Stories by Christine Hurley

The State Department issues a worldwide travel alert and the temporary closure of 19 embassies and consulates. We look at the latest terror threats with Robert Pape, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago. View a map of the closures and charts on attacks.

We take an exclusive look at The Field Museum’s Dermestid Beetle Colony in the first episode of our online series, Chicago Tonight's "Field Trip." Watch the video.

In a Field Museum exhibition, a Chicago photographer teams with a nationally known journalist to document and explore the North Dakota oil boom. Hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – passed the Illinois House legislature, and the controversial drilling practice will soon have implications for the state. We revisit a preview of Fractured: North Dakota's Oil Boom. View a slideshow of images from the exhibit and read a web article.

He’s got the job Bruce Rauner wants; Gov. Pat Quinn is seeking re-election to a second full term.

In light of Pope Francis’ statements on gay priests and women during an 80-minute impromptu press conference, we take a look at his papacy and how it compares with others.

Author Rebecca Sive joins us to discuss her leadership guide for women, Every Day is Election Day: A Woman's Guide to Winning Any Office, from the PTA to the White House. Read an excerpt.

State Sen. Bill Brady announced his third run for governor on June 26, 2013.

Kirk Dillard officially announced his second run for Illinois governor on July 15, 2013.

On June 2, 2013, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford officially threw his name in the mix for the Republican gubernatorial primary. 

YouTube personality Emily Graslie, creator of the "The Brain Scoop” channel, joins us to talk about her new gig at the Field Museum as its Chief Curiosity Correspondent. She will also bring some friends from the Field’s collections to share. Watch Emily's online science videos.

In the wake of Detroit filing for bankruptcy last week, we take a look at the possibility of Chicago following the Motor City into financial calamity. Is Chicago’s recent bond rating downgrade a sign of things to come? Or is the city in a totally different situation than Detroit? We have analysis.

In light of former Metra CEO Alex Clifford’s testimony before the RTA Wednesday, we take a look at the ethical and legal implications of patronage politics in Illinois.

How do you price a piece of architectural art? Prairie style master Frank Lloyd Wright designed nearly 100 homes in the Chicago area, but now some owners are having trouble selling these homes. Chicago magazine's real estate expert Dennis Rodkin joins us to discuss why sellers are having trouble, and he tells us more about Chicago's housing market.

Rep. Tammy Duckworth joins us to talk about her exchange with an IRS contractor last week, today’s jump in student loan rates and what to expect when Congress returns from the holiday break. Watch a video.

Republican Sen. Bill Brady officially announces his run for Illinois governor in 2014. He joins us. View a timeline of his political career.

Preservationists have lost their battle to save historic St. James Catholic Church in Bronzeville. Demolition on the 133-year-old church began Wednesday. Watch Eddie Arruza's March story about the efforts of parishioners and preservationists to save the structure.

Janice Reiff has compiled essays about the city's emergence as a commerce hub in the book, Chicago Business and Industry: From Fur Trade to E-Commerce. Read an excerpt and view a slideshow.

A new book called How We Do It: The Evolution and Future of Human Reproduction explores the science of sex and childbirth. Read an excerpt.

Chicago aldermen weigh in on the plan to place digital billboards along the expressways, city violence, and layoffs at Chicago Public Schools. View a map of the proposed sites for digital billboards.

After months of speculation, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford officially threw his name in the ring as the GOP gubernatorial candidate. View a timeline of Rutherford's political career.

We get a sneak peek of some slithery, scaly creatures from Reptile Fest.

The Gidwitz Hall of Birds at the Field Museum gets a makeover. The museum’s Associate Curator of Birds joins us to talk about the updates and additions.

With just three days until the special legislative session in Springfield, lawmakers here are given even more sobering news about the state's pension hole. What's likely to happen Friday? We have the latest from the state capital.

It's a boy! A baby dolphin joins the Shedd Aquarium.