Stories by Nick Blumberg
The Week in Review: Governor, Mayor Work Together on Amazon Bid
| Nick Blumberg
Gov. Bruce Rauner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel set aside their differences to lure Amazon’s second headquarters. Candidates line up for Illinois attorney general. And Obamacare rates in Illinois are set to soar.
Potential Candidates Scramble After Lisa Madigan Announces Retirement
| Nick Blumberg
Carol Marin talks about the latest in state politics with Tina Sfondeles of the Chicago Sun-Times, Dave McKinney of WBEZ and Chicago Tonight’s Amanda Vinicky.
New Chicago Police Oversight Agency Officially Launches
| Nick Blumberg
A discussion with Sharon Fairley, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, or COPA, which officially takes over on Friday.
Documentary Spotlights Only Bank ‘Small Enough to Jail’
| Nick Blumberg
A new episode of “Frontline” shines a light on the little-known story of the only U.S. bank to be prosecuted in the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis. We speak with the director and producer of “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail.”
As Rain and Floods Continue to Batter Texas, Long Recovery Lies Ahead
| Nick Blumberg
For days, parts of Texas have been slammed by massive rain and flooding caused by Harvey. A look at recovery efforts for the short and long term.
The Week in Review: Another Rauner Staff Shake-Up
| Nick Blumberg
Lawmakers reach a deal on school funding. Gov. Bruce Rauner cleans house again. Chicago sees its most violent weekend since July 4. And the Cubs grow a comfortable lead in their division.
After Publicly Criticizing Trump, Chicago CEO Faces Racist Backlash
| Nick Blumberg
Ravin Gandhi denounced the president’s comments on Charlottesville in an op-ed, and now finds himself the target of racist invective. What he hopes will come out of the experience.
Zachary Fardon on Violence, Police Reform and His New Job
| Nick Blumberg
The former U.S. attorney, who was asked to resign by the Trump administration in March, joins us in discussion.
Dragons, Demons and Omens of Death: A History of Human Eclipse Watching
| Nick Blumberg
Over the course of civilization, eclipses have been met with fear and superstition. How humans have reacted to—and explained—eclipses throughout history.
Green Job Training, Conservation Efforts Threatened by Federal Cuts
| Nick Blumberg
Along Wolf Lake on Chicago’s Southeast Side lies the only Illinois state park within city limits, where visitors can find fishing spots, biking trails – and invasive species.
New Shedd Shark Expert on Aquarium’s Conservation Efforts
| Nick Blumberg
Jumping into ocean waters teeming with sharks doesn’t sound like much fun, but for researchers working on shark conservation, it’s a way to gather important and sometimes surprising information. Meet Steve Kessel, the Shedd Aquarium’s new director of marine research.
The Week in Review: State Misses Payments to Public Schools
| Nick Blumberg
Illinois blows the deadline for payments to public schools. Mayor Rahm Emanuel sues the Trump administration. Lawsuits fly over Cook County’s soda tax. And Mitch Trubisky shines in the Bears first preseason game.
Trump Threatens North Korea with ‘Fire and Fury’
| Nick Blumberg
Despite increasing international condemnation, North Korea has ramped up its nuclear capabilities to a potentially dangerous level.
Chicago Sues Trump Administration Over ‘Sanctuary City’ Policy
| Nick Blumberg
“Chicago will not be blackmailed into changing our values, and we are and will remain a welcoming city,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Sunday at a press conference announcing the suit.
Does the Latest Stock Market Record Mean Anything?
| Nick Blumberg
Another record-setting day on Wall Street. What’s propelling the stock surge—and can it last?
Trump to Sign Sanctions Against Russia ‘Soon’
| Nick Blumberg
Vladimir Putin orders hundreds of U.S. diplomats out of the country as tensions escalate with Russia.
Book Inspires Young People to Create ‘No Small Plans’ For Chicago
| Nick Blumberg
A new graphic novel wants to empower Chicago teenagers to push for the city they deserve. Meet one of the teens who created the book.
Wisconsin Company Offers to Voluntarily Microchip Employees
| Nick Blumberg
Buying a bag of chips or logging onto your computer with a wave of your hand will soon be possible at one Wisconsin company.
Study of Deceased Football Players Finds Widespread CTE
| Nick Blumberg
A new study offers the latest and perhaps most dramatic evidence of the neurological toll of football on those who play it.
Mitigating Mosquitoes After Heavy Rain
| Nick Blumberg
Heavy rains and record flooding in the Chicago area hatch a big concern: mosquitoes. With standing water as a breeding ground, more mosquitoes could be on the way.
The Week in Review: Layoffs Hit After Pop Tax Fizzles
| Nick Blumberg
Cook County layoffs spark a war of words. Chicago drivers get red-light ticket relief. Shakeup in the governor’s office. Revived Cubs are winning again, and the Sox go on a trade tirade.
Jim DeRogatis: Parents Claim R. Kelly is Holding Women in a ‘Cult’
| Nick Blumberg
Parents accuse singer R. Kelly of keeping their daughter and other women in a cult. We speak with the journalist who broke the story.
Meet Edwin Eisendrath, the New Chicago Sun-Times CEO
| Nick Blumberg
Learn more about the new CEO and the unlikely group that just purchased the beleaguered Chicago Sun-Times.
Rauner Calls on Legislators to Send Him School Funding Bill
| Nick Blumberg
Gov. Bruce Rauner insists on removing what he calls a Chicago “bailout” from a state school funding plan.
Sheriff Tom Dart: Budget-Related Layoffs Would ‘Devastate’ Office
| Nick Blumberg
Big cuts are coming to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, including nearly 400 jail guards. “We had no way to plan for this,” said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Gov. Bruce Rauner Shakes Up Staff
| Nick Blumberg
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s staff shake-up is still going on after legislators voted last week to override the governor's veto of a tax hike and budget.
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