Stories by evan garcia

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Burke’s Re-election Chances

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss Ald. Ed Burke’s re-election chances in the wake of federal charges.

The Week in Review: Fallout from Ald. Ed Burke’s Corruption Charge

A stunning federal complaint charges City Hall’s most powerful alderman with attempted corruption while another alderman is charged with domestic abuse. And the Bears take on the defending Super Bowl champs.

In this May 4, 2011 file photo, Chicago Ald. Ed Burke speaks at a City Council meeting. (AP Photo / M. Spencer Green, File)

Political Journalists React to Powerful Alderman’s Legal Trouble

The storied career of 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke has the potential to end with a prison sentence. A trio of veteran Chicago journalists offer their insight on the federal investigation.

A sign outside the Mundelein Seminary asks the faithful to pray for U.S.-based Roman Catholic bishops gathering there for a weeklong prayer retreat, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, in Mundelein, Illinois. (AP Photo / Teresa Crawford)

As Catholic Bishops Meet, Sexual Abuse Victims Implore Pope for Change

Activists call on Pope Francis to remove Cardinal Blase Cupich from his role in organizing a Vatican conference on sex abuse. We discuss the story with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Robert Herguth.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Illinois’ Incoming Democrats

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the Democratic “blue wave” that ousted Republican incumbent U.S. Reps. Randy Hultgren and Peter Roskam in November. 

The Week in Review: Biggest Stories of 2018

Mayor Rahm Emanuel hangs it up, J.B. Pritzker defeats Gov. Bruce Rauner, and the Chicago Police Department has a tumultuous year. We recap the top stories of the year and predict the biggest of 2019.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Looking Back on 2018’s Biggest Stories

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss Mayor Rahm Emanuel's decision not to seek re-election, the NFL's national anthem policy controversy and more.

The Week in Review: Are Mendoza and Preckwinkle the Mayoral Front-runners?

Chicago mayoral candidates Susana Mendoza and Toni Preckwinkle are leading the crowded race, says a new poll. Two Chicago police officers are killed in the line of duty. And the Bears are headed to the playoffs. 

Surfers on Lake Michigan Battle High Waves, Heavy Winds

Cold and snow sends many of us indoors this time of year, but some adventurous souls welcome nasty weather so they can hit the waves.

Author Timothy Denevi appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

New Book Examines Hunter S. Thompson’s ‘Crusade Against American Fascism’

“Freak Kingdom” dives into the writer’s clashes with the political establishment. Author Timothy Denevi joins us to discuss the book.

(Pexels / Pixabay)

Critic Who Dissed Chicago’s Food Scene Defends His Article

John Kessler served up five criticisms of the city’s restaurant and food culture in a Chicago magazine article this week – and he’s facing some heat for it. Do you think Chicago’s dining scene has “lost its luster”?

(Nltram242 / Flickr)

Public Transit Outlook: Leaders Talk Infrastructure, Funding Needs

Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants a hike in the state gas tax to fund transportation infrastructure. The area’s transit heads give us their reaction and an update on the status of the region’s public transportation.

Model Railroad Club Chugs Along in Chicago for More Than 70 Years

At Clarendon Park in the Uptown neighborhood, a fleet of model trains from multiple places and time periods are chugging through coal country. 

A Controversial Fishing Style: Snagging for Salmon in Chicago Harbors

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, fishermen in Illinois are allowed to use a specific technique to catch salmon that’s banned in several other states. What snagging is, and where you’re allowed to do it.

Bob Dylan’s Legendary Electric Guitar on Display in Chicago

The first electric guitar Bob Dylan played live in performance – a legendary instrument which sparked uproar – is on public display at the American Writers Museum. We go for a look.

The Week in Review: Mendoza Confirms Mayoral Run, Amazon Snubs Chicago

Susana Mendoza is in the race for mayor. Outrage and confusion surround the fatal police shooting of a security guard. Chicago gets the big snub from Amazon. And the Bears get ready for their prime time matchup against Minnesota.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Uptown Theatre Restoration

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the planned $75-million restoration of the landmark Uptown Theatre.

Lauren Underwood gives her victory speech after winning the election for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District on Nov. 6, 2018.  (Evan Garcia / Chicago Tonight)

Chicago Researcher Explores Gender Politics in US, Abroad

A record number of women are heading to Congress. How might this shift affect governmental policies both foreign and domestic?

Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions

With Jeff Sessions Out, What’s Next for the Department of Justice?

President Donald Trump’s decision to oust beleaguered Attorney General Jeff Sessions raises questions about the future of Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference during the 2016 election. 

Newly elected Democrats Scott Britton, left, and Kevin B. Morrison appear on “Chicago Tonight.”

How Might Newly Elected Democrats Tip the Scales in Cook County?

Scott Britton, Kevin B. Morrison and Cam Davis. Meet some of the Cook County Democrats who rode Illinois’ “blue wave” to unseat Republican incumbents on the county board.

Toni Preckwinkle appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 16, 2017.

Dems Make Big Moves on Cook County and MWRD Boards

Although she announced her run for mayor in September, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle pushed forward in an uncontested re-election bid. How other county races look for Democrats.

Lauren Underwood gives her victory speech Tuesday after winning the election for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District.  (Evan Garcia / Chicago Tonight)

In 14th District, Political Newcomer Underwood Defeats GOP Rep. Hultgren

In a highly watched race in the northwest and western suburbs, Lauren Underwood, a 32-year-old registered nurse, declared victory over incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Plano).

The Week in Review: Last Lap for Illinois Governor’s Race

The home stretch of campaign season and the final days of the governor’s race included a major snub – and some poor judgment. Plus: Alarming news about Chicago’s drinking water, and the Bears still top the NFC North.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Kanye West ‘Distancing’ Himself

Kanye West’s donation of $126,460 to Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia follows a tweet in which he says he’s “distancing [himself] from politics.”

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, left, and Darlene Senger appear on “Chicago Tonight.”

Illinois Comptroller Forum: Susana Mendoza, Darlene Senger

Incumbent Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and her Republican challenger Darlene Senger talk about paying the state’s bills and more.

Public Weighs in on Proposed Police Consent Decree. What’s In It?

Chicagoans can weigh in on the proposed police consent decree over the next two days. We unpack the legal document.