Stories by Nick Blumberg

What do Polish sausage, potato chips and Plochman’s mustard have in common? They all come together to make a delicious snack.

Like the city itself, the Rainbow Cone is a painterly masterpiece of colors and tastes, each separate and distinct, which together somehow become more than the sum of their parts. 

Earlier this month, we took you on a tour of a distillery that produces Malort, the Chicago-born liquor that inspires devotion – and disgust. This week, we pour out a hefty helping of the stuff and stick it in the fryer.

In honor of the Fourth of July, we deep-fry what is perhaps Chicago’s greatest culinary contribution to America – and the globe: deep-dish pizza.

For our new summer series, we take some of Chicago’s favorite foods and, like the name says, we deep-fry them and deal with the big questions. Today’s sacrifice to the gods of hot oil: brownie batter.

How do you deep-fry giardiniera? We find out in the first installment of our weekly summer series Deep Frydays, where we go deep on an iconic Chicago food and then sacrifice it to sizzling oil.

Those who know Gov. Bruce Rauner best describe him as stubborn – and smart. An intimate look at what shaped Rauner, and what that’s meant for Illinois as he tries for a second term.

This WTTW guide is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the Nov. 8 election. Learn more.

The Illinois Comptroller is an Executive Branch office of state government charged with maintaining the fiscal accounts of the state of Illinois and ordering the Illinois Treasurer to make payments into and out of those accounts. 

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes crimes committed in Cook County, serves as legal counsel for Cook County government agencies, and serves as legal counsel for all Cook County public officials. Learn about the candidates.

The Cook County Board of Review is a three-member board, elected from three electoral districts, that hears and decides taxpayer complaints on assessed value or exempt status of real property in Cook County. Learn about the candidates.

The office of the Recorder of Deeds records, stores and provides information that is accurate, legible, timely and easily retrievable for public and private use. Learn about the candidate.

Candidates were given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. Learn about the candidates.

Candidates were given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. Learn about the candidates.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is the keeper of the records of the Court, responsible for serving the court, the legal profession and the general public by recording court decisions and events. Learn about the candidates.

“This government entity, with a billion dollar plus per-year budget, needs to use its resources in a more effective manner to get the most ‘bang’ for our tax dollar investment.” Learn more about this candidate.

“Nothing could be more important than protecting our natural resources for future generations.” Learn more about this candidate.

"As commissioner, I have worked to ensure homeowners and property owners receive a full and fair review of the assessed values of their property so they pay only their fair share in property taxes, while also guaranteeing schools and local communities receive these tax proceeds on time." Learn more about this candidate.

"To provide fair and impartial hearings in a timely, professional and cost efficient manner for taxpayers who are contesting their property tax assessment." Learn more about this candidate.

 "I am running for State’s Attorney because our criminal justice system is broken–and incumbent State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez is part of the problem." Learn more about this candidate.

"My guiding vision for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds is 'Accuracy-Efficiency-Advocacy.' That means protecting an accurate public record of property ownership and doing it with only the minimum amount of taxpayer resources needed to get the job done." Learn more about this candidate.

“I have a history of standing up to leaders in my own party, and a record of working across the aisle, to get things done.” Learn more about this candidate.

“As an elected libertarian, I will not be beholden to major party bosses. I will speak my mind and call out those who squander the taxpayer’s money.” Learn more about this candidate.

“I believe that politics and government shouldn't be about money and power, but about making life better for people.” Learn more about this candidate.

“I have served the citizens of Cook County the only way I know how: with honesty, fairness, and distinction.” Learn more about this candidate.