Stories by Nick Blumberg
Bruce Rauner: Candidate for Illinois Governor
| Nick Blumberg
“This election isn't about Republican vs. Democrat. It’s about the people of Illinois vs. our corrupt political insiders,” says Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. Learn more about this candidate.
Juliana Stratton: Candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor
| Nick Blumberg
“We need to lift up your voices, we need to bring people together to move our state forward,” says Juliana Stratton. Learn more about this candidate.
JB Pritzker: Candidate for Illinois Governor
| Nick Blumberg
“We face big challenges, and under Bruce Rauner things have only gotten worse,” says JB Pritzker. Learn more about this candidate.
Lyric Opera Chicago Orchestra Goes on Strike
| Kristen Thometz
The musicians’ strike has led the venerable opera company to cancel some performances and issue an apology to patrons.
JB Pritzker Fields Questions from High School Students
| Nick Blumberg
Democratic nominee for governor J.B. Pritzker answers questions from 70 Mikva Challenge high school students – some of whom will be first-time voters in November.
Van Dyke Prosecutor Joseph McMahon Reflects on High-Profile Trial
| Matt Masterson
The special prosecutor in the Jason Van Dyke murder trial talks with us about one of the highest-profile cases in Chicago history.
Behind the Scenes with ‘Tootsie’ Stars Santino Fontana, Lilli Cooper
| Eddie Arruza
A song-and-dance version of the 1982 movie “Tootsie” has its pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago. We speak with two of the show’s stars.
‘Uneventful’ First Weekend in Jail for Jason Van Dyke
| Brandis Friedman
Cook County Jail officials say the Chicago cop recently convicted of second-degree murder is being housed in a single cell and closely monitored for his safety and security.
Making Deals With the Devil in the Bloody Brilliant ‘Witch’
| Hedy Weiss
Now receiving an altogether riveting world premiere production at Writers Theatre, “Witch” is a pitch-black fairy tale for our times, and one that is not to be missed.
EPA Collects Soil from 100 Properties on Southeast Side for Manganese Testing
| Alex Ruppenthal
Soil samples have been collected from more than 100 properties as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to assess the threat posed by brain-damaging manganese emitted from nearby industrial sites.
Activists Respond to Van Dyke Verdict: ‘We Got Closer to Justice’
| Amanda Vinicky
Community activists and organizers on Friday began gathering outside City Hall before the verdict was announced in the murder trial of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke.
Following Verdict, Rev. Marvin Hunter Calls for Change, Healing
| Paris Schutz
Family members of Laquan McDonald on Friday made their way to Grace Memorial Baptist Church on the city’s West Side, where the slain teen’s great-uncle, the Rev. Marvin Hunter, preaches.
Legal Analysis of Van Dyke’s Guilty Verdict
| Alexandra Silets
Jason Van Dyke remained expressionless as one guilty verdict after another was read Friday in court. And now, with his bail revoked, he is in jail as a convicted felon.
‘I Feel That We Gave a Good Verdict’: Van Dyke Jurors Speak Out After Trial
| Matt Masterson
Jurors explain how they came to their decision in the high-profile murder trial.
Journalists Weigh In On Van Dyke Murder Case, Conviction
| Evan Garcia
The high-profile case and its impact on Chicago: A conversation with journalists Jamie Kalven, Kimberly Egonmwan, Greg Hinz and John Fountain.
Police Union President Defends Van Dyke, Vows Appeal
| Nick Blumberg
For years, Chicago’s police union has steadfastly defended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. Police union president Kevin Graham joins us with reaction to Friday’s verdict.
Chicago Hotel Workers Strike Persists at 2 Hotels
| Kristen Thometz
Workers began their strike nearly a month ago and will return to work at 24 hotels after reaching an agreement with two hotels Friday. But the strike continues at two hotels.
Adoptable Chicago Dogs Appear on Dating App Bumble
| Alex Ruppenthal
Swiping right could help you find a new furry best friend, if not a date for the weekend.
Jason Van Dyke Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder
| Matt Masterson
A 12-person jury has found Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke guilty of second-degree murder for the 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.
City, CPS Prepares for Verdict in Jason Van Dyke Murder Trial
| Alexandra Silets
“I hope that everybody heeds the advice of Laquan McDonald’s family, the pastors, the community leaders to make their message heard in what they have to say and do it in a way that’s respectful to the city that we all call home,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Friday morning.
Fall Theater Recommendations from Hedy Weiss
| Marc Vitali
Hedy Weiss reviews a provocative new play about sex offenders at Steppenwolf Theatre, plus a new musical based on the movie “Tootsie.”
Tips for Successful Succession Planting
| Erica Gunderson
Organic gardener Jeanne Nolan explains how to manage the arrival of cooler fall weather while still enjoying a bounty of vegetables.
WTTW Launches New Series ‘Art and Design in Chicago’
| WTTW News
From TV commercials to a legendary South Side art center, a new four-part series explores the creative movements, people and institutions of Chicago over the last 125 years.
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