Stories by Nick Blumberg
Whistleblower Cop On Ending Police ‘Code of Silence’
| Nick Blumberg
Meet a Chicago police officer who says she faced retaliation after investigating corrupt cops, and find out how she hopes to help other whistleblowers.
Chicago Pride Celebrations This Year to Include Memorials, Extra Security
| Nick Blumberg
As Chicago remembers victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, it's also preparing to celebrate Gay Pride Month over the next two weekends. Hear details from the parade coordinator.
The Week in Review: Lots of Posturing, Little Progress in Springfield
| Nick Blumberg
Joel Weisman and his panel discuss this week’s news, including the end of the spring legislative session in Springfield without a budget and the possibility that schools won’t open in the fall.
UIC Study: City Council Becoming Less of a ‘Rubber Stamp’
| Nick Blumberg
An annual study from the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that aldermen are increasingly voting independently from Mayor Rahm Emanuel on contested issues.
Do Chicago Police Have a Code of Silence?
| Nick Blumberg
A whistleblower lawsuit filed by two police officers claim that Chicago police have a “code of silence.” We discuss whether the code exists with our guests.
Ron Magers’ Final Newscast After 51-Year Career
| Nick Blumberg
Ron Magers signs off Wednesday night after 51 years in television news, including almost 35 in Chicago. He started here at WMAQ-Channel 5, where he co-anchored with “Chicago Tonight” host Carol Marin for 13 years. In April, Magers sat down for a conversation with his former “TV wife.”
Lawmaker Meetings Continue, But No State Budget
| Nick Blumberg
There was a flurry of late-session activity in the Illinois House and Senate on Tuesday, but still no budget deal.
Independent Maps Group Responds to Lawsuit
| Nick Blumberg
Days after a bipartisan group filed a constitutional amendment that would take redistricting out of the hands of state lawmakers, a lawsuit was filed to get the proposal thrown out.
As Primaries Wind Down, Trump Seems Assured, Clinton and Sanders Scuffle
| Nick Blumberg
With less than a month until the end of the presidential primaries and caucuses, Donald Trump appears confident he'll pick up the Republican nomination. Despite Hillary Clinton’s commanding lead in pledged and unpledged delegates, Sen. Bernie Sanders pushes on.
A Kinder, Gentler Edit: Carol Fisher Saller Shares Editing Tips
| Nick Blumberg
The "Subversive Copy Editor" discusses tips for navigating the often-tricky process of editing someone else's work.
Finding the Perfect Local Brew Just Got a Little Easier
| Nick Blumberg
If you're in search of great beer in Chicago, a new interactive website can help. The founders of Chicagos.Beer join "Chicago Tonight" to explain.
New White Sox Announcer Calling Games for His Childhood Team
| Nick Blumberg
It’s a dream job, no doubt about it. But Homewood native Jason Benetti works hard to keep his cool while calling games for the team he grew up rooting for.
Reps. Quigley and Hultgren on Issues Facing Congress and 2016 Election
| Nick Blumberg
Congressmen Mike Quigley and Randy Hultgren join "Chicago Tonight" for a conversation about issues facing Congress, including national security, health care and lead levels in water. They'll also give us their thoughts on the 2016 presidential race.
Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich on Challenges Facing the Church
| Nick Blumberg
Faced with major, ongoing financial pressure, the Archdiocese of Chicago is looking hard at its mission and membership. Archbishop Blase Cupich talks about the Chicago Catholic Church's money woes and how it might reorganize and revitalize itself.
#MoreThanMean Highlights Online Abuse Women Face
| Nick Blumberg
A new video featuring two local journalists unveils the hostility some female sports reporters face online. One of the journalists, Julie DiCaro, joins us to talk about the attacks she faces and how she fights back.
CPS Testing Lead Levels in Water at 28 Schools
| Nick Blumberg
Lead levels in the water supply are getting nationwide attention after the ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan came into the spotlight. Now, CPS says it will test for lead in the water at 28 schools, even though it's not legally required to.
What Expanded Fiduciary Standard Could Mean for Retirement Investors
| Nick Blumberg
Tougher regulations for financial advisers are aimed at protecting consumers planning for retirement. But could new rules make it harder to get investment advice?
Gannett Makes Bid to Buy Tribune Publishing
| Nick Blumberg
Newspaper giant Gannett makes a bid to take over the parent company of the Chicago Tribune. A look at what Gannett's offering, and whether it's likely to succeed.
Backlog of Rape Cases, Rape Kits Can Lead to Long Wait for Justice
| Nick Blumberg
Delays in rape kit testing and strained law enforcement resources nationwide mean that victims of sexual assault may face long waits for their attackers to face prosecution.
Blair Kamin on Lucas Museum Move, Endangered Churches and More
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago Tribune's Pulitzer prize-winning architecture critic discusses a new lakefront proposal for the Lucas Museum and architecturally significant churches like St. Adalbert's in Pilsen that preservationists warn are at risk.
The Week in Review: Clarion Call for Police Reform
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago Police Department faces a scathing review from a reform task force that says many Chicagoans believe officers are "fundamentally racist." Joel Weisman and guests discuss this story and more on this week's show.
WXRT’s Terri Hemmert Explores History of Rock and Soul in New Show
| Nick Blumberg
The veteran DJ and Radio Hall of Famer is back on the air following cancer surgery earlier this year. Learn about her new project blending a history lesson with live music.
Second Defendant in CPS Corruption Case Pleads Guilty
| Nick Blumberg
Thomas Vranas, a former co-owner of SUPES Academy, admitted in federal court Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The plea deal comes with an agreement to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney's office.
ReptileFest Slithers Back to Chicago
| Nick Blumberg
Reptiles, amphibians and the people who love them, or at least like them, come together this weekend for ReptileFest 2016. We get a preview of the event and meet some of the animals on display.
Delegate Math: The Wisconsin Primary and the Presidential Race
| Nick Blumberg
Presidential candidates are competing for a win in Tuesday's primary in Wisconsin. James Warren of the Poynter Institute joins us to talk delegate math and what that means for the contenders on both the Democrat and Republican side.
Crowdfunded Businesses Get a Running Start
| Nick Blumberg
Crowdfunding is helping some Chicago-based businesses get a running start. But some entrepreneurs say that money isn't everything.
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