Stories by Evan Garcia
Senate Republicans Push for Vote on Health Care Bill
| Evan Garcia
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.
Chicago Scientists Represent US in Competition to Improve Water Quality
| Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago data scientists competed against teams from Canada and the Netherlands in an annual event that highlights the innovative use of technology to improve the water quality of the Great Lakes.
‘I Lost My Wedding Ring’ and Other Stories of Chicago’s Accidental Trash
| Alex Ruppenthal
From lost jewelry to criminal evidence, a Pontiac landfill that receives trash from Chicago has plenty of bizarre waste stories.
Chicago’s Trash Doesn’t Go to Waste at Pontiac Landfill
| Alex Ruppenthal
About 5,000 tons of trash from the Chicago area is dumped every day at a landfill in Livingston County, but hardly any of it goes to waste. How yesterday’s trash becomes tomorrow’s energy.
Madigan Introduces New Set of Demands as Preconditions for Budget Deal
Leaders Meet for the First Time in 2017, but Without Rauner
| Amanda Vinicky
As Illinois faces an end-of-month deadline to pass a budget, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has introduced a new set of preconditions to a compromise.
Illinois in ‘Dire Straits’ and Leaders, Governor Can’t Even Agree to Meet
| Amanda Vinicky
An updated “doomsday” picture offered by Comptroller Susana Mendoza: Without a budget in place soon, she won’t be able to write checks to pay for the most basic of services come August.
Outsider to Review Cook County Assessment Process
| Paris Schutz
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says embattled Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, a close political ally, has agreed to an outside evaluation of the property tax assessment process.
Teachers Union Merger Could Give Educators a Leg Up in Negotiations
| Matt Masterson
Who wins and who loses if a local charter teachers union merges with CTU? Local labor education professor Robert Bruno takes a look at the proposed merger—and the possible impact on CPS.
Historical Happy Hour: A Toast to Clara Lipman
| Erica Gunderson
We salute the sparkling stage presence of a turn-of-the-century star with a cocktail made with Prosecco, limoncello and summer fruit.
Women Who Code Relaunches Chicago Chapter
| Maya Miller
The international nonprofit Women Who Code boasts 100,000 members worldwide. This week, it’s relaunching its Chicago chapter and plans to offer meet-ups and other networking opportunities.
The Week in Review: Illinois’ Budget Crisis Deepens
| WTTW News
Still no budget out of Springfield. Shootings and murders dip in May. The Chicago Bulls ship Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a rare allergy puts Chicago Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa out the for season—and perhaps permanently.
Man Accused of Stealing $7M from Elderly Homeowners Pleads Not Guilty
| Brandis Friedman
A Chicago businessman pleads not guilty in federal court to charges he stole $7 million from elderly homeowners in a reverse mortgage scheme.
As End of Fiscal Year Nears, Little Progress in Springfield
| Amanda Vinicky
The end of the fiscal year is a week from Friday. Is Illinois any closer to getting a budget passed by that deadline?
Sun-Times Critic Hedy Weiss Under Fire for Steppenwolf Review
| Evan Garcia
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.
Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia Mulling Bid for Cook County Clerk
| Paris Schutz
Democratic sources tell Chicago Tonight that Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is mulling a run for the post, contingent on whether he can garner enough Democratic support.
Preckwinkle Expects 2018 County Budget to be Nearly $100M Short
| Paul Caine
Cook County is projecting a budget shortfall of $97.6 million. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins us to discuss county finances, health care and the controversial soda tax.
Chris Kennedy Making a Name for Himself in Governor’s Race
| Alexandra Silets
In the crowded race for governor, businessman Chris Kennedy is making a name for himself by bucking Democratic Party leaders.
New Illinois Guidelines Aim to Boost College and Career Readiness
| Matt Masterson
New state guidelines adopted this month will help kids get ready for life after 12th grade – whether that means picking a college or finding a job.
Stones Retrospective ‘Exhibitionism’ Rolls Into Chicago
| Nick Blumberg
From handwritten lyrics to vintage instruments to iconic outfits, a new look at 50 years of the Rolling Stones.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 22-25
| Maya Miller
Lake Michigan’s first floating water park, street festivals, the NHL draft and the annual Pride Parade. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Groups Seek Investigation into Cook County Property Tax System
| Paris Schutz
A coalition of community groups is asking for an investigation into the Cook County property tax assessment system run by Assessor Joseph Berrios.
In Springfield, Special Session Off to a Slow Start
| Amanda Vinicky
The 10-day special session called by Gov. Bruce Rauner got off to a slow start Wednesday, with legislators spending none of their short time on the House and Senate floors debating material fiscal matters.
Should Illinois School Districts Hire More Minority Teachers?
| Paris Schutz
In an affluent suburb, a school district is engaged in a bold experiment to help minority students perform better—or a misguided form of bureaucratic overreach, depending on your point of view.
Trump Administration in Foreign Territory as Global Crises Mount
| Paul Caine
The list of foreign policy issues in President Donald Trump’s inbox seems to be growing by the day.
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