Stories by evan garcia

Babette Peyton demonstrates how she fits an arrow to a bowstring, an action called nocking in archery, at the Kroc Center Chicago on Nov. 19, 2020. (WTTW News)

Chicago Portrait: Babette Peyton

Meet a champion archer from Chicago who has overcome health obstacles to travel the world and win gold medals.

Jazz Singer Kurt Elling Goes Virtual at The Green Mill

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.

(icsilviu / Pixabay)

Chicago Health Program Tackles Diabetes Through Free Lifestyle Coaching

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.

(David Mark / Pixabay)

White House Chief of Staff: A Closer Look at This Critical Role

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.

An elementary school student prepares to log onto her laptop for remote learning at A.J. Katenzmaier Academy in North Chicago on Oct. 30, 2020. (WTTW News)

North Chicago Nonprofit Gives Students In-Person Support During Remote Learning

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

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.

A scene from the WTTW “Firsthand: Coronavirus” documentary series.

Firsthand Gun Violence: Helping Communities in Times of Need

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.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson appears on “Chicago Tonight” via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (WTTW News)

CPS CEO Jackson: Remote Learning Not Working for Some Students

Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson talks about the school district’s recently announced plan for some students to return to the classroom. 

BandWith founder Anna Palomino, left, instructs 10-year-old Arviyanna Bell during a ukulele lesson at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services in East Garfield Park on Oct. 15, 2020. (WTTW News)

After School’s Music Program Cut, Teacher Offers Free Lessons

When her music education program was cut from a charter school in East Garfield Park, a local teacher refused to quit on the kids in this underserved community. We check out the nonprofit BandWith to learn more.
Claudio Velez makes pork tamales with his sister Maria in Velez’s new restaurant Tamale Guy Chicago on Aug. 13, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

Chicago Portrait: Tamale Guy

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.

Firefighters battle the blaze inside Central Camera, a 121-year-old Chicago business, on May 30, 2020. (Courtesy Dominic Gwinn)

Central Camera Rises From the Ashes After Looting, Fire

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.

percent loss in revenue during the pandemic. Food blogger Jeremy Joyce films Krissy Harper, owner of Cleo’s Southern Cuisine, for his social media account Black People Eats on June 27, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

‘Black People Eats’ Showcases Black-Owned Restaurants in Chicago and Beyond

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.

A screenshot shows the homepage of The Chicago Reporter website on Oct. 7, 2020. (WTTW News)

The Chicago Reporter Alumni Question Publication’s Hiatus. Owners Call It ‘Manufactured Hysteria’

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.

An American flag and Trump campaign flag fly at a Proud Boys rally. (WTTW News via CNN)

Trump’s Rhetoric Fuels Fear of Election Night Violence

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

“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. 

(WTTW News)

Aldermen Discuss COVID-19’s Devastating Impact on Chicago Budget

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’

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.”

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin speaks with “Chicago Tonight” via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. (WTTW News)

Durbin Warns of Obamacare’s Fate Ahead of Supreme Court Battle

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.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

The Week in Review: State Budget Cuts Loom

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 Santiago X discusses his work Serpent Mound, a group of effigy mounds in Schiller Woods reminiscent of the earthwork built by Indigenous people, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

Artist Builds Effigy Mounds to Honor Indigenous People in Cook County

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.

(WTTW News)

A Big Day for Chicago Sports Fans Who May Have Needed It

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?

A screenshot shows the homepage of the Windy City Times website on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020.

Windy City Times to End Print Edition, Publish Online Only

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.

(ArtisticOperations / Pixabay)

Teachers Union Files Grievance Over CPS Remote Learning Plan

School’s back in session next week – albeit virtually. Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis-Gates shares her thoughts. 

(ArtisticOperations / Pixabay)

COVID-19 Shines Spotlight on Digital Divide

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.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence appear together at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (WTTW News)

Speechwriters Analyze GOP Talking Points at Republican Convention

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 and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.

Emmett Till’s Cousin: ‘65 Years Later and Nothing Really Has Changed’

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.