Dennis Paige brought native Illinois prairie plants to his suburban condo development. They're not just beautiful; experts say native plant gardens are great for the environment. We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile.

Dan Parizek is a “Honeybee Rescuer." If you’ve got a beehive in the walls of your home, Dan will relocate it so it won’t be destroyed by an exterminator. With Colony Collapse Disorder destroying some 10 million beehives since 2007, Dan and others say we can’t afford to lose any more hives. Jay Shefsky has a profile. Read an article, watch a web extra video, and learn more about Colony Collapse Disorder from local scientists.

Sculptures in Grant Park, a craft exposition, and lots of dancing; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Shannon is back in Chicago, performing in Simpatico at A Red Orchid Theatre. He joins us to chat about the Sam Shepard play, Boardwalk Empire, and what’s next. Read an interview with the Simpatico director, view a slideshow, and watch videos.

After 40 years of offering live models for professional and amateur artists to draw or paint, The Drawing Workshop in Ravenswood is now in jeopardy of closing due to the retirement of its founder, George Sotos. We have the story. View a slideshow and read an interview.

This month, Karsyn Terry took fourth place in a national, 14-and-under pool tournament. In the 24 years that this tournament has existed, Karsyn is the first African American to make the finals. We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile. Read an article.

Renowned jazz pianist and composer Marian McPartland died on Tuesday, August 20, at age 95. She was a pioneer for women in the field of jazz and became a popular and enthusiastic exponent of the genre all her life. Watch a web extra video of Marian McPartland and Rosemary Clooney in an unforgettable rendition of the Gershwin classic, “Our Love is Here to Stay.”

At half an acre, the rooftop garden atop McCormick Place West is the largest in the entire region. We bring you the backstory behind this little-known space. Read an article.

Chicago lost a versatile and talented artist when Ralph Childs died last week at age 62. We spoke with Ralph on the Artbeat Chicago show back in January 2005. Mark Ruffin was our correspondent at the time, and he caught up with Ralph Childs at an art exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Watch the web extra video from our archives.

Chef Rick Bayless shares his Roasted Poblano Gazpacho recipe with us. Read the recipe.

How will the Navy Pier redesign change the character of the waterfront? Is the community getting a voice in DePaul’s design plans for its massive, taxpayer-subsidized basketball arena? Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin joins us to chime in on these topics and more.

Historic coins, airplanes, and fashion shows; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

From the very first coin authorized by President George Washington to the yet-to-be-issued newly redesigned $100 bill, we visit the World’s Fair of Money at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont to see what $1 billion in historic rare coins and paper money looks like. Eddie Arruza has the story. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Bake and Destroy blogger Natalie Slater joins us with tips to make vegan food with a punk twist. Read an interview and recipe.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into CPS cutting back to 10 standardized tests this year, down from 25. Also, they analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly of Lollapalooza. Watch the web extra conversation.

Tall ships, street art, and a Fest for Beatles fans. Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.