Stories by Nick Blumberg

As Illinoisans wait for new Gov. J.B. Pritzker to unveil his budget plan, Pritzker’s administration is delving into the perilous state of Illinois’ finances with a series of reports.  

Analysis of the possible legal implications of the investigation surrounding Ald. Danny Solis, and the power brokers he recorded for the government.

Monday marks the start of income tax filing season. Learn about what’s different this year in the wake of new tax laws.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss moves by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to decriminalize marijuana.

Chicago aldermen are reeling after learning of an FBI mole in their ranks. More fallout from the federal charge against Ald. Ed Burke. Lincoln Yards takes a huge step forward. And the Bears QB preps for the Pro Bowl.

The city treasurer teams up with a national nonprofit to expand financial empowerment centers in Chicago neighborhoods.

The challenges facing Chicago are problems with clear solutions. So argue the authors of a new book that charts a path for government reforms in the city.

A new book by Chicago-based author Greg Borzo explores the city’s bygone restaurants, from the high-end to the bizarre.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the increasingly contentious race for Chicago mayor.

New developments in the federal investigation of Ald. Ed Burke. Mayor Rahm Emanuel swings for the fences on pensions. Mayoral petition challenges are heating up. And the Bears look to avenge their loss to the Packers.

We speak with Terrence Roberts, a surviving member of the Little Rock Nine, about teaching students to promote equality in their communities.

He is widely considered one of the greatest American novelists. Saul Bellow’s anger, appetites and enormous talent are captured in a newly released biography by Zachary Leader, who joins us in conversation.

Ride-hailing giant Uber releases a comprehensive plan to document – and ultimately curb – incidents of sexual misconduct within its ranks. We speak with the company’s chief legal officer Tony West.

In her new book, Imani Perry tells the overlooked story of "A Raisin in the Sun" author and Chicago native Lorraine Hansberry. 

Democrats sweep statewide races, with state Sen. Kwame Raoul winning the race for Illinois attorney general; and Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Secretary of State Jesse White retaining their seats.

In their final meeting before next week’s midterm elections, the Democrat and Republican each pitched themselves as the candidate most capable of putting the priorities of Illinois voters into action.

This week, retail giant Amazon announced plans to open a fourth Amazon Go location in Chicago next year. Will this high-tech model be the future of retail?

Few American presidents occupy as prominent – and complicated – a place in the collective American psyche as Ronald Reagan. Biographer Bob Spitz tells us about his new book.

A new book offers a peek at how other people spend their money, and shows how that can you help you control your own finances.

An October surprise in the governor’s race. Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his final budget address. Chance the Rapper rolls the dice on the mayoral election. And the Bears prep for the Patriots.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the wide-open race for Chicago mayor and the future of the Cubs’ coaching staff.

How has covering the White House changed under President Donald Trump? We talk with Judy Woodruff of the “PBS NewsHour.”

Their effectiveness can’t be judged by their size: We visit the Barrington nonprofit Mane in Heaven to discover the therapeutic mission of these miniature horses.

A renowned astrophysicist explores the challenges facing Earth – and the prospect of life beyond it – in his new book “On the Future.”

WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the General Election is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the Nov. 6 election. Learn more.

Learn about the candidates running for Illinois governor and lieutenant governor in the Nov. 6 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the General Election.