Stories by Nick Blumberg
Tom Skilling on Chicago’s Wild Weather Swings
| Nick Blumberg
Why the fourth-coldest April on record also brought us summer-like temperatures – and what we can expect from the coming weeks.
Reports: Promised Cops Not Hitting Chicago Streets
| Alexandra Silets
The number of beat cops in Chicago is down despite a promised hiring surge, according to two new reports. We speak with two local journalists and the head of the police union.
Breaking Down Racial Barriers in the US
| Nick Blumberg
Beverly Daniel Tatum, the author of a groundbreaking book on segregation in America’s schools and neighborhoods, on why it’s so crucial – and difficult – to talk about race.
Chicago Zoo, Brewery Partner on Beer to Help Parrots Hurt by Hurricane
| Alex Ruppenthal
One of the world’s most endangered birds finds itself in even greater peril after a hurricane ripped through its habitat last year. But you can help – by drinking beer.
Teller Brings Dark Magic to ‘Macbeth’
| Marc Vitali
Witches, sorcery and ghosts: Shakespeare’s spookiest and shortest play gets adapted into a horror thriller with modern day magic.
Brilliant Cast Rocks Buddy Holly Back to Life
| Hedy Weiss
Zachary Stevenson – a bravura performer who is the spittin’ image of the character he plays, and who possesses the voice, moves, guitar licks and irresistible energy of the “original” – is proof that Buddy Holly lives.
Lisa Madigan Challenges Proposal to Lower Fines for Automakers
| Alex Ruppenthal
A group of 13 attorneys general are speaking out against a Trump administration proposal to reduce penalties for automakers that violate fuel efficiency standards.
Tronc Voluntarily Recognizes Chicago Tribune Union
| Kristen Thometz
After more than 85 percent of eligible employees signed cards in favor of union representation, the media company that owns the Chicago Tribune agrees to voluntarily recognize the Chicago Tribune Guild.
Shedd Scientists, Volunteers Track Migrations of Great Lakes Fish
| Alex Ruppenthal
Why more than two dozen volunteers have been tracking migrations of white and longnose suckers, an often overlooked family of fish.
‘Grace’ Captures Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey, Mastectomy Tattoo
| Kristen Thometz
Grace Lombardo never thought she’d get a tattoo, but then she got breast cancer. Her story of survival and recovery is told in a new documentary.
Van Dyke Case: Citing ‘Serious Safety Concerns,’ Judge Seals Courtroom for Witness Testimony
| Matt Masterson
In a 10-page written order, Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan noted that as many as nine witnesses called to testify Friday “could be exposed to harm” if their names were to be made public.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Bring Out the ‘Big Boy Pants’
| Alexandra Silets
Paris Schutz and guests discuss the feud between the Daley family and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The Week in Review: Paul Vallas Comes Out Swinging
| Alexandra Silets
In his mayoral campaign kickoff, Paul Vallas calls Mayor Rahm Emanuel a “bully.” Is the #MeToo movement finally catching up to R&B star R. Kelly? And can the Bears draft picks save the team?
A Conversation with Sandra Cordova Micek, New CEO of WTTW, WFMT
| Evan Garcia
Meet the new president and CEO of Window to the World Communications, Inc., the parent company of WTTW and WFMT.
Viewer Feedback: ‘They Need to Shut Down That Line’
| WTTW News
Your thoughts about an old oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac and whether it’s potentially dangerous to our drinking water.
VW Settlement: Draft Plan for Cash Disappoints Activists, Lawmakers
| Paul Caine
Debate and dissent over how Illinois should spend its share of the Volkswagen diesel emissions payout.
Quest for ‘Lost City’ Leads Chicago Man on Risky Jungle Expedition
| WTTW News
Tom Weinberg’s new book “Chasing the Lost City” details his 20-year search for an ancient abandoned city in the Honduran jungle.
‘The Problem We All Live With’: Ruby Bridges on Racism in America Today
| Nick Blumberg
The first black student to attend an all-white New Orleans school joins us to talk about civil rights activism and persistent racism in the U.S.
Mayor: Chicago Fire Department Harassment Claims Taken ‘Extremely Seriously’
| Matt Masterson
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says there could be “serious consequences” after five Chicago Fire Department paramedics filed a lawsuit alleging ongoing sexual harassment in the workplace.
Illinois Senate Passes Bill to Protect Environmental, Labor Standards
| Alex Ruppenthal
A bill moving through the state legislature would prevent the weakening of federal safeguards that were in place as of Jan. 1, 2017 – about three weeks before President Donald Trump took office.
Family Made Tortillas and Pitas Round Out Chicago’s Food Culture
| Erica Gunderson
They’re round, flat and hold some of your favorite fillings. We visit the Chicago-area factories where tortillas and pitas are made.
Grand Jury Indicts 2 Alleged Distributors of K2 in Springfield
| Kristen Thometz
The U.S. attorney’s office announced Wednesday a grand jury has indicted two people on charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute synthetic cannabinoids from retail stores in Springfield.
Illinois Lawmakers Contemplate a Graduated Income Tax
| Amanda Vinicky
An income tax rate that would rise or fall based on your income level: Is that playing politics with your paycheck?
Faces, Places from a Chicago Photographer Now 90 Years Old
| Marc Vitali
She’s been photographing Chicago for nearly 70 years. Meet artist Barbara Crane.
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