Stories by evan garcia

Illinois Politicians Grill Zuckerberg During Facebook Hearings

Two Illinois politicians grabbed national headlines as they grilled Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his testimonies before Senate and House committees this week.

Chicago Hospitals Strive to Increase Life Expectancy on West Side

On Chicago’s West Side, the average life expectancy is just 69 years. What one coalition of health care institutions and professionals is doing to change that.

(Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons)

United 2017 Dragging Incident a Lesson for Airlines?

United Airline’s PR disaster might have served as a wake-up call to major airlines. An annual report rates how they’re doing.

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

Is Roskam Worried About a ‘Blue Wave’ in Illinois’ 6th District?

Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam is running for his seventh term in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District, but not without stiff competition from the left.

(Christoph Scholz / Flickr)

If Atlanta Got Crippled by a Cyberattack, How Safe Are You?

Atlanta is still in the throes of a major cyberattack. How vulnerable are cities like Chicago to hackers using ransomware?

(LoboStudioHamburg / Pixabay)

The Dark Side of Social Media: Is Your Data Safe?

Facebook is facing backlash in the wake of a data privacy scandal. University of Chicago computer science professor Ben Zhao shares his perspective.

Loyola Ramblers players and fans attend a rally at Gentile Arena on Sunday, March 25, 2018. (Virginia Barreda / Chicago Tonight)

Should College Athletes Be Paid? A Chicago Economist Weighs In

As the Loyola Ramblers go to the Final Four, the question of paying college athletes resurfaces.

Chicago student Mya Middleton, 16, speaks at the March For Our Lives in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2018.

Chicago Teens March for Gun Control in DC

Meet two Chicago high school students who were part of the massive March For Our Lives event Saturday in Washington, D.C.

Trump’s Tariffs on China Stoke Trade War Fears

China faces steep tariffs for allegedly stealing U.S. intellectual property. Is a trade war in the offing?

(Bjoertvedt / Wikimedia Commons)

Casten, Bennett Take on Incumbent Reps. Roskam, Schneider in November

Meet the primary winners set to take on suburban incumbent U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam and Brad Schneider in the November general election.

2018 Primary: 6 Congressional Districts to Watch

Not one of the incumbents in Illinois’ 18 congressional districts lost their party’s nomination in the March primary. From Lipinski to Quigley to “Chuy” Garcia, see how these primary races shook out.

Reports: Facebook Users’ Personal Data Exploited to Help Trump’s Campaign

A British firm is accused of using personal Facebook data of millions to help Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016.

(Éovart Caçeir at English Wikipedia)

Political Reporters on the Illinois Primary Races to Watch

Voters across the state are heading to the polls. Three political reporters give us their takes on noteworthy primary races.

4th Congressional District Forum: Gonzalez, Flores, Garcia

Democrats Richard Gonzalez, Sol Flores and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia are vying to replace U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez. What solutions do they envision for problems impacting this predominantly Hispanic district?

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Northwestern University on March 9. (Evan Garcia / Chicago Tonight)

Photos: Joe Biden Discusses Income Inequality at Northwestern

Amid increasing speculation over a possible run for president in 2020, the former vice president delivered a speech Friday at Northwestern University. See photos from the event.

A whooping crane family (Klaus Nigge / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr)

Conservationist Flies All Over the World to Save Cranes

Bird experts from around the world are flocking to a Chicago Audubon Society event in Chicago this weekend. We speak with conservationist George Archibald, who delivers the keynote speech at event.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and former Ald. Bob Fioretti appear on “Chicago Tonight” in October and November 2017, respectively.

Cook County Board President Forum: Toni Preckwinkle, Bob Fioretti

A candidate forum ahead of the March 20 primary features the incumbent and her challenger, a former Chicago alderman.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple in Oak Park.

Chicago Nonprofit Opens Architecture Industry to Diverse Voices

Meet Maya Bird-Murphy, an Oak Park architecture enthusiast aiming to open the industry to more minorities and women.

(Chetraruc / Pixabay)

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence Prompt Curiosity, Concern

Artificial intelligence research has been around for more than half a century, but we’ve only recently seen developments in AI technology that might bring sci-fi film plotlines to life. Should we be afraid?

Laurie Dann Shooting Victim Heads Anti-Violence Program by Archdiocese

Nearly 30 years after a school shooting in Winnetka, survivor Phil Andrew is heading an anti-violence effort for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Controversial Reader Cover Raises Questions About Newsroom Diversity

A controversial political cartoon sparks a leadership change – and questions. Can cartoons go too far? And what is the state of diversity in newsrooms? We speak with journalist Adeshina Emmanuel and editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis. 

President Barack Obama meets with Rev. Billy Graham at his house in Montreat, N.C., April 25, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Billy Graham, ‘America’s Pastor,’ Got His Start in the Chicago Area

Evangelist Billy Graham, whose sermons reached audiences around the world, died Wednesday at his home in North Carolina. He was 99 years old. We discuss Graham’s legacy and his Chicago-area roots.

Still image from “Black Panther” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

‘Black Panther’ Breaks Box Office Records, Racial Barriers

The superhero film received critical praise and smashed box office records, but for some, the most notable impact is the emergence of an African-American superhero and lead characters.

Chinese New Year celebrations take place around the globe each year, including London. (Paul / Flickr)

Chinese New Year is Here: What’s in Store for the Year of the Dog?

Friday marks the start of the Chinese New Year and ushers in the Year of the Dog. We discuss the history and traditions of the vibrant holiday and festival.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

What Does Illinois’ Fiscal Watchdog Think of Rauner’s Budget Plan?

Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, shares his thoughts on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s $37.6 billion spending plan.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Visits Chicago on First Stop of US Tour

The Canadian prime minister spoke candidly at the University of Chicago on Wednesday, addressing trade tensions between both countries, as well as his vision of gender equality.