Stories by Evan Garcia
Shootings, Protests and ‘Bait Trucks’ Inflame Police-Community Tensions
| Evan Garcia
There is a strong sense of distrust between Chicago police and some of the communities they serve. How does the city repair this relationship?
Changes to Oscars Draws Criticism, Raises Questions
| Nicole Cardos
The Motion Picture Academy announces a new award category for the Oscars. Why some critics say that’s cause for concern.
State Board Survey: Only 1 in 4 Kindergartners Prepared for School
| Matt Masterson
Only 24 percent of Illinois kindergartners are ready for school, according to a new state survey. But that number drops even lower for minority, low-income and diverse learner students.
State Bill on Dense Breast Notifications Signed into Law
| Kristen Thometz
A new state law will require mammogram providers to notify women whose test results show they have dense breast tissue, a risk factor for breast cancer.
New Law Aims to Improve Medical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors
| Kristen Thometz
Under a new law, hospitals in Illinois must provide specialized emergency room care to survivors of sexual assault and also treat emotional trauma in the aftermath of such crimes.
Lincoln Park Zoo Takes Urban Wildlife Program Global
| Alex Ruppenthal
A groundbreaking program to study urban wildlife using a network of motion-triggered cameras is expanding to Canada and South Africa.
2 Chicago Pharmacy Techs Charged with Stealing More than 56,000 Opioid Pills
| Matt Masterson
Two women allegedly stole tens of thousands of narcotic pills from a Wicker Park pharmacy over a two-year period and sold them off for profit.
A Glimpse of Magic in the Photo-Realist Paintings of Jeong Im Herbert
| Hedy Weiss
The Chicago-based artist has an uncanny ability to capture the texture of surfaces in a way that is as precise as a photograph, yet at the same time, magically abstract.
Railway Apologizes for ‘Bait Truck’ Operation, Vows to Stop Practice
| Amanda Vinicky
Norfolk Southern Railway is backing up from a controversial practice following backlash sparked by viral videos.
Advocates: ‘We Have to Come to Them’ to Address Homelessness
| Kristen Thometz
“So many people experiencing homelessness won’t come to us,” said Chris Robinson, Heartland Alliance Health outreach manager. “We have to come to them.”
The Week in Review: Violence Prompts Anger, Tears, Political Fallout
| Evan Garcia
Chicago’s most violent weekend in two years prompts criticism – and more cops on the streets. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorses “Jerry” McCarthy – and then Garry McCarthy – for mayor. And Sinclair Broadcasting will not have a home in Chicago.
Scientists Discover 2 New Non-Native Species in Great Lakes
| Alex Ruppenthal
Researchers from Cornell University and the EPA are raising concerns about the potential impact of recently discovered non-invasive species on the overall health of the Great Lakes.
Police ‘Bait Trucks’: Legitimate Sting Operation, Or Unfair Setup?
| Amanda Vinicky
Once again, police are in the crosshairs due to social media posts that have gone viral. This time, videos show police using a so-called bait truck in Englewood.
Police Superintendent Johnson Under Pressure After Violent Weekend
| Paul Caine
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson talks about the department’s latest efforts to curb violence after more than 70 people were shot last weekend.
Durbin Urges EPA to Expand Manganese Monitoring on Southeast Side
| Alex Ruppenthal
After touring Chicago’s industry-dominated Southeast Side on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin pressed the Environmental Protection Agency to increase monitoring of brain-damaging manganese dust.
The Power of Scuba Diving for People with Disabilities
| Jay Shefsky
We visit a local nonprofit that offers free scuba training to adults and children with special needs.
Meet Ada Grey, the Veteran Chicago Theater Critic Who is Almost in High School
| Marc Vitali
She’s been on the scene for 10 years – and just turned 14 years old. Ada Grey tells us about her experiences as a Chicago theater critic.
‘Redneck Fishing’ for Flying Asian Carp on the Illinois River
| Evan Garcia
Each year, self-proclaimed “rednecks” try to rid the Illinois River of Asian carp – one flying fish at a time. We visit the small town of Bath for a look.
Census 2020: Illinois Joins Suit to Block Citizenship Question
| Nick Blumberg
Why the 2020 census could include a question about citizenship – and why there’s a legal effort to block it.
Report: Hospitals’ Religious Affiliations Impact Access to Reproductive Care
| Kristen Thometz
Women enrolled in public insurance programs are entitled to receive coverage for comprehensive family planning care, according to federal guidelines. But new research reveals Cook County women may face additional barriers in accessing reproductive health care.
Family of Man Killed During Police Pursuit File Wrongful Death Suit Against City
| Matt Masterson
The estate of Terrell Eason claims Chicago police officers used excessive force during a July 3 foot pursuit that led to the 33-year-old’s death.
Lockers for Homeless Youth Meet Critical Needs
| Brandis Friedman
How a simple storage system is proving to be so much more for homeless youth trying to unlock a brighter future.
As City Adds Cops, Communities Call for More Comprehensive Solution to Violence
| Nicole Cardos
City officials may have some thoughts about solving violence in Chicago, but not everyone’s on board. What some community members have to say.
Banning Alex Jones: A Dangerous Move for Free Speech?
| Alexandra Silets
Controversial conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been banned by several social media platforms. Were they within their their rights, or is this censorship?
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