Stories by Nick Blumberg

Author Peter Slevin has covered both Barack and Michelle Obama for many years. The former Washington Post reporter, who's now on staff at Northwestern University's journalism school, joins us to talk about his new book tracing Michelle Obama's family background, her upbringing and education, and her life with her husband.

For three days starting April 30, the NFL Draft will be held in Chicago for the first time since 1964. The National Football League as well as Chicago organizers say the event will be a major extravaganza that will turn parts of downtown Chicago into professional football's second biggest event of the year. But the draft is arriving with some controversies. We hear why organizers believe the draft will be a major showcase for the city while some observers think it will be only be a showcase for the NFL.

The 25th anniversary of the Hubble telescope is this month, scientists find a potential breakthrough in our understanding of Alzheimer's disease, and the likelihood of finding life on Mars just went up. Rabiah Mayas, Director of Science and Integrated Strategies at the Museum of Science and Industry, rounds up the top local and international science news.

We share what you had to say about the federal investigation of Chicago Public Schools  in tonight's viewer feedback.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett has taken a leave of absence amidst a federal investigation into a no-bid contract awarded to a company that once employed her.

Cardinal Francis George has died at age 78 after years of battling cancer. Chicago Tonight looks back on his life and career.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists break down the week's top local stories, including the federal investigation of CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and the Blackhawks' quest for their sixth Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Eddie Arruza, Craig Dellimore, Dana Kozlov and Danny Ecker discuss the ramifications of director Spike Lee's proposed film project, Chiraq.

Watch a Rodgers & Hammerstein classic; tour the largest waterwaste plant on earth; and celebrate and feast on America's favorite cured meat. Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.

Gov. Bruce Rauner said this week that bankruptcy may be the best option for the Chicago Public Schools system to get its fiscal house in order. One day later, it was revealed that the federal government is investigating CPS. News reports say the investigation involves a no-bid contract for principal training awarded to a company that once employed CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. We'll discuss the challenges facing CPS with a panel of experts.

A new Spike Lee film about black-on-black violence that is still in early production has already stirred up controversy just with its title.

Oprah Winfrey is selling hundreds of items from her Chicago condo. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers gives us a guided tour of the lots before the auction takes place on April 25.

CIMMfest, the Chicago International Movies and Music Festival, has quickly evolved into a spring destination. We'll speak with the new program director, who came from the Sundance Festival.

We share what you had say about our one-on-one with Gov. Bruce Rauner and the possibility of ending some state tax breaks in tonight's viewer feedback.

Chicago Public Schools is under federal investigation, school board officials confirm. We have the latest details.

Homaro Cantu, the talented chef and owner of Moto restaurant, has died.

Demonstrators in Chicago and around the United States are protesting Wednesday for a $15-an-hour minimum wage. Organizers said workers in other countries would also rally, claiming it’s the largest-ever international demonstration by workers.

Illinois is one of only three states that does not tax retirement income. That cost the state $2.2 billion in FY 2013, and along with other tax breaks the total revenue the state is foregoing is close to $9 billion. Is it time to reassess and end at least some of these tax breaks? Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, is just back from Springfield and joins us to share his thoughts.

Officials say the outbreak of the so-called dog flu throughout the Chicago area is now of greater concern than originally thought. Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control, tells us what the latest findings mean for pets and what animal control officials are doing to contain the outbreak.

Chicagoans are solving mysteries and playing games on date night and loving it! A panel of Chicago's gamers and puzzlers will talk about how geek has become chic -- and how you can get in on the play.

On the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, we revisit a story about a man who built – from scratch -- a full-size working replica of the 1860’s steam locomotive that pulled Lincoln’s funeral train. When Jay Shefsky introduced us to Dave Kloke in July 2014, Dave and a team of volunteers had finished the locomotive and had begun work on replica of the Lincoln Funeral Car. Chicago Tonight takes a look at the nearly complete Funeral Car.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel picked a transition team filled with familiar names, including Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool and businessman Michael Sacks.

Victims of disgraced Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge would receive reparations under a new agreement reached by the mayor, City Council, and advocates of Burge torture victims. Find out what the package includes.