago Health Program Tackles Diabetes Through Free Lifestyle Coaching
Nov 18, 2020 | Evan Garcia
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. With one in three Americans at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, we learn about a local initiative that aims to prevent residents from developing the disease.
White House Chief of Staff: A Closer Look at This Critical Role
Nov 17, 2020 | Evan Garcia
President-elect Joe Biden recently announced longtime confidant Ron Klain as his White House chief of staff. As the president’s gatekeeper and top assistant, Klain will play a crucial role in managing who has access to Biden.
North Chicago Nonprofit Gives Students In-Person Support During Remote Learning
Nov 2, 2020 | Evan Garcia
The majority of North Chicago’s public school students are learning from home. But since September, a nonprofit is offering in-person support to vulnerable children. We go for a visit to learn more.
Abner Mikva Documentary Delves into Chicago Politician’s Progressive Values, Drive
Oct 29, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Chicago politician Abner Mikva had the distinction of serving in all the three branches of U.S. government. A new documentary delves into Mikva’s storied political career and public life.
Firsthand Gun Violence: Helping Communities in Times of Need
Oct 26, 2020 | Evan Garcia
As Chicago experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, data shows the city’s 2020 homicide rate outpacing 2019. We speak with Jamal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, as part of our series.
CPS CEO Jackson: Remote Learning Not Working for Some Students
Oct 20, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson talks about the school district’s recently announced plan for some students to return to the classroom.
After School’s Music Program Cut, Teacher Offers Free Lessons
Oct 19, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Chicago Portrait: Tamale Guy
Oct 17, 2020 | Evan Garcia
An update to our profile of Claudio Velez, the longtime food vendor affectionately known as the “Tamale Guy” who contracted COVID-19 just weeks after opening his new restaurant. Velez returned home earlier this month.
Central Camera Rises From the Ashes After Looting, Fire
Oct 12, 2020 | Evan Garcia
For a 121-year-old camera store in Chicago, everything changed on the night of May 30. How the third-generation owner of Central Camera is rebuilding the business after its destruction.
‘Black People Eats’ Showcases Black-Owned Restaurants in Chicago and Beyond
Oct 11, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Restaurants have not had it easy the past few months. But in Chicago, a food blogger is doing his best to elevate Black-owned restaurants through social media. We meet up with Jeremy Joyce, the founder of Black People Eats.
The Chicago Reporter Alumni Question Publication’s Hiatus. Owners Call It ‘Manufactured Hysteria’
Oct 7, 2020 | Evan Garcia
For 48 years, the Chicago Reporter has investigated issues of race and poverty. But last month, the publication was abruptly put on hiatus by the faith-based nonprofit that owns it. Now, dozens of former staffers are demanding answers.
Trump’s Rhetoric Fuels Fear of Election Night Violence
Oct 5, 2020 | Evan Garcia
In an op-ed, DePaul University history professor Tom Mockaitis says the president’s failure last week to recognize and condemn violent, far-right groups like the Proud Boys could encourage clashes on Nov. 3.
Trump Pleads Ignorance to White Nationalist Hate Group, Drawing Backlash
Oct 1, 2020 | Evan Garcia
“I don’t know who the Proud Boys are,” Trump said on Wednesday. We discuss white supremacy and hate groups in America with the Anti-Defamation League and a local reporter.
Aldermen Discuss COVID-19’s Devastating Impact on Chicago Budget
Sep 29, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Chicago’s looking at a lot of red ink due to coronavirus-related shutdowns. What kinds of cuts might the city soon see to keep its financials afloat? We speak with four people who will likely have a say in those decisions.
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan: ‘We Gotta Do Away with the Death Penalty’
Sep 24, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Former Gov. George Ryan expounds on the death penalty in a new book with co-author Maurice Possley titled, “Until I Could Be Sure: How I stopped the Death Penalty in Illinois.”
Durbin Warns of Obamacare’s Fate Ahead of Supreme Court Battle
Sep 23, 2020 | Evan Garcia
The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – just weeks before the U.S. presidential election – has thrown national politics into a tailspin. Sen. Dick Durbin is bracing for impact.
The Week in Review: State Budget Cuts Loom
Sep 18, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Big state budget cuts are on the horizon. The Big Ten is back, but youth sports remain on hold. In Springfield, the Madigan inquiry moves forward. And the White Sox are going to the playoffs.
Artist Builds Effigy Mounds to Honor Indigenous People in Cook County
Sep 15, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Indigenous artist Santiago X showcased Serpent Mound, a group of effigy mounds in a Cook County forest preserve, as part of the county’s Racial Equity Week on Tuesday.
A Big Day for Chicago Sports Fans Who May Have Needed It
Sep 14, 2020 | Evan Garcia
Amid uncertainty in Chicago and across the nation, a ray of hope: Chicago’s baseball teams are in first place, and the city’s beloved Bears pulled off a miracle comeback. Can professional sports actually be a tonic for tough times?
Windy City Times to End Print Edition, Publish Online Only
Sep 9, 2020 | Evan Garcia
After 35 years, the Windy City Times will end its print edition and move forward as an online-only publication in October. We discuss the news with the publication’s co-founder and publisher, Tracy Baim.
Teachers Union Files Grievance Over CPS Remote Learning Plan
Sep 3, 2020 | Evan Garcia
School’s back in session next week – albeit virtually. Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis-Gates shares her thoughts.
COVID-19 Shines Spotlight on Digital Divide
Sep 2, 2020 | Evan Garcia
The coronavirus pandemic has made internet access essential and many of Chicago's Black and Brown communities hit hardest by COVID-19 also lack internet access and devices.
Speechwriters Analyze GOP Talking Points at Republican Convention
Aug 27, 2020 | Evan Garcia
President Donald Trump will accept his party’s nomination for president at the Republican National Convention on Thursday. We take a close look at GOP talking points with two accomplished speechwriters.
Emmett Till’s Cousin: ‘65 Years Later and Nothing Really Has Changed’
Aug 26, 2020 | Evan Garcia
The painful legacy of Emmett Till seems fresh amid this era of civil unrest. We reflect on his death with Ollie Gordon, Till’s cousin, and Chris Benson, who co-authored an autobiography of Mamie Till-Mobley, Till’s mother.