Stories by Nick Blumberg

Race to Finish Wrigley Renovations, CTA Upgrades Before Cubs Home Opener

What Cub fans can expect from the latest round of off-season renovations.

What Oversight Should Civilians Have Over Chicago Police?

There’s more rancor than ever in deciding what a community board to oversee Chicago police should look like, and what powers civilians should have. 

April 5, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the April 5, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

New WTTW Food Show ‘Dishalicious’ Takes Competition Out of Cooking

Chicago’s status as a restaurant hot spot is undeniable, but not much food television has come out of our city. That’s about to change.

Is Roskam Worried About a ‘Blue Wave’ in Illinois’ 6th District?

Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam is running for his seventh term in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District, but not without stiff competition from the left.

New Book Documents Surprising Biodiversity of Chicago Area

There are 3,149 different types of plants in the Chicago region. A massive new book details every single one.

History Museum Highlights Photographer’s Exploration of Chicago Blues

Picturing Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and More

His photographs captured a key moment in time. A new exhibition looks at the history and legacy of the Chicago blues through the lens of Raeburn “Ray” Flerlage.

Reindeer Fawn Born at Brookfield Zoo

One year after welcoming its first baby reindeer in nearly four decades, Brookfield Zoo added another newborn fawn this week.

UChicago Student Shot By Campus Police Now Facing Criminal Charges

The University of Chicago student shot by campus police this week now faces a felony charge of assaulting an officer, according to the Chicago Police Department.

‘Gentleman Caller’ Lays Bare the Not-So-Secret Lives of Tennessee Williams, William Inge

A richly evocative new play by Philip Dawkins is now receiving a vividly acted world premiere at Raven Theatre.

April 4, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the April 4, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Why Troy LaRaviere Wants Mayor Emanuel’s Job

As principal of Blaine Elementary School in Lakeview, Troy LaRaviere was one of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s harshest critics. Now he wants Emanuel’s job.

MLK’s Death, 50 Years Later: Revisiting the Day a Giant Fell

It is a moment seared in the memories of so many Americans: the day in 1968 they learned that Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. The Rev. Jesse Jackson was there, and he shares his memories with Chicago Tonight.

Chicago Park District Pension Deal Struck Down. Now What?

Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability explains this week’s ruling and what city leaders might do next to address the Chicago Park District’s financial woes.

Beyond Hobby Lobby, ‘How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights’

From the constitution to the courts to the ballot box, how corporations boosted their legal standing in the U.S. A conversation with author Adam Winkler.

Chicago Man’s Passion for ‘Hard Water Sailing’ Easy to Fathom

We meet a longtime sailor who races boats on ice – not water. “Ice boating is sailing, it’s just a faster, more exciting version of it,” Chris Berger says.

Van Dyke Defense Seeking New Trial Venue, But Request a Tall Order

Have Cook County residents been so inundated with media coverage of the Laquan McDonald shooting case as to be incapable of rendering a fair verdict? A look at change of venue motions.

Ask Geoffrey: The Wild West History of Chicago’s Public Street Signs

Geoffrey Baer brings us the history of the Chicago Motor Club and its bygone penchant for posting traffic signs in the public way. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 5-8

Superheroes, bacon bites and vintage street murals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Supreme Court Case a Potential Game-Changer for Sports Betting

Federal law permits betting on sports in just a few states that had laws on the books before a federal ban in the early 1990s. But a case before the U.S. Supreme Court could change that.

April 3, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the April 3, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Trump’s Trade War Heats Up

Tensions over trade restrictions heat up as China responds with tariffs of its own on more than 100 U.S. products.

Chicago’s Spring Theater Season In Full Bloom

Theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews “Pretty Woman,” “Sweeney Todd,” plus dramas at the Goodman Theatre and more.

70 Cases of Severe Bleeding in Illinois Linked to Synthetic Marijuana Use

Health officials on Tuesday are again urging people to avoid synthetic cannabinoids – even if they’ve used them in the past without incident. The drugs “are not a safe alternative to marijuana” and “probably more toxic,” said Illinois Poison Center Medical Director Mike Wahl.

‘Consuming Religion’ Explores Shaping of Corporate, Celebrity Culture

From celebrity to corporate life, a new book explores how our culture is shaped by religious traditions.

Earth Day Will Now Be Earth Week at Shedd Aquarium

For the first time, Shedd Aquarium will host a full week of events leading up to Earth Day on April 22. 
 

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