Stories by Nick Blumberg

The two-state solution, relations with the Saudis, and U.S. involvement in NATO are all on the table as the president embarks on his first trip abroad.

In his new book, historian and author David Garrow traces how Barack Obama’s life led him to the presidency – and paints a complicated, sometimes critical portrait of a polarizing and iconic figure.

Get a glimpse inside a rare prefab Frank Lloyd Wright house on the Southwest Side.

President Trump fires the FBI director investigating his connections to Russia. Lawmakers put Gov. Rauner in a bind on the “abortion bill.” And the Cubs early season struggles continue.

New ways of producing, distributing and consuming TV shows means consumers no longer have to rush home to catch a scheduled broadcast.

After two high-profile stories about troubling judicial conduct, a look at judges’ ethical responsibilities and the quality of the county judiciary.

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO is sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan finally meet. And the Bears make a surprise draft move. 

New technology lets police investigate whether drivers were using their cell phones moments before an accident. Could it curb texting while driving?

The debate over President Trump’s executive order on skilled foreign workers.

A coalition of community organizers are trying to get the Obama Foundation, the city, and the University of Chicago to commit to creating jobs and not displacing area residents.

Can the city and Chicago Public Schools get on the road to fiscal health without bankruptcy? Lessons from other cities.

An Albany Park bar toasts the late painter each week at a colorful event. We went to check out the “happy little trees” at Nighthawk.

From handwritten lyrics to vintage instruments to iconic outfits, a new look at 50 years of the Rolling Stones.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle weigh in on the latest developments in Springfield.

J.B. Pritzker launches his bid for Illinois governor. The U.S. Senate uses the “nuclear option” to confirm Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. And baseball season gets underway. These stories and more with Paris Schutz and guests. 

A new book tells the stories of people wrongfully convicted of a crime – and how they came to be released.

Amy Dickinson tells us about her new book “Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home.” 

The Emmy Award-winning television host writes about the drastic disparities between black and white Americans in his just-published book. 

How Hardik Bhatt wants to protect state agencies from hackers. 

The American Sports Museum would teach visitors about everything from physics to history. Founder Marc Lapides shares his vision for the space.

Last week’s rate hike is a sign of optimism over growth in the U.S. economy. But how will it impact borrowing, like mortgage and credit card rates?

From gay marriage to contraception: how sex, religion and morality shape U.S. law.

Ten years ago, Chicago real estate bottomed out – and it still hasn’t fully recovered. But depending on what buyers are looking for, there are promising neighborhoods and suburbs all around.

A new exhibition at the Newberry Library features a rarely seen collection of work by a Chicago-area photographer who documented the history of small communities founded by former slaves after the Civil War.

A new program aims to get all arrestees a defense attorney while in police custody.

As the Republican replacement for Obamacare faces political backlash, we take a closer look at how the law might change health coverage.