Stories by Nick Blumberg
The Week in Review: Comey Feared Trump Would Lie
| Nick Blumberg
Comey says Trump lied about his firing. More candidates jump into the governor’s race. And the MLB investigates an abuse claim against the Cubs’ Addison Russell. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
Tribune: Cook County Property Assessments ‘Fundamentally Flawed’
| Paul Caine
An extensive Chicago Tribune investigation claims the county’s property tax system favors the rich over the poor. The Tribune reporter and a representative from the Cook County Assessor’s Office join us in discussion.
Report: Chicago-Area Public Schools Matching Downstate Counterparts
| Matt Masterson
A new study finds that as school effectiveness and achievement levels rise in Chicago, the opposite is occurring downstate, where low-income enrollment is increasing.
Celebration, ‘Sacrifice’ for Chicago’s Halal Eateries During Ramadan
| Nicole Cardos
How do the city’s halal restaurants, which serve mostly Muslim customers, hold up during the month of Ramadan? We explore the traditions of two West Ridge destinations.
James Comey Testifies: Trump Administration ‘Chose to Defame Me’
| Evan Garcia
During Thursday’s hearing, the former FBI Director said his rationale for documenting conversations with President Donald Trump was due to a fear that Trump “might lie about the nature of [their] meeting.”
Report: For Minimum Wage Workers, Affordable Housing ‘Out of Reach’
| Maya Miller
A new housing report offers a bleak look at the cost of renting an apartment in Illinois for those earning minimum wage.
Mixed-Income Housing Plan for 3 Chicago Neighborhoods Moves Forward
| Maya Miller
A plan to develop affordable housing units under the same roof as public libraries moved forward Wednesday, when Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the winning architects and developers for each of the three projects.
Judge Rules on State Payments to Medicaid Providers
| Amanda Vinicky
U.S. District Court Judge Joan Lefkow is directing the cash-strapped state to put more money into Medicaid.
Remembering Gwendolyn Brooks on Her 100th Birthday
| Amanda Vinicky
Wednesday marks what would have been the 100th birthday for poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
How SB1 Would Rewrite Illinois’ Broken Education Funding Formula
| Matt Masterson
The Democrat-backed bill would increase state funding to every public school district in the state. But it still faces an uncertain future as critics chide what they see as preferential treatment for Chicago Public Schools.
Celebrating Frank Lloyd Wright’s 150th Birthday
| Evan Garcia
The Wisconsin native, born on June 8, 1867, is widely regarded as the greatest American architect ever. We discuss his legacy with David Bagnall, the curator of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
Eyes on Security at Wrigley Field, Other Potential Chicago Targets
| Nick Blumberg
Recent terror attacks in Manchester and London have cities with high-profile public targets eyeing their security for potential vulnerabilities.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 8-11
| Maya Miller
Live blues, lit wits, neighborhood festivals and ribs galore usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Chicago Park District Eyes Record for World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
| Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago swimmers are invited to participate in an international event this month that highlights the role of swim lessons in preventing drowning.
Colorful White Sox Broadcaster, MLB Vet Jimmy Piersall Dies
| Jay Smith
When Jimmy Piersall joined the Chicago White Sox broadcast booth in 1977, no one had ever heard anyone like him on the air. Colorful and brash, Piersall took the concept of “telling it like it is” to a new level.
Judge to Decide Which Bills Get Paid First
| Amanda Vinicky
Illinois government is sitting on $14.68 billion of bills it can’t afford to pay, and providers of Medicaid are suing to get to the front of the line.
Zeshan B Puts a South Asian Twist on Classic American Soul
| Jay Shefsky
Meet Lombard native Zeshan Bagewadi—known as Zeshan B—who sings classic soul covers and originals with a big, opera-trained voice.
Exit Interview with Alex Holt, Chicago Budget Director
| Alexandra Silets
A look at the city’s past, present and fiscal future with the outgoing city budget director who is stepping down after six years.
Chance the Rapper to Receive Humanitarian Award for CPS Work
| Matt Masterson
After winning three Grammys and making national headlines this year for his contributions to the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago-born Chance the Rapper is set to receive another award later this month.
Calls to 911 Drop by Tens of Thousands in First Quarter of 2017
| Maya Miller
A significant decrease in calls to Chicago 911 emergency services is not matched by an overall decline in crime. We take a look at the numbers.
Chicago Fights Summer ‘Brain Drain’ With Superhero Science
| Alex Ruppenthal
With the end of the school year just weeks away, the Museum of Science and Industry is calling on Chicago’s “kid superheroes” to unite and defeat summer’s top villain: the “evil Dr. Brain Drain.”
Catchy Ringtone Offers Upbeat Reminder of Immigrants’ Rights
| Maya Miller
As concerns over deportation rise in many immigrant communities, a local union has found a unique way to spread an educational message.
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June 29, 2026 - Full Show
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