Presidents who have effectively led the nation out of trying times seem to share some key attributes. The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian writes about those qualities in her new book “Leadership in Turbulent Times.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has dropped plans to sell a city-owned mural by local artist Kerry James Marshall. A Nov. 15 auction was expected to bring in more than $10 million for a major makeover at a library.

If you’re voting on Election Day, odds are you’ll cast your ballot at a church, school, library, or police station. But with more than 2,000 polling precincts across the city, there are a few unexpected polling places in the mix. Here are 10.

If you think this country’s political culture is the quintessential hornet’s nest, you probably haven’t been exposed to life in the world of scientific research. Jenny Connell Davis puts it under a powerful magnifying microscope in this world premiere work.

She is a poet, sociologist, podcaster and now comic book writer. Eve Ewing’s list of professional titles keeps growing, but her focus on Chicago Public Schools endures. And her interest is not just academic – it’s personal.

Many of the displays in the museum’s Native American Hall have gone unchanged since the 1950s. Now, Native American scholars and tribal members will work with the museum to better represent these stories.

Chicagoans hear about Thorndale Avenue all the time in traffic reports, and a viewer wonders why. Geoffrey Baer speeds by with the story in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”

One of Chicago’s hottest singers is on the comeback trail following a severe health scare. We catch up with Paul Marinaro at the Green Mill.

A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how U.S. presidents have increasingly usurped the power to go to war.

Monster trucks, improv comedy, global artists and Greek eats usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

At an intimate press conference celebrating his return visit to the city, conductor Daniel Barenboim expressed his delight at what will be a two-part homecoming at Symphony Center.

As it happens, there are two “ladies” in Dael Orlandersmith’s play, “Lady in Denmark,” now in its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre. But only one is fully seen or heard on stage.

A $2.5 million award to address climate change will help Chicago expand bike-share programs to all parts of the city, according to the mayor’s office.

Sex, politics and religion are widely considered taboo topics for polite conversation. Yet that's exactly what Camille Paglia tackles in her latest book, “Provocations: Collected Essays.”

Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” comes out Nov. 13 and her tour begins that night at Chicago’s United Center, with Oprah Winfrey serving as moderator.