The closings of 54 schools and the conviction of William Beavers, a longtime commissioner and alderman, are the results of a long, enmeshed system that gives the mayor unprecedented power and breeds corruption, both big and small.

LaWanda Thompson-Sterling has a lesson to teach about living with loss and pain but the idea of losing a child to violence.

LaWanda Thompson-Sterling reacts to the end of the trial that convicted her son's killer.

Hugo Chávez's revolution in Venezuela and throughout the Americas struck progressive chords, especially in terms of social justice programs and Latin American sovereignty. But his relationships, and enthusiastic support, for repressive regimes in Iran, Syria and Libya and other countries confounded observers.

Before he died, Hugo Chávez tapped his VP, Nicolás Maduro, as his successor. But is the VP even eligible to run for president? The drama continues to unfold in Venezuela as Chávez lies in state.

Immediately after Hugo Chávez's death, VP Nicolás Maduro expelled American diplomats and accused the U.S. of causing the president's death. The idea for the charge had been planted by Chávez himself more than a year ago.

lllinois GOP split on VAWA in surprising ways: Aaron Schock was a major sponsor, Peter Roskam changed his mind.