Stories by Nick Blumberg

Frank Gehry's Career 'Building Art' Explored in New Book

A look at the life of celebrated and controversial architect Frank Gehry, the man behind Chicago's Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

State Rep. Ken Dunkin Breaks Ranks With Democrats Again

On Tuesday, State Rep. Ken Dunkin was the lone Democratic holdout on two bills that would have reversed changes made to social service programs by the governor. This, despite pleas from child care advocates and the risks associated with going against powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan. Dunkin joins "Chicago Tonight" to discuss his decision.

Lawmakers Return to Springfield, Budget Crisis Looms

The Illinois General Assembly returned to work in Springfield on Tuesday for the first time in three weeks. Amanda Vinicky joins us with the latest.

Ted Koppel on America's Vulnerable Power Grid in 'Lights Out'

The veteran journalist who was anchor and managing editor of "Nightline" on ABC from 1980 until 2005 discusses his new book about the risk of cyberattack facing the power grid in the United States and the inadequate measures being taken to protect it.

Diana Nyad Wants You to 'Find a Way'

Marathon swimmer Diana Nyad speaks about achieving the dream she'd once abandoned of swimming from Cuba to Florida–and why age shouldn't hold anyone back.

Author Thomas Dyja on 'The Third Coast'

The award-winning author discusses his latest book–also the newest One Book, One Chicago selection–a sweeping history of his hometown, subtitled "When Chicago Built the American Dream."

Archbishop Cupich on Pope Francis and the Synod on the Family

Last month, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich took part in Pope Francis' synod on the family. Cupich joins "Chicago Tonight" to discuss the synod, as well as his private meeting with Pope Francis earlier this year and other issues facing the modern church.

Rubio, Cruz, Christie Score, CNBC Stumbles in 3rd GOP Presidential Debate

In the third prime-time meeting of Republican presidential aspirants, the biggest loser of the evening appeared to be cable financial news network CNBC, which was roundly criticized by participants and observers for getting started late and for the way moderators handled the proceedings. Political communications expert Jason DeSanto joins "Chicago Tonight" to analyze the debate.

Inside 'House of Cards' with Screenwriter Laura Eason

The hit Netflix show "House of Cards" has a devoted following, but did you know that one of the people responsible for it is an Evanston native and Northwestern alum? Laura Eason, executive story editor of "House of Cards," takes us behind the scenes of the popular drama.

Mayor Emanuel on Taxes, Fees and Whether His Budget Will Pass

"I'm not going to allow Springfield's dysfunction to become Chicago's dysfunction," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said during an extended interview before Wednesday's City Council vote on his proposed budget that includes a nearly $600 million property tax hike.

Archbishop Cupich on Communion for Divorced, Gay Catholics

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich is one of eight American delegates at Pope Francis' synod on the family. He joins us from Rome to discuss what conversations with his fellow bishops have been like, and what we can expect to come out of the synod.

America's Test Kitchen's Jack Bishop on the Essential Recipes

Jack Bishop from America's Test Kitchen gives us a look at their new book that aims to help you cut through the recipe clutter. Also, learn how to make Perfect Poached Chicken Breasts and other dishes from ATK.

General Assembly Back at Work After Long Break

The Illinois General Assembly was in session in Springfield on Tuesday for the first time in weeks as the budget impasse drags on. "Chicago Tonight" Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky joins us to talk about what happened today at the capitol.

'Breakfast Queen' Ina Pinkney Shares Favorite Recipes, Stories

She's been feeding Chicagoans her signature brand of breakfast since opening her first restaurant in 1991. And despite closing up shop two years ago, Ina Pinkney wanted to share some of her favorite recipes in a book, along with stories from her life. Pinkney joins "Chicago Tonight" to talk about "Ina's Kitchen."

Chicago Cubs Looking Ahead to NLCS Opponent

Thursday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets face off to determine which team will meet the Chicago Cubs in this year's National League Championship Series. ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers and WBEZ's Cheryl Raye-Stout join "Chicago Tonight" with a look ahead.

Clinton, Sanders Dominate First Democratic Presidential Debate

The political heavyweight and her populist upstart challenger grabbed the spotlight Tuesday night, joined by candidates Jim Webb, Lincoln Chafee and Martin O'Malley. We take a deeper look at the debate and its potential impact on the race with Jason DeSanto, a senior lecturer at Northwestern University law school.

David Gregory Details His ‘Unlikely Spiritual Journey’

The former "Meet the Press" moderator and White House correspondent was raised in a two-faith household but without much in the way of belief. His marriage to a Christian woman and their decision to raise their children as Jewish sparked a spiritual journey.

Anne-Marie Slaughter: Thinking Differently About 'Work-Life Balance'

Anne-Marie Slaughter's article in The Atlantic, Why Women Still Can't Have It All, is now the most-read piece in the magazine's history. Her new book "Unfinished Business" expands upon the ideas in the article, and calls for a new valuation of caregiving and a change in the structure of the workplace. Slaughter joins us to discuss her new book.

The Subversive Copy Editor Takes on Grammar’s Zombie Rules

Split infinitives, over versus more than, and passive voice—fewer things have a tendency to launch otherwise reasonable people into a lengthy professorial lecture than real or perceived violations of immutable grammar and style rules.

Why Robert Reich Wants to Save Capitalism

There's no such thing as a true free market: That's the bold proposition former Labor Secretary Robert Reich makes in his newly released book, "Saving Capitalism." He joins “Chicago Tonight” to talk about how he hopes to change the conversation and save capitalism.

Retirement Advisers Could Face Tighter Rules

A proposal from the Department of Labor would hold retirement advisers to what's called a "fiduciary" standard. The goal is to protect investors from advisers with a conflict of interest, but financial companies say the change will be costly and could keep many people from getting retirement advice at all. We'll take a closer look at the proposal.

David Adjaye on Challenging Assumptions Through Architecture

An architect with a global portfolio but a laser-like focus on context. Works deeply embedded in culture but devoted to breaking stereotypes. And a talented eye with more of an approach than a style. "Chicago Tonight" takes a look inside David Adjaye's new solo architecture exhibition at the Art Institute’s modern wing.

Pope Francis Visits US, Plans Historic Address to Congress

The arrival of Pope Francis on Tuesday marks the fourth time a pope has visited the U.S., and the first time a pope addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress. Pilgrims are flocking to the East Coast for a chance to see Francis, but what some see as his progressive stances are drawing criticism from other corners of American Catholicism.

Generating Bipartisan Votes to Solve Illinois' Budget Impasse

Illinois is coming up on almost three months with no state budget, and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic legislative leaders don't appear to be any closer to a solution. Two lawmakers known for sometimes bucking their party leaders discuss whether there's a bipartisan path out of the state's current mess.

Chicago’s John Paul Stevens, the ‘Unexpected Justice’

A new documentary explores the path of one Chicago native that led to his seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Learn about the movie "Unexpected Justice: The Rise of John Paul Stevens" with co-director Greg Jacobs.

GOP Debate: What to Expect in Round 2

Trump, Carson and Fiorina Among 11 Candidates in Wednesday Debate

Eleven GOP presidential hopefuls will meet for a second prime-time cable news debate Wednesday. Donald Trump still leads the polling but retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson’s numbers have surged as has the profile of former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. We discuss what to expect from tomorrow night’s debate.
 

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