Stories by nick blumberg

First Loves and Guilty Pleasures: Creating ‘The Mixtape of My Life’

The soundtrack to first loves, bad fights and family memories: Robert Elder’s new “music memoir” helps you create the mixtape of your life.

Dorothy Brown Announces 2nd Bid for Chicago Mayor

The Cook County circuit court clerk talks about her surprise run for mayor of Chicago.

Young Tech Exec Neal Sáles-Griffin Launching Bid for Chicago Mayor

The ranks of challengers to Mayor Rahm Emanuel are swelling. The educator and entrepreneur tells us what’s fueling his run for office.

(Loco Steve / Wikimedia Commons)

New Report Digs Into Drastically Underfunded Police, Fire Pensions

After massive layoffs in Harvey because of its underfunded pensions, a look at which other municipalities could be in similar trouble.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Federal Deficit to Top $1 Trillion in 2020, CBO Says

Congress makes another attempt at passing a balanced budget amendment as a new report shows the federal deficit skyrocketing.

Rep. Mike Quigley on Election Security, Russian Interference

As special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election moves forward, Illinois is in line for some $13 million in federal money to bolster election security.

Race to Finish Wrigley Renovations, CTA Upgrades Before Cubs Home Opener

What Cub fans can expect from the latest round of off-season renovations.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Chicago Park District Pension Deal Struck Down. Now What?

Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability explains this week’s ruling and what city leaders might do next to address the Chicago Park District’s financial woes.

Beyond Hobby Lobby, ‘How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights’

From the constitution to the courts to the ballot box, how corporations boosted their legal standing in the U.S. A conversation with author Adam Winkler.

‘Consuming Religion’ Explores Shaping of Corporate, Celebrity Culture

From celebrity to corporate life, a new book explores how our culture is shaped by religious traditions.

Businessman, Philanthropist Willie Wilson Makes 2nd Bid for Chicago Mayor

It might be hard to believe, but Chicago is less than one year away from its next mayoral election. Willie Wilson talks about why he’s looking to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Yascha Mounk

‘The People vs. Democracy’ and the Battle for Our Political Future

Why President Donald Trump’s election wasn’t an outlier, but part of a worldwide surge in populism. A discussion with author and scholar Yascha Mounk.

(Courtesy National Transportation Safety Board)

Safety Concerns Rise After Self-Driving Car Kills Pedestrian

After a fatal crash in Arizona, the safety measures for autonomous cars come under intense scrutiny.

The Week in Review: General Election Already Underway

Pritzker wins big. Rauner squeaks by in what could be the costliest race for governor ever. Garry McCarthy announces and Rahm Emanuel pounces. And the Ramblers ramble on.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Arthur Jones’ Primary Win

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the 3rd Congressional District candidate described by his party as a neo-Nazi.

(Meagan Davis / Wikimedia Commons)

2018 Primary Results: Analyzing Political Power Shifts

A big-picture look at what the primary results say about where November’s election might be headed.

Cook County Board President and former Ald. Bob Fioretti appear on “Chicago Tonight” on March 7, 2018.

Cook County Primary: Preckwinkle Wins, Fritchey Out, Boykin’s Fate Uncertain

Despite a challenge from former Chicago alderman and unsuccessful mayoral candidate Bob Fioretti, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will once again take the top post in Cook County for what she says will be her final term.

The Week in Review: Pritzker Slammed Over Offshore Holdings

J.B. Pritzker’s offshore holdings draw fire. Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoes a gun dealer bill. Should the public be able to fire the Chicago Police chief? And Loyola rambles on in the NCAA tournament.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: American Airlines Changes Stance

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the massive O’Hare expansion plan and why Mayor Rahm Emanuel is pulling Chicago out of the running to host the 2026 World Cup.

Candidates J.B. Pritzker, left, Chris Kennedy, center, and Daniel Biss appear on “Chicago Tonight” on March 14, 2018.

2018 Governor’s Race Forum: Democratic Candidates

In their final meeting before the primary, the top three Democratic candidates for governor explain why they should represent their party in November. J.B. Prizker, Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss join us. 

(Erik (HASH) Hersman / Flickr)

Write-In Candidates for MWRD Shed Light on Complicated Election Law

Just how complicated is election law? An unexpected opening on the Cook County primary ballot offers some insight.

James Levine in 2013 (Ralph Daily / Flickr)

New York’s Metropolitan Opera Fires Ravinia, CSO Mainstay James Levine

An extensive investigation found evidence the revered conductor, who was for years associated with the Ravinia Festival and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, committed sexual abuse and harassment, the New York Times reports.

The Week in Review: Primary Election Comes Down to the Wire

Accusations and endorsements fly as the primary election nears. House Speaker Michael Madigan warns Democrats against harassment – again. The city sues opioid distributors. And Loyola preps for the Big Dance.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Madigan’s Grip on Power

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the ongoing debate over House Speaker Michael Madigan’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment in his political offices.

The Week in Review: High-Flying O’Hare Deal Hits Turbulence

A new poll shows J.B. Pritzker leading not only the Democratic pack of governor hopefuls, but also the embattled incumbent. High-flying plans for a major O’Hare expansion hit turbulence. And Loyola tries to keep its March Madness dream alive.

Siafa Lewis, NBC 5 News

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Madigan’s Political Orbit

Paris Schutz and guests discuss House Speaker Michael Madigan’s political orbit, and how the White Sox will fare this season.