Stories by Nick Blumberg
Possible Senate Deal Emerges on Obamacare Subsidies
| Nick Blumberg
A two-year, stopgap measure still needs congressional approval, but it was the latest twist in the health care saga that has millions of Americans uncertain about the future of their insurance coverage.
Astronomers Detect Colliding Neutron Stars in Historic Observation
| Alex Ruppenthal
An international team that includes Chicago astronomers recently observed the collision of two high-density neutron stars, a historic discovery that confirms decades of scientific work.
Felonies, Pleas and Convictions Examined in New Cook County Report
| Matt Masterson
A first-of-its-kind report released Tuesday by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office details more than 30,000 felony cases presented for prosecution in 2016.
Chicagoan Recounts Quest to Bring Aid to Parents in Puerto Rico
| Brandis Friedman
As FEMA and other groups have slowly brought aid to Puerto Rico, some family members living abroad have embarked on private rescue missions. Meet one Chicagoan who recently returned from a trip to visit her parents.
Cubs Look to Get Hot at Home in NLCS Game 3
| Paris Schutz
Down 0-2 to the Dodgers in the National League Championship series, the Cubs hope playing at the Friendly Confines will turn the team’s fortunes around.
Young Angler Catches Rare American Eel at Chicago River Fishing Event
| Alex Ruppenthal
An American eel caught by a 5-year-old angler last week is possibly the first such eel ever recorded in the Chicago River, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
‘Me Too’ Campaign Empowers Sexual Assault Survivors to Raise Voices
| Kristen Thometz
“There’s a whole lot of women out there, likely millions of women, who were affected and now they have the opportunity to raise their voice and talk about it,” said Kristie Paskvan, founder of Chicago Says No More.
CTU President Karen Lewis, Brain Cancer Survivor, Reveals Stroke
| Brandis Friedman
Recovering from what she describes as a “slight stroke,” Chicago Teacher’s Union President Karen Lewis on Tuesday revealed that she’s been in the hospital for the past week.
Viewer Feedback: Soda Pop is the New Tea
| Erica Gunderson
The soda tax repeal was met with cheers from some Chicago Tonight viewers.
How Ameya Pawar Plans to Stay Involved in State Politics
| Nick Blumberg
Chicago’s 47th Ward alderman has ended his bid for Illinois governor after failing to raise enough money. “I’m a regular person,” he said. “If people like me get essentially priced out of the Democratic process, I believe we’re headed to a really scary place.”
Hebru Brantley’s New Art Show Takes Flight in Elmhurst
| Marc Vitali
His artwork is in the collections of George Lucas, Jay-Z and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. We get a preview of the show “Hebru Brantley: Forced Field” at the Elmhurst Art Museum.
Weekend Storm Overwhelms Chicago’s Sewer, Deep Tunnel System
| Elizabeth Brackett
Chicago’s sewer and deep tunnel system couldn’t handle this weekend’s rain, allowing untreated sewage and stormwater into Lake Michigan.
Mayor Promises Tax Relief for Homeowners in 2018 City Budget Proposal
| Paris Schutz
Some fee hikes and tax relief in the upcoming city budget. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is promising tax relief for homeowners as part of his 2018 city budget proposal.
Toni Preckwinkle on Soda Tax Repeal, County Budget Shortfall
| Alexandra Silets
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on why the soda tax failed—and what’s next.
How Plastic Cutlery is Bringing Hope, Jobs to a South Side Community
| Eddie Arruza
A training program and manufacturing plant are not only providing high-demand plastic products, but giving community residents hands-on experience in specialized jobs that are the future of manufacturing.
UChicago Poll: Most Americans Want Government to Address Climate Change
| Alex Ruppenthal
A new poll on climate and energy reveals surprising attitudes from Americans. We talk with the leader of the University of Chicago study group.
Where Does Chicago’s Yard Waste Go?
| Andrea Guthmann
Many Illinois residents are unaware of a 1990 state law making it illegal to mix lawn waste with household garbage. WBEZ reporter Monica Eng has the dirt on Chicago’s yard waste disposal program.
Chicago Law Firm Retained by Las Vegas Shooting Victims
| Matt Masterson
Romanucci & Blandin, a civil practice based in the River North neighborhood, announced Monday it is among a trio of law firms that will represent victims of the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival in Las Vegas.
Obama Science Adviser to Give Lecture on Climate Change
| Alex Ruppenthal
President Barack Obama’s science and technology adviser will deliver a lecture on climate change this week in Chicago. John P. Holdren was the longest-serving science adviser in the history of the position.
UIC Creates Health Equity Research Center
| Kristen Thometz
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago will investigate how social determinants like poverty and living in a food desert contribute to the health of marginalized groups.
Jesse Ruiz to Run for Illinois Attorney General: Sources
| Amanda Vinicky
A Latino attorney with connections to high-powered politicians, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is expected join the field of Democrats running for Illinois attorney general.
Chicago Police Ramping Up Rollout of Largest Body Camera Program in US
| Matt Masterson
By the end of this year, the Chicago Police Department believes it will have the nation’s largest collection of officer-worn body cameras in use.
Healing Heels Strives to Empower, Support Women Battling Cancer
| Kristen Thometz
One woman’s “chemo shoes” inspired two friends to create a Chicago-based shoe and apparel company designed to empower women battling cancer.
The Week in Review: Soda Tax Fizzles Out
| Alexandra Silets
The despised soda tax is repealed after just two months. Another property tax hike passes. Mike Ditka denies racial oppression. And the Cubs gear up for another dramatic postseason.
Win or Go Home For Cubs vs. Nationals Game 5
| Paris Schutz
Cubs fans are gathering outside Wrigley Field for Game 5. It’s not the packed scene we’ve seen for the last three nights, but a sizable crowd has congregated on the Wrigley Plaza to watch the game on the big screen.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Interim Top Cop Collecting $142K Annual City Pension While Earning $211K Salary, Records Show
Pritzker Signed 78 Bills Last Week, Including Requirements for Boater’s Insurance and Home Service Appointment Windows
What Impact Would a Switch to Permanent Daylight Saving Time Have?
Chicago Area Cleaning Up After Powerful Storms Cause Flooding and Downed Trees
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter