Stories by nick blumberg

Charges for “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett. Accusations, missteps and big money in the run-up to election day. A disturbing revelation about the Aurora mass shooter. And Manny Machado disses Chicago.

The Chicago mayor’s race is getting a lot of attention, but it’s not the only contested citywide race in the Feb. 26 election. Meet the candidates running to replace outgoing Treasurer Kurt Summers.

Analysis of the possible legal implications of the investigation surrounding Ald. Danny Solis, and the power brokers he recorded for the government.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss moves by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to decriminalize marijuana.

The city treasurer teams up with a national nonprofit to expand financial empowerment centers in Chicago neighborhoods.

A new book by Chicago-based author Greg Borzo explores the city’s bygone restaurants, from the high-end to the bizarre.

New developments in the federal investigation of Ald. Ed Burke. Mayor Rahm Emanuel swings for the fences on pensions. Mayoral petition challenges are heating up. And the Bears look to avenge their loss to the Packers.

He is widely considered one of the greatest American novelists. Saul Bellow’s anger, appetites and enormous talent are captured in a newly released biography by Zachary Leader, who joins us in conversation.

In her new book, Imani Perry tells the overlooked story of "A Raisin in the Sun" author and Chicago native Lorraine Hansberry. 

In their final meeting before next week’s midterm elections, the Democrat and Republican each pitched themselves as the candidate most capable of putting the priorities of Illinois voters into action.

Few American presidents occupy as prominent – and complicated – a place in the collective American psyche as Ronald Reagan. Biographer Bob Spitz tells us about his new book.