Stories by Evan Garcia
All Cooped Up: Renting Chickens in Chicago
| Evan Garcia
The backyard chicken trend gets a leg up with the prospect of temporary ownership – and farm-fresh eggs.
What Should Chicago Look Like in 2050?
| Maya Miller
Self-driving cars, shuttles that come to your door with the click of a button, walkable communities—these are just a few of the alternative futures residents are being asked to consider this spring and summer.
Healthy Mice Born From 3-D Printed Ovaries
| Kristen Thometz
Infertile mice with 3-D printed ovaries were able to give birth to healthy pups, according to a new study from Northwestern University.
CPS to Recommend Merger of Ogden and Jenner Elementary Schools
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago Public Schools says it will recommend a merger of two Near North Side elementary schools after an 18-month review process fueled largely by community members.
Allegations of Racism, Sexism and Gun Dealing in City Water Department
| Paris Schutz
More details emerge about alleged gun dealing, racist and sexist behavior by a politically connected subordinate at the city’s Department of Water Management.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Bigoted Comments Are Protected Free Speech’
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about our discussion of whether or not hate crimes are on the rise.
More Than Words: American Writers Museum Opens This Week
| Erica Gunderson
A new chapter in Chicago’s cultural offerings begins this week.
What is WannaCry? What You Need to Know About Latest Cyberattack
| Alexandra Silets
The latest on one of the world’s most extensive cyberattacks ever.
In The Wake of Comey Firing, Should a Special Prosecutor be Hired?
| Nicole Cardos
Seventy-eight percent of Americans think a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate Russian meddling in the U.S. election, according to a new NBC-Wall Street Journal survey.
Urban Nature: ‘Can Cities Save the Monarch?’
| WTTW News
The monarch butterfly’s remarkable migration is in peril. Its habitat has been decimated by rapid urbanization and changing agricultural practices. Could cities come to the rescue?
‘Robot Revolution’ Returns to Chicago
| Maya Miller
They can play blackjack, dance and climb walls. The Museum of Science and Industry brings back its interactive exhibition – with a few new additions.
Issues Facing Chicago to be ‘On the Table’ Tuesday
| Maya Miller
More than 5,000 conversations across the Chicago area are set to take place Tuesday as part of the Chicago Community Trust’s annual On the Table initiative.
Legislator: Bill Would Trigger $2.2B in Illinois Wind Energy Projects
| Alex Ruppenthal
Tweaking Illinois' landmark energy bill would trigger more than $2 billion in wind farm construction, a state senator says.
Middle Schoolers Get 1st Look at Professional Life at Mock Job Fair
| Matt Masterson
Students at James Madison Elementary may be a few years away from entering the workforce full time, but that isn’t stopping them from getting a leg up on the interviewing process.
Study: Leaving Segregated Communities Reduces Blood Pressure
| Kristen Thometz
Leaving segregated neighborhoods reduces blood pressure in African-Americans, according to the findings of a 25-year longitudinal study.
Lakefront Trail Separation Requires North Side Closure, Detour
| Kristen Thometz
Starting next week, the Lakefront Trail will be closed between Diversey and North avenues as the project to separate the bike and pedestrian paths continues.
Nonprofit Wants Stronger Warning Labels on Reflux Medications
| Kristen Thometz
Each year 60 million Americans experience heartburn. A nonprofit now hopes stronger labeling on over-the-counter medicines for heartburn will increase awareness of its association with esophageal cancer.
Report: Cook County Short Nearly 190,000 Affordable Rental Units
| Maya Miller
Cook County's affordable housing supply has not kept up with demand, according to a report issued by the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University.
CTU Running Full Staff No-Confidence Vote on CPS CEO Claypool
| Matt Masterson
As the city and Chicago Public Schools scramble to find funding to keep classrooms open through the end of the school year, the Chicago Teachers Union is taking up a staff-wide referendum vote of no confidence in district CEO Forrest Claypool.
Mayor Emanuel Reappoints Inspector General, Budget Director Resigns
| Paris Schutz
The city’s top watchdog is coming back for another four-year term, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Friday.
Study: Chicago’s Forests Threatened by Climate Change
| Alex Ruppenthal
A first-of-its-kind study shows that forests in Chicago face significant threats from climate change, with native trees especially vulnerable to increases in temperature, precipitation and other changes.
The Week in Review: Trump Fires FBI Director Comey
| Nick Blumberg
President Trump fires the FBI director investigating his connections to Russia. Lawmakers put Gov. Rauner in a bind on the “abortion bill.” And the Cubs early season struggles continue.
Cook County Jail Settles Hundreds of Lawsuits
| Paul Caine
Cook County has approved hundreds of low-dollar legal settlements in connection with conditions at the Cook County Jail.
Chicago Police Board Cracks Down on Misconduct
| Alexandra Silets
Chicago Police Board President Lori Lightfoot talks about misconduct findings against all 15 officers who faced discipline last year.
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