Stories by nick blumberg

Juliana Stratton

Juliana Stratton: Candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor

“We need to lift up your voices, we need to bring people together to move our state forward,” says Juliana Stratton. Learn more about this candidate.

JB Pritzker

JB Pritzker: Candidate for Illinois Governor

“We face big challenges, and under Bruce Rauner things have only gotten worse,” says JB Pritzker. Learn more about this candidate.

JB Pritzker Fields Questions from High School Students

Democratic nominee for governor J.B. Pritzker answers questions from 70 Mikva Challenge high school students – some of whom will be first-time voters in November.

Kevin Graham appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 5, 2018.

Police Union President Defends Van Dyke, Vows Appeal

For years, Chicago’s police union has steadfastly defended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. Police union president Kevin Graham joins us with reaction to Friday’s verdict.

Gov. Bruce Rauner and J.B. Pritzker appear on “Chicago Tonight” on Aug. 14, 2017 and March 14, 2018, respectively.

The New Techniques (and Big Money) Behind Political Ads

Campaigns are buying TV ads, web banners, and producing a wealth of videos for social media, and they’re using technology to target voting blocs with ever-increasing precision.

Candidates for Chicago Mayor Face Tough Path to Ballot, City Hall

The mayor’s surprise announcement has triggered a flurry of speculation about new candidates. But running for office successfully is far more complicated than shaking hands and raising money.

Amara Enyia Takes Aim at Emanuel in Second Bid for Chicago Mayor

The field of candidates running to replace Mayor Rahm Emanuel grew again this week when activist, organizer and policy consultant Amara Enyia officially announced her candidacy.

Meet Some Small But Mighty Miniature Therapy Horses

Their effectiveness can’t be judged by their size: We visit the Barrington nonprofit Mane in Heaven to discover the therapeutic mission of these miniature horses.

Meteorologist Tom Skilling appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Aug. 14, 2018.

Celebrating Tom Skilling’s 40th Anniversary on WGN

From the top of the Sears Tower to the top of Alaskan mountains, Tom Skilling looks back on some of the highs from his 40-year career.

Towering Trolls Keep a Watchful Eye on Morton Arboretum

We take you on a visit to the west suburban forest under the watchful eye of six suspicious – and sizable – trolls.

(Pixabay)

Census 2020: Illinois Joins Suit to Block Citizenship Question

Why the 2020 census could include a question about citizenship – and why there’s a legal effort to block it.

Despite Judge’s Ban, 3D Gun Blueprints Already Available

A judge blocks the release of blueprints for 3D printed guns. Is it reasonable regulation, or a violation of the First Amendment?

The Rev. Bruce Ray appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago Communities Push to Reopen, Fund Public Mental Health Clinic

Behind the ballot referendum to restore public mental health care in Logan Square, Hermosa and Avondale.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Russia Targets 2018 Midterm Elections

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the warning from top U.S. intelligence and security leaders over continued Russian attempts to influence American elections.

The Week in Review: Critics Pick Apart Chicago Police Consent Decree

An anti-violence march takes over Wrigleyville. Battle lines are drawn over Chicago police reforms. And a state lawmaker accused of “catfishing” resigns.

(Roger Ho / Lollapalooza 2017)

Lollapalooza Security Tightened, But Challenges Persist

The annual music festival gets underway Thursday in Grant Park. Why this year’s four-day event comes with tightened security measures.

Attorney and former Chicago Ald. Bob Fioretti represented the city of Harvey. (Chicago Tonight file photo)

Harvey Reaches Pension Deal, But Problems Persist Across the State

The city of Harvey finally strikes a deal with its underwater police and fire pension funds. What it could mean for hundreds of other Illinois towns.

How Wisconsin Went Red: New Book Traces Fall of ‘Progressive Bastion’

How a state that hadn’t voted for a Republican presidential candidate in more than 30 years helped elect Donald Trump. Author Dan Kaufman discusses his new book “The Fall of Wisconsin.”

A rendering shows a dedicated bus lane adjacent to Lake Shore Drive.

Transportation Planners Consider Bus-Only Lane on Lake Shore Drive

It is perhaps Chicago’s most iconic roadway, and it’s certainly among the busiest. Could dedicating a lane to buses ease congestion on Lake Shore Drive?

The Rev. Gregory Seal Livingston on Tuesday announces plans for an anti-violence protest Aug. 2 along Lake Shore Drive. (Chicago Tonight)

Protesters Plan to Shut Down Lake Shore Drive, March to Wrigley

On the heels of an anti-violence demonstration that closed down the Dan Ryan Expressway, another group of activists announces plans to shut down a busy roadway on Chicago’s North Side.

As Deadline Approaches, Attorneys Offer Insight on Immigrant Family Reunification

The Trump administration can’t say whether it will meet a July 26 deadline to reunite 2,500 migrant children with their parents.

Ping Tom Memorial Park at the Chicago River (Courtesy Metropolitan Planning Council)

New Season of ‘10 That Changed’ Highlights Streets, Monuments and Modern Marvels

From Civil War memorials to reversing the Chicago River, Geoffrey Baer tells us about the new season of the WTTW documentary series, “10 That Changed America.”

The Week in Review: Hate Crime Charges Follow Forest Preserve Rant

A man faces charges after confronting a woman at a Cook County forest preserve. The mayor and governor feud on Twitter over a controversial anti-violence march. And Groupon’s biggest offer ever: the company itself.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: What Viral Videos Tell Us

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss a recent spate of racially charged incidents caught on video.

Tickets on Sale Next Week for Museum Bringing Kusama ‘Infinity Room’ to Chicago

The pop-up is scheduled to open in August and offer Chicago art aficionados and selfie enthusiasts a chance to see one of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s reality-bending “infinity rooms.”

Taste of Chicago (Credit: City of Chicago, DCASE)

Bring Your Appetite: Taste of Chicago Gets Underway This Week

The city’s mega-food fest returns to Grant Park. We get a preview of the Taste of Chicago.