Stories by Evan Garcia

Blanding's turtles, an endangered species in Illinois and a half-dozen other states, are getting a head start on survival at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

The University of Chicago tied for third place in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 collegiate rankings, up one spot from where it stood in each of the previous two years.

According to a report released last week from real estate company Coldwell Banker, Park Forest is the most affordable market in Illinois and the third most affordable nationwide. 

A proposed change to city law that could divert tens of millions in tax incremental financing (TIF) dollars to the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools will likely undergo some additional changes before it comes to City Council for approval.

Some of Paul Green's closest colleagues are dealing with the shock of his sudden death Saturday of complications from an aortic aneurysm.

Watch the Sept. 12, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

When it comes to preventing teen obesity and eating disorders, parents and health officials should avoid focusing on teens’ weight or diet, according to new guidelines. Healthy eating and lifestyle habits should be encouraged instead.

There's something new to do in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, but it will test the upper body strength of anyone brave enough to try it–and it might put a dent in your pocketbook.

As Muslims celebrate one of their holiest days and Americans commemorate the terrorist attacks of 9/11, a look at how Muslims in the U.S. have been treated over the last 15 years.

Architect Jeanne Gang and Studio Gang unveil their new Commons building and courtyard at the University of Chicago. We speak with the architect and get a tour.

Federal prosecutors say the Hobos street gang terrorized the South and West Sides. We look at this so-called "super gang" as some alleged members stand trial for murder.

A pair of ambitious teenagers rise above the challenges of coming of age in Englewood. We preview an inspiring documentary called “All the Difference.”

A study from Roosevelt University titled, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” analyzes the state’s heroin crisis. One of the report’s co-authors pinpoints Chicago’s West Side as the “epicenter” of the state’s crisis.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Friday he has filed a notice to appeal a federal judge’s decision to overturn Brendan Dassey’s murder conviction, a case documented in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer.”

Shuttered classrooms and long-closed gymnasiums will soon give way to multi-bedroom suites and rooftop decks overlooking the city skyline as area developers work to resurrect buildings that once served as Chicago Public Schools.

An investment of more than $10 million will help transform unused buildings and vacant lots on Chicago’s South and West Sides into centers for arts and culture that offer free community programs.

A new Illinois law mandates that driver’s education instructors teach students how to behave if pulled over by law enforcement.

Crime statistics continue to soar. Police arrest 77 in a gun and drug raid. Chicago schools open without a teachers' contract. Cub playoff tickets go on sale, and is there any hope for the Bears? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The Chicago Bears open the season Sunday with several players sidelined by injuries. A new study analyzing common orthopedic surgeries NFL players receive could shed some light onto when fans can expect them back.

Watch the Sept. 8, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Dr. Jill Stein came back to Chicago on Thursday to tour the West Side neighborhood of Austin and highlight issues central to her platform: gun control, unemployment, climate change and education reform.

With only a few months left in office, does Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez wish she had done anything differently? She joins us in discussion.

The Cancer Moonshot initiative being led by Vice President Joe Biden aims to accelerate the pace of cancer research and the development of new treatments. We talk to the University of Chicago professor who is a key player in that effort.

Technology is creating challenges for today's parents. A local author has advice for how parents can plug into the changing world of social media, apps and the online world.

Some restaurants are moving away from traditional tipping. The practice can be more stable for servers but could also mean less income. We discuss trends in tipping with a Loyola University economist.

A group gathered Wednesday to mark the 198th anniversary of the death of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago’s first non-native settler, and push for the completion of a long-delayed park in his name.