Stories by Evan Garcia

Meet Maya Bird-Murphy, an Oak Park architecture enthusiast aiming to open the industry to more minorities and women.

A brain-damaging pollutant found at high levels near thousands of Southeast Side homes would be banned at future industrial sites under a new ordinance introduced by city officials Wednesday.

We speak with the former secretary of state and Patricia Harrison, the president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, about the hard work of reminding America of its shared creed.

Plans for a new Englewood high school have been at the center of fierce debate for months. Wednesday’s vote marks the first wave of neighborhood school closures within the district since it shuttered 50 elementary schools in 2013.

West Garfield Park residents have a life expectancy of 69 years, compared to an average life expectancy of 85 years in the Loop. By 2030, West Side United hopes to cut that life expectancy gap in half.

A shopping-cart race, eco-minded films, competitive chili and vintage finds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Head Coach Porter Moser says the No. 1-ranked team needs to keep its eye on the ball ahead of Friday’s game in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. “We’ve got our work cut out for us and we’ve got to focus in on that.”

As Chicago Public Schools moves to finalize the planned closures of four Englewood high schools, community members are claiming the district “manufactured consent” for the controversial plan.

As Democrats aim to retake control of the U.S. House, they’re pinning hope on voters who live in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. But first, primary voters need to decide who will be the nominee.

Watch the Feb. 27, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Chicago eateries are ready to sate your sweet tooth on National Pancake Day – and any other day of the year. Learn how some of the city’s artisan cakes are made, and get recipes for your own DIY batch.

Janus v AFSCME, a case out of Illinois that’s backed by Gov. Bruce Rauner and conservative donors and activists, aims to do away with fair share fees. We hear from both sides of the issue.

Artificial intelligence research has been around for more than half a century, but we’ve only recently seen developments in AI technology that might bring sci-fi film plotlines to life. Should we be afraid?

Recently introduced legislation would update Illinois’ fracking law to increase protections for land owners and require more information from oil and gas companies applying for fracking permits.

Illinois maintains the most regressive education funding formula in the nation, according to a new report. But with a new formula adopted last year, there’s finally hope the state can make its way out of the basement.

Virtual reality is taking journalism and storytelling to a new level. We explore the technology with filmmaker Barbara Allen – and discuss whether audiences are ready for these immersive experiences.

How hiring and promoting women can help businesses succeed, and how men can make that happen. We speak with author Joanne Lipman about her new book.

Watch the Feb. 26, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Nearly 30 years after a school shooting in Winnetka, survivor Phil Andrew is heading an anti-violence effort for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski is facing a tough re-election fight in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District. Lipinski and challenger Marie Newman join us for a candidate forum.

What can school districts do to prevent a mass shooting? While the gun debate rages on, schools have to come up with other ways to make sure students are safe. 

Could a new space race led by private entrepreneurs take humans to Mars and beyond? Futurist and best-selling author Michio Kaku talks about humanity’s destiny to colonize the solar system and reach for the stars.

Long before Chuck Berry died in March 2017 at the ripe old age of 90, he was revered as the granddaddy of rock ‘n’ roll. Black Ensemble Theater tells the story in “Hail, Hail Chuck: A Tribute to Chuck Berry.”

A new PBS program features stories of people coming together across ideological divides. We speak with “American Creed” director Sam Ball.

Despite a commitment from the state’s top environmental official, Illinois EPA will not hold public meetings to gather input on the state’s plan for spending $107.8 million in Volkswagen settlement money.

This year’s flu vaccine is only 36 percent effective, according to the CDC. But a new study suggests that a person’s past flu experiences could influence how effective the flu vaccine is for them.