Oenophiles don't have to go to Napa to find some good wines right here in the Midwest. Michigan is teeming with wonderful vineyards and Illinois' wine industry, while laughed at by some, has been growing. Lynfred Winery is a Metra ride away and Wild Blossom Meadery for years was the only winery within the city limits. Tribune business reporter Melissa Harris introduces us to Bill Lavicka, a rehabber of old buildings and amateur winemaker who's eyeing a section of vacant lots and a building in the 20th Ward for a winery in the middle of the South Side. more ›

More proof that there's never a dull moment in Chicago politics (even if turnout is disappointingly low): 20th Ward aldermanic candidate Che ''Rhymefest'' Smith announced via Twitter this morning that he would not be seeking a recount in Tuesday's runoff election between him and Ald. Willie Cochran. more ›

Che "Rhymefest" Smith may be getting attacked by 20th Ward Ald. Willie Cochran about his lyrics in the days leading up to their April 5 runoff election. But Smith gained some ground earlier this week when he was endorsed by three former opponents from last week's election. One of Smith's endorsers, George Davis, echoed the issues of high crime and vacant lots that's a cornerstone of Smith's campaign. more ›

We're guessing that 20th Ward Ald. Willie Cochran didn't expect to find himself in a runoff election with Che "Rhymefest" Smith next month. Or maybe he did and wanted to wait until the sprint to April 5 to start attacking the local rap star for his lyrics. more ›

Not too surprisingly, Rhymefest is calling on some of hip-hop’s heavy-hitters in order to help drum up some dough for his campaign as 20th Ward Alderman. According to a news release, ‘Fest is holding his campaign kick-off fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 14th at the Shrine, located at 2109 S. Wabash Ave. One special guest is Lupe Fiasco, who is connected to Rhymefest through the transitive power of Kanye, and with whom Rhymefest talked extensively about politics in 2008. more ›

Mayor Daley's plan to enforce furlough days on nonunion city workers has been delayed indefinitely while some changes are made. The City Council balked at Daley's original plan and insisted, instead, that a sliding scale be implemented: the higher a worker's salary, the more furlough he or she has to take. Ald. Willie Cochran (20th) told the Sun-Times, "It would have been very difficult to pass without it. When you get to a certain level of income, the impact should be greater. We have to take that into consideration for those on the lower end of the pay scale." And while Daley seems to have agreed to make the concession, he wasn't happy about it, especially the suggestion that workers making under $35,000 should be exempt from furlough days altogether. more ›