Stories by Nick Blumberg

An annual study from the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that aldermen are increasingly voting independently from Mayor Rahm Emanuel on contested issues.

Health care experts have long warned that the effectiveness of antibiotics has been declining due to overprescription by doctors and also because of the use of antibiotics in raising livestock for human consumption.

It’s the final day of the spring session for the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, and despite maneuvering on all sides to float a solution, the state still does not have a budget. But that doesn’t mean it’s over. 

With just three weeks left in the school year, some Chicago Public Schools are finishing work that many schools try to have done at the beginning of the year: making sure all children are up to date on their shots and annual physicals.

We check in with the Chicago Public Library chief about being named in Fast Company's 100 “Most Creative People in Business” and what books he's taking to the beach this summer.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel lauded lawmakers who voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a pension bill that relieves some short-term pressure on city taxpayers. But what does it mean in the long term?

The City of Broad Shoulders measures up to its moniker in terms of fitness. The Chicago metropolitan area was recently named the 12th fittest in the nation.

Joel Weisman and his panel discuss the week’s news, including the ongoing budget impasse and battle over education funding.

Following a whopper of a blizzard in 1979, Sauganash native Jane Byrne narrowly upset Mayor Michael Bilandic for the Democratic mayoral nomination. Belly up to the bar and get a little taste of Chicago’s spirited history: a frosty milkshake spiked with whiskey and vodka.

Watch the May 26, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

In a surprise move, Chicago's City Treasurer Kurt Summers joins the chorus calling on the mayor to sue big banks over controversial swap deals that have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. 

A whistleblower lawsuit filed by two police officers claim that Chicago police have a “code of silence.” We discuss whether the code exists with our guests.

What our age may or may not say about our health, why some people may be “hardwired” to experience chronic pain, and a possible explanation for the ice geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus. Rabiah Mayas joins “Chicago Tonight” to examine these stories and more. 

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews four plays that address societal challenges and conflicts, including Goodman Theatre’s revival of the rarely staged second play by “Raisin in the Sun” author Lorraine Hansberry.

A prominent work of art has been out of the public eye for almost five years. Titled “Above and Beyond,” the installation commemorates American soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, and it's back on display at the Harold Washington Library.

The political life of America’s 16th president is being told in a new multi-volume series by Chicago native Sidney Blumenthal.

Enjoy the long weekend with a long list of things to do around town, including a performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir, the opening of the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier and the annual Bike the Drive event.

Watch the May 25, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

How will the Obama administration’s expansion of overtime affect businesses and employee wages? We look at the new rules. 

Democrats propose a budget that includes hundreds of millions more for Chicago Public Schools. The latest from a heated day in Springfield.

As parents rally for education funding outside of CPS headquarters, district officials prepare for an even bigger rally in Springfield.

Chicago sports teams are turning to their heroes of the past to boost the team brands, and a billionaire biotech pioneer wants to revive print newspapers, and he's putting his money on Tribune Publishing. Crain's Chicago Business has the story.

A new documentary tells the amazing story of World War II aviators who earned their wings aboard makeshift aircraft carriers on Lake Michigan.

Ron Magers signs off Wednesday night after 51 years in television news, including almost 35 in Chicago. He started here at WMAQ-Channel 5, where he co-anchored with “Chicago Tonight” host Carol Marin for 13 years. In April, Magers sat down for a conversation with his former “TV wife.”

The legendary owner of a storied Chicago record store is back in business after a very brief retirement. 

Did a used-car salesman design and build his sleek and sporty luxury car right here in Chicago? Geoffrey Baer has that story and more.