Stories by evan garcia

Blair Kamin: Cityfront Center Development is ‘Mediocre,’ ‘Underachieving’

The Chicago Tribune architecture critic points out what he sees as the shortcomings of Cityfront Center in Streeterville.

Neil deGrasse Tyson appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

Neil deGrasse Tyson Explores ‘Unspoken Alliance’ Between Space Exploration, Military Might

The evolving and often parallel relationship between scientific and military minds is the focus of a new book from astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson: “Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military.”

Duck Hunting in Chicago? Yep, at City’s Only State Park

For 70 years, hunters have been shooting waterfowl at Wolf Lake on the city’s Far South Side. It is the only state park within city limits, and one of the only places to hunt in Chicago. We go for a visit.

A Chicago Pension Fix? Using Revenue from Public Assets

Could profits from public assets like Midway Airport help fund Chicago’s pensions? The former mayor of Highland Park thinks so.

Rebecca Sandefur (Credit: John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation)

U. of I. Professor Wins ‘Genius Grant’ for Civil Justice Research

Sociologist Rebecca Sandefur has received the prestigious award for her research on the hurdles low-income communities face when seeking civil justice. She joins us in discussion.

Journalists Weigh In On Van Dyke Murder Case, Conviction

The high-profile case and its impact on Chicago: A conversation with journalists Jamie Kalven, Kimberly Egonmwan, Greg Hinz and John Fountain.

DeRay Mckesson appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

Activist DeRay Mckesson Makes a ‘Case for Hope’ in New Book

We speak with the prominent Black Lives Matter activist about his new memoir, “On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope.” 

“We have successfully completed negotiations on a brand-new deal to terminate and replace NAFTA,” President Donald Trump announced Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.

Growing Economy: Low Unemployment, Inflation as Fed Raises Interest Rate

President Donald Trump is boasting a booming economy, but will higher interest rates stop it?

(JESHOOTScom / Pixabay)

Shopping Online? Pay Up: Out-of-State Retailers Charging Sales Tax

Online shoppers in Illinois are now required to pay the state’s sales tax when making purchases from certain out-of-state retailers.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Will Brett Kavanaugh be Confirmed?

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.

The Week in Review: Van Dyke Defense Shows Animated Video of Shooting

Defense attorneys for Jason Van Dyke show jurors an animated video of the fatal shooting. How political campaigns can prevent sexual harassment. And the Chicago Cubs clinch their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

Judge Brett Kavanaugh discusses Roe v. Wade during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018.

Third Woman Accuses Brett Kavanaugh of Sexual Misconduct

The Supreme Court nominee is strongly denying new accusations of sexually aggressive behavior in high school, calling them “ridiculous and from the Twilight Zone.”

(Christoph Scholz / Flickr)

Trump Administration Releases New Cybersecurity Strategy

A new cybersecurity plan unveiled last week by the Trump White House indicates that the U.S. could take more aggressive steps to combat foreign hackers. 

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Prosecution Rests in Van Dyke Trial

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the murder trial of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, who fatally shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in 2014. 

The Week in Review: Preckwinkle Enters Chicago Mayor’s Race

J.B. Pritzker and Gov. Bruce Rauner rumble in their only TV debate. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins the race for Chicago mayor. Explosive testimony in the Jason Van Dyke murder trial. And the Cubs and Brewers go down to the wire in the NL Central.

Gery Chico appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Sept. 19, 2018.

City Hall Veteran Gery Chico Enters Chicago Mayor’s Race

A former Chicago mayoral candidate who lost to Rahm Emanuel in 2011 is back in the race now that his former foe has withdrawn.

After Mistaking Murals for Graffiti, City Considers Public Art Registry

After the erroneous removal of two neighborhood murals, City Council is considering a proposal to protect and formally register Chicago’s public art.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Is Emanuel’s $10B Bond Borrowing Plan the Right Pension Fix?

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has floated the idea of selling more than $10 billion in pension obligation bonds. We dig into the idea.

The Week in Review: Mayor Emanuel Won’t Seek 3rd Term

A shocker from Mayor Rahm Emanuel as a flood of candidates consider a run. The mayor leaves plenty of unfinished business for his successor while Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial gets underway.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Catholic Church Controversy

Reporter Mary Ann Ahern describes some of the backlash she received from Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich in response to a NBC 5 Chicago segment.

(Harry Pujols / Flickr)

Should Horse-Drawn Carriages Be Banned in Chicago?

A proposal in City Council would end a tourist industry that’s operated in the city for nearly 40 years. Supporters and opponents weigh in.

Emanuel’s Aldermanic Friends, Foes React to Bombshell Announcement

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will not seek a third term. We get reaction to the news from City Council.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Impact of Politicians’ Candid Remarks

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the impact of politicians’ remarks.

The Week in Review: Officer Jason Van Dyke Speaks Out

Prosecutors seek to hold Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in contempt of court. What impact will the highly anticipated case have on Mayor Emanuel’s re-election campaign? And is Cubs manager Joe Maddon on thin ice?

What’s at the Root of Chicago’s Violence? A State Lawmaker, Pastor Weigh In

State Rep. La Shawn Ford and the Rev. Anthony Williams offer their answers to Chicago’s epidemic of violence.

Cathy McFadden works for Antique Coach & Carriage in Chicago. She’s operated horse-drawn carriages for 35 years.

Chicago Considers Banning Horse-Drawn Carriages

Horse-drawn carriages have trotted along Chicago’s downtown streets for decades, but an ordinance making its way through City Council could outlaw the industry for good.