Stories by Nick Blumberg

The American Sports Museum would teach visitors about everything from physics to history. Founder Marc Lapides shares his vision for the space.

Last week’s rate hike is a sign of optimism over growth in the U.S. economy. But how will it impact borrowing, like mortgage and credit card rates?

From gay marriage to contraception: how sex, religion and morality shape U.S. law.

Ten years ago, Chicago real estate bottomed out – and it still hasn’t fully recovered. But depending on what buyers are looking for, there are promising neighborhoods and suburbs all around.

A new exhibition at the Newberry Library features a rarely seen collection of work by a Chicago-area photographer who documented the history of small communities founded by former slaves after the Civil War.

A new program aims to get all arrestees a defense attorney while in police custody.

As the Republican replacement for Obamacare faces political backlash, we take a closer look at how the law might change health coverage.

A place where ducks outnumber people 20 to 1 might not sound like somewhere you’d want to move with your wife and young daughter. But that’s exactly what Chicago author David McAninch did.

Illinois would get slammed with extra Medicaid costs as Republicans rush to repeal Obamacare. Chicago teachers threaten another one-day walkout. And the Bears cut Jay Cutler. 

Jewish community centers around the United States have been forced to evacuate in recent weeks after being targeted by bomb threats. What’s behind the uptick in anti-Semitism?

Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent Tony Smith joins Chicago Tonight to talk about changing the state's school funding formula and setting a high bar for students.

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Jesse Ruiz on how the district lost its “moral high ground” because of school budget cuts.

Emanuel won’t honor Trump’s rollback of transgender student rights, and Chicago schools will refuse entry to immigration agents without a warrant. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

In a little more than four weeks, President Donald Trump has shattered presidential conventions, created controversy and legal battles, and energized his base with executive orders aimed at meeting campaign promises.

Another record high temperature in Chicago. How long will spring in February last? 

The governor again pitches changing the workers’ comp system in his budget speech. Where does Illinois stand, and what reforms are on the table?

On Tuesday, Chicago Public Schools and five families of students filed a civil rights lawsuit against the state of Illinois. CPS CEO Forrest Claypool joins us to discuss the suit and the huge budget shortfall facing the district.

The suicide rate among Chicago police officers is reportedly 60 percent higher than the national average. How can the department provide better mental health care?

Chris Kennedy finally announces his run for governor. President Trump again slams Chicago. And the Bears hike ticket prices after a dismal season. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

How a federal appeals court could read the law on the president’s immigration ban. 

President Trump calls Chicago "totally out of control." Mayor Rahm Emanuel says enough talk, send in federal resources. Gov. Rauner calls for a budget with cuts, revenues and reforms as the state’s credit rating takes another hit. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests. 

The actor and activist hosts a screening and discussion of the film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” this weekend. We caught up with him to talk “Trek,” Trump and more.

What progress have state senators made on negotiating a budget deal, and how will Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan react if it passes?

President Donald Trump announced Neil Gorsuch as his nominee to replace the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on Tuesday night. 

A Chicago author’s new book lays out the case that we can all do better.

2017 in Chicago is off to another violent start. Public schools face a resource crunch. And an educator experienced in how those problems intertwine is trying to tackle both.