Stories by Nick Blumberg

A Closer Look at Trump’s Proposed Medicare, Medicaid Cuts

The new White House budget doesn’t match President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to save Medicaid and Medicare “without cuts.” We discuss the proposed reforms.

North Side German Club Lets the Good Times Roll

Many immigrant communities in Chicago formed ethnic clubs to help maintain their traditions. One such club has celebrated the German tradition of Karneval for over a century. We take a look.

Comptroller Mendoza: State’s Bill Backlog Now $8.4 Billion

As Gov. Bruce Rauner prepares to give the final budget address of his four-year term, the state’s bill payer is sounding the alarm. 

BBB Warns Online ‘Catfishing’ Scams on the Rise

Online dating scams have cost victims in the U.S. and Canada nearly $1 billion over the past three years, according to a new report from the Better Business Bureau. And hundreds of these reports have come from the greater Chicago area.

Chicago Police Officer Killed in Shooting Near Thompson Center

“It’s a difficult day for us, but we will get through it,” an emotional Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Tuesday following the shooting death of 18th District Commander Paul Bauer.

Woman Accusing Madigan Aide of Sexual Harassment Speaks Out

A 28-year-old woman unsatisfied with the way in which House Speaker Michael Madigan handled her accusations of sexual harassment against Kevin Quinn is taking her complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Study: Scientists Discover Huntington’s Cancer Weapon

People with Huntington’s disease, a fatal genetic illness, are less likely to develop cancer than the general population. Now, scientists have a better understanding as to why, thanks to the discovery of an “assassin molecule” by Northwestern University.

On the Ice With Bradie Tennell, Team USA Figure Skater

A local Olympian is bringing home a medal. We look back at our visit with figure skater Bradie Tennell.

Historical, Personal Mesh to Stunning Effect in Paramount’s ‘Cabaret’

In Paramount’s revival of the 1966 musical, director-choreographer Katie Spelman not only finds a perfect balance between the personal and political, but fully captures the flamboyant decadence of 1930s Weimar Germany without exploiting the pure shock value of its sexual antics. 

Feb. 12, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Feb. 12, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Viewer Feedback: ‘Keep Up With the Times Chicago’

Your thoughts on a new model of car-sharing that may come to Chicago called “free-floating” car-sharing.

Illinois Lawmakers Preview the Upcoming Budget Battle

The governor gives his budget address Wednesday, but with a backlog of unpaid bills hovering above $9 billion, what will he propose to plug the hole? 

Critics Say Non-Disclosure Agreements Enable Abuse

Non-disclosure agreements enabled USA Gymnastics to cover up Larry Nassar’s crimes and Harvey Weinstein to silence his alleged victims. Should they be allowed—and are they enforceable?

Screened Out: How Tots and Tech Can Work Together

Is there a safe level of technology use for kids? We discuss “The Art of Screen Time” with author and NPR education correspondent Anya Kamenetz.

Forgotten, But Not Gone: Sea Slug Brains Show Traces of Lost Memories

Two Chicago-area researchers have uncovered what they think is the first piece of physical evidence showing that forgotten memories could still live on inside our brains.

Taking the Property Plunge: A New Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

Considering homeownership? How to decide if it’s the right time to buy—and how to avoid common mistakes. A discussion with real estate and personal finance author Ilyce Glink.

Madigan Fires High-Ranking Aide Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

After 20 years, Kevin Quinn is “no longer an employee of any of my political committees” given “inappropriate conduct,” House Speaker Michael Madigan announced in a statement Monday.

CPS Adjusts Englewood Plan, Will Now Phase Out Students at 3 High Schools

Under a revised plan, students at Hope, Harper and TEAM Englewood high schools will now be allowed to stay at their schools through graduation instead of being forced out this summer.

Chicago’s Biggest Buildings Cut Emissions by 20 Percent, City Says

A new city report on energy use by buildings shows progress toward reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.

5,000 Doses of Lifesaving Narcan Donated to Illinois

Officials battling the state’s opioid epidemic got a boost this week with the donation of a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. In 2016, nearly 1,950 people died of opioid overdoses in Illinois.

Attorneys for Brendt Christensen Seek Judge’s Recusal, 2019 Trial Start

Defense attorneys say they need more than a year to adequately prepare for trial in the case of a Champaign man facing the death penalty in the disappearance and death of a University of Illinois scholar.

The Week in Review: Firestorm over Pritzker Wiretap Comments

More controversy in the race for governor. A neo-Nazi is the likely GOP nominee in a Chicago-area congressional district. A wild week on Wall street. And remembering John Mahoney. 

Up to 10 Inches of Snow Could Blanket Chicago

Friday’s snowfall could be heavy at times but will gradually end later this morning after blanketing the area with another 2-4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Here’s what you need to know.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein on Politics, Then and Now

We speak with the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists who broke the Watergate story for the Washington Post in the early 1970s. 

The Past Haunts Chicago Police Department as It Works Toward Reform

In addition to new allegations of police rape, the Chicago Police Department is facing another lawsuit related to the torture tactics of notorious former police commander Jon Burge.

Project Onward an Artistic Sanctuary and Magnet for Talent

Looking for a handcrafted scale model of Wrigley Field? How about glittery portraits of politicians, TV personalities—or both? All can be found at a Bridgeport workspace that provides adult artists with supplies, guidance and opportunity.
 

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