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.

Megan Singleton stays in a luxury room right on the river in downtown Chicago.

Megan Singleton uncovers five of the best places to eat and drink in Chicago, from local-style popcorn to a two-Michelin Star restaurant.

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.

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.