Stories by Nick Blumberg
Chicago Sues Trump Administration Over ‘Sanctuary City’ Policy
| Nick Blumberg
“Chicago will not be blackmailed into changing our values, and we are and will remain a welcoming city,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Sunday at a press conference announcing the suit.
EPA Cites S.H. Bell for ‘Excessive Manganese Emissions’ in Chicago
| Alex Ruppenthal
The bulk storage operator on Chicago’s Southeast Side has exceeded a federal threshold for emissions of toxic manganese dust, according to new air monitoring data published by the EPA.
Restoration of Unity Temple Revives Glory of Wright’s ‘Little Jewel Box’
| Marc Vitali
One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.
CPS Delays Budget Vote, Announces Hundreds of Staffing Cuts
| Matt Masterson
As districts across the state await an answer on school funding, Chicago Public Schools announced Monday it’s laying off more than 950 teachers and support staff.
Chicago Expands Investigation of Manganese Sources on Southeast Side
| Alex Ruppenthal
The city will monitor soil and air pollution near residents’ homes and begin increased inspections of industrial sites.
Budget Impasse Hit Women, Children Hardest, Report Says
| Kristen Thometz
“The impact it had on people will likely last for far more than two years, and not just from the past two years but also going into the future,” said Mitch Lifson, one of the report’s co-authors.
Historical Happy Hour: A Toast to Margaret Horton Potter
| Erica Gunderson
From the start, young Miss Potter was a virtual word machine, publishing a book of verse at age 12. This week, we mix up a deceptively delicate cocktail inspired by the original pink drink. Cheers!
The Week in Review: Cook County Beverage Tax Has Some Up in Arms
| Alexandra Silets
A new soda tax angers many Cook County consumers. The governor vetoes part of the school funding reform bill. And a nasty outfield collision injuries White Sox rookies.
Chicago Health Department Examines Rust-Colored Stains Linked to Manganese
| Alex Ruppenthal
A Chicago neighborhood once permeated with black dust from uncovered piles of petroleum coke now faces another toxic pollutant, but one that is not as visible or widespread.
After Soda Tax Suit, Cook County Seeks Damages of $17M
| Paris Schutz
A countermove by Cook County in the fight over the controversial beverage tax.
Total Eclipse Brings Rare Spectacle to Illinois Aug. 21
| Paul Caine
All you need to know to get ready for the coming total eclipse of the sun.
In The Works: New Life for 440-Acre South Works Site
| WTTW News
The massive former site of U.S. Steel South Works has a new buyer—and new possibilities.
Ann Hampton Callaway Finds Inspiration in Great Vocalists
| Marc Vitali
The singer-songwriter talks about writing songs for Barbra Streisand—and the influence of her father, John Callaway.
Does the Latest Stock Market Record Mean Anything?
| Nick Blumberg
Another record-setting day on Wall Street. What’s propelling the stock surge—and can it last?
Chicago’s Summer Jobs Program Provides More Than a Paycheck
| Brandis Friedman
Each summer, thousands hired through One Summer Chicago earn work experience and a paycheck. But the city may be earning something, too.
Civic Federation: Latest City Colleges Budget a ‘Strong First Step’
| Matt Masterson
Students within the City Colleges of Chicago won’t see any tuition hike this fall as the state’s largest community college district works through its first full budget in more than two years.
ZooBrew Set For Aug. 25-26 at Brookfield Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
Sample more than 80 beers while taking in the zoo’s wildlife and nature at the sixth annual event.
A Day After Lawsuit, EPA’s Pruitt Backtracks on Delaying Pollution Rules
| Alex Ruppenthal
Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt said he does not believe in “regulation through litigation,” but his stance appears to be subject to change.
Viewer Feedback: ‘This Tax Was Never About Health’
| WTTW News
Viewers weigh in on the new Cook County sweetened beverage tax.
Report: Despite Progress, Illinois Can Improve Cancer-Fighting Policies
| Kristen Thometz
While Illinois was lauded in a new report for its smoke-free laws and rules on indoor tanning devices, the state is “exceptionally” far behind on comprehensive tobacco-control programs, according to a national cancer advocacy organization.
When Will Schools See State Cash? Wait and See
| Amanda Vinicky
Fresh off of a two-year budget crisis rooted in partisan tensions, Illinois is careening toward a new one – and this time, schoolchildren are left in the wake.
Lightfoot, Emanuel Meet to Discuss Police Board Presidency
| Paul Caine
After several days of speculation, Lori Lightfoot met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in hopes of getting clarity over whether or not he would reappoint her as president of the Chicago Police Board.
The Nation’s Oldest African-American Women’s Golf Club Turns 80
| Jay Shefsky
There was once an extensive network of African-American golf leagues and clubs across the country. As the golf world opened up, most of them faded away. But one that remains is the Chicago Women's Golf Club. We go for a visit.
Cook County Beverage Tax In Effect
| Paris Schutz
The new sweetened beverage tax is causing confusion and debate among consumers, and demand from industry groups that the tax be repealed. Is it here to stay?
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Chicago’s Sidewalks Aren’t Accessible for People With Mobility Challenges, Lawsuit Argues. The City Wants the Case Dismissed
Cook County Announces $20M for Community Violence Intervention Services
Obama Presidential Center to Soon Release More Museum Tickets for September Through January
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