Stories by Evan Garcia
Save the Monarch Butterfly: Plant Milkweed
| Evan Garcia
Their annual migration from North America to Mexico has been called “one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world,” but the monarch butterfly is not only in decline – it’s closer to extinction than previously thought, research shows.
Geoffrey Baer Explores ‘10 Parks That Changed America’ on WTTW
| Erica Gunderson
The second installment of WTTW's "10 That Changed America" premiers Tuesday. This time, host Geoffrey Baer looks at 10 American parks that changed how we live and play in our cities.
Inside the New Chicago Cubs Clubhouse
| Jay Shefsky
The Cubs have a new clubhouse, and it's one of the biggest and fanciest in all of baseball. Jay Shefsky takes us inside the the state-of-the-art facility.
Crain’s Roundup: McDonald’s Rallies, Ricketts Pick Up Another Rooftop
| Erica Gunderson
Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer takes a closer look at McDonald’s success with its new CEO, the auctioning of the remaining Caputo & Sons grocery stores and the latest Wrigley rooftop bought by the Ricketts family.
Reporters Shine Light on Alleged Victims in Dennis Hastert Case
| Hunter Clauss
Recent court documents claim former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert sexually abused five students. We talk with a Chicago Tribune reporter covering the case.
Aldermen Approve $6.5 Million in Police Misconduct Payouts
| Paris Schutz
Aldermen on Tuesday are widely expected to approve a one-time change to city law to name Eddie Johnson the permanent Chicago Police Department superintendent. The move comes on the heels of a committee vote Monday to approve another $6.5 million in payouts to victims of police misconduct.
Broadway Influencers Dominate Joffrey Ballet’s Reimagined ‘Nutcracker’
| Chloe Riley
A Tony-award winning team will craft a new $4 million “Nutcracker” which dramatically switches gears from Robert Joffrey’s vision, one which has been performed for nearly three decades.
Could Sexual Abuse Allegations Impact Dennis Hastert's Sentence?
| WTTW News
The sexual abuse allegations against Dennis Hastert could send him to prison, even though he has not been charged or convicted of the crime. WBEZ senior news editor Robert Wildeboer explains.
Chicago Tonight Puzzle: April Challenge
| Erica Gunderson
Sandy Weisz returns with a new video puzzle and photo puzzles. Submit your answer by 10 a.m. Monday, April 18 for a chance to win our puzzle prize package!
Taking a Closer Look at Chicago’s Lead Pipes
| Elizabeth Brackett
The disaster in Flint has spotlighted the dangers and adverse health outcomes of lead seeping into communities’ drinking water. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the lead pipes carrying water into Chicago and suburban homes.
New Report Finds Illinois Municipalities Pushing for ‘Home Rule’
| Andrea Guthmann
A movement is underway to have the Illinois legislature expand what's called "home rule authority." Bob Reed of the Better Government Association explains what that could mean for towns and villages throughout the state.
Chicago to Build 50 Miles of ‘Better Bike Lanes’
| Evan Garcia
Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday unveiled a new plan to build 50 miles of "better bike lanes" in the city over the next three years.
‘Making’ a Photograph: The Conceptual Work of Kenneth Josephson
| Marc Vitali
Acclaimed Midwestern photographer Kenneth Josephson has created innovative pictures of Chicago from the 1950s until the 21st century. We take a look at the man behind the lens and his conceptual photography.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Felder Has Captured the Passion of Mr. Berlin’
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about our interview with Hershey Felder, our story on outsider artist Lee Godie and our showcase of creatures from ReptileFest when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
MCA Appoints New Associate Curator José Esparza Chong Cuy
| Chloe Riley
Writer and curator José Esparza Chong Cuy, who was previously associate curator at the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, replaces Julie Rodrigues Widholm.
The Week in Review: Mayor Maintains Support for Johnson as Top Cop
| WTTW News
Eddie Arruza and and guests discuss the mayor's support for Eddie Johnson as police superintendent, Dennis Hastert's apology and other top stories of the week.
‘The Interview Show’ at the Hideout Makes Television Debut
| Marc Vitali
We get perspective on the business of interviewing from Mark Bazer, host of "The Interview Show," which airs Friday nights on WTTW starting this week.
Aldermen Sound Off on Next Top Cop, Calls to Abolish IPRA
| Paris Schutz
Could reports of an exam-cheating probe related to Eddie Johnson's fiancée derail his confirmation as top cop? Should IPRA be abolished? A panel of aldermen tackle these questions and more.
State Republican Leaders Unveil $1.3 Billion Spending Plan
Measure Called a 'Lifeline' for Social Services
| Hunter Clauss
State Republican leaders unveiled a $1.3 billion spending plan Thursday that they say will be a “lifeline” for social services and other programs that have struggled financially in the ongoing budget impasse.
Use Your Phone During a Performance? There's an App For That
| Chloe Riley
A University of Illinois dance professor created an app which encourages audience members to get interactive during performances by using their smartphones.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Why Must Solution Always be Addition by Subtraction?’
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about proposed residential reuse of the Cook County Hospital building and the latest proposal for funding Illinois' schools when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
More Pileated Woodpeckers: Emerald Ash Borer or Healthier Habitat?
| Evan Garcia
Recent news coverage has suggested a spike in pileated woodpecker sightings in the western suburbs may be linked to the emerald ash borer. But according to at least two wildlife experts, it probably has more to do with the restoration of local habitat.
ReptileFest Slithers Back to Chicago
| Nick Blumberg
Reptiles, amphibians and the people who love them, or at least like them, come together this weekend for ReptileFest 2016. We get a preview of the event and meet some of the animals on display.
Weekend Events: White Sox Home Opener, CHIRP Record Fair, Shakespeare
| Meredith Francis
Celebrate the season at the White Sox home opener, or freshen up your collection of vinyl, take in a few Latino films, get inspired by Shakespeare and rub elbows with robots.
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