Two big federal corruption cases. Did the feds really shoot John Dillinger outside the Biograph? A former mayoral candidate in legal hot water. And the Cubs wrestle the Brewers.
Stories by evan garcia
Fed Cuts Interest Rates for First Time Since 2008 Recession
Jul 31, 2019 | Evan Garcia
While the U.S. economy continues its record-breaking expansion, some wonder whether the Fed reacted to softening global markets or perhaps even pressure from President Donald Trump.
Report: Illinois Parents Give Up Child Custody for College Cash
Jul 30, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Why are some well-off parents in Chicago’s north suburbs giving up custody of their children? An investigation by ProPublica Illinois finds it may be to get college financial aid.
How Exposure to Violence Impacts Young Children in Chicago
Jul 17, 2019 | Evan Garcia
New analysis of Chicago homicide data by the Erikson Institute underscores the effect violent crime can have on young children.
Go Grind! Chicago Skateboard Camp Shows Kids the Basics in City Skate Parks
Jul 16, 2019 | Evan Garcia
The Chicago Park District teams up with a local organization to offer youth skateboarding camps and clinics at skate parks across the city. We “drop in” for a look at Go Grind.
The Week in Review: Chicago Braces for ICE Raids
Jul 12, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Chicago prepares for stepped-up deportation raids. R. Kelly is nabbed by federal agents. Mayor Lori Lightfoot halts water meter installations over lead concerns. And an alligator evades capture at Humboldt Park Lagoon.
Chicago’s ‘Queen of Tape’ Makes Art with Duct Tape
Jul 10, 2019 | Evan Garcia
When most people see a roll of duct tape, they probably see a drab, everyday object that’s occasionally useful for fixing stuff. Anna Dominguez is different.
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, by the Numbers
Jul 9, 2019 | Evan Garcia
This massive Chicago aquarium was the world’s largest when it opened to the public in 1930. Today it holds 5 million gallons of water and features a dazzling array of creatures. Learn more fun facts about the Shedd.
Like ‘Biting into a Band-Aid’: Malort Returns to Chicago
Jul 3, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Malort, the Chicago-born liquor both praised (and panned) for its bracing bitterness, is made in Chicago once more. We visit Chicago’s CH Distillery to see what everyone’s wincing about.
The Week in Review: Another Former Alderman Going to Prison
Jun 28, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Former Ald. Willie Cochran is sentenced to one year in prison. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reverses course on retirement plans. And new details emerge about a toddler struck by a foul ball in May.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Democratic Debate Takeaways
Jun 28, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Paris Schutz and guests discuss the first round of Democratic primary debates ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
Homeowners Across Chicago Brace for Higher Property Taxes
Jun 26, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Cook County property owners will soon be getting new property tax bills, and depending on where you live, you may see a steep increase. Cook County Assessor Frank Kaegi shares his road map.
Paddle Up! Chinatown’s Dragon Boat Race Hits the Chicago River
Jun 24, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Thirty-four teams competed Saturday in the Dragon Boat Race for Literacy in Chinatown’s Ping Tom Park – the most competitors in the event’s 19-year history.
Yo-Yo Ma Visits West Side Park to Play Bach, Plant Trees
Jun 21, 2019 | Evan Garcia
The Grammy-winning cellist stops in Chicago as part of his Bach Project, an ambitious tour of 36 cities across six continents to explore the common language of culture. See photos from the event.
Facebook Jumps into the Cryptocurrency Game with Libra
Jun 20, 2019 | Evan Garcia
On Tuesday, Facebook formally announced plans for Libra – a cryptocurrency the social network plans to release in 2020. How it’s different, and why some are calling for a halt to its development.
‘16 Shots’ Documentary Examines Fatal Shooting of Laquan McDonald
Jun 18, 2019 | Evan Garcia
The murder of Laquan McDonald and ensuing public outrage in Chicago are the focus of a new documentary on Showtime. We speak with “16 Shots” writer and director Rick Rowley.
Beekeeping Behind Bars: Inmates Raise Bees at Cook County Jail
Jun 17, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Behind barbed wire fences, Cook County Jail inmates grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, and – as of May – they’re harvesting honey from two beehives provided by a former inmate.
Juneteenth: A Holiday Honoring the Abolition of US Slavery
Jun 13, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Next week, a holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in Confederate states. We discuss Juneteenth and African American history in general.
Grazing Herd Returns to O’Hare to ‘Do What They Do Best: Eat Weeds’
Jun 7, 2019 | Evan Garcia
For the sixth year, O’Hare International Airport is using a herd of wild animals to manage the airport’s vegetation in an environmentally friendly way.
The Week in Review: Legal Pot Advances, Ald. Burke Indicted
May 31, 2019 | Evan Garcia
It’s been a tumultuous week in local politics. We break down the Burke indictment and address the fallout. Plus: Mayor Lightfoot’s dramatic first City Council meeting, the deadline dash in Springfield and more.
Former US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Mueller, Foreign Threats
May 29, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Special counsel Robert Mueller says his team did not determine whether President Donald Trump committed a crime or not. Former U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel weighs in.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Chicago School Board Resigns
May 24, 2019 | Evan Garcia
All seven members of the Chicago Board of Education stepped down this week. Paris Schutz and guests discuss that and more.
The Week in Review: Mayor Lightfoot Hits the Ground Running
May 24, 2019 | Evan Garcia
A changing of the guard as Lori Lightfoot succeeds Rahm Emanuel as mayor of Chicago. Some big-ticket items remain on the legislative docket in Springfield. And in sports, the White Sox pull off some impressive and rare moves.
10 Things About Chicago Beaches You Might Not Know
May 24, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Chicago’s beaches – all 26 of them – are now open for the 2019 season. Here are 10 things you may not know about the city’s sandy side.
Chicago Police: Facial Recognition Software is ‘Seldom Used’
May 21, 2019 | Evan Garcia
As police departments across the U.S. weigh the use of facial recognition software, several communities are raising concerns about privacy.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Boardroom Diversity Bill
May 10, 2019 | Evan Garcia
Paris Schutz and guests discuss a state bill that would direct publicly traded companies in Illinois to boost their boardroom hiring of women and people of color.