Stories by Nick Blumberg

The presidents of four state universities discuss the ongoing impact of Illinois' budget crisis.

Secret handshakes, arcane symbols and initiation rites are all hallmarks of the Freemasons, an organization shrouded in mystery. Geoffrey Baer talks about the Freemasons and their history in Chicago.

Hollywood couldn’t have conceived of a more dramatic script: The World Series. Game 7. A 3-1 game deficit, and then, an amazing comeback to tie it up 3-3. Two young, energetic and dominant teams with stellar managers.

Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer reports on a $1 billion deal that's now dead and whether the merger of Advocate and NorthShore is on life support. Plus: Guaranteed Rate Field is a lock.

Recent polls indicate Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is closing in on Hillary Clinton’s national lead of about 3 to 4 percentage points. “PBS NewsHour” correspondent John Yang joins us with the latest.

Strange foods, fall benefits, a “Game of Thrones” parody and massive art show usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools released the first look at the agreement’s financial layout Wednesday morning, hours after more than 70 percent of Chicago Teachers Union members voted in favor of the contract.

Results from nearly 60 schools still need to be tallied and the union expects final numbers to be released to its House of Delegates on Wednesday.

The Chicago City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to remove a Trump Plaza sign located outside the Republican nominee's 98-story skyscraper.

Watch the Nov. 1, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Instead of getting arrested by Chicago police, some offenders will be diverted to a new mental health triage center on the South Side. Why city and county officials hope it helps keep people out of jail.

Bold paintings from the 1920s, plus photographs and industrial design: A new show looks at an international artist who made a big impression in Chicago.

Open enrollment begins for health plans under the Affordable Care Act. But in Illinois and other states, rates are rising and choices are dwindling. Find out why, and what options consumers have.

Clinton’s emails and Trump’s taxes are dogging their respective campaigns. A look at the latest developments in the presidential election.

Democrat Brad Schneider and incumbent Republican Bob Dold face off in our candidate forum.

Chronic pain affects 100 million Americans, and using drugs to treat patients' pain has been a process of trial and error. New research by local scientists could lead to more personalized treatment of chronic pain.

To get children and teens interested in science, technology and engineering careers, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is planning a new program examining the world around us and the role of humans in it. 

Watch the Oct. 31, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Jay Shefsky takes a road trip with some birders, and they stumble on a pair of rare and endangered whooping cranes.  

A massive cyberattack temporarily takes down major websites. Find out how hackers use household devices to wreak havoc online.

On Friday, FBI Director James Comey revealed the agency is looking once again into emails from Hillary Clinton. “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins joins us from Washington, D.C., to discuss the development.

Event listing says participants in nightclub, church shooting scenarios would have to “face the consequences” of their actions.

We bring you part two of our story on a program that aims to stop the revolving door of the criminal justice system – from inside the Cook County Jail.

A national nonprofit watchdog group gives top grades to six Chicago hospitals in its latest ranking. See which ones made the cut.

Viewers were unanimous in their disdain for aldermen griping over losing out on face-value World Series tickets. Hear the details when we read feedback from the Chicago Tonight website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Serving in the military can be dangerous, frightening and unpleasant – sometimes in ways you might not expect. How the military tackles loud sounds, bad smells and upset stomachs.