Stories by Nick Blumberg

The Chicago Bears move forward with an Indiana stadium. And Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announces her mayoral run.

Illinois lawmakers race to finish a state budget and a Bears stadium deal. And Mayor Brandon Johnson journeys to meet Pope Leo XIV.

According to a report earlier this year from the Guttmacher Institute, an organization that advocates for and researches abortion access, nearly a quarter of all people seeking an abortion outside the state where they live came to Illinois.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin spoke at a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate on Wednesday, where he was warmly received by fellow Democratic lawmakers who celebrated his lengthy career and repeatedly lauded his accomplishments.

Federal prosecutors drop all charges against Broadview demonstrators. And City Council delays a phaseout of the tipped minimum wage.

The Chicago Public Schools CEO is summoned to testify before Congress. And Mayor Brandon Johnson marks his three-year anniversary in office.

The Chicago Bears dropped their schedule reveal video featuring Rome Odunze showing off some artistic flair. WTTW News was there for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video.

Mourners gather for the funeral of a Chicago police officer killed in a hospital shooting. And Mayor Brandon Johnson lobbies state lawmakers for more funding.

A state commission says federal immigration agents were violent and lawless during “Operation Midway Blitz.” And Democrats weigh a response after the U.S. Supreme Court further hobbles the Voting Rights Act.

Local leaders rally around Pope Leo after attacks from President Donald Trump. And CPS reaches a deal with CTU to hold May Day classes.

A son lost in a clash with the police. A huge cash settlement on the table. And a father torn between staying put in Chicago or starting anew. That all-too-real dilemma is what underpins the play “Windfall,” a new work written by Oscar-winning Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney.

Illinois Democrats call for removing the president from office after he threatens to wipe out Iran. And planned May Day demonstrations have the Chicago Teachers Union and new CPS CEO at odds.

Mayor Brandon Johnson moves to oust the head of the Chicago Housing Authority’s board. And the U.S. Supreme Court casts a skeptical eye on the president’s plan to curtail birthright citizenship.

Chaos at airports as TSA workers go unpaid — but could those long security lines be coming to an end? And a federal judge rules the Trump administration must unfreeze funding for the CTA Red Line.

Juliana Stratton notches a commanding win in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. And a busy week at City Hall as Mayor Brandon Johnson pledges a veto — and fires a top deputy.

Three leading candidates in a contentious Senate fight and a host of other races make their closing arguments as Election Day fast approaches.

CTA leaders on Wednesday touted the agency’s new safety plan, with Acting President Nora Leerhsen hailing “significantly increased law enforcement resources.”

President Donald Trump bounces embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. And three former presidents are among the crowd of thousands paying tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Crowds of mourners line up to pay final respects to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. And the battle for the Bears stadium heats up as Indiana’s governor signs a bill creating a new stadium authority.

Remembering civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson. And Gov. JB Pritzker faces a $2 billion deficit and federal funding uncertainty as he presents his budget proposal.

Facing a projected $2.2 billion gap and massive uncertainty over federal funding flowing into Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday proposed a $56 billion state budget plan for fiscal year 2027 beginning July 1.

Attorneys say new evidence contradicts Border Patrol’s claims in the shooting of a Chicago woman. And the mayor is vetoing a ban on the sale of some intoxicating hemp products.

Chicago students and congressional Democrats keep up the heat on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. And Indiana lawmakers push ahead with a bill aimed at luring the Chicago Bears.

A jury acquits a Chicago man accused of placing a bounty on Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino. And the City Council moves to ban some hemp products.

A new lawsuit over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago. And what’s on the agenda as state lawmakers head back to Springfield.

National outrage after an ICE agent fatally shoots a woman in Minneapolis. And Illinois sues after the Trump administration moves to freeze $10 billion for low-income families.