Stories by Nick Blumberg

Gov. Bruce Rauner has called it a frivolous lawsuit, but six state lawmakers who are fighting to get their paychecks say it’s about defending the state constitution.

State lawmakers don’t appear to be any closer to passing a budget, and prosecutors warn the impasse is damaging public safety. Three county state’s attorneys weigh in.

After a long debate, a last-minute push to bail out two downstate nuclear plants passed the Illinois General Assembly late Thursday at the tail end of the veto session.

The unprecedented victory of President-elect Donald Trump has left many people wondering how his administration might affect the U.S. economy. 

For the second year in a row, protesters marched on Chicago’s high-profile downtown shopping destination to call for police reform and disrupt Black Friday shopping.

Telling the stories behind Chicago violence statistics: Meet two New York Times reporters tracking a group of summer shooting victims.

Donald Trump’s transition in turmoil as Mayor Emanuel defies the president-elect on immigration. Rauner and Madigan meet. Budget sails through City Council, and the Bears bad season gets worse. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The Supreme Court under President-elect Donald Trump: Who will he nominate? And could the court actually keep him from doing some of things he wants to do?

The dissonance between the popular vote and electoral vote in last week's election has prompted a renewed look at whether America ought to elect its presidents by a straightforward popular vote.

It once seemed unthinkable: President Obama and President-elect Trump met at the White House for the first time Thursday. A closer look at the meeting, and what's ahead for Democrats and Republicans.

Despite massive amounts of campaign contributions that poured into state House and Senate races this year, Republicans don’t appear to have significantly shifted the balance of power in the Illinois General Assembly. 

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump crisscross the country during their final full day of campaigning. A look at their closing arguments, and what's next.

The presidents of four state universities discuss the ongoing impact of Illinois' budget crisis.

Open enrollment begins for health plans under the Affordable Care Act. But in Illinois and other states, rates are rising and choices are dwindling. Find out why, and what options consumers have.

Serving in the military can be dangerous, frightening and unpleasant – sometimes in ways you might not expect. How the military tackles loud sounds, bad smells and upset stomachs.

An unusual election season is drawing to a close. We hear about the latest in the presidential campaign from “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins.

We talk through the TV ratings and the business side of the Cubs' success with Crain's Chicago Business reporter Danny Ecker.

The Democratic and Republican candidates for Illinois Comptroller join us to make the case for why they deserve your vote.

Donald Trump refuses to say he’ll concede the election as Hillary Clinton climbs in national polls. Chicago shootings continue at a record pace. And the Cubs take game five of the NLCS. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

From service dogs to household companions, a new book looks inside the complex world of a dog’s nose.

Donald Trump attacks the media, and his accusers, as Hillary Clinton finds herself with a lead in national polls. A preview of what might be in store for Wednesday's final debate.

Yoko Ono on Monday morning debuted her first public art installation in the Americas on Jackson Park’s Wooded Island.

A costly deal averts a teachers strike. The mayor paints a rosy picture of city finances, but the county budget is grim. Donald Trump threatens to sue the New York Times. And the Cubs advance to the NLCS. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

We get reaction from aldermen to the eleventh hour deal that averted a Chicago teachers strike, as well as the mayor’s budget, police oversight reform and more.

The second presidential debate starts off frosty and quickly gets personal. Analysis of how the two candidates performed.

Cook County will soon require employers to provide as many as five paid sick days for workers. Hear from one of the law's sponsors, and find out why some businesses are opposed.