Stories by Nick Blumberg

Uproar After DePaul University Bans Conservative Speaker

Students across the political spectrum are angry with DePaul University's decision not to allow a conservative writer and commentator to speak at an on-campus event.

Alligator Gar Not Effective Weapon Against Asian Carp, Says Biologist

Despite a spate of recent reports, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says that reintroducing alligator gar into Illinois' waterways will not prevent Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan.

Chicago-Area Man Aims to Be Full-Time Pokemon Trainer

The smartphone game has taken Chicago by storm. We hunt down and follow some of the area’s most dedicated players, including one who hopes to turn his hobby into a career.

Obama Pushes Support for TPP, Critics Fear Another NAFTA

President Barack Obama reiterates his support for the Trans Pacific Partnership. But the trade deal has strong opposition. What's at the core of the agreement that could shape U.S. trade relations in the 21st century?

New Bronzeville Community Center Offers Much-Needed Gathering Place

After years of waiting, Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood gets a spectacular and much needed arts and recreation center.

Old Main Post Office: Troubled Giant on Brink of Transformation

The building that thousands of cars drive under every day will be turned into commercial office space. Looking at the future of a building that's been empty since 1997. 

August 2, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the August 2, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Solutions for the State’s Perplexing Pension Gordian Knot

Can state lawmakers craft a constitutional fix for the Illinois public pension problem? We talk with one man who has a plan.

Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘War Paint,’ ‘The Grapes of Wrath,’ More

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews a Pulitzer prize-winning play at Steppenwolf Theatre, a pair of one-man shows and two Tony award-winning actresses.

Northwestern, Lurie Children’s Hospitals Named Best Hospitals in US

Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago rank among the top hospitals in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of hospitals.

STEM Competition Aims to Inspire Teen Girls

Dozens of teenage girls from the Chicago area are getting a unique, hands-on STEM experience as they transform recycled refrigerators into solar-powered race cars in the ComED Icebox Derby.

Black Lives Matter Coalition Releases 1st Official Platform

Just days before the two-year anniversary of the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, that sparked protests nationwide, the Movement for Black Lives has released an official platform that outlines its demands.

Looking Back at Republican, Democratic Conventions for Insight Ahead

The fallout continues from the political conventions. We hear from several reporters who spent two weeks on the ground at both the Republican and Democratic conventions.

FOP President Dean Angelo on Shooting of Paul O’Neal, Labor Day Weekend Staffing

In a phone call late Monday afternoon, Fraternal Order of Police President Dean Angelo spoke about the recent police-involved shooting of Paul O’Neal and the union’s call for police officers to reject Labor Day weekend overtime.

August 1, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the August 1, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Community Activists Share Expectations for Obama Library

The site for the Obama Presidential library has been chosen and now community activists tell us what they expect as the project moves forward.

Chicago’s Plastic Bag Ban Extended to Smaller Chain Stores

As of Monday, chain stores that are 10,000 square feet or less must comply with the city's plastic bag ban originally enacted a year ago.

Cartoonists of the Gilded Age on Display at Driehaus Museum

Revisit the wry cartoons of the turn of the century satirical magazine, Puck.

Frustrated Top Cop Calls for Tougher Gun Laws

Superintendent Eddie Johnson says his department has so far made 1,900 gun arrests in 2016, a 7-percent increase over the first seven months of 2015.

Uptown Restaurant with Mission to Help Homeless Closes

Inspiration Kitchens had been a fixture of the Uptown neighborhood for 11 years. But owners of the restaurant say a loss of federal funding and the state's historic budget impasse made it difficult to maintain a financial foothold.

Tips for Midsummer Gardens, from Planting to Pruning to Harvesting

The WTTW organic garden is growing at an astonishing pace, with sweet corn towering over the plot and many vegetables ready for the grill. But if your own garden–like ours–is looking a little too lush, not to worry: There are easy ways to tame it, says Jeanne Nolan, the Organic Gardener.

Section of Lakefront Trail on North Side Reopens with Improvements

As part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to improve Chicago parks, a revamped section of the lakefront trail was opened to the public Friday.

The Week in Review: Clinton Makes History as Democrats Strive for Unity

Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to be nominated by a major party in the U.S. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm Emanuel takes a hit at the Democratic National Convention and Illinois Democratic delegates focus on finding a challenger to Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018.

Original Chicago Cocktail: Crooked Cowboy

William Hale “Big Bill” Thompson was arguably the most corrupt politician Chicago has ever seen. He inspires a bourbon-based cocktail topped off with a taste of Chicago.

Photos: Democratic National Convention 2016, Day 4

Hillary Clinton formally accepted her party's presidential nomination on the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

July 28, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the July 28, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
 

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