Stories by Nick Blumberg

We preview the start of the Cubs’ playoff run with sports reporter Cheryl Raye Stout.

A new book by a Chicago community activist and mentor explains how cities can become safer and more equitable, and why we all have a stake in our neighborhoods. 

A new report ranks Chicago’s chances of landing a massive new Amazon location as high—but will the costs be worth it?

The governor signs a controversial bill. Chicago cops mimic NFL player protests. City leaders push hard for Amazon headquarters. Chicago native Hugh Hefner dies at age 91. And the Cubs clinch their division for the second straight year. 

Author Denise Kiernan talks about the tumultuous history of a North Carolina home that’s detailed in her new book.

Get ready, writers and editors: We take a look inside the newest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style and discuss its most attention-grabbing new rules with Carol Fisher Saller.

Northwestern University alum Lisa Byington made history earlier this month as the first woman to call a college football game on the Big Ten Network.

Gov. Bruce Rauner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel set aside their differences to lure Amazon’s  second headquarters. Candidates line up for Illinois attorney general. And Obamacare rates in Illinois are set to soar. 

Carol Marin talks about the latest in state politics with Tina Sfondeles of the Chicago Sun-Times, Dave McKinney of WBEZ and Chicago Tonight’s Amanda Vinicky.

A discussion with Sharon Fairley, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, or COPA, which officially takes over on Friday.

A new episode of “Frontline” shines a light on the little-known story of the only U.S. bank to be prosecuted in the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis. We speak with the director and producer of “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail.”

For days, parts of Texas have been slammed by massive rain and flooding caused by Harvey. A look at recovery efforts for the short and long term.

Lawmakers reach a deal on school funding. Gov. Bruce Rauner cleans house again. Chicago sees its most violent weekend since July 4. And the Cubs grow a comfortable lead in their division. 

Ravin Gandhi denounced the president’s comments on Charlottesville in an op-ed, and now finds himself the target of racist invective. What he hopes will come out of the experience.

The former U.S. attorney, who was asked to resign by the Trump administration in March, joins us in discussion.

Over the course of civilization, eclipses have been met with fear and superstition. How humans have reacted to—and explained—eclipses throughout history.

Along Wolf Lake on Chicago’s Southeast Side lies the only Illinois state park within city limits, where visitors can find fishing spots, biking trails – and invasive species.

Jumping into ocean waters teeming with sharks doesn’t sound like much fun, but for researchers working on shark conservation, it’s a way to gather important and sometimes surprising information. Meet Steve Kessel, the Shedd Aquarium’s new director of marine research.

Illinois blows the deadline for payments to public schools. Mayor Rahm Emanuel sues the Trump administration. Lawsuits fly over Cook County’s soda tax. And Mitch Trubisky shines in the Bears first preseason game.

Despite increasing international condemnation, North Korea has ramped up its nuclear capabilities to a potentially dangerous level. 

“Chicago will not be blackmailed into changing our values, and we are and will remain a welcoming city,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Sunday at a press conference announcing the suit.

Another record-setting day on Wall Street. What’s propelling the stock surge—and can it last?

Vladimir Putin orders hundreds of U.S. diplomats out of the country as tensions escalate with Russia.

A new graphic novel wants to empower Chicago teenagers to push for the city they deserve. Meet one of the teens who created the book.

Buying a bag of chips or logging onto your computer with a wave of your hand will soon be possible at one Wisconsin company. 

A new study offers the latest and perhaps most dramatic evidence of the neurological toll of football on those who play it.