For 108 years, the "curse" has loomed when victory was within the Chicago Cubs' grasp. But, finally, not this time.

Source: Visit the USA. Take in the storied architecture and stellar skyline views on a trip to the Windy City.

Chicago is a city of distinct and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods that's easy to explore using the extensive public transportation system.

Nineteen-year-old Parasha Beard was fatally shot while sitting in a parked car in Chicago with a 26-year-old man. She was six months pregnant.

This year is already the deadliest in two decades for one of America's biggest cities, and there is no chance of the bloodshed ending soon.

Locals still refer to the Chicago icon as the Sears Tower, having been built as the company's headquarters in 1973.

GRAPHIC FOOTAGE: The mother of a Chicago man who was shot while posting a video to Facebook says she cried when she watched the footage.

Chicago, on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, boasts sculptures by Picasso and Miro, towering skyscrapers, expansive parks, fantastic museums, and blues and jazz music.

Chicago is a city of neighbourhoods, each with their own character, and Lincoln Park is historical and funky.

Praising individuals was rarely the All Black way but that sentiment has been replaced with coaches prepared to discuss their men with statistics, writes Wynne Gray.

Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues in Chicago.

Greg Buckle climbs the bleachers to enjoy the All-American game of baseball - hey, just don't mention the Sox.

Residents of Chicago were agonising again yesterday on what ails their city after another weekend of gun violence in which the victims included an 11-year-old girl shot dead.

Seven states, two days and all that scenery ... Roger Hall takes the train.

Criminal record aside, Chicago offers a metropolitan wonderland, says Roger Hall.

Roger Hall visited lovingly-restored homes by architectural messiah Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago and Pennsylvania.