Stories by Nick Blumberg

Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, but there are a lot of unanswered questions about how employers will react – and adapt – to the law. 

A facility at safety certification company UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is working to keep potentially explosive environments safe. But you might be surprised how prevalent those environments can be – and the common things that might trigger a safety hazard.

The 1930s were a defining decade for the U.S. At the Chicago History Museum, a new exhibit explores part of that era’s history you might not think of: fashion.

Many Chicagoans have sweet memories of the confection we’re about to dunk in hot oil: the Frango mint. But they might be surprised to learn that the signature candy of Marshall Field’s was not created in Chicago.

Restoring the Chicago River has been a project many decades in the making. One of many organizations taking part in that effort offers a water-level view of the work underway. We go for a look.

On Sunday, the final mass at St. Adalbert church in Pilsen is set to take place, but supporters of the church vow to appeal the closure.

A federal appeals court says Chicago can no longer continue to hold impounded vehicles of drivers in debt to the city after the vehicle owner files for bankruptcy. Melissa Sanchez of ProPublica Illinois explains.

In her new book, author Susan Shapiro tells us how to prepare for the life-and-death decisions that come with a trip to the intensive care unit.

The different caucuses of aldermen that make up the council play a big role in shaping its direction. Their leaders join us for a conversation about their priorities and vision for Chicago.

The former mayoral candidate and onetime Chicago school board president is taking on a new job as board chair of Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago. He tells us about his new role.

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: Chicago-style tamales.

How the first round of Democrats tried to set themselves apart on a packed stage, and how the second group of candidates might fare. A conversation with Jason DeSanto.

Rail car manufacturing is back in Chicago after some 50 years. We go inside the Hegewisch facility where production is underway on the CTA’s new 7000 series.

The new exhibition “Nature Connects” adds colorful creatures to the arboretum’s grounds using more than half a million Lego bricks.

New economic sanctions on Iran: will they prevent a military showdown? Robert Pape, director of the University of Chicago Project on Security and Threats, offers his insight.

The Stonewall riots in New York City started the modern gay rights movement (at least, they did in the popular imagination). A new exhibition at Wrightwood 659 challenges how we think of Stonewall’s place in history.

The National Security Council is an integral part of U.S. foreign policy, despite the fact that most Americans know little about what it actually does. In a new book, author John Gans traces the council’s “unprecedented evolution.”

Paris Schutz and guests discuss more of the week’s City Council news, including a hotly debated “fair workweek” ordinance.

A federal judge OKs construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Mayor Lori Lightfoot stares down the police union. A stunning admission in the trial of Brendt Chrisetensen. And: the scooters are coming.

This week’s installment of our new battered-and-fried summer series goes deep on Chicago’s odorous namesake: the ramp. 

The just-completed spring legislative session produced a slew of initiatives championed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. What Illinoisans can expect from those initiatives, the new state budget and more.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss more of the week’s news: Mayor Lori Lightfoot appoints a new board to oversee Chicago Public Schools, and a dramatic “Jeopardy!” run draws to a close.

Ald. Ed Burke gets his day in court. Gov. J.B. Pritzker gets his budget priorities passed. Chicago grapples with a spike in violence. And the Cubs get some much-needed pitching help.

A bicyclist was struck by a CTA bus in the 400 block of North Wells Street on Thursday morning, according to the Chicago Police Department.

David Maraniss has written acclaimed biographies of Roberto Clemente, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. In a new book, he turns his biographer’s eye to his father’s experiences during the Red Scare.

After two years of construction, a highly anticipated change to Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is now a reality: separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians. But it may take some getting used to.