Stories by evan garcia

Emanuel’s Top Lawyer Discusses Lawsuit for Chicago Police Reform

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sues for federal oversight of Chicago police reform—with the city’s blessing. We discuss the lawsuit.

(jeffreyw / Flickr)

‘Chicago Food Encyclopedia’ Digs into City’s Culinary Quirks

A new book examines the city’s history and culture through a culinary lens, from Chicago originals to products and companies, restaurants, trends and beyond.

BGA: Public Should Pay Attention to Labor Union Contract Negotiations

After 10 years, the city and labor unions are preparing for a new round of contract negotiations. What you should know about the process.

Traffic Fatalities In Illinois On The Rise in 2017

Deborah Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, joins us to discuss her organization’s latest data and how Illinois can make its streets safer.

Bipartisan House Caucus Hopes to Achieve Health Care Reform

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski joins us to discuss ongoing health care negotiations.

Former Neo-Nazi on White Supremacy: ‘It’s Terrorism’

“Until the government starts to call it what it is – and that’s terrorism – I’m not sure the point will fully come across as to how dangerous of a problem this is,” said Christian Picciolini, a former neo-Nazi, of far-right extremism.

Examining Charlottesville and the Culture of Hate

A look at domestic terrorism and hate groups following the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend.

Then-Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner discusses the Exxon Valdez oil spill. (Courtesy of C-SPAN)

Former White House Chief of Staff: Leaks are ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Disloyal’

Can the new chief of staff temper President Trump’s explosive rhetoric? Former White House Chief of Staff Samuel Skinner weighs in.

Trump and GOP Take on Tax Policy After Health Care Flop

Will President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers fare better on tax reform than health care?

(Senior Airman Kamaile O. Chan / Flickr)

Transgender Veteran on Trump’s Tweet Announcing Military Ban

There are varying estimates on how many transgender people actively serve in the military, but a 2016 study done by the policy think tank RAND Corporation found there were between 1,320 and 6,630 transgender individuals on active duty.

Director Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” portrays the evacuation and rescue of more than 300,000 stranded soldiers during WWII. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Summer Movies: What’s Hot and What’s Not?

Three Chicago film critics sound off on the best—and worst—of summer movies.

(Steve Jurvetson / Wikimedia Commons)

Speeding Toward the Future of Driverless Cars

You won’t find driverless cars whizzing through the streets of Chicago today. But behind the scenes, companies are testing and implementing technology for cars to navigate sans human input.

Chicago Inspector General Uncovers City Worker Scandals

Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson joins us to discuss his office’s investigative work.

(Courtroom sketch by Thomas Gianni)

Dennis Hastert Relocated to Illinois to Serve Remaining Prison Sentence

The disgraced former U.S. House speaker, sentenced last year to 15 months in prison, returns to Chicago to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Illinois’ Public University Problem: NEIU, GSU Presidents Weigh In

Illinois legislators have finally passed a budget, but the impasse did not leave the state’s public universities unscathed: faculty and staff were laid off, student enrollment dwindled and bond ratings were downgraded.

Illinois Rep. Steven Andersson Deposed as House GOP Floor Leader

He broke from Republican ranks in Springfield last week. Now, state Rep. Steven Andersson has been asked to step down as GOP floor leader. He joins us in discussion.

Putting It Off: DePaul Professor Talks Procrastination

For most of us, procrastination means periodically putting off tasks, but some people make delaying responsibilities a way of life. Meet a researcher who has studied procrastination for two decades.

(Rdsmith4 / Wikimedia Commons)

Northwestern Opens Gender-Neutral, Multi-Stall Bathroom

As the national debate over gender-neutral bathrooms continues, Northwestern says its new facility is the first of its kind at a major Chicago university.

Rauner Threatens to Prolong Special Session If There’s No Budget by Friday

In a statement released Wednesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner said he would prolong the special legislative session “if the legislature fails to send a balanced budget package to my desk by Friday.”

(Bjoertvedt / Wikimedia Commons)

Senate Republicans Push for Vote on Health Care Bill

Before they break for a July Fourth recess next week, Senate Republicans are trying to rally support and votes for a bill intended to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Sun-Times Critic Hedy Weiss Under Fire for Steppenwolf Review

A recent review by Hedy Weiss of the Steppenwolf production “Pass Over” has gotten the Chicago Sun-Times theater critic of more than 30 years in some hot water.

‘Ugly Prey’ Tells Story of First Woman Sentenced to Hang in Chicago

Before Sabella Nitti was sentenced to hang in 1923 for the murder of her husband, no other woman in Chicago had received such a fate. But Nitti’s case was different in more ways than one.

All Cooped Up: Renting Chickens in Chicago

The backyard chicken trend gets a leg up with the prospect of temporary ownership – and farm-fresh eggs.

Illinois State Reps Discuss Budget Ahead of Special Session

The pressure is on for Illinois lawmakers to strike a budget deal before July 1. We speak with two members of the Illinois House as they prepare for this week’s special session.

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry addresses the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, during a U.S.-ASEAN Summit held in Brunei on Oct. 9, 2013. (U.S. Department of State)

What the US Can Learn from Southeast Asia

An alliance of Southeast Asian countries turns 50. What the Western World can learn from it.

Chicago taxi drivers protest ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft by holding signs and driving around City Hall in February 2015. (ScottMLiebenson / Wikimedia Commons)

Chicago’s Taxi Industry Is In Crisis: Can It Be Saved?

Since ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft hit the Chicago market in 2013, overall taxi ridership in the city has taken a plunge. We discuss the future of Chicago’s cab industry.