Stories by Evan Garcia
Report: Amazon Employees Are Listening to Alexa Conversations
| Evan Garcia
Would you forgo your privacy for more effective technology? Owners of voice-activated home devices may need to start asking themselves that question.
Rebuilding Notre Dame a ‘National Project’ for France
| Alexandra Silets
A fire has devastated the 850-year-old cathedral in Paris. What will it take to rebuild the iconic structure? Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin joins us in discussion.
How Guano Islands Helped Build an American Empire
| Evan Garcia
The U.S. empire stretches farther than you may think. The new book “How to Hide an Empire” details America’s acquisition of foreign land.
Why Illinois Spends So Much Money on School Administration
| Nick Blumberg
Illinois spends more per pupil on school administration than almost every other state in the union, according to a new report. What the state is doing to address spending.
‘Pop Pulp!’ Illustrates Weird, Wonderful World of Mexican Pulp Art
| Marc Vitali
In recent years, illustrations from 1970s Mexican comic books have earned a dedicated following of fans and collectors. We visit a new pulp art show at a Chicago gallery.
Proposed Bills Would Restrict Illinois’ Authority to Protect Endangered Species
| Alex Ruppenthal
A pair of bills would strip the state of its authority to regulate endangered species that are protected at the federal level but that might require further protections within Illinois.
Illinois Congressmen: Scientific Research Needs More Federal Funding
| Kristen Thometz
A pair of bills would increase funding for biomedical and scientific research at top U.S. agencies and “defend America’s place as a world leader in scientific progress,” U.S. Rep. Bill Foster said in a statement.
Study: Senior’s Weakness for Scams May be Warning Sign of Dementia
| Associated Press
New research suggests seniors who aren’t on guard against scams also might be at risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The Iconic Muppets Are Coming to Chicago in June
| Associated Press
The nonprofit Sesame Workshop said Tuesday a selection of Muppets will take part in a 10-city trip to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary campaign with free park festivals, live performances and kid-friendly activities.
Shock, Prayers Around the World for Notre Dame Cathedral
| Associated Press
The world reacted with shock, horror and prayers to the massive fire Monday at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, united in grief and in solidarity with the people of France.
Will Illinois Blow Up its Tax System? We Ask State Lawmakers
| Nicole Cardos
They’ll be faced with a lot of work when they reconvene from spring break. We discuss taxes, marijuana and meeting Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot with Illinois lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
Johnson Publishing Company Leaves Behind Rich Legacy
| Paul Caine
After 77 years, the founding company of Ebony and Jet magazines will soon cease to exist. We talk with two former writers and editors about the history and legacy of Johnson Publishing.
Chicago Developer Linked to Ald. Burke Faces Bribery Charge from US Attorney
| Paris Schutz
Federal prosecutors allege a Chicago developer steered business to 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke in exchange for Burke’s help getting a City Hall permit.
Bright Idea from Longtime Professor Brings Neon Art to Rogers Park
| Evan Garcia
Have you ever wanted to make your own neon sign? You may soon be in luck. Neon artists, led by a 30-year veteran of the School of the Art Institute, plan to offer art classes and studio space on the North Side.
Best-Selling Author Shares Planner for Life’s Biggest Eventuality: Death
| Alexandra Silets
Author and journalist Katy Butler tells us about her new book, “The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life.”
CPS Teacher Charged With Battery After Incident With Student
| Matt Masterson
Spencer Technology Academy teacher Myra Timms, 33, is facing a misdemeanor battery charge after she allegedly made physical contact with one of her male students last week.
Instantly Joyful ‘Djembe!’ Encourages Everyone to Bang on a Drum
| Hedy Weiss
Prepare to head home from “Djembe!” – the irresistibly engaging interactive music show now at the Apollo Theater – with callouses on the palms of your hands and a giant grin on your face.
Illinois Officials Spread Awareness of ‘Move Over’ Law After Trooper Deaths
| Matt Masterson
State law enforcement and education officials want to spread the word about Illinois’ “move over” law after 16 state troopers were struck on roads in the first four months of 2019.
City Officials Launch Chicago Mural Registry
| Kristen Thometz
The difference between graffiti and public art is generally in the eye of the beholder – and for some, they are one in the same. But discerning between the two will get a little easier for city crews in Chicago.
Pre-Cut Melon Linked to Salmonella Outbreak, Say Health Officials
| Kristen Thometz
More than 90 cases of salmonella carrau have been reported in nine states, including five in Illinois, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fire Torches Top of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
| Associated Press
A massive fire engulfed the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of the French capital Monday, shooting up its long spire and sending thick plumes of smoke high into the blue sky as tourists and Parisians looked on aghast from the streets below.
GOP Lawmakers Propose Bill to Separate Chicago from Illinois
| Associated Press
Legislation proposing the separation of Chicago from Illinois is intended to spark discussion about the overarching influence of the city in state politics, not actually lead to the creation of the 51st state, says GOP state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer.
American Airlines Cancels Max Flights Through Mid-August
| Associated Press
American Airlines announced Sunday that it was canceling 115 flights per day through mid-August because of ongoing problems with the Boeing 737 Max aircraft.
Watch ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Love, Simon’ in Millennium Park This Summer
| Kristen Thometz
From action-packed superhero flicks to romantic comedies and children’s movies, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Millennium Park Summer Film Series. Check out the 2019 schedule.
ABT’s ‘Whipped Cream’ Designed to Feed Ballet Audience’s Sweet Tooth
| Hedy Weiss
Now receiving its Chicago debut, this full-length fairy tale production created for American Ballet Theatre is a frothy, visually lavish confection sure to generate either a light-headed sugar rush or a serious sugar coma.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
Meet the Scientist Who’s Spent Decades Making Sure Birds Killed in Chicago Building Collisions Don’t Die in Vain
Family of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera Suing Department, Partner Who Fatally Shot Her
From Skepticism to Savings: Suburban Pension Consolidation Helps Ease Burden for Illinois Taxpayers
CTA Board OKs $1.75M Settlement, Pushes Back on Federal Claims of Lax Transit Safety
Residents of South Shore Building Raided by ICE Must Move Out by Friday, Judge Rules
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter