Stories by Nick Blumberg

Tickets on Sale Next Week for Museum Bringing Kusama ‘Infinity Room’ to Chicago

The pop-up is scheduled to open in August and offer Chicago art aficionados and selfie enthusiasts a chance to see one of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s reality-bending “infinity rooms.”

Bring Your Appetite: Taste of Chicago Gets Underway This Week

The city’s mega-food fest returns to Grant Park. We get a preview of the Taste of Chicago.

‘Lives of the Constitution’ Looks at Minds Behind ‘America’s Supreme Law’

From Supreme Court justices to crusading journalists, the stories of the people who made the U.S. Constitution what it is today.

Meet Dorothy Leavell, the Chicago Reader’s New Publisher

Local alt weekly the Chicago Reader has a history dating back nearly 50 years. We speak with the paper’s new publisher.

New Exhibition Examines ‘Americans and the Holocaust’

We speak with Daniel Greene, an adjunct professor of history at Northwestern University who is the curator of a new exhibition at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Towering Trolls Keep a Watchful Eye on Morton Arboretum

We take you on a visit to the west suburban forest under the watchful eye of six suspicious – and sizable – trolls.

US Supreme Court Upholds Trump Travel Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld an order restricting travel to the United States from several majority-Muslim nations. 

When Does Taking a Moral Stand Cross the Line Into Incivility?

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders touched off a fiery public debate this weekend after tweeting that a Virginia restaurant refused to serve her because she works for the president. 

Trump Reverses Course on Family Separations After Outcry

President Donald Trump signs an executive order ending the policy of separating migrant children from their parents. Will the move spur immigration reform in Congress?

No Arrest in 74 Percent of Chicago Homicides, Analysis Finds

Chicago has one of the worst homicide arrest rates in the nation, according to a Washington Post analysis. What the effect of that low rate is – and how it can be improved.

AMA Members Want Further Review of Policy Against Assisted Suicide

Could the American Medical Association’s official position on physician-assisted suicide be changing?

Author Explores How the Unconventional ‘Third Door’ Can Lead to Success

From Steve Wozniak to Larry King and Lady Gaga, a new book offers insights into how to start a career and forge a unique path.

Trump Ponders Commutation for Blagojevich, Pardon for Himself

President Donald Trump has issued a string of unusual commutations and pardons, including one championed by reality star Kim Kardashian West. Will Rod Blagojevich be next? 

Look Down! Snapping Turtles, Turtle Hatchlings on the Move in Chicago

Why the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum wants you to keep your eye out for baby turtles on the move.

American Cancer Society Calls for Earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening

A disturbing upward trend in incidents of colorectal cancer brings about new guidelines for screenings.

Aldermen on Obama Center, Police Academy and FOP Contract

To call last week in Chicago City Council “eventful” might be an understatement. We discuss the latest with a panel of Chicago aldermen.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: NFL Policy a Fumble?

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the NFL’s new policy on kneeling during the national anthem.

The Week in Review: Madigan Faces Retaliation Claims

A state lawmaker goes up against the powerful Illinois House Speaker. Mayor Rahm Emanuel goes ballistic over an alderman’s parliamentary procedure. And is the NFL’s new national anthem policy a fumble?

Chicago-Based MB Financial Bought By Fifth Third Bank

A major acquisition of a homegrown Chicago bank: Is the buyer taking a big risk? And what does the deal mean for customers?

After Homeowners Complain, Cook County Assessor Defends Higher Property Assessments

Some North Side homeowners say the Cook County Assessor over-valued their property. Will other Chicago homes see a hike in their assessments?

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Biss Endorses Pritzker

Paris Schutz and guests discuss former gubernatorial hopeful Daniel Biss finally endorsing Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker.

The Week in Review: Obama Presidential Center Gets City’s Approval

A presidential plan for Jackson Park moves a step closer to construction. Gov. Bruce Rauner backs reinstating the death penalty. CPS hands over control of its special education program. And an up-and-down week in Chicago baseball.

Austin Channing Brown on ‘Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness’

The writer and educator returns to Chicago to discuss her new book “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.” We catch up with Austin Channing Brown.

Are Online Comment Sections Still Valuable?

The Chicago Tribune is the latest media outlet to suspend online comments. Is there a way to welcome feedback while eliminating vitriol?

Jesmyn Ward’s ‘Sing, Unburied, Sing’ Tackles Legacy of Racial Injustice

Mississippi’s long-running literary tradition includes renowned names like William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Richard Wright. Add to that list the only woman to win the National Book Award twice: Jesmyn Ward.

Open Up! Group Pushing for Expanded Chicago Public Library Hours

Chicago libraries serve “a multitude of community functions” and should be open longer, says Kang Chiu of the Chicago Coalition of Library Friends.
 

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