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"From the Ground Up"

Jeanne Nolan left Winnetka as a teenager in 1987, frustrated with what she saw as an unhealthy materialism in everyday life. She joined a commune in California to learn organic farming, but eventually realized the commune, with cult-like leaders, was a dangerous place to be. Moving back in with her family 17 years later, without traditional job training, she turned her parents' backyard into an organic garden. She joins us. Read an interview with Nolan.

‘Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity’

The new Art Institute of Chicago exhibition, Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity, is the first of its kind to look exclusively at the ways in which the Impressionists used fashion to communicate the idea of "modern." View a slideshow and read excerpts from the fashion catalogue.

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Geraldine de Haas

For 40 years, jazz promoter Geraldine de Haas has been an icon in the Chicago music scene. We welcome her back for one last visit to discuss her influential career before she moves out of town. Read an interview with a local jazz performer.

Viewer Feedback: 7/18

We share what you had to say about  Lisa Madigan's announcement that she will not run for governor, controversy arising over the plan for a lakefront hotel in Evanston, and ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford’s RTA probe in tonight’s Viewer Feedback.

 

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Former Metra CEO Probed on Controversial Memo

New charges of patronage, no-bid contracts and strong-arming by Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan come to light as ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford speaks out for the first time. Clifford told the RTA Wednesday that Madigan's requests reflected a "moral and ethical character flaw." Paris Schutz has the details.

Political Patronage in Illinois

In light of former Metra CEO Alex Clifford’s testimony before the RTA Wednesday, we take a look at the ethical and legal implications of patronage politics in Illinois.

BGA Exclusive on "Chicago Tonight"

A new investigation by the Better Government Association reveals doctors and staff at Cook County's Stroger Hospital are allegedly shorting their hours and wasting taxpayer money. We discover the BGA's disturbing findings and what the hospital has already done as a result of the investigation. Read an article.

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Blair Kamin

After a one-year sabbatical at Harvard University, the Chicago Tribune’s architecture critic Blair Kamin is back in Chicago. He joins us to chime in on some hot-button architectural stories unfolding in the city.

Hot Doug's

Hot dog lovers come from around the world to eat at Hot Doug's. "Hot Doug" himself, owner Doug Sohn, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he got started. Read a Q&A.

MSI's Train Guy

We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile of the lifelong model railroader who now keeps the trains running at the Museum of Science and Industry. Read an article and watch a video.

Hearings Begin on Lawsuit to Block School Closings

Hearings begin Tuesday on a lawsuit seeking to block the planned closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of parents, are backed by the Chicago Teachers Union. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

Controversy Arises Over Plan for Evanston Lakefront Hotel

There’s a battle brewing in Evanston over the proposed sale of the city-owned Harley Clarke Mansion and surrounding lakefront park land to Hyatt hotel heir, Colonel James Pritzker. He wants to convert the property into a high-end boutique hotel. We have the latest on the controversy. Read minutes from closed door meetings about the sale.

Feeding the Hungry

Hunger is rising; 860,000 people were food insecure in Cook County in 2011. Out of those, one in five were children. The Greater Chicago Food Depository, a nonprofit food distribution and training center, which provides food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in Chicago, is expanding summer feeding programs to serve kids who usually receive their meals at schools. Read an article.

Paul Natkin

Chicago’s premier rock and roll photographer talks about 37 years of incredible access to the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and everybody who’s anybody in popular music. On the eve of a new, interactive exhibit of his photos at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, we visit Paul Natkin in his home studio and on assignment shooting the Chicago Blues Fest. Read a Q&A.

Michael Hainey Searches for his Father’s Truth

GQ editor Michael Hainey travels back in time to uncover the true story of his father’s mysterious death. We revisit a conversation with Hainey about his book, After Visiting Friends: A Son's Story. Read an excerpt and watch a web extra video.