Stories by Nick Blumberg
2018 Governor’s Race Forum: Democratic Candidates
| Nick Blumberg
In their final meeting before the primary, the top three Democratic candidates for governor explain why they should represent their party in November. J.B. Prizker, Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss join us.
Blistering Grand Opera ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Theo Ubique’s Tiny Storefront
| Hedy Weiss
This is a scorching production that is all the more potent for its extreme, immersive intimacy. Read the full review.
Rauner Vetoes ‘Onerous’ Gun Dealer Licensing Bill
| Brandis Friedman
A bill that would have placed more regulations on gun dealers goes down with the stroke of a pen in Springfield.
Rare Comet Moth Emerges From Cocoon at Notebaert Nature Museum
| Alex Ruppenthal
A brightly colored moth rarely seen in the U.S. (and bigger than a human hand) emerged from its cocoon Friday at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – but you better get there fast if you want to see it.
Write-In Candidates for MWRD Shed Light on Complicated Election Law
| Nick Blumberg
Just how complicated is election law? An unexpected opening on the Cook County primary ballot offers some insight.
CPS CEO: No Discipline for Students Participating in Protest Wednesday
| Matt Masterson
Students from dozens of schools across the city are planning to take part in a 17-minute walkout Wednesday morning, with each minute representing a life lost during the Feb. 14 mass shooting at a Florida high school.
2018 Governor’s Race Forum: Republican Jeanne Ives
| Paul Caine
State Rep. Jeanne Ives is running an insurgent campaign to challenge Gov. Bruce Rauner in the Republican gubernatorial primary on March 20. Hear about her campaign and plans for the state in our full video.
Democratic AG Candidates Say Madigan Should Step Down as Head of Party
| Amanda Vinicky
Political leaders of the fabled Chicago Democratic machine have lost public support from a group of lawyers, one of whom may in the near future be well-placed to do more than just talk about rooting out corruption.
New York’s Metropolitan Opera Fires Ravinia, CSO Mainstay James Levine
| Nick Blumberg
An extensive investigation found evidence the revered conductor, who was for years associated with the Ravinia Festival and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, committed sexual abuse and harassment, the New York Times reports.
From a Pop Music Odyssey to an Opera House Bernstein Tribute
| Hedy Weiss
Reviews of two special productions that came to Chicago stages this past weekend: the world premiere of “Long Way Home” from hip-hop masters the Q Brothers Collective; and Lyric Opera’s celebration of Leonard Bernstein.
New Initiative Aims to Reduce Alcohol Use in Chicago Teens
| Kristen Thometz
A citywide campaign seeks to curb underage drinking through public awareness and school policy reforms. “We don’t want schools to suspend students,” said Juan Padilla, a Voices of Youth in Chicago Education organizer.
Illinois Attorney General Forum: Democratic Candidates
| Alexandra Silets
Meet the eight Democrats running for Illinois attorney general Monday during a special hourlong episode of “Chicago Tonight.” Watch the full video.
Ailey Company Mixes It Up With Faith, Poetry, Pain and Athleticism
| Hedy Weiss
A review of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Auditorium Theatre, and in dance news: a $1 million gift for the Joffrey Ballet.
Not Guilty Plea for Man Charged in Killing of CPD Cmdr. Paul Bauer
| Matt Masterson
Shomari Legghette, 44, pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder on Monday in front of more than a dozen Chicago police officers.
Photos: Joe Biden Discusses Income Inequality at Northwestern
| Evan Garcia
Amid increasing speculation over a possible run for president in 2020, the former vice president delivered a speech Friday at Northwestern University. See photos from the event.
Group Calls for End to Garbage in Chicago River
| Alex Ruppenthal
The Chicago River is cleaner today than it has been in generations, but “cleaner” is a relative term. One local advocacy group wants the city to aim for a trash-free river.
Grand Jury Indicts Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Police Commander Bauer
| Matt Masterson
More criminal charges could be on the way for the four-time felon accused in the shooting death of Chicago Police Department Cmdr. Paul Bauer.
The Week in Review: Primary Election Comes Down to the Wire
| Nick Blumberg
Accusations and endorsements fly as the primary election nears. House Speaker Michael Madigan warns Democrats against harassment – again. The city sues opioid distributors. And Loyola preps for the Big Dance.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Madigan’s Grip on Power
| Nick Blumberg
Paris Schutz and guests discuss the ongoing debate over House Speaker Michael Madigan’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment in his political offices.
In Gounod’s ‘Faust,’ a Slew of Mixed Messages
| Hedy Weiss
Despite a lush score, excellent voices and several memorable characterizations, the story often loses its focus in a new production of “Faust” at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Conservationist Flies All Over the World to Save Cranes
| Evan Garcia
Bird experts from around the world are flocking to a Chicago Audubon Society event in Chicago this weekend. We speak with conservationist George Archibald, who delivers the keynote speech at event.
Illinois Attorney General Forum: Republican Gary Grasso
| Paul Caine
There’s no shortage of candidates to replace Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. But while Democrats have eight candidates to choose from, on the Republican side there are just two.
Master Beekeeper Program Buzzes Into Chicago
| Alex Ruppenthal
Want to become a certified beekeeper? A new six-course program covers the history and economics of beekeeping, taxonomy of insects, botany, pollination and what to expect during your first year.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
Shedd Aquarium Joins Global Effort to Rescue Beluga Whales From Defunct Canadian Marine Park
Earthquake Reported on Chicago’s North Shore, USGS Says Magnitude 2.9
One Big Beautiful Bill Requires States to Front SNAP Costs. Illinois Could Pay Tens of Millions Annually
MWRD Announces Projects to Remedy Stench of Thornton Reservoir
Survivors of Chicago Police Torture Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony for South Side Memorial
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter