Stories by Nick Blumberg

Gov. JB Pritzker cruises to a third term amid a massive blue wave nationwide. But Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is caught in a riptide as 26 members of his caucus force him out.

Gov. JB Pritzker has touted his management of the state’s coffers and improvement of the badly out-of-whack finances he blames in large part on his Republican predecessor. For his part, Darren Bailey says property taxes and affordability are making Illinois an undesirable place to live.

It’s the countdown to the midterms — will a federal presence at the polls affect voting? And Chicago City Council budget hearings get off to a rocky start.

Lower Wacker Drive might be the bane of the uninitiated Chicago motorist. But the underground road has a history dating back to 1909.

JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey meet at WTTW for their only forum this election cycle. And Chicago City Council squares off over borrowing power — and approves a massive police misconduct settlement.

A former CTA bus driver is calling out the transit agency for not doing enough to protect its workers after she was attacked while on her route.

New legal actions against the Trump administration over “Operation Midway Blitz” shootings. And Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86.

A federal judge has sharp questions about the handling of the “Broadview Six” prosecution. And the White Sox win a playoff series for the first time in more than 20 years.

Chicago’s much-hated parking meter deal could get a little bit better. And should serious police discipline cases be heard behind closed doors?

Mayor Brandon Johnson puts an end to speculation and announces he’s seeking another term. And could new concessions clear the way for the resale of Chicago’s parking meters?

Chicago marks the one-year anniversary of the “Operation Midway Blitz” immigration crackdown. And the Bears look to defend their NFC North championship as their season kicks off.

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is a new regional body overseeing CTA, Metra and Pace. It was created after years of debate over the future of Chicago-area transit.

The Lake Shore Drive bridge malfunctions after a lift — creating an hourslong traffic snafu. And the city sues a South Chicago funeral home where dozens of bodies were found decomposing.

Elected officials try to rally voters at the Illinois State Fair. And the Cubs take two of three from the White Sox for a split Crosstown Classic.

The Bears say their sights are still set on a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. And another round of extreme weather wallops the Chicago area, bringing six confirmed tornadoes.

The Chicago Transit Authority’s board of directors approved an array of new efforts aimed at aiding passengers who need shelter or healthcare, as well as new crisis and community violence intervention programs.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch fights to keep his job amid questions over sexual harassment at the Capitol. And two new entrants in the already crowded race for Chicago mayor.

The Chicago Board of Education on Thursday passed an approximately $10 billion budget after hours of contentious debate, a lengthy recess, sharp questions over revenue assumptions and a last-minute amendment.

Wildfire smoke clouds the Chicago region, closing beaches and canceling outdoor events. Plus, a bleak budget reality as Chicago Public Schools eyes layoffs and a spending freeze.

Federal prosecutors charge state lawmaker Carol Ammons with fraud and lying to the FBI. And a judge scolds U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros for publicly discussing a sealed indictment.

A federal judge ruled in a class action lawsuit that Chicago’s failure to make its signalized crosswalks accessible to blind and low-vision pedestrians violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act. Now it’s under a court-appointed monitor ensuring Chicago complies with a plan to fix the problem.

The Obama Presidential Center draws massive crowds to Jackson Park for its grand opening. And former Ald. George Cardenas is the newest candidate to announce a bid for mayor of Chicago.

More than 100 former federal prosecutors slam Chicago’s U.S. attorney. And the Chicago Public Schools CEO defends district policy from GOP attacks in Congress.

The Chicago Transit Authority’s acting president said a long-elusive goal is in sight, telling board members that ridership on the agency’s buses has reached 90% of its pre-COVID levels.

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.