Illinois unemployment has risen for the third month in a row, and things could get worse if Congress elects to walk off the so-called "fi

One of the foremost oboe players on the planet joins us. Alex Klein tells us what brings him to Chicago from Brazil -- and how he manages the affliction that threatened his career.

"Moon River" singer Andy Williams died at age 84.

It's not the Olympics, but it's close. We see how a small pocket of DuPage County is preparing for an onslaught of fans and international media as the 2012 Ryder Cup kicks off at Medinah Country Club.

The mayor begins rolling out an ambitious expansion of charter schools. We look at how these schools fit into Chicago's contentious education plans.

“Gang-related” is a label that the Chicago Police Department applies to most murders in the city. Some residents inside Chicago neighborhoods, and even some crime experts, say police are too loose with the term.

Bullying is a national problem that can have extreme consequences. A new manual designed for educators helps them learn how to approach the topic with kids. The author of this innovative teaching aid joins us.

Solid defense saves the Bears' sluggish offense while controversy swirls around replacement referees.

The weather is cooling but the drinks are getting warm. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with tailgating drink recommendations and answers to your beverage questions.

As Chicago Public Schools get back to business following the strike, many still face daunting challenges -- including a staggering dropout rate in some high schools. One recent dropout tells us why he felt he couldn't stay in school.

She was the iconic TV chef who remade America's palate. We hear from the author of a new biography of Julia Child.

We take you one hour north of Chicago to Hackmatack, a new wildlife refuge that's one of Illinois' best-kept secrets.

A candid discussion on violence in Chicago and community intervention.