Stories by Nick Blumberg

This week’s installment of our new battered-and-fried summer series goes deep on Chicago’s odorous namesake: the ramp. 

The just-completed spring legislative session produced a slew of initiatives championed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. What Illinoisans can expect from those initiatives, the new state budget and more.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss more of the week’s news: Mayor Lori Lightfoot appoints a new board to oversee Chicago Public Schools, and a dramatic “Jeopardy!” run draws to a close.

Ald. Ed Burke gets his day in court. Gov. J.B. Pritzker gets his budget priorities passed. Chicago grapples with a spike in violence. And the Cubs get some much-needed pitching help.

A bicyclist was struck by a CTA bus in the 400 block of North Wells Street on Thursday morning, according to the Chicago Police Department.

David Maraniss has written acclaimed biographies of Roberto Clemente, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. In a new book, he turns his biographer’s eye to his father’s experiences during the Red Scare.

After two years of construction, a highly anticipated change to Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is now a reality: separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians. But it may take some getting used to.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss President Donald Trump’s pardon of disgraced former Sun-Times publisher Conrad Black, and assess some of Emanuel’s legacy ahead of Monday’s inauguration. 

Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot says she plans to blow up politics as usual. Springfield races toward the end of the spring session with huge issues up in the air. And another Chicago alderman is arrested.

An iconic volunteer organization has a worldwide reach – and Chicago roots. We take a look inside the renovations underway at the home of Rotary International founder Paul Harris.

Elephants, uranium and the oddest wedding you’ve ever seen: A new book takes readers inside the unusual world of the University of Chicago scavenger hunt.

How safe is America from terror attacks and other threats? Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano talks about whether the U.S. has gotten safer since the 9/11 terror attacks.

Ready for even more rain? A look at how local tunnels and reservoirs handled the wettest week in years – and what’s next.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s tax overhaul sails through the Senate. Heavy rains test flood-control fixes. Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot preps for a summer violence spike, and the Cubs prep for division rival St. Louis.

From brain mapping to climate modeling and beyond: the potential impact of a new supercomputer being developed in the Chicago area. 

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on whether the 2020 census should ask about citizenship. Observers say the justices appear divided along ideological lines, giving an edge to the proposed change.

Cases of Candida auris in Chicago have been treatable with antifungal medications, says the chief medical officer for the city’s Department of Public Health.  

Before she became the longest-serving White House adviser ever, Valerie Jarrett was a shy, bullied girl. She tells us about her new memoir, “Finding My Voice.”

Illinois spends more per pupil on school administration than almost every other state in the union, according to a new report. What the state is doing to address spending.

Author James Forman Jr. talks about his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America.”

Lawsuits mount and sales tumble in the aftermath of two deadly crashes involving Boeing’s 737 Max jet. Can the company repair its reputation? Commercial pilot Rob Mark weighs in.

Lori Lightfoot secures a historic election. City Council moves to the left. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx faces more heat. And the Cubs’ bullpen implodes.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the loose ends in the final weeks of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s term, including the Lincoln Yards TIF and the new police and fire academy.

Candidates are making their final sprint toward Tuesday’s runoff election. Will voters show up? Carol Marin leads a political roundtable with three journalists who have followed the race closely.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss an assessment by veteran city hall reporter Fran Spielman of the frenzied final stretch of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s term and why she believes Emanuel is “obsessed” with his legacy.

Jussie Smollett is cleared of all felonies, leaving the mayor and police superintendent livid – and the Cook County state’s attorney under fire. And in election news, a new poll shows a lopsided race for mayor.