Stories by Nick Blumberg

Mayor Brandon Johnson moves to oust the head of the Chicago Housing Authority’s board. And the U.S. Supreme Court casts a skeptical eye on the president’s plan to curtail birthright citizenship.

Chaos at airports as TSA workers go unpaid — but could those long security lines be coming to an end? And a federal judge rules the Trump administration must unfreeze funding for the CTA Red Line.

Juliana Stratton notches a commanding win in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. And a busy week at City Hall as Mayor Brandon Johnson pledges a veto — and fires a top deputy.

Three leading candidates in a contentious Senate fight and a host of other races make their closing arguments as Election Day fast approaches.

CTA leaders on Wednesday touted the agency’s new safety plan, with Acting President Nora Leerhsen hailing “significantly increased law enforcement resources.”

President Donald Trump bounces embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. And three former presidents are among the crowd of thousands paying tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Crowds of mourners line up to pay final respects to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. And the battle for the Bears stadium heats up as Indiana’s governor signs a bill creating a new stadium authority.

Remembering civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson. And Gov. JB Pritzker faces a $2 billion deficit and federal funding uncertainty as he presents his budget proposal.

Facing a projected $2.2 billion gap and massive uncertainty over federal funding flowing into Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday proposed a $56 billion state budget plan for fiscal year 2027 beginning July 1.

Attorneys say new evidence contradicts Border Patrol’s claims in the shooting of a Chicago woman. And the mayor is vetoing a ban on the sale of some intoxicating hemp products.

Chicago students and congressional Democrats keep up the heat on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. And Indiana lawmakers push ahead with a bill aimed at luring the Chicago Bears.

A jury acquits a Chicago man accused of placing a bounty on Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino. And the City Council moves to ban some hemp products.

A new lawsuit over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago. And what’s on the agenda as state lawmakers head back to Springfield.

National outrage after an ICE agent fatally shoots a woman in Minneapolis. And Illinois sues after the Trump administration moves to freeze $10 billion for low-income families.

We’re looking ahead to the stories likely to shape 2026 — from immigration enforcement and midterm elections to Chicago’s budget struggles and a new school board.

We’re looking back at the stories that defined 2025 — from a massive immigration crackdown and congressional musical chairs to city budget battles and a hometown Holy Father.

The Chicago City Council takes the first step toward passing a rival budget plan. And the Bears threaten to take their ball and go to a new home — in Northwest Indiana.

Since 2023, Roseland Community Hospital has received at least four immediate jeopardy citations. That warning is the most serious deficiency a health care facility can be cited for, according to federal guidelines.

Chicago Transit Board members on Wednesday acknowledged there’s work to be done to ensure trains and buses are as safe as possible, but took aim at a blistering letter sent earlier this week claiming the CTA has failed in its public safety mission.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says a rival budget plan put together by a group of alderpeople is a nonstarter. And the Cook County state’s attorney says it’s time to take a hard look at who gets released on electronic monitoring.

As the holiday season hits, we’re looking at the economy — consumer spending, budget battles, and the impact of tariffs and immigration enforcement on local businesses.

OnLight Aurora, a city-supported nonprofit, aims to provide high speed internet to the west suburban community’s institutions, businesses and residents. It’s also in massive debt, with a long history of questionable expenditures.

Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino and his agents are reportedly leaving Chicago soon. And the federal government reopens after a record shutdown — with dissent among the Democrats.

The 2026 budget makes permanent the regional day pass allowing a single, discounted 24-hour fare across CTA, Metra and Pace, as well as a program allowing paratransit users to ride for free on fixed routes.

Community outrage after immigration agents pull a teacher out of a day care. And U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García says last minute that he’s not running — but his hand-picked successor is.

State lawmakers ride to the rescue for Chicago-area public transit. And federal prosecutors file charges against anti-immigration enforcement protesters.