Stories by Nick Blumberg

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.

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.

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

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.

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

From the Special Olympics to Congress and beyond: The new book “Eunice” explores the formidable impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds cases of disease from mosquito, tick and flea bites tripled between 2004 and 2016 – and Illinois was among the states most affected.

New York’s attorney general resigns after claims of violent behavior. A look at domestic abuse by men who publicly champion women’s causes.

Why the fourth-coldest April on record also brought us summer-like temperatures – and what we can expect from the coming weeks.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, the author of a groundbreaking book on segregation in America’s schools and neighborhoods, on why it’s so crucial – and difficult – to talk about race.

The first black student to attend an all-white New Orleans school joins us to talk about civil rights activism and persistent racism in the U.S.

With a little more than nine months until the Chicago mayoral election, a seventh candidate has entered the race.

President Donald Trump says he’s hopeful that talks with North Korea’s leader will end that nation’s nuclear weapons program, but that “if it’s not a success, I will respectfully leave.”

The soundtrack to first loves, bad fights and family memories: Robert Elder’s new “music memoir” helps you create the mixtape of your life.

The Cook County circuit court clerk talks about her surprise run for mayor of Chicago.

The ranks of challengers to Mayor Rahm Emanuel are swelling. The educator and entrepreneur tells us what’s fueling his run for office.

After massive layoffs in Harvey because of its underfunded pensions, a look at which other municipalities could be in similar trouble.

Congress makes another attempt at passing a balanced budget amendment as a new report shows the federal deficit skyrocketing.

As special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election moves forward, Illinois is in line for some $13 million in federal money to bolster election security.

What Cub fans can expect from the latest round of off-season renovations.

Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability explains this week’s ruling and what city leaders might do next to address the Chicago Park District’s financial woes.

From the constitution to the courts to the ballot box, how corporations boosted their legal standing in the U.S. A conversation with author Adam Winkler.

From celebrity to corporate life, a new book explores how our culture is shaped by religious traditions.

It might be hard to believe, but Chicago is less than one year away from its next mayoral election. Willie Wilson talks about why he’s looking to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Why President Donald Trump’s election wasn’t an outlier, but part of a worldwide surge in populism. A discussion with author and scholar Yascha Mounk.

After a fatal crash in Arizona, the safety measures for autonomous cars come under intense scrutiny.