Stories by Nick Blumberg

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.

According to a report earlier this year from the Guttmacher Institute, an organization that advocates for and researches abortion access, nearly a quarter of all people seeking an abortion outside the state where they live came to Illinois.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin spoke at a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate on Wednesday, where he was warmly received by fellow Democratic lawmakers who celebrated his lengthy career and repeatedly lauded his accomplishments.

Federal prosecutors drop all charges against Broadview demonstrators. And City Council delays a phaseout of the tipped minimum wage.

The Chicago Public Schools CEO is summoned to testify before Congress. And Mayor Brandon Johnson marks his three-year anniversary in office.

The Chicago Bears dropped their schedule reveal video featuring Rome Odunze showing off some artistic flair. WTTW News was there for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video.

Mourners gather for the funeral of a Chicago police officer killed in a hospital shooting. And Mayor Brandon Johnson lobbies state lawmakers for more funding.

A state commission says federal immigration agents were violent and lawless during “Operation Midway Blitz.” And Democrats weigh a response after the U.S. Supreme Court further hobbles the Voting Rights Act.

Local leaders rally around Pope Leo after attacks from President Donald Trump. And CPS reaches a deal with CTU to hold May Day classes.

A son lost in a clash with the police. A huge cash settlement on the table. And a father torn between staying put in Chicago or starting anew. That all-too-real dilemma is what underpins the play “Windfall,” a new work written by Oscar-winning Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney.

Illinois Democrats call for removing the president from office after he threatens to wipe out Iran. And planned May Day demonstrations have the Chicago Teachers Union and new CPS CEO at odds.