Stories by Nick Blumberg

On the heels of an anti-violence demonstration that closed down the Dan Ryan Expressway, another group of activists announces plans to shut down a busy roadway on Chicago’s North Side.

Renowned paleontologist and University of Chicago graduate Steve Brusatte tells us about his new book, “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World.”

Chicago-based Lakeshore Recycling System is the first company in the U.S. to install a new “self-aware” machine that sorts through recycled materials. 

Chicago Public Schools is updating its teaching policy around the handwriting form to meet new state law requirements.

The legendary owner of Val’s halla, which celebrates 46 years in business this weekend, died Monday after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

A very familiar voice on our classical music sister station is retiring. A look at the on- and off-air musical life of WFMT’s Carl Grapentine. 

Our story about a planned protest outside McDonald’s new West Loop headquarters drew a lot of comments. 

Watch the July 23, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago is the crossroads of rail traffic in the U.S., but the area’s railroad infrastructure has failed to keep up with increasing traffic. How a new project will address one of the biggest problems in Chicago’s antiquated rail system.

An agreement to bring federal court oversight to the Chicago Police Department is nearly finished – with one major hang-up.

He has represented Chicago’s 22nd Ward since 1993 but announced Monday he will not run for re-election. Ald. Ricardo Munoz joins us to discuss his major career move.

Health officials are reporting a confirmed case of measles in a Cook County resident who visited a restaurant and grocery store in the city and suburbs earlier this month. 

Theater critic Hedy Weiss gives us her take on a Tennessee Williams classic, an Elvis musical full of glitz and hits and more on Chicago-area stages.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is merging with the John Marshall Law School, creating the first and only public law school in Chicago.

They’re round, flat and hold some of your favorite fillings. We visit the Chicago-area factories where tortillas and pitas are made.

Next time you step outside to mentally recharge, leave your phone at your desk. A new study finds using electronics outdoors counteracts nature’s restorative properties.

The Board of Education this week will vote on updates to its student code of conduct policy in an effort to promote equitable discipline practices throughout the school district.

A little more than a year after he suffered “a mild heart attack” midway through his opening night performance in “Pamplona,” Stacy Keach is in top form. 

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has joined her counterparts in 14 states in suing the EPA over its suspension of a rule that limits the number of highly polluting trucks on the nation's roads. 

The fatal shooting of a South Shore barber sparks outrage and protests. Could the Trump-Putin summit reshape the local political landscape? And Chance the Rapper is now an emerging media mogul.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the latest developments in the NFL’s national anthem policy.

Animal welfare advocates will gather next week at McDonald's new West Loop headquarters to present a petition with more than 200,000 signatures calling on the company to improve conditions for chickens in its supply chain. 

Scientists are preparing to launch a rocket in New Mexico that’s equipped with a new high-powered device that will capture unprecedented images of astronomical objects. 

A new outbreak this week of an intestinal illness has prompted an expanded investigation of possible sources of contamination.

Chicago’s last waterfall is about to be demolished. Viewers weigh in on that story.

Watch the July 19, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”