Stories by Nick Blumberg

2018 Primary Results: Analyzing Political Power Shifts

A big-picture look at what the primary results say about where November’s election might be headed.

Raoul Emerges From Crowded Field to Be Democrats’ AG Pick

State Sen. Kwame Raoul emerged from a crowded field to win the Democratic nomination for attorney general – beating former Gov. Pat Quinn and six others in the process. He joins us in discussion.

Backed by Rauner, Former Miss America Harold is GOP Pick for AG

Erika Harold is a Harvard-trained lawyer and former Miss America. Strongly backed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, she is also the Republican candidate to replace Lisa Madigan as Illinois’ next attorney general. Harold joins us in discussion.

Fritz Kaegi Beats Democratic Machine in Cook County Assessor’s Race

A political newcomer takes down one of the most powerful men in Chicago politics: Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios. We speak with Fritz Kaegi.

CPS Adds STEM Magnet Programs at 3 More Elementary Schools

The Board of Education voted Wednesday to add STEM-focused magnet programs at Brown, Claremont and Jungman elementary schools beginning this fall.

‘An Enemy of the People’ a Tragic, Comical Political Farce of Our Times

Corrupt and greedy politicians, a poorly educated citizenry skeptical of science and “facts,” and short-term thinking about the impact of pollution on health were all issues in 1882 when the play debuted and still resonate today.

2018 Primary: 6 Congressional Districts to Watch

Not one of the incumbents in Illinois’ 18 congressional districts lost their party’s nomination in the March primary. From Lipinski to Quigley to “Chuy” Garcia, see how these primary races shook out.

Cook County Primary: Preckwinkle Wins, Fritchey Out, Boykin’s Fate Uncertain

Despite a challenge from former Chicago alderman and unsuccessful mayoral candidate Bob Fioretti, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will once again take the top post in Cook County for what she says will be her final term.

Battle of the Big Bucks: It’s Pritzker vs. Rauner for Illinois Governor

Brace yourselves, Illinois residents. The matchup between Gov. Bruce Rauner and venture capitalist J.B. Pritkzer virtually guarantees incessant campaigning and political ads leading up to the Nov. 6 general election.

Kwame Raoul Wins Democratic Nomination for Illinois Attorney General

State Sen. Kwame Raoul has won a hard-fought race against a crowded field of eight candidates vying to be the Democratic nominee for Illinois attorney general. He will face political neophyte and former Miss America Erika Harold who won the GOP nomination.

Kaegi Knocks Off Berrios in Cook County Assessor’s Race

In a blow to the Democratic establishment in Cook County, Fritz Kaegi has defeated incumbent Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios. “The old machine style is no match for the people of Cook County,” Kaegi told a gathering of supporters. 

March 20, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the March 20, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Reports: Facebook Users’ Personal Data Exploited to Help Trump’s Campaign

A British firm is accused of using personal Facebook data of millions to help Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016.

Keith Haring’s Chicago Mural Speaks to Youth, Artists

Nearly 30 years ago, artist Keith Haring enlisted the help of 500 Chicago students to paint a 488-foot long mural. Chicago Tonight caught up with a trio of those teens who grew up to be artists themselves. 

Music of ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ Inspires Chicago Jazz Singer

A local jazz singer joins us for her take on the musical compositions of Fred Rogers, the late host of the eponymous children’s show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” 

Report: Illinois Solar Market Set to Boom Over Next 5 Years

Despite the industry’s recent decline and new tariffs, Illinois’ solar market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, according to a new report. 

Election Officials: Early Voting Sets Record, Andrea Raila on Ballot

A record-setting early voting period did not extend through primary election day. A look at voter turnout in Chicago and the suburbs.

March 19, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the March 19, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Cook County Assessor’s Race: Andrea Raila in the Running After All

A conversation with on-again, off-again Cook County assessor candidate Andrea Raila, now that she’s on the ballot.

Triumphant Loyola Prepares for Sweet 16 Matchup

The Loyola Ramblers get ready for their Sweet 16 matchup after Saturday’s stunning last-second victory.

Political Reporters on the Illinois Primary Races to Watch

Voters across the state are heading to the polls. Three political reporters give us their takes on noteworthy primary races.

Foxconn Seeks 7M Gallons of Lake Michigan Water Daily

The Chinese tech company Foxconn wants to withdraw 7 million gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan for its proposed new Wisconsin plant. But would that violate the compact to protect the Great Lakes?

Early Voting Surges in Chicago and Suburban Cook County

The Chicago Board of Elections says nearly 86,000 city residents cast ballots between Feb. 21 and March 18, surpassing the number of early voters in the 2010 and 2014 midterm primary elections combined. 

Police: Men Sought in String of Northwest Side Robberies

More than a dozen robberies reported early Monday morning

A group of men carried out more than a dozen armed robberies in the Albany Park neighborhood early Monday, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Activists Say ‘No Amazon,’ Call on Mayor to Restore Shuttered CPS Schools

Community organizers opposing a new wave of school closures criticized Chicago’s pursuit of landing Amazon’s second headquarters, saying minority residents are being pushed aside to make way for the tech giant.

Photos: Brookfield Zoo Animals Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day festivities kicked off a day early at Brookfield Zoo last week, where seals, camels, lemurs, orangutans and gorillas got shamrock-shaped and green-colored treats.
 

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